Jump to content

Psion Revo: Difference between revisions

From RetroTechCollection
← Older editNewer edit →

Josh (talk | contribs)

8 user groups
20,002 edits
undo
VisualWikitext
P5 verification: house style - remove emoji from headings
Restructure to product-page template; specs from Psion's Revo Handbook (uploaded): 650 mAh cells, 157x79x18 mm, 6 V 500 mA adaptor; cite Millican charging notes; fix netogram URL; drop 'notorious' and 'twenty-five years on' claims
Line 3: Line 3:
| image        = [[File:Psion Revo.jpg|250px]]
| image        = [[File:Psion Revo.jpg|250px]]
| caption      = A Psion Revo
| caption      = A Psion Revo
| developer    = Psion Teklogix
| developer    = Psion
| manufacturer = Psion Teklogix
| manufacturer = Psion
| type        = Clamshell palmtop / PDA
| type        = Clamshell palmtop / PDA
| release_date = November 1999
| release_date = November 1999
| discontinued = 2003
| discontinued = 2003
| cpu          = ARM710T @ 36 MHz
| cpu          = ARM710T @ 36.864 MHz
| memory      = 8 MB ROM; 8 MB RAM
| memory      = 8 MB RAM; 8 MB ROM
| storage      = Internal RAM disk only — '''no CompactFlash slot'''
| storage      = Internal RAM disk only; no memory card slot
| display      = 480 × 160 monochrome LCD, 16 greyscales, resistive touchscreen, '''no backlight'''
| display      = 480 × 160 greyscale LCD with reflective backing, touch-sensitive; no backlight
| sound        = Speaker
| sound        = Loudspeaker, ½ W 8 Ω
| dimensions  = 157 mm × 79 mm × 17 mm
| dimensions  = 157 mm × 79 mm × 18 mm
| weight      = 200 g
| weight      = 200 g
| os          = Symbian (EPOC32) Release 5
| power        = 2 × internal AAA NiMH rechargeable cells (650 mAh); 6 V DC mains adaptor
| os          = EPOC Release 5 (Symbian)
| predecessor  = [[Psion Series 5mx]]
| predecessor  = [[Psion Series 5mx]]
| successor    = Conan (prototype, never released)
| successor    = Conan (prototype, never released)
| model        = Rebadged as the Diamond Mako; Chinese-market 618C and 618S
| model        = [[Psion Revo Plus]]; Diamond Mako; Chinese-market 618C and 618S
}}
}}
The '''Psion Revo''', launched in November 1999, is the small, light EPOC machine: the same '''36 MHz ARM710T''' and the same software as the [[Psion Series 5mx|Series 5mx]], in a case '''157 × 79 × 17 mm''' weighing '''200 g''' against the 5mx's 354 g.<ref name="wprevo">[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psion_Revo "Psion Revo"], Wikipedia. Source for the launch date and lifespan, dimensions and weight, the processor and memory, the omissions relative to the 5mx, the Revo Plus, the Diamond Mako and Chinese-market rebadges, the Conan prototype, the OpenPsion and Revol projects, and the entire battery and charging discussion.</ref>
The '''Psion Revo''' is a clamshell palmtop computer released by Psion in November 1999. It runs EPOC Release 5 on the same 36 MHz ARM710T processor as the [[Psion Series 5mx]] and runs the same software, in a case of 157 × 79 × 18 mm weighing 200 g, against the 5mx's 354 g.<ref name="wprevo" /><ref name="revohb" /> Compared with the Series 5 and 5mx, the Revo has a smaller 480 × 160 screen, no memory card slot, no backlight, and two internal rechargeable NiMH cells in place of user-replaceable AA batteries.<ref name="wprevo" /><ref name="revohb" />


The weight came out of the specification. Relative to the Series 5 and 5mx the Revo has a '''smaller screen''' (480 × 160 rather than 640 × 240), '''no flash-card slot''' and '''no backlight''' — and, most consequentially for anyone owning one today, '''no user-replaceable batteries'''.<ref name="wprevo" />
== History ==


== Hardware ==
The Revo was launched in November 1999 with 8 MB of RAM, and was followed by the [[Psion Revo Plus]] with 16 MB and a larger battery. SONICblue sold the Revo Plus in the United States and Canada as the Diamond Mako, and Psion and Enfour made two Chinese-market versions, the 618C (traditional characters) and 618S (simplified characters).<ref name="wprevo" />


