BATTERIES

[Onsfafari]

Today I was so excited for my MIDI to come with the energy pack. I am just starting my Festool collection. I fully charged both batteries (both had 3 green lights when completed the charging) and then signed into the app on my phone to register the batteries. I had to add each separately as there is software updates to install. All went well for the first one, but the second one had an error, and now every time I push the green button the blue lights blinks for quite awhile until it stops. The battery will now not even charge and the charger light is red. I never expected to get a battery like this from a company that has such expensive tools. Customer service will be sending me another battery but I can't work this weekend like I had planned. Anyone else have this experience? Was this just an anomaly?

 

[ghhsolutions]

I had exactly the same problem. Festool replaced the bricked battery. I won't be updating any batteries once they are out of warranty.

 

[Onsfafari]

Do you think that was the issue? When I did the update it ruined the battery?

 

[ghhsolutions]

Do you think that was the issue? When I did the update it ruined the battery?

Yes.

 

[Onsfafari]

Good to know. I won't be updating either. Such good information. Were you ever able to revive the old battery or should I dispose of it?

 

[ghhsolutions]

I had to send mine back to Festool. They sent me a new one back. This tells me that even they couldn't repair it. On this basis I suspect the one you have will never work.

 

[Onsfafari]

Interesting. They did not require me to return the battery, which tells me this is happening so much they don't want the bricked battery back. As long as the bluetooth works for the life of the battery I am good with not doing any updates. When I went to register the tool it automatically did the update and I didn't have a choice. However, maybe when I get a return e-mail they will require me to return it. I certainly hope I don't have to pay shipping.

 

[ghhsolutions]

I'm in the UK. Festool arranged collection of the old battery and sending the new one, all under the 3 year warranty.

I suspect that not upgrading firmware won't make much difference for normal use.

 

[jeh]

I'll speculate...they do not repair and return batteries. Easier to send a new one and there could be some assumed liability with working on and returning a battery. I have not seen an easy to open without damaging battery case for a tool yet.

 

[gharel2]

Had the sam experience on two batteries, they immediately replaced them.

Kinda hoping the "dead" batteries can be recovered somehow. My phone still sees them as a bluetooth device, but the app doesn't connect.

 

[woodbutcherbower]

Phone apps, software updates, Bluetooth, firmware and so on, resulting in an unusable tool.  Call me an old stick-in-the-mud, but the quest to incorporate tech into seemingly everything often makes me think that we’re hugely overcomplicating the simplest of tasks - in this case, turning on a vacuum motor and making it run. Anyone else feel this way?

 

[timwors]

I’m with you there. So many things have become over complicated, and for little gain!

It does make me worry that when things are a bit older they stop working due to some future unknown software incompatibility, which either renders the tool useless or requires a costly repair or replacement.

 

[bobtskutter]

Is stuff getting over complicated?  YES.
People seem to the think that adding features makes a product better.

I like the IT joke..."If it's not broke, it's not got enough features"

Bob

 

[AstroKeith]

Advanced lithium batteries do need an internal intelligent controller, which undoubtedly means a processor running firmware.

The addition of the firmware updater is more problematic. If they didnt, then they run the risk of future products, knowledge or legislation limiting the utility of the battery. If they do, then they have to get it right.

The updater should be designed to be tolerant of 99.99% of problems. Looks like they fouled up. This will be costing them dearly and hopefully learning a lesson.

 

[gharel2]

I just want to point out that the app and the updating is optional and that Festool has responded super fast to everyone in this thread. If you don't want to touch the bluetooth you don't have to. But I'd argue the features it offers for tool customization and extras can be nice for people who want it.

 

[xedos]

Phone apps, software updates, Bluetooth, firmware and so on, resulting in an unusable tool.  Call me an old stick-in-the-mud, but the quest to incorporate tech into seemingly everything often makes me think that we’re hugely overcomplicating the simplest of tasks - in this case, turning on a vacuum motor and making it run. Anyone else feel this way?

Me, me , me, me..........................

and Festool has NEVER been on the forefront of battery tools or technology. 

Plus , despite what they say - I don't think they beta test their new stuff out in the real world.

 

[six-point socket II]

Phone apps, software updates, Bluetooth, firmware and so on, resulting in an unusable tool.  Call me an old stick-in-the-mud, but the quest to incorporate tech into seemingly everything often makes me think that we’re hugely overcomplicating the simplest of tasks - in this case, turning on a vacuum motor and making it run. Anyone else feel this way?

Absolutely!

I don't mind the tech stuff as additional features, but:

Everything must work standalone without app/phone/pad (...)

Battery or tool bricked/dead/unusable because of "failed updates" is a complete no go. If a manufacturer choses to go this way with their batteries and tools, they better include a way to reset battery/tool - so its at least usable again. If they can't or won't, they should stay away from enduser firmware updates ...

That said, when everything runs, it's great.  [big grin] I don't think I have ever done anything but pairing the batteries/tools with my phone after purchase and then never used the app/functionality again. Everything works, so why would I. Can't even remember when I last opened the Festool app. ...

And thinking of a couple of past experiences with Apple updates. ... I try to keep all of this "updating" to the absolute minimum and never before some time passed and failures are known/fixed.

Just my two cents. YMMV.

Kind regards,
Oliver

 

[Crazyraceguy]

I might be missing out on something.....but I don't even have the app

 

[Bencan]

I might be missing out on something.....but I don't even have the app

Ya same here. Reading about software updates for batteries is pretty bizarre

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Onsfafari]

I only used the app on my Android to register the batteries, however sure I needed to register them at all since proof of purchase likely would be enough for 3 years. However, would the bluetooth feature work without the software update. I don't know. I am new to Festool.