Chord Electronics - Hugo 2 - The Official Thread

[GreenBow]

While we are on batteries, I also came across this which might be a Mojo battery. However until I see a Mojo battery I won't know, but have a look if it applies to you.

https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/speciality-size-rechargeable-batteries/1251266?cm_mmc=UK-PLA-DS3A-_-google-_-CSS_UK_EN_Batteries_&_Chargers_Whoop-_-Speciality+Size+Rechargeable+Batteries_Whoop-_-1251266&matchtype=&pla-529413209672&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjZLS-bLv6gIVFO3tCh2lngC-EAQYBSABEgJ5JPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[Mediahound]

I've also always wondered if it's better to listen while charging or listen without charging, and then charge.

The Hugo 2 manual literally says "Listen while charging" but I don't know if they mean you CAN or SHOULD do that.

 

[technobear]

Well spotted. It even says 26K taps and I missed that too.

This one is the Hugo 2 though, and it has the battery - MGL9015. It's not easy to see, but I can make out the numbers 9015.



However the specs on the 9015 in this picture, and one spec on the 9015 in the link above are different.

https://cpc.farnell.com/enix-energies/mgl9015/battery-li-ion-1s1p-18650-3-7v/dp/BT06417

The battery in the picture says: Nominal Capacity 2.6 amp hours.
While the Farnell one says: Nominal Capacity 1.6 amp hours.

The Farnell page says 2.6 amp hours. It says it in two places too!

Those battery leads look like they are soldered in place. What an absolutely dumb design.

I notice that Analogue Seduction offer a battery replacement service for the Hugo 1 at £135. Still quite steep for £35 quids worth of batteries and four solder joints - but why are they soldered? Dumb, dumb, dumb.

 

[GreenBow]

I've also always wondered if it's better to listen while charging or listen without charging, and then charge.

The Hugo 2 manual literally says "Listen while charging" but I don't know if they mean you CAN or SHOULD do that.

I don't know. If you look on that data sheet of one of the batteries, it says about not charging on carpet. Meaning I think don't let it get hot.

Hugo 2 only gets hot when charging and playing. I think it's best to follow your own advice.

I also found some specs pics just now, of the batteries like the ones in the HiFi Choice review.

 

[GreenBow]

The Farnell page says 2.6 amp hours. It says it in two places too!

Those battery leads look like they are soldered in place. What an absolutely dumb design.

I notice that Analogue Seduction offer a battery replacement service for the Hugo 1 at £135. Still quite steep for £35 quids worth of batteries and four solder joints - but why are they soldered? Dumb, dumb, dumb.

Look on the battery.

 

[GreenBow]

I've also always wondered if it's better to listen while charging or listen without charging, and then charge.

The Hugo 2 manual literally says "Listen while charging" but I don't know if they mean you CAN or SHOULD do that.

There's this:

Safety advice

It is important to understand the safety measures for Lithium-ion batteries. Incorrect use of these batteries may cause it to leak, produce heat, catch fire or even explode.

• Customers must be knowledgeable on Li-Ion rechargeable batteries in charging, discharging, and assembly before use.
• Put the batteries in fire-proof container.
• Never leave batteries unattended when charging.
• Do not put batteries on wood surface or carpet when charging
• Always use a battery charger which is rated for Li-ion Cells.
Never expose Lithium-ion batteries to extreme temperatures.



From here:
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/speciality-size-rechargeable-batteries/8801551/

 

[technobear]

I don't know. If you look on that data sheet of one of the batteries, it says about not charging on carpet. Meaning I think don't let it get hot.

Hugo 2 only gets hot when charging and playing. I think it's best to follow your own advice.

I also found some specs pics just now, of the batteries like the ones in the HiFi Choice review.

Those batteries have a higher capacity of 3.35Ah. I wonder if that photo is one that someone has DIY'd?

 

[GreenBow]

Those batteries have a higher capacity of 3.35Ah. I wonder if that photo is one that someone has DIY'd?

Don't know. The battery is similar to the ones on the HiFi Choice review. I posted the link today.

They would suggest getting about ten hours from a charge though.

They have the tiny connector, so nice.

 

[Hooster]

There's this:

Safety advice

It is important to understand the safety measures for Lithium-ion batteries. Incorrect use of these batteries may cause it to leak, produce heat, catch fire or even explode.

• Never leave batteries unattended when charging.

From here:
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/speciality-size-rechargeable-batteries/8801551/

Wow, so you should never charge while you are asleep or not in the room?

 

[GreenBow]

Those batteries have a higher capacity of 3.35Ah. I wonder if that photo is one that someone has DIY'd?

Those batteries are ligitmate. I opened my Hugo 2 and my batteries are exactly the same. My Hugo 2 was bought new from Audio-T in the UK.

I have taken a couple of pictures of inside my Hugo 2. Long story, had to open it anyway, so today seemed like a good idea to do it now. (What with all the battery talk.)

I could not get a complete picture of the battery label, but there is enough to show which battery. I could not get a complete picture of the battery label, because the batteries are stuck to the case. If you look under the word 'capacity', on one of my pictures, you can see the adhesive. I rolled the battery to see the label, but didn't want to move it further. I wanted the battery to still be stuck and it is, when I rolled it back into place. If I had pulled it off further, I could not be sure the battery would have re-stuck.

Anyway my pictures:





In this last picture you can see enough of the label. It can be identified as the same in the picture I got from the internet today. The one at the top of this post. That picture has the complete label.

