charging the Move

[StefanS59]

I'm somewhat disappointed how difficult it is to charge the Move.

Currently, I can ONLY charge it with its own external power supply - when plugged to Microsoft Surface Dock, the Surface Studio Laptop or the Arturia MiniFuse (all powered with their power supply) it always complains 'charger is insufficent'.

That's quite bad, because when I use Move in controller mode with Live, I have no way to charge it simultaneously.
I even tried an USB Hub with 'PD' and the Move power supply plugged in, that doesn't charge the thing either, but it produces a disturbing noise.

I find all this very weird, because I had no problems with using me Push 3 in controller mode with any of the other devices. I cannot imagine that Move draws so much power in controller mode.

What are your experiences?
Have you found a solution to charge the system while using it in controller mode?

I don't know if this is technically possible with the hardware we have, but I'd prefer to have a choice to either charge with full power (as it is now) or with a reduced power consumption with a prolonged charging time.
I hope Ableton will offer some kind of solution with an update.

[[jur]]

There's a dedicated KB article.
We also now offer a USB splitter cable specifically made for charging Move with its power supply while using it on Controller mode (it's out of stock atm, though).

[StefanS59]

Thank you for the hint with the KB article.

In the article, it just says that when the Laptop can deliver 7.5W, Move should 'charge slowly'.
My Surface Studio DOES deliver 7.5W (according to the system specs), nevertheless Move is continuously discharged, even when in controller mode.

Is my Move faulty?
What else can I do?

[[jur]]

Is my Move faulty?

I highly doubt it. And while annoying, this is expected.
The "Charging slowly" mode doesn't charge enough when you're controlling Live. It's fine if Move is turned off, just charging (slowly...).

The thing is: USB hubs specs, even some with PD, are often too cryptic or incorrect/false and it's hard to trust what's written on paper. I even have one with which Move can sometimes charge... and sometimes not, at random. It's not a faulty Move, it's been the case with every unit I had.
Just like you, I've seen different results between Push and Move using the same hub, go figure.
There's rationals behind this, and it's detailed in the KB article, but personally that's not something my brain easily remembers and can make sense of. I've found a solution with my setup by trial and errors.

But here's the options:
You need a hub with a proper power supply. A good solid powered hub that costs a bit of money.
Or to charge Move with its power supply while not using it.
Or grab the USB splitter when it'll be back in stock.

[StefanS59]

Thank you for the detailed response!

I guess I will go for the splitter-cable option.
Any idea, when it will be back in stock and how much it will cost?

[[jur]]

No idea, but I'm confident it'll be back in stock shortly.

[dertodesking]

Same situation for me here. I've been spending most of my time with the Move troubleshooting the power situation. I've already spent some money on High wattage adapters and cables to take fully advantage of the USB ports on my PC. My powered USB hub doesn't meet the requirements for the Move either.

Needless to say, although I really enjoy the size and feel of the Move this is a distraction that could've been avoided if the splitter was included with the Move. In the end it makes for a disappointing initial experience to have such a simple issue taking away from discovering and enjoying the device.

It might just be a personal hang up but, having to keep track of the remaining battery on a controller is pretty distracting to me.

I've emailed Ableton. We'll see what they say if they have an idea on the availability for the splitter.

[StefanS59]

Couldn't agree more!

[KF6GPE]

FWIW -- and I'm not contradicting anyone here -- I've had good luck charging using a MacBook USB-C charger. It's probably one of the ridiculously high power ones, but it's plugged into the floor by the couch, and I just plug in my MacBook or my Move once in a while to top them up.

YMMV.

[dertodesking]

FWIW -- and I'm not contradicting anyone here -- I've had good luck charging using a MacBook USB-C charger. It's probably one of the ridiculously high power ones, but it's plugged into the floor by the couch, and I just plug in my MacBook or my Move once in a while to top them up.

YMMV.

Yeah, I think it's totally doable to work with the power supply provided with the Move. The idea of "topping off" the Move once in a while is inevitably the only way to work right now in controller mode if your computer or hub doesn't provide enough juice to keep the move at full charge. This means taking breaks while in the creative flow and also, compromising the longevity of Move's battery (which Ableton hasn't provided info on if it's a proprietary design or if there will be easily available replacements for it)

The thing I'm pointing out is, it would be preferable for me not to have to think of the battery when I'm using the Move as a controller.

I think including the splitter and adding it to the total cost of the unit would just make the initial experience fool proof and headache free leaving the users to enjoy the product fully from the get go.

Its not a huge deal, just an annoyances. Ableton really wants this to be a groove box first but, as we can see, some of us see the potential for Move as being a great little controller for Ableton when the Push can be a bit too bulky for certain set ups.

[shinjo]

The fact the splitter cable is not included with purchase is insane. I get its only 15$, but it still is rubbing me the wrong way.

[[jur]]

The fact the splitter cable is not included with purchase is insane. I get its only 15$, but it still is rubbing me the wrong way.

Sorry for the hassle, the goal is to limit waste. The splitter would be useless to many users, so we decided to offer it as a separate product.