Noisy Laptop Warning [was ETD Heat Problem]

[Cy Shuster]

Many laptops have the ability to change the CPU speed based on conditions such as whether operating on battery or A/C.  Usually the highest setting is for A/C connection, which would generate most heat.  Perhaps charging the battery was taking power load away from the CPU, so once it finished, it could run full speed again.

Check Control Panel for various power management options you may have.  Slowing down the processor may prevent the fan from coming on, although I'm sure it affects TuneLab's ability to sample sounds and process them...  It may also be possible to replace the fan with a quieter one.

--Cy Shuster, TSO--
Rochester, MN

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "John W. Peterson" <johnwp49@bellsouth.net>
To: "Piano Tech" <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: June 06, 2002 10:51 AM
Subject: Noisy Laptop Warning [was ETD Heat Problem]


> List,
> 
> This issue of ETD heat problems reminds me of a problem I had with a
> certain model of laptop pc. I'd like to share this to help others
> avoid the problem, and expense.
> 
> I used my trusty Sight-O-Tuner for many years. It was finally time to
> upgrade. Being a computer-type person with a lot of experience using
> Dell products, I decided to try the familiar "Latitude" Cp-series
> laptop.
> 
> TuneLab Pro worked great.
> 
> The Laptop worked great..  ..on battery power.
> 
> The Dell "Latitude CP" laptop computers have the capability of using
> dual batteries. I couldn't afford the second battery yet, so I got
> into the habit of just plugging the laptop into an AC outlet. After
> about an hour, when the battery was once again fully charged, the
> cooling fan would come on.
> 
> Well, I do aural checks, and that litle miniature fan is so noisy that
> I couldn't hear properly! At first I thought I was just having a bad
> day, but the noise problem persisted at other tuning jobs. It only
> happens when the laptop is plugged in, when the battery reaches full
> charge.
> 
> This is not an isolated problem. I now recall the noisy fans, but the
> conditions in a 400,000 square foot manufacturing plant usually masked
> the problem! In our profession it is a real problem.
> 
> I have since switched to an older model IBM Thinkpad and all is quiet!
> 
> Regards,
> 
> John Peterson
> Raleigh, NC
> 
> Peterson Piano Service
> pianotuner@bellsouth.net
> 
> 
> 
>