Leaving the Apap plugged in...?

JohnD · Post by **JohnD** » Mon Nov 06, 2006 9:30 pm

Are we supposed to leave the Apap plugged in? I am wondering by unpluging it if that is erasing the memory it uses for our sleep habits etc? I have the Respironics M series Auto w/Cflex...it has no on/off switch.

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Mon Nov 06, 2006 9:35 pm

Won't erase anything because it's got an internal battery on the motherboard.....like a computer. BUT, like a computer, when it's not plugged in, it's draining on the battery......and eventually the internal clock will start to lose time.
I'd advise leaving it plugged in.

Den

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Mon Nov 06, 2006 9:38 pm

I would leave it plugged in, maybe with a surge protector inline. As for as the on/off Switch, if it's not there it must have been taking up too much space on the nightstand. No wonder it ready for travel. Jim

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Nov 06, 2006 10:12 pm

Interesting point on the internal battery. Does that mean that my extra machine should also be plugged in when I am not using it?

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Mon Nov 06, 2006 10:24 pm

Anonymous wrote:Interesting point on the internal battery. Does that mean that my extra machine should also be plugged in when I am not using it?

I would. I got my Pro 2 in May of last year ('05) and it was losing at least a minute a month and then more.....and that was when it was plugged in. By the time I got it sent in, in August, the internal clock was over a half hour slow. As soon as I got it back, I plugged it in....like my others....whether they're being used or not. I'll see how well it keeps time now. I don't know whether they got a batch of weak batteries last year or what. It was about 7 minutes slow when I started my therapy and kept losing time from there.

Den

inacpapfog · Post by **inacpapfog** » Tue Nov 07, 2006 7:45 am

very interesting info!
I'm going to go pull my 2nd unit out now and plug 'er up!

snoregirl · Post by **snoregirl** » Tue Nov 07, 2006 7:53 am

Interesting new feature on this forum. I didn't even know I wasn't logged in and got guested (with the also posted as underneath). Fine with me. Saves me the trouble of saying "oops, not logged on, that was me)

On the other thing. Not having opened up my unit, it the internal battery easy to change (like on a computer) or do you have to send the unit in for service?

Anyone done this? Maybe if I study DSM's pictures of my machine in disassembly.

I am interested since I have 2 units now and am looking to get a spare Auto. I would hate to plunk it in the closet and find out later that it isn't functional when I need it.

oldgearhead · Post by **oldgearhead** » Tue Nov 07, 2006 9:39 am

Snoregirl,
I happen to have a RemStar Auto (2004 model) "split open" on my work table right now. The battery is the standard 3 volt Panasonic found in all desktop PC's. However, I haven't opened an "M" yet.

What I don't know, is how to reset the clock if the battery is disturbed. Any ideas on how to set the clock?

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Tue Nov 07, 2006 10:34 am

oldgearhead wrote:What I don't know, is how to reset the clock if the battery is disturbed. Any ideas on how to set the clock?

To answer yours and Snoregirl's questions......"Yes", you have to send the unit in. I know....it's a simple little computer battery, but they have some very sophisticated (and I'm sure expensive) software and connection "thingie" that has to be plugged into the machine to reset and re-calibrate it.

So, for the shipping charges every few years, one wouldn't be able to justify the expense of the software and link. By the way, the "link" looks like a Smartcard with a cable attached that connects to the computer that runs the software.

Den

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Tue Nov 07, 2006 11:37 am

The battery in a computer generally lasts 5 years, if fresh. I've had Timex watches go 7 years no problem. I'm not sure plugging it in would slow down the discharge, the worst problem is internal leakage inside the battery, that runs it down. Plugging the device in doesn't try to power the battery at all. Jim

While plugging it in to save the battery, the machine will catch power surges, and generate heat that dries out the CAP's on the boards, and runs the button lights, so they can fail. I think it would be cheaper just to keep it in the bag until needed, and deal with it.

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inacpapfog · Post by **inacpapfog** » Tue Nov 07, 2006 11:57 am

ok....I'll go pack it back up now!

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Tue Nov 07, 2006 12:00 pm

inacpapfog wrote:ok....I'll go pack it back up now!

I have one plugged in, and two bagged. I need more bags for my unhooked computers. Jim

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Tue Nov 07, 2006 12:28 pm

Suit yourselves. I just know what I'm going to do and my reasons for it.

Den

littlebaddow · Post by **littlebaddow** » Tue Nov 07, 2006 12:59 pm

Off at a slight tangent I know, but sort of related.

Generally, I keep my machine plugged in and only unplug it to take with me when I travel.
I have noticed that when I plug it back in, it seems to take noticably longer to switch back on.
My machine is nearly 2 years old.
Might this be a sign of something sinister

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Tue Nov 07, 2006 2:04 pm

FYI

This thread came to my mind....(and I finally found it).
Since Derek was the one it happened to, I kept his experience in the back of my mind with regard to dead and dying batteries. I just haven't wanted to hurry the process if keeping it plugged in would prevent it.

viewtopic.php?p=54726&highlight=#54726

Den

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