A successor, codenamed Conan, was close to completion when Psion left the consumer PDA market. It ran EPOC Release 6 and was to have Bluetooth and a backlight, although Bluetooth did not work in the development builds.<ref name="wprevo" />
The OpenPsion project (formerly PsiLinux) ports Linux to Psion machines including the Revo, and Revol is a version of OpenPsion optimised for the Revo.<ref name="wprevo" />
== Specifications ==
<templatestyles src="Template:StyledTable/styles.css" />
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:70%; text-align:left;"
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:70%; text-align:left;"
|+'''Psion Revo specification'''<ref name="wprevo" /><ref name="spec">[https://www.psion.netogram.com/psionspecifications.html "Psion 3mx, Psion 5, Psion 5mx, Psion Revo and Psion Revo Plus specifications"], netogram.com. Source for the ROM and RAM sizes, interfaces, docking station, average run time and power adapter rating.</ref>
|+'''Psion Revo specification'''<ref name="revohb" />
! Item !! Specification
! Item !! Specification
|-
|-
| '''Processor''' || '''ARM710T''' at '''36 MHz''' — the same part as the Series 5mx
| Processor || 32-bit ARM710T core, 36.864 MHz
|-
| ROM || 8 MB (Psion's handbook gives 8 MB or 16 MB depending on model)
|-
| RAM || 8 MB (16 MB on the [[Psion Revo Plus|Revo Plus]])
|-
| Display || 480 × 160 greyscale, reflective backing, 125 × 48 mm viewing area; touch-sensitive, with 9 program icons and 5 command icons beside the screen. No backlight.
|-
|-
| '''ROM''' || 8 MB
| Keyboard || 53-key QWERTY
|-
|-
| '''RAM''' || '''8 MB''' (16 MB on the [[Psion Revo Plus|Revo Plus]])
| Sound || Loudspeaker, ½ W, 8 Ω
|-
|-
| '''Display''' || 480 × 160, 16 greyscales, resistive touchscreen. '''No backlight.'''
| Storage || Internal RAM disk; no memory card slot
|-
|-
| '''Storage''' || Internal RAM disk. '''No CompactFlash or other card slot.'''
| Communications || RS-232-compatible serial link through the docking station, up to 115,200 baud; infrared
|-
|-
| '''Interfaces''' || IrDA, and RS-232 on a 9-pin D-sub, at up to 115,200 bit/s
| Batteries || Two internal AAA NiMH rechargeable cells, 650 mAh
|-
|-
| '''Connectivity''' || Docking station
| Mains adaptor || 6 V DC ±10 %, 500 mA
|-
|-
| '''Power''' || '''Two internal, non-user-replaceable NiMH AAA cells, 700 mAh''', about 14 hours
| Size and weight || 157 × 79 × 18 mm, 200 g
|-
|-
| '''Mains adapter''' || 100–240 V AC ±10 %, 50/60 Hz
| Operating temperature || +5 °C to +40 °C
|-
|-
| '''Size and weight''' || 157 × 79 × 17 mm, 200 g
| Storage temperature || −10 °C to +40 °C
|-
|-
| '''Operating system''' || Symbian (EPOC32) Release 5
| Operating system || EPOC Release 5
|}
|}


It is '''software compatible with the 5mx''' and, like it, carries a small suite of office and communications applications in ROM. Extra software is installed from a desktop computer through the docking station.<ref name="wprevo" />
The Revo is software-compatible with the 5mx and has office and communications programs in ROM. Other programs are installed from a desktop computer through the docking station.<ref name="wprevo" />
 
== The batteries ==
'''The Revo was notorious for battery and charging problems''', and this is the single most important thing to know about the machine.<ref name="wprevo" />


Where the 5mx takes two ordinary AA cells you can change in a corner shop, '''the Revo's two 700 mAh NiMH AAA cells are soldered to a connector and sealed inside the case, under the nameplate'''. Twenty-five years on, essentially every surviving Revo needs them replaced.<ref name="wprevo" /><ref name="r3uk">David Savery, [https://www.r3uk.com/index.php/tech-tips/34-disassembly-guides/3-psion-revodiamond-mako-disassembly-and-battery-replacement "Psion Revo/Diamond Mako Disassembly & Battery Replacement"], R3UK, 2004. Source for the disassembly and battery replacement procedure, the cell specification, the temperature sensor and the case microswitch.</ref>
== Battery and charging ==


