BirdVoice TalkingPEN (1 Viewer)

[amelia1730]

Does anyone have one of these?

http://www.birdvoice.co.uk/

I have enjoyed using this since I bought it at the Bird Fair in 2007 although I must admit I haven't used it a lot. I love being able to use it in conjunction with my bird guide without using headphones. It's great. I am therefore, pretty fed up that the device has now failed. Every time I switch on, the display reads "TalkingPEN menu" and then "bye bye"! I have changed batteries twice but still nothing.

The memory card works fine on my PC when removed from the device and I can plug the PEN into my PC using the USB cable and get the files up. My gut feeling says try another set of batteries (3rd time lucky!) but just thought I'd ask you guys first. Any suggestions please.

Many thanks
Amelia

 

[javva]

Does anyone have one of these?

http://www.birdvoice.co.uk/

I have enjoyed using this since I bought it at the Bird Fair in 2007 although I must admit I haven't used it a lot. I love being able to use it in conjunction with my bird guide without using headphones. It's great. I am therefore, pretty fed up that the device has now failed. Every time I switch on, the display reads "TalkingPEN menu" and then "bye bye"! I have changed batteries twice but still nothing.

The memory card works fine on my PC when removed from the device and I can plug the PEN into my PC using the USB cable and get the files up. My gut feeling says try another set of batteries (3rd time lucky!) but just thought I'd ask you guys first. Any suggestions please.

Many thanks
Amelia

My first thought was low battery power.



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[amelia1730]

It runs on 2 AAA batteries. I put rechargeables (freshly charged) in when it first failed -didn't work - and then brand new disposable everyday Tesco alkalines - didn't work. Maybe the Tesco ones are rubbish? Worth trying better brand perhaps before I bin it. They never seem to last very long I must admit.
Thanks for reply.

 

[Geoff Brown]

I don't think the technology with "talking pen" is quite there yet. Mine devoured up a set of batteries every time I used it, and this was after they sent me a replacement pen. I soon gave the pen up as another of those 'seemed a good idea at the time' but ultimately was a pretty useless gadget.

 

[javva]

What a shame you’ve both got faults with your pens. My pens worked fine since I bought it which is strange for me as I usually get the ‘Friday afternoon production’ quality model with most things I buy. I’m lucky that way.

I’ve just looked at the batteries in my pen and at the moment there’s a couple of rechargeable 800mah AAA’s in place. They’ve got to have been there for a couple of months now at least!

The trading standards rule of ‘fit for purpose ‘seems to fit this situation of batteries running down whilst the pens switched off.

As I see it, if you don’t mind me saying, amelia1730s’ pen could probably be repaired if it’s not a battery problem, I think Geoff that they should dig through their box of bits and find you one that actually switches off.


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[amelia1730]

Since posting here I've had a reply from Birdvoice and a lovely lady named Kate is going to replace my pen! I'm so pleased. Although I don't use it on a regular basis, when I do, I enjoy using it with the stickers in my bird guide. It's great.

I tried yet another set of brand new Duracells, as requested by Kate in case I'd had duds but still no response - TalkingPEN didn't want to chat!

 

[javva]

Since posting here I've had a reply from Birdvoice and a lovely lady named Kate is going to replace my pen! I'm so pleased. Although I don't use it on a regular basis, when I do, I enjoy using it with the stickers in my bird guide. It's great.

I tried yet another set of brand new Duracells, as requested by Kate in case I'd had duds but still no response - TalkingPEN didn't want to chat!

I’m so pleased they’ve agreed to replace your pen. It’s a great aid to bird song/call identity.


.javva.

 

[amelia1730]

Just received my replacement pen this morning, so well done Birdvoice people - particularly Kate!

Not sure if it's a brand new one (it looks it) but just as long as it works I'm happy. I agree javva, it is a great aid. I've got a couple of MP3's with bird songs/calls on but wading through the sections to try and identify that elusive LBJ just by randomly listening to sound tracks is difficult. Using the stickers in my bird guide is much easier for me.

l

 

[amelia1730]

Oh dear Geoff has got me worried now! Just been using the replacement pen and unfortunately it is not working well at all. Wont load up properly or read some of the stickers. Totally cheesed off about the whole thing. Not a cheap item so I can't afford to 'write it off'. Wonder if they will replace the replacement?

 

[lmans66]

Birdvoice...sounds? How many are stored and is it region particular or?

 

[amelia1730]

Imanns66
There are around 270 sounds but they are British birds. Check out http://www.birdvoice.co.uk/html/bv_pen.html

I have now received the replacement for the replacement! It has had a re-design and is now bright purple, less sleek and a bit cheap looking BUT it works very well. The speaker is located at the top of the pen now and it starts up much quicker. The sound is very good and it is also much more robust. Perhaps, Geoff, that was part of the problem with the original design - it was too delicate and unable to take the knocks.

 

[Baron Birder]

You seem very unlucky. I have had mine since last August, its still working and on the original batteries!

 

[amelia1730]

I think I've just had a very unlucky week!

My iron died on me, my black & decker 'mouse' caught fire, my talking pen decided to stop talking and the handbrake failed on the car, rolled down the drive and smashed into the garage door, demolishing it and what was behind it inside the garage!!
Hopefully that's the lot for now..................