Just a crazy idea based on what I've been reading on the forums, and what Asus has said. If you have proof to prove me wrong, please provide it.
Asus said on facebook that they would be contacting people regarding the dock charging/drain problem. Asus just contacted a bunch of people about the MobileDock Battery savings mode. It is both a hardware fix (earlier versions of dock) an firmware update, which is exactly what people have been expecting to fix the dock drain issue.
Most B60 docks don't have the drain issue, from what I hear. They also can use the battery savings mode.
I've yet to see someone say they can use the battery savings mode and not have dock battery drain problems or vice versa. If I am wrong, please correct me.
My B60 dock can't use battery savings mode. When checked, tablet still wakes up from keyboard. I also have the dock drain problem.
The dock drain problem is related to a low power state for the dock, which is exactly what the MobileDock Battery savings mode is supposed to remove.
My guess is that the dock never exits the low power state. If the battery savings mode is used, the dock never enters the low power state, and thus the dock drain problem is fixed.
Maybe I'm crazy, but I don't think Asus is ever going to admit that there was a problem. They definitely don't want to issue a recall notice. Most people probably don't know they have battery drain issue, because you can not see the dock battery level on stock, without installing the dock battery app. I know I would have never noticed the battery drain problem until I went on a long trip, had I not found out about the battery app and the problem here on XDA.
However, Asus would do something like this MobileDock Battery savings mode fix, fixing the problem silently, and waiting for it to go away without making a fuss. Here is my proof, directly from the letter from Asus most of us got:
(7) If #6 is true and you also require the new feature, then please contact your local ASUS service center
I also think that the mystery dock firmware, which updates from 209 to 209, may play a part in it. People in the USA and Europe have been receiving this update. They also have MobileDock Battery savings mode working, and lower battery drain on the B60 docks. I've had 4 Chinese B60 docks, all of which had the exact same battery drain rate, MobileDock Battery savings mode didn't work, and in china we never got the mysterious dock update. I'm gong to flash my B60 TF101 to the WW firmware and see if I can get the mysterious update and get MobileDock Battery savings mode working.
If that doesn't work, I'm taking my TF101 to the Asus service center to get them to fix dock battery savings mode. I have a feeling it will also fix the dock drain.
UPDATE: I took my B60 tablet and dock to Asus service center, and was told specifically that fixing and enabling the MobileDock Battery saving mode would fix the dock battery drain problem. He also told me about which parts needed to be replaced and the software update. Will elaborate more when I have time.
i have a feeling that to test this energy saving mode, you have to wait a certain while before the dock actually goes into power saving.. when this mode enabled, i can wake my transformer instantly shortly after the screen went blank. however, if i wait several minutes i can only wake it by using the powerbutton. also when you close the unit, by putting the screen down on the dock, th screen goes dark immediately, and when opening it, also after an hour or so the screen goes on immediately, regardless of the powersaving mode. so the dock also has some kind of switch build in to sense the position of the tablet. so i think the powersaving mode actually works, but only kicks in after a while. i have b60 tablet and b70 dock, purchased yesterday seperately...
I originally thought the same thing. If you wait a while after putting the dock/tablet combo to sleep, when you wake up the tablet, it has to re-mount the external sd card on the dock. This would mean the the dock was effectively disconnected/powered off.
However, the instructions from Asus are:
(4) Press power button on the Transformer Pad to make the unit go to sleep.
(5) With the option checked, if your unit does NOT wake up with the tap of a keyboard, the new battery saving mode is enabled and working.
(6) With [MobileDock Battery saving mode] checked, if your unit still wakes up by a key press, you have the earlier design.
Since Asus provided these, I have to use it as my basis for testing.
glenner05 said:
i have b60 tablet and b70 dock, purchased yesterday seperately...
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Click to collapse
B70!!?
asdfsafdsa
darkonex said:
B70!!?
asdfsafdsa
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I completely missed that! You have a B70 dock!?!?!?
It's pretty clear that the battery draining is directly related to the keyboard not powering off at all. The broken docks have no way to turn off the current to the keyboard, which is where the battery drain is going.
typci said:
I completely missed that! You have a B70 dock!?!?!?
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Yup no doubt about that...my s/n nr starts with b70. Bought IT yesterday, i came in stock earlier this week and was completely sold out in a few houres
glenner05 said:
Yup no doubt about that...my s/n nr starts with b70. Bought IT yesterday, i came in stock earlier this week and was completely sold out in a few houres
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Click to collapse
So the obvious question is: Do you have a dock battery drain issue? With the tablet powered off and connected to the dock, does your battery drain? You can use the dual battery widget to test.
typci said:
So the obvious question is: Do you have a dock battery drain issue? With the tablet powered off and connected to the dock, does your battery drain? You can use the dual battery widget to test.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i will tell you tommorrow, because both tablet and dock are almost empty, i'll charge them fully this night and will test it when i wake up. I leave the tablet powered off for two houres connected to the dock, is that enough to notice any drain?