Three specific behaviours are worth knowing before you touch one:
The Revo's two AAA NiMH cells are inside the case under the lid nameplate, not in a battery compartment. They are charged from Psion's 6 V mains adaptor, either through the docking station or through the power socket at the rear of the machine.<ref name="revohb" /><ref name="r3uk" />


* '''Revos suffer from batteries coming loose and unplugging''' inside the case — a problem Psion '''fixed in the [[Psion Revo Plus|Revo Plus]]'''.<ref name="wprevo" />
Charging, as Psion describes it:<ref name="revohb" />
* '''Use NiMH cells only.''' Because of the way the charging circuit works, nothing else is recommended.<ref name="wprevo" />
* '''Do not put a Revo on charge when the battery is already above about 80 %.''' The charge termination depends on sensing a thermal change around that level, and '''missing it can and does lead to overcharging'''.<ref name="wprevo" />


The full procedure, including the recalibration charge that has to follow it, is on the '''[[Psion Revo Battery Replacement]]''' page.
* The Revo fast-charges to 85 % in about 1½ hours from empty, with the red light below the Esc key lit, then trickle-charges with the red light off.
* The first charge, and the first charge after a hard reset, should be a full one, which can take up to 6 hours. It sets up the battery gauge.
* Once fully charged, the Revo does not start charging again until it is disconnected from the adaptor and reconnected.
* A full charge gives typically 12 hours of continuous use. Switched off, the Revo uses about 1 % of its charge per day and keeps its data for up to 6 weeks. When the battery has run down there is enough left to keep the data for about 2 weeks.


== Variants and relatives ==
The charge controller finds its calibration point by detecting a thermal change in the cells at about 84 % of indicated capacity. Kevin Millican's charging notes advise against putting a Revo on charge above about 84 %, because the charger may then fail to drop to trickle charge; any level between 10 % and 80 % is fine.<ref name="millican" /> The cells are NiMH, and nothing else is recommended as a replacement.<ref name="wprevo" />


{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:70%; text-align:left;"
A small number of 8 MB Revos had battery packs whose cells were a loose fit and could shake loose, resetting the machine and losing all data. Psion's fix was to replace the undersize cells and glue the new ones in place.<ref name="millican" /> On older machines the battery connection cable can wear and develop a high resistance, which switches the machine off under heavy load even with the gauge above 50 %.<ref name="millican" />
|+'''The Revo family'''<ref name="wprevo" />
! Machine !! Difference
|-
| '''[[Psion Revo Plus]]''' || '''16 MB''' of RAM instead of 8 MB, a larger battery, and the loose-battery problem fixed
|-
| '''Diamond Mako''' || A [[Psion Revo Plus|Revo Plus]] rebadged by SONICblue for the United States and Canada
|-
| '''618C and 618S''' || Chinese-market Revos produced with Enfour, for traditional and simplified characters respectively
|-
| '''Conan''' || The unreleased successor. A third-generation PDA running '''EPOC Release 6''', intended to have '''Bluetooth and a backlight''' — although Bluetooth did not function in the development builds
|}


== The backlight that isn't ==
The replacement procedure, including the full recalibration charge afterwards, is on the [[Psion Revo Battery Replacement]] page.


The Revo has no backlight, and there is a persistent story that the wiring for one was left in place. Pads marked '''EL+''' and '''EL−''' do exist under black tape on the screen PCB — but a voltmeter across them shows '''no reading, AC or DC''', with the unit on or with the Fn + Space sequence that works on a Series 5.<ref name="r3uk" />
== Backlight pads ==


'''Fitting a backlight to a Revo has not been shown to work.'''
The Revo has no backlight. R3UK's David Savery, taking apart his Revo Plus, found pads marked EL+ and EL− under black tape on the screen PCB, but measured no voltage across them, AC or DC, with the machine on or after pressing Fn+Space, the Series 5 backlight key combination.<ref name="r3uk" />


== Linux ==
== Documentation ==


The '''OpenPsion''' project (formerly PsiLinux) ports Linux to the Revo, and '''Revol''' is an optimised version of OpenPsion specifically for it.<ref name="wprevo" />
* ''Psion Revo Handbook'', version 1.1, February 2000 ([[:File:Psion Revo Handbook (February 2000).pdf|PDF]]): Psion's user guide, with the charging instructions, care and safety, troubleshooting and reset procedures, and the specification.<ref name="revohb" />
* Psion published no service manual or schematic for the Revo.


== General maintenance ==
== General maintenance ==
{{Main|Psion Revo General Maintenance}}
{{Main|Psion Revo General Maintenance}}
Cleaning, charging practice and storage. See the [[Psion Revo General Maintenance]] guide.


