Where/how to purchase spare classmate

[PhilBot]

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.

[The Lucas]

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

[Mark McLeod]

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

[PhilBot]

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

[Joe Ross]

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

[PhilBot]

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.

[PhilBot]

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.

[mtfawcett2907]

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...

[PhilBot]

Originally Posted by mtfawcett2907

Do you know if this part has a warrantee? If so, how do we send back our failed unit? ...

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.

[Vikesrock]

Originally Posted by PhilBot

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.

It is.

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

[PhilBot]

Originally Posted by Vikesrock

It is.

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

Outstanding !

Kills two birds with one stone.

[The Lucas]

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

[PhilBot]

Originally Posted by The Lucas

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

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.

[The Lucas]

Originally Posted by PhilBot

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.

Sorry, I meant DC-DC converter. People keep referring to it as the "battery" now they have got me doing it. I'm pretty sure we use it with an Anderson connector as instead of cigarette adapter. I really didnt work on it or even see the finished product (just a cable attached to the cart), I just suggested it based on a Eugene Brooks post.

[EDIT]

Originally Posted by PhilBot

I see these on sale online at igo.com

If I try to locate a charging tip that works with the 2GO netbook is says it can't find one. Does the tip you use have a number on it? ANy other way to ID it?

Does the Radio-Shack one come with a compatible tip?

Thanks.

I think we just bought it from Radio Shack. It was purchased and built quickly as we were motivated by loss of comms due to low Classmate battery in Chesapeake SF1-4 that lead to our elimination. You probably could compare power adapter tips in the store.

Originally Posted by thefro526

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.)

Someone tried to bring them back the blue box DS at Philly this year. It worked in the shop atleast. Luckily, we got them a Classmate and updated code.
[/EDIT]

[Mark McLeod]

Originally Posted by The Lucas

Someone tried to bring them back the blue box DS at Philly this year. It worked in the shop atleast. Luckily, we got them a Classmate and updated code.

Same thing happened with one team at SBPLI, luckily they brought their (never opened) Classmate box with them.