> Thanks for the tips so far... but one thing still bugs me:
> Any idea why both my Type IIIs trash the system? The PRAM is good (the
> whole thing is refurbished & in decent shape). I can't spend the $50 -
> $90 on a new battery (poor student syndrome :\ ).
>
> A dead battery wouldn't charge, right? (like the type II) it wouldn't
> kill the Duo.. right?
>
I think we use the term "dead" too loosely, much like the terms "fried"
and "toast". In the case of primary batteries (non-rechargeable) dead
normally means depleted. In the case of rechargeable batteries dead may
mean depleted or it may mean it is worn out, i.e. cannot be recharged
any more.
In the last case, the battery can be worn out in two different ways generally.
1) it may appear as a short circuit (or at least a very low resistance)
2) it may appear as an open circuit (or at least a very high resistance)
In the later, it may even charge to a normal or near normal voltage, but
exhibit a very small capacity. It may not be able to deliver current
quickly enough and/or enough of it.
If you have the equipment, you might try a brief charge of the type II
or III batteries by connecting the Pos + terminal and the Neg - terminal
to the respective + and - terminals of some 12 volt DC source, such as a
wall wart type power supply or even your car battery. If you do the car
battery, make the connection quickly and briefly, i.e. a second or so.
Do this a few times, and you might burn off some dendrites that have
accumulated in the cells causing a problem. I have done this to
batteries that the computer can't charge. One was a brand new battery
for a PB-145b. It had been in the sealed box, but for many years. The
computer would crash (quit) every time the battery was inserted. It
would not even boot if the battery was already in it. A couple zaps to
the + and - terminals with a 15 volt high current power supply and it
was cured. Still works great and will run my 145b for slightly over 6
hours, in the event of a power failure, (screen backlight off) acting as
my programmable, multiple setting, always on (24/7), running on RamDisk,
alarm clock, with voice announcements as the alarm. Boy, did I get
sidetracked or what!
Greg
----------
Duo/2400 List, The friendliest place on the Net!
A listserv for users and fans of Mac subportables.
FAQ at <http://www.themacintoshguy.com/lists/DuoListFAQ.shtml>
Be sure to visit Mac2400! <http://www.sineware.com/mac2400>
To unsubscribe, E-mail to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Need help from a real person? Try. <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
----------
Dr. Bott | 10/100 Ethernet for your 2400 is finally here!
MPC-100 | <http://www.drbott.com/prod/mpc100.html>
RoadTools $30 PodiumPad available at Apple retail stores, $20 Traveler
CoolPad at Staples. Both in white for iBooks at <http://roadtools.com>
Midwest Mac Parts ][ <http://www.midwestmac.com>
After-market parts for Macs. ][ 888-356-1104 ][
MacResQ Specials: LaCie SCSI CDR From $99! PowerBook 3400/200 Only $879!
Norton AntiVirus 6 Only $19! We Stock PARTS! <http://www.macresq.com>
