Disassembling T4x battery... anyone try it?

[makai]

Well, I decided to start another battery topic.

I used to own a couple of Compaq M700s quite a few years ago (very finicky laptop!). Turns out that that machine had battery problems all it's own. However, the outcome of such problems lead people to start tearing into the battery and "resetting" it. I was even successful in doing a few resets myself with those particular batteries. After the reset, the batteries took a better charge and lasted quite a bit longer than they did before the reset.

I was wondering if anyone has ever taken a 6 or 9 cell battery apart to either reload it or mess with the electronics?

I guess what I'm thinking is that perhaps the cells can be changed out with... well,...newer T60 cells... or something like that. It's a long shot, but I'm willing to try it one of these days rather than start buying cheap imitations. I mean, heck, it can't be that hard to do... unless the batteries are potted!

Anyone?

[schmaud]

Hi,

While dissassembling and replacing of individual cells works fine with NiMH akkus, I woudl STRONGLY advice aginst it with Li-Akkus.
Reason:
- Li-akkus are ayw more sensitive. Deep discharge will kill them, when strongly overcharging... well just read up on Lithium chemistry. ... if they catch fiere DO NOT ad water or it gets worse...
- most modern Li- Akkus ( e.g. T42 series) have electronics monitoring the Akku state... It woudl be quite a task to reverse ingeneer them
- after market batteries are dirt cheap

good luck

r.

[Nick Y]

Try 'LI-ON replacements. *PIC*'
in
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... ht=battery

It is to do with a T21, but discussion may help you.

Also for T6o battery: 'Disassemble T60 Battery for modification.'
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... ht=battery

[makai]

Thanks for the links! Too bad there are no photos of a disassembled battery pack. The Compaqs are not potted, so it was easy to disassemble and mess with.

All in all, Li batteries are no different than Nimh when working with them. Solder tabs work well to minimize heat. I've replaced my Milwakee cordless batteries (Nimh) a number of times. Heck, I even did a cordless shaver! I'm an engineer, so messing with this kind of stuff intrigues me.

Hmmm... all of this was "just a thought", so perhaps one of these days I'll purchase a dead 9-cell off ebay and experiment!

Thanks for the comments!

Aloha!

[Nick Y]

>>Too bad there are no photos of a disassembled battery pack.

PM the authors? Perhaps they have taken photos...

[makai]

PM the authors? Perhaps they have taken photos...

Good idea! Done!

[joester]

I don't have pics of the process, but I did end up with a bit of a hack job until I figured out how the batteries come apart.
I'm going to open it up again soon to see about resetting the electronics, and I'll do pictures when I do it.

Be advised: the case took a beating, but is still functional.

Joe

[makai]

Thanks joester... look forward to seeing the photos!