== Troubleshooting ==
== Troubleshooting ==
{{Main|Psion Revo Troubleshooting Guide}}
{{Main|Psion Revo Troubleshooting Guide}}
Charging and battery faults, resets and other symptoms. See the [[Psion Revo Troubleshooting Guide]].


== Battery replacement ==
== Battery replacement ==
{{Main|Psion Revo Battery Replacement}}
{{Main|Psion Revo Battery Replacement}}


== See also ==
Opening the case under the nameplate and replacing the two AAA cells. See [[Psion Revo Battery Replacement]].
 
== Related pages ==


* [[Psion Revo Plus]] · [[Psion Series 5mx]] · [[Psion Series 5]]
* [[Psion Revo General Maintenance]]
* [[Psion Series 3mx]] — the SIBO machine the Revo replaced in the small-palmtop role
* [[Psion Revo Troubleshooting Guide]]
* '''[[Battery Refurbishment]]'''
* [[Psion Revo Battery Replacement]]
* [[Psion Revo Plus]]
* [[Psion Series 5mx]]
* [[Psion Series 5]]
* [[Battery Refurbishment]]


== References ==
== References ==


<references />
<references>
<ref name="revohb">Psion Computers PLC, ''Psion Revo Handbook'', version 1.1, February 2000, part no. 6070 0001 01: "Getting started" (pp. 14–18), "Care & safety" (pp. 196–198), "Troubleshooting" (pp. 200–203) and "Specification" (p. 206). Hosted on this wiki as [[:File:Psion Revo Handbook (February 2000).pdf]].</ref>
<ref name="wprevo">[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psion_Revo "Psion Revo"], Wikipedia.</ref>
<ref name="r3uk">David Savery, [https://www.r3uk.com/index.php/tech-tips/34-disassembly-guides/3-psion-revodiamond-mako-disassembly-and-battery-replacement "Psion Revo/Diamond Mako Disassembly & Battery Replacement"], R3UK, 9 August 2004.</ref>
<ref name="millican">Kevin Millican, [https://www.millican.info/oldsite/revobats.htm "Revo Battery Information"], 25 May 2003.</ref>
</references>


{{Navbox-Psion}}
{{Navbox-Psion}}


[[Category:Psion]]
[[Category:Psion]]

Revision as of 11:38, 30 September 2026

Psion Revo
A Psion Revo
Specifications
DeveloperPsion
ManufacturerPsion
TypeClamshell palmtop / PDA
ReleasedNovember 1999
Discontinued2003
CPUARM710T @ 36.864 MHz
Memory8 MB RAM; 8 MB ROM
StorageInternal RAM disk only; no memory card slot
Display480 × 160 greyscale LCD with reflective backing, touch-sensitive; no backlight
SoundLoudspeaker, ½ W 8 Ω
Power2 × internal AAA NiMH rechargeable cells (650 mAh); 6 V DC mains adaptor
Dimensions157 mm × 79 mm × 18 mm
Weight200 g
OS / FirmwareEPOC Release 5 (Symbian)
PredecessorPsion Series 5mx
SuccessorConan (prototype, never released)
Model no.Psion Revo Plus; Diamond Mako; Chinese-market 618C and 618S

The Psion Revo is a clamshell palmtop computer released by Psion in November 1999. It runs EPOC Release 5 on the same 36 MHz ARM710T processor as the Psion Series 5mx and runs the same software, in a case of 157 × 79 × 18 mm weighing 200 g, against the 5mx's 354 g.[1][2] Compared with the Series 5 and 5mx, the Revo has a smaller 480 × 160 screen, no memory card slot, no backlight, and two internal rechargeable NiMH cells in place of user-replaceable AA batteries.[1][2]

History

The Revo was launched in November 1999 with 8 MB of RAM, and was followed by the Psion Revo Plus with 16 MB and a larger battery. SONICblue sold the Revo Plus in the United States and Canada as the Diamond Mako, and Psion and Enfour made two Chinese-market versions, the 618C (traditional characters) and 618S (simplified characters).[1]

A successor, codenamed Conan, was close to completion when Psion left the consumer PDA market. It ran EPOC Release 6 and was to have Bluetooth and a backlight, although Bluetooth did not work in the development builds.[1]

The OpenPsion project (formerly PsiLinux) ports Linux to Psion machines including the Revo, and Revol is a version of OpenPsion optimised for the Revo.[1]

