Thinkpads Forum

Hi, I'm intrested in getting an old Thinkpad with built in CDROM/FDD to play with. If given the machine type/model (2635-3AJ), would it be possible to tell DSTN apart from TFT? In some old TPs the DSTN would have a brightness and contrast slider but the TFT would only have the brightness (like my TP 560) but it seems the 380D has only 1 slider for both, so I cannot tell them apart. DSTN LCDs do wonders for your eyesight. (My opinion)

Thanks.

You can check the specbooks (downloadable in PDF format from IBM; check the FAQ) which will give you more details on every machine and model number than you'd ever imagine wanting to know what to do with.

Item #1 in the FAQ.

I've looked up (and confirmed) that the LCD is indeed a TFT instead of a DSTN. Thanks to both who helped.

P.S. Where do I get the backup battery for the TP? The seller says the TP is popping up 161/163 errors (dead backup batt. and time/date not set). I tried many kinds of watch batteries in my 560 but it just won't fit in... The TP 560 and 380 uses the same kind of backup battery.

Frosty,

(Folks, this is not intended to enlist arguments, but as a "works for me situation")
What I do (When faced with similar circumstances as described), is perform a temporary recharge on the Lithium (primary) cell as follows:
a) It is convenient to have a voltmeter, but not absolutely necessary.
b) Remove the battery to prepare it for a recharge
c) Obtain a 6 volt lantern battry or equivelent power supply
d) Place the TP's cell + to the battery terminal + (Hold with fingers)
e) Use a wire (paper clip) to complete the - to - connection
f) Hold the connection for about 3 to 5 minutes, Stop Immediately if the cell starts to feel warmer (Thats why you hold cell, rather than make mechanical connections-- place warm cell on ice cube)
g) Measure the lithium cell voltage, it may have a surface charge value near 3.8 volts, use the wire to touch + to - of the cell for 0.5 to 1 second to kill the "surface charge" value
h) Remeasure, cell should show near 3.2 volts, and can be reinstalled
i) If voltage is higher let cell sit for about an hour (or if voltmeter is not available let cell sit for an hour, then pinch cell thumb to forefinger for a few minutes before the reinstall, the lower electrical resistance of your body will drain off any remaining "surface charge")

It has been my experience that this procedure of recharge can last months, and is repeatable. "Your milage may vary depending on cell manufacturer and of course at your own risk."

Regards,
je