i read something FM3 wrote over on facebook about the batteries- they claim that AA batteries are different sizes in different countries, but that the glass machines have been tested with all the sizes. they said that it might be difficult to get the batteries in for some countries, but that you shouldn’t be afraid to break the machine, the batteries will fit and it will be fine. of course what happens in real life is another matter, but when mine arrive i will cram the batteries in no matter what!!!

i’m dying to see some video of them in action. i don’t get home for another 2 weeks and will spend that time scouring the net for some demos…

Hey all! Christiaan from FM3 here. Hope everyone receives their glass buddhas soon and please do drop me a direct email if you have any issues, ideas for improvements, comments, etc! I’m always available. Regarding batteries, it seems some brands can be a tight fit in some units. But it appears to be very random. In my units Ikea, Duracell and other battery brands are all inserting smoothly. So give yourself a bit of time if the batteries don’t fit in first go. Might be a more tight fit than expected, but you wont damage the machine if you use a bit of effort. We inserted and removed batteries in each unit at the factory for quality testing. So for most of you this won’t be an issue and you’ll be enjoying the Glass works asap! Again, feel free to contact me at any time. You can reach me directly at fm3buddhamachine@gmail.com.

6 Likes

So cool to see you here, @Christiaan. Very much looking forward to the Glass Buddha.

1 Like

From the Palm Sounds website

2 Likes

Thanks everyone. And big thanks to @Christiaan for taking the time, nice to hear straight from the source.
Well after a good 30 minutes of forcing I got the batteries in at last and it played. I then had a good few hours of listening, its quite hypnotic. The thing I like about the buddha machine concpet it is the disciplined listening, you need to take the time to let the loops play and play. Today I think I will start having a go at sampling and layering the sounds and keen to see where I can take this. I’ll share the results if its promising…

Thanks again all x

Got my Philip Glass Buddha Machine. AA batteries won’t fit. Tried Duracell, Panasonic, Energizer. After much forcing and sore fingers I squeezed a pair of Sony awkwardly in. Surprised I didn’t break the machine - it’s very sturdy. Machine worked but I could not put the back cover over the battery compartment because the batteries were so tight it caused a small bulge in the machine. Tricky getting those batteries back out too. BUT - the battery compartment is so tight that it works with AAA bateries!!!

2 Likes

hey all! first, apologies for your hassles ! i am very happy to hear most people are having no issues and those who find batteries a tight fit eventually get them in with a bit of extra effort and determination.

also, thanks for all of you taking the time to engineer small “hacks” to help solve this issue. For some, AAA fit very easily and work just fine. Others have found that a 2-brand solution works well, using batteries from 2 different brands. I’ve learned that Duracell batteries have a small 1.3mm tolerance variation and it seems the Ultra, Max, etc types are all just slightly longer than the standard ones i get in Asia. This 1mm really makes the difference between a smooth insertion, and a bit of unexpected effort.

One gentleman used pliers to press and “flatten” the positive contact in the upper right corner of the battery well. By flattening this just a bit, he found that even Duracell Ultra fit easily and smoothly.

again, apologies for this extra hassle. thanks for your patience and understanding. i hope you get plenty of enjoyment out the new machine!

1 Like

For those of us in the States, might anyone recommend a particular battery (brand/model) to use?

1 Like

Mine arrived today from Boomkat in the UK - I pre-ordered mine out of an abundance of enthusiasm.

UPDATE AFTER CHRISTIAAN’S MESSAGE:

I tried three different brands of AA batteries (Rayovac, Everready, and a Kirkland brand battery) and none of them fit smoothly and even when I managed to squeeze a pair in, the back lid would not shut without pushing on it. Ultimately, it does shut.

After following Christiaan’s instructions, the machine turned on. Long push to turn on. . .long push to turn off. Flick up and down on the wheel to change stations.

I suspect there is no volume control on this one, which complicates using it in concert with the previous generations of Buddha Machine, but thankfully that was not my use case.

I’ve wrapped it up and will give it to my wife tonight.

Phew.

