AJR v1: dead batteries or not?

[octopod]

Hi,

Sorry if this has been asked several times...

My Archos Jukebox Recorder 20 (v1) shuts down as soon i start it with the message "HD register error".

I found around here that the solution may be to change the batteries or to repair broken battery connectors.

I don't really want to open the device if i can avoid. So knowing my player works fine when charging, can i conclude the batteries are dead or not? Is it possible the connectors are broken and the device can play while on DC?  

Thanks in advance for your help.
Octopod

[LilBoy]

AFAIK, the AJRv1 won't operate on DC with dead batteries, but the 4 NIMH AA batteries are easily replaceable, relatively cheaply( that's why I replace my v2 AJR with a v1). Get a set. Charge them in an external charger. Pop them in. If your system is operational, you then have to contend with whether your charging circuit is OK.
Remember, although NIMH batteries don't have the memory of NiCads, they do have a limited life (I think something like 1,000 charge cycles).

Also, Check the link at:
http://www.rockbox.org/docs/repairbattery.html

[octopod]

Thanks for your answer.

Actually, i removed the batteries then charged them with an external charger: it worked.
Now it seems to be repaired as i can normally charge the batteries from the archos...

Cheers.