Specifications

Psion Revo specification[2]
Item Specification
Processor 32-bit ARM710T core, 36.864 MHz
ROM 8 MB (Psion's handbook gives 8 MB or 16 MB depending on model)
RAM 8 MB (16 MB on the Revo Plus)
Display 480 × 160 greyscale, reflective backing, 125 × 48 mm viewing area; touch-sensitive, with 9 program icons and 5 command icons beside the screen. No backlight.
Keyboard 53-key QWERTY
Sound Loudspeaker, ½ W, 8 Ω
Storage Internal RAM disk; no memory card slot
Communications RS-232-compatible serial link through the docking station, up to 115,200 baud; infrared
Batteries Two internal AAA NiMH rechargeable cells, 650 mAh
Mains adaptor 6 V DC ±10 %, 500 mA
Size and weight 157 × 79 × 18 mm, 200 g
Operating temperature +5 °C to +40 °C
Storage temperature −10 °C to +40 °C
Operating system EPOC Release 5

The Revo is software-compatible with the 5mx and has office and communications programs in ROM. Other programs are installed from a desktop computer through the docking station.[1]

Battery and charging

The Revo's two AAA NiMH cells are inside the case under the lid nameplate, not in a battery compartment. They are charged from Psion's 6 V mains adaptor, either through the docking station or through the power socket at the rear of the machine.[2][3]

Charging, as Psion describes it:[2]

  • The Revo fast-charges to 85 % in about 1½ hours from empty, with the red light below the Esc key lit, then trickle-charges with the red light off.
  • The first charge, and the first charge after a hard reset, should be a full one, which can take up to 6 hours. It sets up the battery gauge.
  • Once fully charged, the Revo does not start charging again until it is disconnected from the adaptor and reconnected.
  • A full charge gives typically 12 hours of continuous use. Switched off, the Revo uses about 1 % of its charge per day and keeps its data for up to 6 weeks. When the battery has run down there is enough left to keep the data for about 2 weeks.

The charge controller finds its calibration point by detecting a thermal change in the cells at about 84 % of indicated capacity. Kevin Millican's charging notes advise against putting a Revo on charge above about 84 %, because the charger may then fail to drop to trickle charge; any level between 10 % and 80 % is fine.[4] The cells are NiMH, and nothing else is recommended as a replacement.[1]

A small number of 8 MB Revos had battery packs whose cells were a loose fit and could shake loose, resetting the machine and losing all data. Psion's fix was to replace the undersize cells and glue the new ones in place.[4] On older machines the battery connection cable can wear and develop a high resistance, which switches the machine off under heavy load even with the gauge above 50 %.[4]

The replacement procedure, including the full recalibration charge afterwards, is on the Psion Revo Battery Replacement page.

Backlight pads

The Revo has no backlight. R3UK's David Savery, taking apart his Revo Plus, found pads marked EL+ and EL− under black tape on the screen PCB, but measured no voltage across them, AC or DC, with the machine on or after pressing Fn+Space, the Series 5 backlight key combination.[3]

Documentation

  • Psion Revo Handbook, version 1.1, February 2000 (PDF): Psion's user guide, with the charging instructions, care and safety, troubleshooting and reset procedures, and the specification.[2]
  • Psion published no service manual or schematic for the Revo.

General maintenance

Main article: Psion Revo General Maintenance

Cleaning, charging practice and storage. See the Psion Revo General Maintenance guide.

Troubleshooting

Main article: Psion Revo Troubleshooting Guide

Charging and battery faults, resets and other symptoms. See the Psion Revo Troubleshooting Guide.

Battery replacement

Main article: Psion Revo Battery Replacement

Opening the case under the nameplate and replacing the two AAA cells. See Psion Revo Battery Replacement.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 "Psion Revo", Wikipedia.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Psion Computers PLC, Psion Revo Handbook, version 1.1, February 2000, part no. 6070 0001 01: "Getting started" (pp. 14–18), "Care & safety" (pp. 196–198), "Troubleshooting" (pp. 200–203) and "Specification" (p. 206). Hosted on this wiki as File:Psion Revo Handbook (February 2000).pdf.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 David Savery, "Psion Revo/Diamond Mako Disassembly & Battery Replacement", R3UK, 9 August 2004.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Kevin Millican, "Revo Battery Information", 25 May 2003.


Retrieved from "https://wiki.retrotechcollection.com/index.php?title=Psion_Revo&oldid=15335"