How do i see the serial number for the dock? I have no sticker on the dock ...
mashedbymachines said:
How do i see the serial number for the dock? I have no sticker on the dock ...
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Check the box it came in, because the serial number should be on the box.
You should have a peace of tape with s/n on the dock, at least it is on the new device. Also s/n is on the tf's box.
glenner05 said:
i will tell you tommorrow, because both tablet and dock are almost empty, i'll charge them fully this night and will test it when i wake up. I leave the tablet powered off for two houres connected to the dock, is that enough to notice any drain?
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Click to collapse
2-3 hours should be good. If it drops more than a percent, you have a dock drain. If it only drops one percent, might just be the battery going from 100% to 99%, they tend to do that really quickly.
this is weird because my tablet and dock are b50s and i have NOT gotten any updates, and my setup works as asus explains it should, ith it checked, the kb doesnt wake the tablet.
however, mine does suffer serious lag, when typingin web forums like this...
ok i tested my tablet/dock combo for battery drain. when fully charched, in normal standby mode, i loose 2% per hour. when completely turned off dock battery went from 96 to 95 in 2,5 houres.the 1% drop could be explained by powering op the tablet ofcourse. so i think i'm safe with my b70 dock
Where do we enable the battery saving mode???!
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using XDA Premium App
glenner05 said:
ok i tested my tablet/dock combo for battery drain. when fully charched, in normal standby mode, i loose 2% per hour. when completely turned off dock battery went from 96 to 95 in 2,5 houres.the 1% drop could be explained by powering op the tablet ofcourse. so i think i'm safe with my b70 dock
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Click to collapse
Sounds like you are good to go. I think the 2% per hour is standard for standby mode with MobileDock Battery saving mode disabled. That's what I usually get on my B60. You might want to check to see if MobileDock Battery saving mode is enabled. If it isn't, enabling it will extend your battery time, and you only lose the ability to wake the tablet via keyboard.
moorie said:
Where do we enable the battery saving mode???!
The following is a step-by-step guide on how to verify if your unit can support the new optional battery saving mode:
(1) Make sure your software is updated to 8.2.3.13 or later; and your mobile dock is updated to 0209. ([Setting]>[About Tablet]>[Build Number] & [Mobile Dock version])
(2) Dock the Pad into the keyboard dock.
(3) Go to [Settings] > [Screen] and select [MobileDock Battery saving mode]
(4) Press power button on the Transformer Pad to make the unit go to sleep.
(5) With the option checked, if your unit does NOT wake up with the tap of a keyboard, the new battery saving mode is enabled and working.
(6) With [MobileDock Battery saving mode] checked,iIf your unit still wakes up by a key press, you have the earlier design.
(7) If #6 is true and you also require the new feature, then please contact your local ASUS service center “
Best Regards,
ASUSTek Computer Inc.
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So to elaborate on my visit to the Asus service center. Also this conversation was in Chinese, so some details may be lost in translation and due to my poor chinese language skills.
I told him about the dock battery drain and non-functional MobileDock Battery saving mode on my B60 tablet & dock combo. I also showed him the letter from Kimi_Q in English. He was able to understand the important parts of it.
He verified what I told him on the TF101. He then went and read his Chinese version on the instructions regarding MobileDock Battery saving mode. He told me to fix it he would have to order parts to fix my TF101: one week for delivery, and 1 or 2 days to fix. Said he would call me when the parts came in and to bring back the dock.
Then he said (with a lot of gesturing to help with the language barrier) that fixing the MobileDock Battery saving mode would fix the dock drain as well.
I asked him about the parts. He said something about a part on each side of the dock's hinge, that feed electricity to the tablet. After looking at some pics on the inside of the dock, there is a cable running into the hinge on each side. So I think it these cables that need to be replaced. I asked about a firmware update. He said I already had the latest firmware (209), and that the fix was software related, not firmware.
I'm sure I could go back and ask some more specific questions, if people want all the little details. He seemed really eager to talk with me. Also there was were no other customers in the service center, which is quite common here.
The Asus customer service and repair center's in Xi'an are awesome. They usually test the computer right there on the spot, if not they get back to you in under 24 hours. Also, they will talk to you all day about your computer and problems with it. It is so much better than dealing service centers over the phone. As soon and I have a problem, I just drive down to the service center and they get right on it. Just awesome.
Oh, I also asked him about the mini HDMI-to-VGA adapters. He didn't know anything about them, so Asus must not be selling them yet.
link to what asus said on facebook?
My tf wakes from keyboard touch, but i have t battery saving mode on. dock is 50 version
I have also tested. gps off wifi off. battery save mode on.
completely charged. completely shutdown.
after one night of sleep. tablet 100% dock 81%. so there is definatelysomething wrong.