My pictures confirm the 3350mAh battery. My battery life was 7.75 hours when new. Also note the connectors on them.

 

[technobear]

Those batteries are ligitmate. I opened my Hugo 2 and my batteries are exactly the same. My Hugo 2 was bought new from Audio-T in the UK.

I have taken a couple of pictures of inside my Hugo 2. Long story, had to open it anyway, so today seemed like a good idea to do it now. (What with all the battery talk.)

I could not get a complete picture of the battery label, but there is enough to show which battery. I could not get a complete picture of the battery label, because the batteries are stuck to the case. If you look under the word 'capacity', on one of my pictures, you can see the adhesive. I rolled the battery to see the label, but didn't want to move it further. I wanted the battery to still be stuck and it is, when I rolled it back into place. If I had pulled it off further, I could not be sure the battery would have re-stuck.

Anyway my pictures:





In this last picture you can see enough of the label. It can be identified as the same in the picture I got from the internet today. The one at the top of this post. That picture has the complete label.

My pictures confirm the 3350mAh battery. My battery life was 7.75 hours when new. Also note the connectors on them.

Looks like good news for new Hugo 2 buyers but a lottery for used buyers.

 

[Mediahound]

Those batteries are ligitmate. I opened my Hugo 2 and my batteries are exactly the same. My Hugo 2 was bought new from Audio-T in the UK.

I have taken a couple of pictures of inside my Hugo 2. Long story, had to open it anyway, so today seemed like a good idea to do it now. (What with all the battery talk.)

I could not get a complete picture of the battery label, but there is enough to show which battery. I could not get a complete picture of the battery label, because the batteries are stuck to the case. If you look under the word 'capacity', on one of my pictures, you can see the adhesive. I rolled the battery to see the label, but didn't want to move it further. I wanted the battery to still be stuck and it is, when I rolled it back into place. If I had pulled it off further, I could not be sure the battery would have re-stuck.

Anyway my pictures:





In this last picture you can see enough of the label. It can be identified as the same in the picture I got from the internet today. The one at the top of this post. That picture has the complete label.

My pictures confirm the 3350mAh battery. My battery life was 7.75 hours when new. Also note the connectors on them.

Cool Any place in the USA to source these batteries? And looks like no soldering required?

 

[GreenBow]

For anyone wanting to see the Enix Energies battery list:

https://www.enix-energies.co.uk/lithium-ion/

It's possible there is one on there which Chord have had customised, like with wiring.

On the list there is the MLG9015, which @technobear listed from this website. https://www.enix-energies.co.uk/lithium-ion/ … However that is a 9.6 Wh battery. The batteries in my Hugo 2 are 12.06Wh batteries, which we discussed.

The batteries in my Hugo 2 are not labelled as Enix Energies. In fact they are not even branded. (See pics above.) I suppose someone could strip the plastic coating off when their batteries expire. Thus to see if there is a brand name and battery model underneath.

• However with Li-ion battieries you have to get the right type. There are quick discharge and slow discharge types. Hence the many stats on the batteries, like nominal discharge rate.
• Like on Amazon, there are batteries of this size which have three times the storage capacity. Like one at 9900mAh. https://www.amazon.co.uk/9900mah-Ba...=18650+li-ion+battery&qid=1596147373&sr=8-269 (Compared to Hugo 2 batteries at 3350mAh.) High capacity batteries may be for slow discharge though, like a doorbell. I don't know, so anyone looking would have to make sure.

On the list of Enix Energies batteries, there are two 3400mAh. Although 18650 is a battery size, one is just over 650 long. There is not much room in the Hugo 2 to adopt battery size variation, at all. Again that would need to be checked. I am not re-opening my H2 just to measure that until I need to. I am not looking for replacement batteries. I just got looking, since folk were asking. Then I needed to open my H2 tonight, so photo-ed the batteries.

It does seem that going through Chord would be most straight forward process. However if by unwrapping a battery, if all the specs were there, that would be a helpful.

Cool Any place in the USA to source these batteries? And looks like no soldering required?

I am UK based.

 

[edwardsean]

I replaced the batteries in my Hugo 1. it cost me about $15 for the batteries and they have been running fine for almost a year now.

I haven't opened up my Hugo 2, but from the pictures, it looks like it would be the same procedure. This will require soldering as you would need the connector leads from the old batteries. Also, you can't see it, but under the wrapping there should be a small round protection circuit. You would need to remove both of these parts and resolder it to the new battery.

It's actually a really simple procedure but you have to know what you're doing. Also, I have to offer that there is an outside chance that, if the new battery has no leads at all, and you're soldering directly onto the battery it could overheat and, you know, explode. Again, this is not a real risk if you know what you're doing.

So, if you're comfortable with some light and easy solder work and have done this kind of thing before, this is vastly preferable to the replacement fees. However, this is not something you want to attempt as a learning project. If you really want to go this route but don't solder, you can always find an electronics fixit shop near you. They could do this for you at low cost.

The key is to make sure we have the right battery.

 

[GreenBow]

If you are soldering wires to the battery and have the connector socket on the Hugo 2. (Not soldering onto the Hugo 2.) Then I think this is the part. Obviously we only need the male part.




https://www.robotgear.com.au/Product.aspx/Details/627-2-pin-JST-Jumper-Wire-Assembly

If you look to the last page, there are photos of the connector. I am almost 100% this is the one. I searched for '2 pin pcb connector', and found this quickly.

However as you can see the name of the connector here is '2 pin JST Jumper Wire Assembly'.