D-EJ01 troubles with recharging NiMH gumstick batteries

[Ocelot]

FYI--the search function for the forum is turned off by the adminstrator at the time I'm posting this, and this problem is really gnawing at me. Hence the post; and just to head off those members who like to "emphasize" using the search function.

Here's the deal: two weeks ago, my D-EJ01 player was running fine and dandy off its current pair of NiMH gumstick batteries (which are less than two months old, btw), and the charge was around, oh, three-quarters last time I played a CD. Last night, I go to listen to a disc, and the unit gives a "Lowbatt" readout. Oops, charge time, I think, and plug it in. Commence pattern of unit starting to charge, then cutting out, interspersed with not even starting the charge, as though the batteries didn't exist.

Troubleshooting steps taken: I tried switching out the current set of batteries for a brand new pair--same results. I tried cleaning the contacts of the unit, thinking maybe a film was interfering or some such thing--one hopeful moment of charging for about three minutes or so, then back to the same behavior.

The unit runs fine off direct AC *or* the AA battery adapter unit, so I can only conclude there's something suddenly very wrong with the power flow to/from the gumstick battery compartment. Question is, what? I've taken very good care of this unit and rarely travel with it--mostly it's a curl-up-on-the-couch listening player (through line out and a Xin V. 6 Mini amp) and MD recording source (my MD player is my traveling buddy). I can't for the life of me come up with why, out of the blue, the battery compartment should have this problem.

Ummm...what else? Oh, age: bought this unit back in spring of 2000 or so, and as I said before, have taken very good care of it. I'm at a total loss at what else to try to troubleshoot this rather maddening problem. Am I stuck with running it from the AA battery adapter? (I hope not: the thing's annoying.) Worth trying to have fixed, if needed? (Likely not; less expensive to purchase a new unit.) Sigh...

Any ideas/suggestions gratfully accepted. I truly would appreciate some brainstorming on this.

Refraining from shaking or banging the "Stupid Machine" --
Ocelot

 

[D-EJ915]

Something like that happened to my D-EJ915 earlier this year, I tried to charge the batteries with it, but the unit just wouldn't charge them. I just use my NiMH charger that came with another unit, you may have to buy one. I haven't tried charging with the 915 in a while, but if you can't figure it out you'll have to get one.

 

[krayzie]

I remember long ago somebody suggest licking the ends of the batteries to make them charge again... I guess rubbing alcohol would do the job too cleaning the ends...

I had a D-EJ815 at one time and it had the exact same problem, the charge function just dissappeared no matter what AA rechargables I put in... My current D-777 and the D-777 I owned before never had a charging problem with any gumsticks...

Well the Sony wall outlet mount quick chargers are much much quicker (1 hour full charging compare to 3 hrs with the Discman)... 50% charge with those takes only 10 mins! (as soon as the blinking light stops blinking)

 

[Ocelot]

Quote:

Originally posted by D-EJ915 Something like that happened to my D-EJ915 earlier this year, I tried to charge the batteries with it, but the unit just wouldn't charge them. I just use my NiMH charger that came with another unit, you may have to buy one.

I was thinking of this as a possible plan, but wasn't sure if the unit would recognize the batteries as charged. From what you describe, I take it this method worked for you? I'm more than willing to make that little further investment so I can use my gumstick batteries, if it has a better than 50% chance of delivering.

(Off to see what prices are for gumstick battery chargers...)

Thanks for the advice, both of you --
Ocelot