Jay writes -
Here's a step by step tutorial on how to "refill" laptop batteries by replacing the Li-Ion cells. By purchasing higher capacity cells than your laptop uses normally, you can super-charge your battery life!
Jay's Technical Talk » Refilling laptop batteries! - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Mar 1, 2007 03:41 PM
Computers, DIY Projects |
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Oh my... Cue the "OMG LI-ION BATTERIES!!! UR GOING 2 ASPLODE UR LAPTOP!!!111" fear-mongering posts in 3... 2... 1...
Seriously though, this is something you want to research a bit before purchasing cells. Make sure the cells you purchase can handle the discharge rate of the device, and have similar recharge characteristics to the existing cells. Also, remember to never, EVER solder directly on a cell, and if you must, use as little heat and as short a contact period as possible, lest you be known as "stumpy" for the rest of your life.
That said, if this works, more power to you! (Pun quite fully intended)
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@Dirkus: The risks of lithium-ion batteries asploding is very real. They are incredibly volatile. You can buy special fire-proof bags to place li-ion battery packs in while charging to keep them from burning your house down in case of a melt down.
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I did this a few weeks ago, sorta , i ripped apart my high capacity sony tr2a's li battery and found similar cells, found them online for around $4-6 each, mine takes 9 cells, i prised the case apart damaging some of the tabs in the process, and found they're tightly packed, caused a quick short with a screwdriver as the batteries are about 1mm apart.
as i was looking for the cells, i found a place listing the battery for $60, so i bought it, the cells would have cost about as much, the original oem battery is between 200-300, there is a place i saw a while ago that'll do this for you, you send them your old battery they refill it and either send it or an equivalent back.
but basically with shipping and the prices of the cells, i'd have been worse off refilling it, the capacity of the replacement battery is the same as the oem.
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Fear mongering? Please, let me be the first to say OMG! Don't do this! At least I'll get credit for being the adult in the room.
This is a very bad make and should probably be removed from the archives because it fails to properly disclaim the true risks involved.
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this is the place that'll refill them in this manner for you.
http://www.batteryrefill.com/
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Cool, I've had a pdf how to for awhile (and it does stress the potential dangers).
Can't seem to find the original link... but here it is.
Rebuilding a Lion Battery Pack"
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battery refill will refill my apple "lombard" battery for $85. Sounds like it's worth it considering the risk.
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