TOPIC This article discusses proper methods for recharging PowerBook batteries. DISCUSSION
All PowerBook models do not use the same kind of battery; it's important to know which type of battery you're using in order to recharge it properly. It is also important to use the AC Adapter which came with your computer to ensure the maximum amount of power is available for charging and use. Using an alternative charger may extend charge times or cause damage to your PowerBook. If your PowerBook will not recharge the battery, first ensure the AC adapter is plugged into a working outlet. If you have another charger, try it to see if the charging status changes. If not, it is possible that the battery itself is damaged. An Apple Authorized Service Provider can perform additional diagnosis to determine if the battery, AC adapter, or PowerBook itself is causing the trouble. Apple uses four different types of batteries for PowerBook computers. To learn which type of battery is installed in your PowerBook, read TIL article 16168: "PowerBook: Battery, Recharger & AC Adapter Identification" Each type of battery requires a different recharging technique to ensure maximum battery life. Sealed Lead Acid Recharge sealed lead acid batteries whenever they become depleted and never fully discharge the battery. Lead acid batteries should always be kept fully charged. If a lead acid battery becomes fully discharged, it may experience sulfation. Sulfation occurs when the lead electrodes inside the battery convert to lead sulfate. This destroys the battery making it unable to hold a charge. Nickel Cadmium Recharge nickel cadmium batteries when they become depleted. Apple recommends fully discharging and recharging the battery approximately every 90 days. Nickel cadmium batteries are subject to an issue known as "memory effect." If a NiCad battery is only partially discharged then recharged many times, it will begin to "remember" the level it was discharged to and won't fully recharge. Here's an example: Let's assume your PowerBook battery has a normal capacity of 2.5 hours and you use your PowerBook for 1 hour a day, then recharge the battery overnight. After a period of time, approximately between 30-90 days, you'll discover that your battery now has a capacity of a little over an hour, instead of 2.5 hours. The only way to recover the battery's full capacity is to fully discharge it, then fully recharge it. Nickel Metal Hydride Recharge nickel metal hydride batteries when they become depleted. Fully discharge and recharge the battery approximately every 30 days. Nickel metal hydride batteries are also subject to "memory" and should be treated like nickel cadmium batteries. How to fully discharge NiCad and NiMH Batteries The best way to fully discharge NiCad or NiMH PowerBook batteries is to use your PowerBook normally, but to ignore the low-power messages that appear on the screen. Be sure, however, to save your work frequently. When the computer goes to sleep automatically, recharge the battery completely before using that battery again. Length of time to recharge Allow plenty of time to recharge a battery. It may take six to eight hours to completely charge a battery on some PowerBook models, longer if you're using the computer. When you use the power adapter to run the computer and recharge the battery simultaneously, the battery may not be completely recharged during your work session. It's a good idea to leave the adapter plugged in overnight occasionally to assure that the battery is fully charged. Here are some ways to recharge a fully depleted battery, from fastest to slowest: Lithium-ion Recharge Lithium-ion batteries when they become depleted. Although they are not subject to the memory effect, it is suggested that you let the battery drain fully before recharging. |
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| Document Information | |
| Product Area: | Computers |
| Category: | PowerBook |
| Sub Category: | General Topics |
| Keywords: | supt, kpbook |
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