[Ham-Computers] Testing laptop battery

[Herb Gerhardt]

Do to the high price of laptop replacement batteries, I use a much cheaper
alternative although it is not as compact.

I purchase some 12 V Gel Cells of 5 Ah or larger in capacity.  You can buy
these for around $20 or so.  Then I use a cheap inverter that converts the
12 VDC to 110 VAC and plug my normal laptop charger into this inverter.
This gives me an hour or two of laptop capacity at a reasonable price.  I
have more than one of these Gel Cells when I go on my hunting trip where I
am off grid for a couple of weeks.  I can then recharge the Gel Cells in my
vehicle while driving around.

Works well for me and is certainly much cheaper.

Herb, KB7UVC
NW APRS Group, West Sound Coordinator
Our WEB Site:  http://www.nwaprs.info



> -----Original Message-----
> From: ham-computers-bounces at mailman.qth.net
> [mailto:ham-computers-bounces at mailman.qth.net]On Behalf Of Jim Hill
> Sent: Saturday, June 20, 2009 7:09 AM
> To: Computers (or other) used for amateur radio, communications,or
> experimenting
> Subject: Re: [Ham-Computers] Testing laptop battery
>
>
> Brian: I purchased a used laptop with a weak battery, and did much
> online research before getting another one and learned the following:
>
> Heat is the main reason battery life is shortened when left in the
> laptop.  Laptops are very compact and it's hot inside.  It's better to
> store the battery in a cool place.
>
> Deep discharges shorten battery life.  However, the computer charge
> indicator doesn't actually measure the state of charge.  It calculates
> the level by measuring previous charges and discharges.  Initial deep
> discharge(s) and charge(s) helps the charge indicator work correctly.
> It may also be beneficial for other reasons.
>
> I keep the original battery, which lasts a few minutes, in the
> computer.  It fills the opening and allows time for me to shut down the
> computer if I have 12V problems in my RV.  I keep the newer battery in a
> cool place.
>
> Batteries are expensive, and I think the best approach is to decide the
> best source of a replacement battery and only consider shipping expenses
> after narrowing down potential suppliers.  I'm unhappy with my
> replacement battery, but possibly my laptop, a Dell Inspiron 5160,
> requires considerable power.
>
> Jim