Where/how to purchase spare classmate
 

I tried searching but couldn't find what I needed.

After having a Classmate magically "Stop Booting" 1 min prior to our first Elimination match this weekend, the topic of a "Spare Classmate" came up.

Althought any laptop would seem to do, the rules seem to imply that we must use the classmate as shipped.

Anyone know where we can purchase a spare Classmate with the little FIRST logo on it?

ps: We did try the "event spare", but it didn't want to talk to the Cypress, so I assume it may not have had the software configured...."

Phil.

Re: Where/how to purchase spare classmate
 

http://forums.usfirst.org/showthread.php?t=13805
The GDC answer to replacement Classmate question.
Direct link to Classmate PC Sales page
http://www.ctlcorp.com/v4/p-872-ctl-...ok-laptop.aspx

Re: Where/how to purchase spare classmate
 

The replacement Classmate is: http://www.ctlcorp.com/v4/p-872-ctl-...ok-laptop.aspx

per FIRST Q&A:
http://forums.usfirst.org/showthread.php?t=13805

Re: Where/how to purchase spare classmate
 

Thanks Guys...

I see they still have a "backorderd" notice up there...

I'll call, but anyone have any good/bad experiences ordering there.

(Not much good unless we can get in time for Nationals :)

Re: Where/how to purchase spare classmate
 

Be carefull when you get the new one. See one team's experience here: http://forums.usfirst.org/showthread...ssmate+restore

Re: Where/how to purchase spare classmate
 

I've narrowed my problem down to a battery issue.

My classmate doesn't think it has one ?????

If I go to the Control Panel power scheme setup for the classmate it indicates that there is no battery (so the Black battery indicator on the driver station makes sense)

Assuming it is the battery (may not be) anyone purchased a spare battery for one of these?

Phil.

Re: Where/how to purchase spare classmate
 

OK, when I can get Tech support on the phone they want my Serial number or Asset number.....

Apparently on the back of the classmate, BUT my number has been lifted off by Velcro.

Anyone want to give me their serial number so I can at least get an answer from Tech support.

It's under the flexible cover on the back of the classmate.

Thanks.

Re: Where/how to purchase spare classmate
 

Do you know if this part has a warrantee? If so, how do we send back our failed unit? At the Seattle Regional, our first two matches were no starts because the wireless part of our CLassmate died. Another unit was used and we were able to compete for the rest of our matches. The admin people at the match said our unit had a hardware failure but they did not have any spare units. I hope those that get to go to Nationals will have spares available...

Re: Where/how to purchase spare classmate
 

I have to say, this whole Broken Classmate issue is starting to make my stomach churn a bit.

Let's face it, this is a mandetory component with a dubious supply chain.

I thought that going with a commercial off-the-shelf product would have given us some stability and support, but in reality it seems that we really are worse off then the old Blue-Boxes.

I mean... there are no direct replacements available from the suppliers. The alternative seems close, but not fully compatible with the supplied imaging/restore tools and drivers.

Since many teams have removed the flexible cover from the clamshells and applied Velcro, they are unlikely to be covered by any sane warantee so I think we're going to be left out in the cold again.

Seriously.... Two weeks to nationals and I have a Classmate that can't run on batteries, and no-one to call for tech support (the live online support is a joke! and the phone number just goes to a machine that never calls me back.)

What are my options?

Guess I better go and see if it's legal to power the classmate from an external battery and inverter. Short of that we're done for championships.

Phil. Pretty dissapointed with the whole deal.

Re: Where/how to purchase spare classmate
 

Seems like some confusion here.: you don't need the wireless on the Classbook. It's hard wired to the FMS.

Re: Where/how to purchase spare classmate
 

It is.

http://forums.usfirst.org/showthread.php?t=15017

Re: Where/how to purchase spare classmate
 

Outstanding !

Kills two birds with one stone.

Re: Where/how to purchase spare classmate
 

We bought the iGo battery from Radio Shack. Seemed to work fine when we used it during Philly elims.

Re: Where/how to purchase spare classmate
 

Funny... I thought you were pointing to a battery....

So you used the Igo charger powered from a 12V battery (like a car charger).

Gets rid of clunky inverter.

Cool.

Re: Where/how to purchase spare classmate
 

Brian, to make this work you did what, just cut off the cigarette lighter end and replace it with an Anderson battery connector? I just realized that we need to figure out some system to keep our Classmate Charged for the Championship, since up to now we relied on the pits being 30 seconds away from the field... I believe we have a spare battery in route, but I'd be more comfortable with another source...

(I'm really starting to miss the blue box from last year.)