Zen FAQ

[digitalq]

Just an FYI on the issue of charger current rating. Voltage and charger quality are the two important things to consider. The current rating on a charger is the amount of current it can provide. The amount of current used is determined by the device. Though not common, it wouldn't matter if you used a 1500ma, 2000ma or higher charger as long as the voltage is in spec (and stays in spec with a load). For example: Wall sockets can provide as much as 15 amps of current, yet you can plug in a night light without concern because the bulb draws current based on it's resistance, and not based on the amount available.

[CrowdAds]

[mattcro]

On top of that, the Zen's internal charging circuitry will regulate the charge current to exactly what's required by the battery, and cut off the charge current when the battery is full, regardless of the AC adapter rating.

The AC adapter is only a power supply, not the charge controller. The only requirement of the AC adapter (or USB port/hub) is that it provides regulated 5V at sufficient current (500mA or more).

[mattcro]

I was curious about the Zen's power consumption in various modes/states, so I've done a bit more experimenting...

Max current draw from USB charger approx 350mA during battery charge.
This tapers down to about 15mA when the battery is charged.

Current consumption from USB charger (approx figures, battery fully charged):
Playing, 10% backlight                   45mA
Playing, 50% backlight                   65mA
Playing, 100% backlight                  105mA
Playing, backlight off (locked)          25mA
Radio, backlight off (locked)            25mA
Video, various bitrates, 10% backlight   65-70mA
Video, various bitrates, 100% backlight  130-135mA

Stopped or playing audio makes little difference to current
(2-4mA more when playing).

High or low volume makes some difference to current
(10mA more at max volume, 32ohm phones).

The figure of 25mA during playback when locked is similar to the quoted playing time with a 550mAh battery: 550mAh / 25mA = 22.5hrs which is close to the quoted 25 hours. It's similar for video (5 hours quoted): 550 / 105 = 5 hrs approx @50% brightness.

The backlight is the main power hog, so keep the level down and lock the player for more playback time.

[CreativeZenMp4User]

How long did it take ?
I know u did this, step by step. But how many days u gathered all the information?

[mattcro]

Only took about 15mins, unless you include a full charge cycle with the occasional glance at the ammeter.

[CreativeZenMp4User]

How do you know ?

[mattcro]

Originally Posted by CreativeZenMp4User

How do you know ?

Because I am an omniscient Zen Master, that's how.

How do I know what? I let the Zen fully charge, then I measured the current into the USB connector with a multimeter. Then I wrote a post here with all the numbers. Not too time-consuming.

[davied71]

Hi
great site really helpful
i am having a problem with european firmware basically the volume limitation, i have tried to upgrade to the us firmware but i think i have just overwritten the original firmware and the volume hasnt changed . i have just bought a new player (16gb) and when i go into the recovery mode it doesnt give the option to reload firmware all i get is

cleanup
format all
reboot

i clicked on the upgrade i downloaded from the US and it automatically installed it but as i didnt remove the original firmware first the volume is still low.

my old zen (4gb) has the power switch on the side and the recovery mode gives you the option to reload firmware. i managed to remove the volume lock on it without too many problems.

Until i can increase the volume my shiny new 16gb player is really no use to me so any help anyone can give me would be really greatfully received

thank you

[vangoga]

dear friends, where i can find the electrical circuitry of the mother board of zen micro with black-white monitor
like that
http://home.comcast.net/~mercx/Images/1.JPG

[FallingStar]

So, I have had this Creative zen 8GB mp3-player about 3 months now, while I was listening to it, it suddenly paused and I pressed "play" but it froze and didn't work. Also it had over half of power left. And I pressed the on/off button and it went black, I let it be like that for awhile, but when I tried to turn it on again nothing happened, I have tried the reset button and taking off the memory card, but nothing works, also I have tried to turn it on by charging the power with the usb cabel, but nothing work's. I have dropped it 2 times maybe a month ago, but I don't think it's the reason to this. Also can cold air affect to mp3 player, 'cause I have been listening to it outside but it haven't worked differently after it. I would really appreciate answers and help! Thank you.

[Nordles]

Woah, thanks for that FAQ, it's extremely good and was one of the reasons i chose getting a zen.
My 32gb arrived this afternoon and i followed your advice on installing the US firmware on it. It took a while and slowed down near the end, but it's all working perfectly now!
Here is a link for the latest firmware btw, and thanks again BobbyRS, i'll be referring to this many times in the coming weeks

ZEN Firmware 1.21.03

[0sync0]

This is an excellent FAQ.

My Mozaic does not charge when connected to a powered USB hub.