Idk what to do about this
Posted by x_Juice_@reddit | vintagecomputing | View on Reddit | 19 comments
Hi everyone, I have a Compaq Armada M700 laptop, I found it in the basement a while ago. It's 23 years old. I had a nice time using it, I was able to install Linux and I also learned a bit about hardware. I also deleted the bios password by removing the cmos battery for a minute, I have never done that before. Pretty fun.
But the battery doesn't hold charge, and I also realized that I shouldn't use a battery that old so I'm going to get rid of it. I should have realized that sooner. I can't find a replacement battery (obviously) and without it, the laptop doesn't stand correctly and the pins that connect the battery are pretty close to the table it's standing on, that's not good. So using it without the battery is stupid too. Maybe it's possible to remove the battery from the plastic casing somehow but I don't know if it's a good idea.
How do you use old laptops that don't have a battery?
Sneftel@reddit
You sure about that? These are generally standard-size lithium ion cells in a casing. You may be able to replace the cells.
x_Juice_@reddit (OP)
Oh I forgot about that! New laptops have a sqaure shaped battery, and the older laptops have those. So I guess that's a lot easier! I'll just have to find a way to open the casing. It is safe to open it? Can the lithium ion cells leak like aa batteries or can they inflate like new batteries? After I opened it I will try to find the same batteries with the same voltage and hopefully it will work.
Bipogram@reddit
Most battery packs are welded shut - so you'll have to break in with a sharp edge and repeated cuts along the seams of the weld.
Once it's open, you'll probably find cyloindrical cells - they predate pouch cells.
From there you can, if you like, replace the individual cells with fresh ones.
x_Juice_@reddit (OP)
I took a closer look, it's a kinda stupid idea to do this, I don't want to put a sharp object in there. I just pulled and the corner is coming off all of a sudden, it's not even hard to pull. Weird.
Bipogram@reddit
Stupid or not, it is often the simplest way to gain access to the cells in a hermetically welded-shut battery pack.
Using a disliked soldering iron (fine tip) to melt one's way in is a less elegant method.
x_Juice_@reddit (OP)
It has tiny plastic clips holding it together, i already got half of it off. The batteries look a little bit weird from what I can see, they are light green but they have a little bit dark green stuff on it, at least on 2 of the 3 that I can see.
x_Juice_@reddit (OP)
Hm, this looks harder than I expected. I have to solder the batteries. I did solder a few times, but I only did easy tasks, so I'm not experienced in that.
Sneftel@reddit
Spot weld them, actually. It’s not difficult given the proper tools and safety procedures, but it may be more work than it’s worth to you. Still, removing the cells should be trivial (those spot welds are not strong) and will allow you to use the battery-less case without worrying about leaks. (Take good pictures of everything before you do, so if you change your mind you can put new cells in later.)
x_Juice_@reddit (OP)
Great Idea, i'll probably just remove them. Remembering where the + and - sides are is good, I'll take many pictures. I hope I'm going to find a way to open it. I'll also find a better charger, apparently the laptop needs 18.5V and 3.5A, but the charger that was used with the laptop (I found it next to the laptop in the basement) has 19V and 3.18A. The short time I used it, it did work and had no issues, but without the battery I think it's even more important to have the right one. Just in case.
Sneftel@reddit
BTW, the battery case is held together with screws and/or glue. If it's just screws it'll be easy to disassemble once you've found them all (including ones under stickers) but glue is trickier, and will require a spudger and a deft hand.
Sneftel@reddit
0.5V isn't going to make a significant difference... nothing in there is actually running at 18.5V, it regulates down to what it needs. The amperage is also likely "close enough", particularly if you're not simultaneously charging the battery. BTW, the amperage doesn't have to match between the power supply and the device; it just needs to be high enough for the device.
x_Juice_@reddit (OP)
Good to know! Thank you for your explanation. I'll try to do it soon, depending on when I've got time. I'll also post about a few other things that I managed to do using the laptop!
sputwiler@reddit
I think that's what OP's asking about.
VaxCluster@reddit
I think you will be fine to use it without the battery, but if you wanted you could put some kapton tape over the battery contacts and then get some rubber feet to put on the bottom of the laptop so it's level/so it sits better.
x_Juice_@reddit (OP)
The battery is 1/4 as big as the laptop and it is the rubber foot for one corner. The design is unique, I haven't seen that before. I'll remove the batteries from the plastic casing. If nothing works I will try the tape thing. Thank you!
TheThiefMaster@reddit
I re-celled the battery in my armada m300 - I do not recommend it. But then the m300 has a really odd shaped battery!
GaiusJocundus@reddit
You ca almost certainly get a replacement battery but it may cost more than the computer itself.
istarian@reddit
You can generally use them while plugged into the wall and if you have a portable source of adequate DC power you need at least a plug adapter.
Take some good pictures and measurements (with calipers if possible) of your current battery. In principle you could make a replacement battery pack with 3D printing even if it's just a weighted dummy for balance.
ElectroChuck@reddit
What kind of battery and what are the specs?