gf sciacca wrote: > > having learned some possible tricks (thanks to the listers expertise!), > I've decided to give it a shot and try to revive my 520 battery. The > battery has not been used for several years, so I assume that chances to > bring it back to like are pretty slim? It was fully functional, however, > before being shelved. I also assume that it's pretty deeply discharged for > IBR to revive it. Here's how far I got (not much, in fact) alternating > IBR and EMMpathy for more than 20 times: > > IBR goes to "extended precharging" for less than 1 minute, then flashes > the message "waiting on communication" and instantly a dialog box appears > saying that "the battery could not be updated, return it to apple". Tried > about 10 times before switching to EMMpathy, I've seen differences only > between the first and the remaining iterations. > > EMMpathy says "writing smartbattery's memory got ~30 sec, then a dialog > box pops up: "I can't locate a battery in the right slot" > > I've also followed the various recommendations in the help files. After > re-booting, EMMpathy goes directly to the "can't locate battery" box and > IBR does even start the extended re-charging and comes up with the "The > battery could not be updated" box. > > Any other steps I could take before declaring the battery dead? It might > be worth trying to recharge with battery charger, I have one around which > can supply the juice. How to connect it though (safely, that is) > > thanks for any possible hints. > cheers, gianfranco
Hello Gianfranco: You have the right idea. You can attach any standard small battery cell charger (but _not_ an automobile type) from 5V-16V and 150 milliamps-1 amp. I give these specifications because I have used them. If you use a weaker battery charger, expect the charge time to be approximately a day. If you use a stronger charger, be careful! Check for overheating and be aware of a possible explosion or rupture of the battery (which is actually always possible, just not likely under standard charge conditions). Before you try to charge the battery, check the charge on the (+) and (-) contacts, they are marked on the battery, using a standard voltmeter or multimeter (checks volts, amps, ohms, etc.). If the charge is over 4.5V, then you likely have a dead microprocessor and will have to replace that also. If the charge is less then about 4.5V, then you can try charging from you battery charger. I have connected my battery to my charger using two sewing needles bent at about 10 degrees, about 7 mm from the sharp end of the needle. I insert the needle into the battery between the contacts [either (+) or (-)] and the surrounding plastic. Take care to notice which part of the plastic is stronger because it will bend and crack off if you are too rough with it. Insert one needle between the (+) contact and the surrounding plastic and the second needle between the (-) contact and the surrounding plastic. Use two wires with alligator clips at both ends to connect the needles to the appropriate contacts on the battery charger, [(+) on battery to (+) on battery charger, etc.] Check for the battery becoming too hot. Check the charge about once an hour. If the charge will get to about 5V then the charging circuitry of the PowerBook will recognize the battery, as long as the microprocessor is working. If the battery charge will not rise to 5V, it has dead cells and needs to be rebuilt, given to someone who will rebuild it, or recycled. Sincerely yours, Grizzlygiant -- 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