I didn't want to create another thread for this, but I couldn't find anything solidifying what exactly is going on with the dock and battery drain.
So apparently, according to asus, we should be able to enable a feature "MobileDock Battery Saving Mode" that is intended to fix the battery drain with the docks. If i'm not mistaken, when we enable this feature, the TF is only supposed to awaken from the press of the power button and not from just opening it or pressing a key. I have confirmed that mine does not do this. With the feature enabled, it still turns on whenever I open it or press a keyboard. This is were the confusion comes in (unless i'm wrong about everything else, then I'm just really completely oblivious), if my TF isn't doing what its supposed to in order to conserve battery life while in battery saving mode, then does that mean I am sol?
Is the only viable option to RMA it? (i'm well out of my return period)
If so, then does that mean that this is a hardware issue? or is there a possible software fix that may come along?
Also, one more thing, would something as simple as undocking the tablet when not in use remedy the issue? If so, then i'd much rather do that then go through the hassle of returning it and waiting god knows how long to get it back (although I do live in Texas and I heard there is a repair center down here) when the battery life is still relatively good.
Any updated info would be greatly appreciated. Again, sorry about creating yet another thread over the same beaten horse.
Thanks in advance.
Afaik if your tablet is waking up from a keyboard press with the option enabled you would have to RMA it if you would like the feature to "work."
Sent from my Captivate
I don't know where "if you open the lid and it turns on" got mixed up with the button press test. Asus never said anything about opening it and it shouldn't turn on. It turns back on because of the magnets.
Does yours pass the button test? If not, it will need to be RMA'ed or exchanged. (If you feel the need, don't fret, your dock is still perfectly good)
I have the battery drain problem. I am thinking about adding a physical on/off switch to the dock to disconnect the battery. Of course I would need to find a switch rated correctly for the power consumption of the dock and make sure what ever I do looks good.
My B70 wakes when I lift the lid up, but no battery drain. It was 100 when I went to bed and 100 when I woke up. No tablet or powercord on the dock.
Yes, the "MobileDock Battery Saving Mode" is the fix to the dock battery drain. If "MobileDock Battery Saving Mode" isn't working, you have to do a hardware upgrade via RMA. I have a B60 which is waiting on the parts.
The dock battery drain was caused by the dock having a low power state which never turned off. The "MobileDock Battery Saving Mode" turns off the low power state. I don't think it is anymore complicated than that. If you RMA, and don't turn on "MobileDock Battery Saving Mode", then you will probably still have the dock battery drain.
ok, thanks for clarifying that for me guys. My dock does need to be returned because it does turn on from a key press when battery saving mode is enabled, but I think i'm just gonna go ahead and keep it.
I undocked it last night and the dock only lost %1 battery in over 10 hours which is good enough for me. Ideally I don't wan to have to undock it as much, but it seems like a simple remedy to a over exaggerated problem.
thanks again guys.
My findings...in the main thread... http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1112835&page=87
If the Battery saving mode Test does work on your dock but the tablet wakes with the touchpad and never getting into deep Sleep when docked.
Try this:
Look at the settings under Applications >Development> Stay awake. If the box is checked, uncheck it and do the battery saving test again with touchpad. And check deep sleep. The tablet in deep sleep should NOT wake up from touchpad.
It did the trick for my dock.
I have a B6O tablet and dock and had the same drain problem (3%/hour docked in standby 0,3%/hour tablet standalone) looked weeks and everywhere for a solution but could not find one. My tablet didnt go into deep sleep when docked. Then I almost wanted it to send RMA. Looked at all the settings one more time. And came across the above mentioned setting. My tablet now goes into deep sleep when docked and doesnt wake up from touchpad! I have 3.2 and latest firmware.
Please mods sticky this because i think many more people will be helped by this setting.
Should my tab not docked go into deep sleep? It seems it never does.. Where is the setting so I don't have to hear my incoming emails all night ?
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
Dr. Clavan said:
Look at the settings under Apps >Development> Standby. If the box is checked, uncheck it and do the battery saving test again with touchpad. And check deep sleep.
It did the trick for my dock.
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Click to collapse
I dont have the Standby option under app > development. I am running 3.1 could this be new in 3.2?
nah, I am on 3.2 and also can't find it.. maybe only on custom roms?
masvino said:
Should my tab not docked go into deep sleep? It seems it never does.. Where is the setting so I don't have to hear my incoming emails all night ?
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
This isn't the option talked about in the OP, but to stop hearing your emails all night just make sure you go to Settings > Wireless & Networks > Wi-Fi Settings > Wi-Fi Disconnect Policy and make sure that is set to "When screen turns off".
Not only will you not be bugged by emails while the screen is off, you'll get a ton more battery life out of both the dock and the tablet itself.
