> Batteries are hideously expensive and short-lived.
> I've also seen reports by people on this list who have rebuilt them with > new cells, with some success. check out http://www.wwc.edu/~frohro/520_Fixes/520_&_540.htm for the details of recelling the battery packs. I finally completed recelling my 2 packs a couple of days ago, all went pretty smoothly, using soldering paste, a small butane torch and a gas-soldering iron for the tight solders (where a 1000�C flame right on a battery wouldn't be appreciated). Putting the cases back together is a bit difficult, though you can squeeze them into the slots ok. Both my batteries are "seen" by the system and seem to be charging, though, as the above webpage states, it takes several recharge cycles before the pack holds its maximum charge... well, at least that's what's suppose to happen! Heres hoping... The cost for recelling isn't cheap - AU$144 (approx. US$100) for 16 Sanyo HR "A" cells rated at 2100mAh - plus associated costs for any tools you don't have - soldering iron, butane penciltorch, solder paste, a very sharp, stury knife, etc. - but given new packs will cost between US$125 and US$160 EACH there's money to be saved if you're feeling a little adventurous. Just remember that nothing will nuke the EMM circuit quicker than static electricity, and make sure the cells themselves don't short... i got a few rather neat sparks happening by accident and thankfully nothing died, but given how much juice those cells hold, you don't wanna push it! If you have any questions, feel free to ask me. Cheers, Ben. -- PowerBooks is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... Small Dog Electronics http://www.smalldog.com | Enter To Win A | -- Canon PowerShot Digital Cameras start at $299 | Free iBook! | Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> PowerBooks list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/powerbooks.shtml> --> AOL users, remove "mailto:"; Send list messages to: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive: <http://www.mail-archive.com/powerbooks%40mail.maclaunch.com/> Using a Mac? Free email & more at Applelinks! http://www.applelinks.com