1 Like

IKEA batteries are standard world-wide and work well. I use these. Duracell work in china, but some in UK have found them a tight fit, however, others in UK say Duracell are no problem. and ive just learned that duracell AAA work well for a very easy fit! Everready Eco are working well in UK. Any type of simple Alkaline battery will work, but avoid those Max, Ultra, these kinds which tend to be a slightly larger and longer than standard. Im collecting a list of batteries that fit and will post soon. But actually im finding that all batteries do in fact fit, and some people are worried that even a small amount of pressure will damage the machine. Dont worry about this. the plastic is strong and can handle a bit of effort. Take your time on first install and you will find that most any battery you have will in fact fit. that has been my experience and also the experience of many others who havent had this issue…

1 Like

Just got a notice that my order was out of stock. Any still available?

To add my experience, I’m in the UK, and I’ve tried various kinds of AA battery - some the same, and also mixing brands, as suggested - and none of them fit. You can try and force them, but it results in the main casing bulging outwards (and would surely crack in time), and the back cover not fitting on. AAAs do make it work, but you have to pack the battery compartment with something to stop them slipping out of the terminals. I’ve managed to make the volume turn up and down, but it took a bit of fiddling about, and had I not read how to do it here, it would already be in a jiffy bag and going straight back to Boomkat.

Basically, it’s no good at all and a real disappointment, particularly as I’d bought one for a friend’s birthday (no need for my life story, I know, but that aspect has pissed me off a fair bit). Christiaan, as far as offering all this advice on which battery brands to try, I’d perhaps be more seriously considering recalling them if this is a widespread issue. And offering refunds. Countless other products manage to get batteries to fit. I’d argue it’s a bit more serious than issuing a list of the types of batteries which work. Unless my unit is an anomaly, of course. but it doesn’t sound like it.

What’s up with the apparent gaslighting? People say the batteries don’t fit. Why on earth would anybody make that up?

2 Likes

Some additional info - I bought two, one for me, one as a present for a friend. I’ve just got the second one out of its packaging this morning, and tried the batteries in that. If anything, it’s worse! The battery won’t go in at all.

So that’s two for two. Both are going to be returned. What a shame.

1 Like

Perhaps you haven’t got the joke- this is an electronic up date on the sound of one hand clapping.

1 Like

Just got mine. Red one. Can’t get IKEA batteries to fit. AAAs work but slip around. Rechargeable AAAs don’t work. Manufacturing error? Looks like it.

1 Like

@Christiaan i made your account a normal user as to not be limited. please do not create duplicate accounts. if you have trouble, contact admin

2 Likes

FWIW I contacted Boomkat about a return and they sent me this:

Thanks for the mail. I’ve spoken to the distributor about this and they’ve sent over the following information -

FM3 have issued this statement –

Buddha Machine
· 2 February at 09:58 ·
The Philip Glass Buddha Machine is now arriving at stores around the world! Those of you who pre-ordered are likely to receive your units in the next day or two. Please take time to read the simple operation instructions on the packing - i’ve already had a few people ask me how to turn it on! The toggle switch is now the on/off button - simply press in and the music starts! Also, batteries in different countries have slight size differences. Most of you will have no issues, b…ut some might find it takes a bit of extra effort to insert the batteries. Rest asssured, your AA batteries will fit and you won’t damage the machine as you press them into place. AA batteries have been inserted and removed in every unit during factory testing, so we know that each unit is working correctly. Take it slow and try a few different methods of inserting the batteries. Use the battery cover to help them settle into place. Then turn on the unit and enjoy the beautiful Glass loops!

Would you be able to try some different batteries in the Buddha Machine and let me know how you get on?

As I was able to jam a pair of batteries in and get it to work, I responded to that effect. My sense is that if others are unable to jam a pair of batteries in, they should send their units back.

1 Like

The AA standard does appear to allow for about 1.3mm variance in length and 1mm variance in diameter.

Got mine yesterday. Can confirm duracell AA reds fit, but bow the box enclosure.

I ended up with duracell AAA reds, seem to do the trick.

Nice sounds!