Feoen said:
This isn't the option talked about in the OP, but to stop hearing your emails all night just make sure you go to Settings > Wireless & Networks > Wi-Fi Settings > Wi-Fi Disconnect Policy and make sure that is set to "When screen turns off".
Not only will you not be bugged by emails while the screen is off, you'll get a ton more battery life out of both the dock and the tablet itself.
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Click to collapse
Since upgrading to 3.2, my tablet (stock) is never going into sleep mode and wifi is not turning off, despite having the ssetting you mentioned for wifi. It worked in 3.1.
dazz87 said:
I dont have the Standby option under app > development. I am running 3.1 could this be new in 3.2?
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Click to collapse
Sorry guys. I simply translated it from dutch.
Applications >Development> Stay awake
Edited the first post.
dazz87 said:
I dont have the Standby option under app > development. I am running 3.1 could this be new in 3.2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your tablet undocked doesnt go into deep sleep there is something else going on and this setting will not have effect on it.
I have a B60 dock and tablet but it doesn't go into deep sleep. I've tried both methods as described to enable it but a touch of the keypad wakes it up. Is this a 3.2 bug or do I need to rma my dock?
andy905 said:
I have a B60 dock and tablet but it doesn't go into deep sleep. I've tried both methods as described to enable it but a touch of the keypad wakes it up. Is this a 3.2 bug or do I need to rma my dock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
RMA your dock. My TF would always wake on touchpad, but after RMA'ing it doesn't and the battery life is now superb.
Regards,
Dave
Dr. Clavan said:
If the Battery saving mode Test does work on your dock but the tablet wakes with the touchpad and never getting into deep Sleep when docked.
Try this:
Look at the settings under Applications >Development> Stay awake. If the box is checked, uncheck it and do the battery saving test again with touchpad. And check deep sleep. The tablet in deep sleep should NOT wake up from touchpad.
It did the trick for my dock.
I have a B6O tablet and dock and had the same drain problem (3%/hour docked in standby 0,3%/hour tablet standalone) looked weeks and everywhere for a solution but could not find one. My tablet didnt go into deep sleep when docked. Then I almost wanted it to send RMA. Looked at all the settings one more time. And came across the above mentioned setting. My tablet now goes into deep sleep when docked and doesnt wake up from touchpad! I have 3.2 and latest firmware.
Please mods sticky this because i think many more people will be helped by this setting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it does not work dude...
When the screen first turns off, the touchpad will turn it back on no matter what. Once in deep-sleep the touchpad will no longer turn it on if you have the power mode checked. If you're having trouble getting into deep sleep mode, rma'ing the deck will not help.
I have a B60 dock and when I close the lid the tablet screen turns off. When I lift the lid up, the screen immediately comes back on. I don't even have to touch anything.
What gives?
sazfar13 said:
I have a B60 dock and when I close the lid the tablet screen turns off. When I lift the lid up, the screen immediately comes back on. I don't even have to touch anything.
What gives?
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Click to collapse
That is how it should work. The unit detects the lid opening and comes out of sleep.
Sent from my Transformer TF101
Personally I'm pretty happy overall with the battery life of my TF. It is common that I can go unplugged all day and charge at night while I sleep. However, the deep sleep keyboard dock discharging faster than it should is still an issue that woud be nice to have fixed once and for all. Unfortunately, I have a b50 dock (b60 tf) so my only option will likely be an RMA which is something I won't wait 2 to 3 weeks to get my dock back for so I guess I'll just put up with the drain as is.
I have a B60 TF and a B70 Dock. They touchpad still wakes my device however the keyboard does not. I do not have the battery drain issue even with the touchpad waking the device, so I would not worry about it as long as the keys do not wake it.
In trying not to be a noob, I searched the various subforums for the transformer looking for something similar and didn't find anything so here goes with my first new thread. Note there are plenty of battery drain ones, and while I do have that, that's not what my question is about.
I just recently sent my TF dock for repair of the mobiledock battery saving mode setting not working properly. A key press could always wake the device regardless of setting. Got it back from RMA, and sure enough the keyboard doesn't wake the device, and the touchpad wakes it only if touch it right away. So that's fixed.
But then I noticed that when I went into Applications->Battery use, the summary was wrong, and odd. After a bit of fooling around, what appears to be happening is that the graph only records when it is disconnected from the keyboard. It's been on for a few days now and the graph only shows 4 mins.
It's a B50 version of tablet and dock. It's running 8.6.5.9 and the mobileDock is EP101-0213.
Now, I know that the history/summary was working before I RMA'ed it, and I know that it wasn't working after I got it back, and it still isn't working after the update to 8.6.5.9.
As a side note, the battery drain is about 3.5%/hr when idle and docked. I have installed CPU spy and see that while it is indeed going to deep sleep, it isn't staying asleep. Some app is keeping it awake, I just don't know which app it is.