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How does the USB-C power connection, including battery charging circuitry, work with hörbert?

How does hörbert’s USB-C power connection work? Learn how hörbert operates with both mains power and rechargeable batteries, how the charging system functions, and which accessories are required. Includes practical tips on usage and charging!

1 = On/Off switch and volume control, 2 = Playlist buttons, 3 = Microphone opening, 4 = Fast-forward button, 5 = Rewind button, 6 = USB-C port, 7 = SET, button, 8 = SD card in the card holder, 9 = Battery compartment, 10 = Power supply components, 11 = Battery clips

The correct operation via hörbert’s USB port requires the Butterfly firmware. This firmware must be running on your hörbert for everything to work properly. If you send your hörbert to us for a USB upgrade, we will always perform the firmware update at the same time. If you have ordered a USB-C upgrade DIY kit and want to install it yourself, please make sure to update your hörbert’s firmware first. Firmware Update for hörbert

A hörbert with a USB-C port (6) can be operated either via a USB-C cable with a USB power adapter plugged into a socket or mobile using 4 x AA rechargeable batteries (NiMH 1.2 V) when inserted into the separate battery compartment (9).

In a hörbert with a USB-C port, the metallic battery clips on the mainboard (11) remain empty.

Only rechargeable batteries may be used in the separate black battery compartment (9), which is attached to the side of the hörbert next to the speaker with a Velcro fastener! Do not use disposable batteries under any circumstances!

The batteries are automatically charged as soon as hörbert is plugged into a power socket. This means you no longer need to remove the batteries for charging. To insert 4 x AA rechargeable batteries, you can detach the black battery compartment from the Velcro strip and reattach it afterward. When reinserting it, make sure the back panel can still close properly.

Note: If you have removed the batteries from the battery compartment, for example, to perform a cold start, always wait 30 seconds before inserting new batteries to allow any residual voltage to dissipate.

Battery compartment with rechargeable batteries – only use NiMH batteries (AA, 1.2 V) here!
Backside with Velcro strip of the removed battery compartment

When the batteries are charging, an orange LED on the small power supply board (10, right arrow) blinks.

Orange LED on the power supply board of hörbert

When the batteries are fully charged, the LED turns off. If the batteries are already full, the LED blinks briefly and then turns off immediately.
If no batteries are inserted in the battery compartment (9) but hörbert is connected to mains power via the USB port, the LED remains continuously orange.

If, for some reason, it is necessary to operate hörbert with disposable batteries, it is possible to unplug the connector (10, left arrow), which is inserted into the lower battery slot on the mainboard for mains operation and prevents the insertion of batteries. This connector can be stored inside hörbert. Carefully pull the connector upwards—it requires a bit of force. After removing it, you can insert 4 disposable batteries into the metallic battery clips (11).

Important note for customers who retrofit the USB-C port with our USB-C Upgrade Kit themselves:

Please make sure that the grey ribbon cable is plugged in the right way round so that the cable runs downwards when viewed from the open hörbert. See photo on the right.

Scope of Delivery for a hörbert with USB-C Port

Included:

  • 1 x hörbert with a USB-C port according to selection.
  • 1 x Free memory card according to selection.

Not included in the delivery:

  • Batteries
  • Rechargeable batteries
  • USB power adapter
  • USB-C charging cable

Suitable rechargeable batteries, with or without a charger, can be optionally ordered from our shop or purchased from other retailers:

hörbert requires 4 x NiMH rechargeable batteries (1.2V AA/HR6).

USB Power Adapter and USB-C Cable

There are no restrictions on the USB power adapter. A low-wattage adapter is sufficient—5 watts is already more than enough.

Tip for a power adapter (no guarantee for the validity of the link, as it is from a third-party supplier):
https://www.reichelt.de/usb-ladegeraet-5-12-v-3-a-gc-pca-w003w-p319063.html

This power adapter supports USB-C cables with:

  • USB-C to USB-C connector
  • USB-A (the older, larger connector) to USB-C connector

Tip for a USB-C cable (no guarantee for the validity of the link, as it is from a third-party supplier):
https://www.reichelt.de/usb-3-0-kabel-a-stecker-auf-c-stecker-gewinkelt-2-m-efb-usbcusbc5ga2-p330185.html

* Prices including 19% VAT