G4 Powerbook new battery charging - not !

So, have I missed some trick (PMU?) or is it likely that the "new" battery is goosed?
JohnB wrote on :

Whilst clearing out my old laptop bag I found my long lost new battery for my 12" G4 Powerbook - which I got at the same time as the book but have never even took it out of the plastic bag. As the current battery in the machine is getting a bit "tired" (runs down very very quickly from 30% ->0%) I thought i'd give it a go.

Anyway I put it in and fired up. Had to reset the date from 1/1/1970. The charging light is perpetually green and after 30 mins it was still showing 0% charge. Anyway switched off, put the old one back in and the charger is glowing orange and the battery is beginning to top up as normal.

So, have I missed some trick (PMU?) or is it likely that the "new" battery is goosed?

Regards

-- JohnB

Mike Jenkins replied on :

JohnB john.brennand@redacted.invalid wrote:

Whilst clearing out my old laptop bag I found my long lost new battery for my 12" G4 Powerbook - which I got at the same time as the book but have never even took it out of the plastic bag. As the current battery in the machine is getting a bit "tired" (runs down very very quickly from 30% ->0%) I thought i'd give it a go.

Anyway I put it in and fired up. Had to reset the date from 1/1/1970. The charging light is perpetually green and after 30 mins it was still showing 0% charge. Anyway switched off, put the old one back in and the charger is glowing orange and the battery is beginning to top up as normal.

So, have I missed some trick (PMU?) or is it likely that the "new" battery is goosed?

Probably the latter. "New" batteries will die if you don't use them for a long time.

Rob E replied on :

"Mike Jenkins" mike.jenkins.no.spam@redacted.invalid wrote in message news:1i0lax9.15ihdi7102y9xcN%mike.jenkins.no.spam@redacted.invalid

JohnB john.brennand@redacted.invalid wrote:

Whilst clearing out my old laptop bag I found my long lost new battery for my 12" G4 Powerbook - which I got at the same time as the book but have never even took it out of the plastic bag. As the current battery in the machine is getting a bit "tired" (runs down very very quickly from 30% ->0%) I thought i'd give it a go.

Anyway I put it in and fired up. Had to reset the date from 1/1/1970. The charging light is perpetually green and after 30 mins it was still showing 0% charge. Anyway switched off, put the old one back in and the charger is glowing orange and the battery is beginning to top up as normal.

So, have I missed some trick (PMU?) or is it likely that the "new" battery is goosed?

Probably the latter. "New" batteries will die if you don't use them for a long time.

--

Mike Jenkins Mike's Auctions: http://tinyurl.com/93qtw 360 Gamertag: LilWashu360

Sometimes you have to calibrate the newer battery. This can take several charging attempts (or could be ok after the first try). Also as the prior answer stated, the Battery could be stale and cell damage may have occurred. Regards Rob E.

JohnB replied on :

Rob E wrote:

"Mike Jenkins" mike.jenkins.no.spam@redacted.invalid wrote in message news:1i0lax9.15ihdi7102y9xcN%mike.jenkins.no.spam@redacted.invalid

JohnB john.brennand@redacted.invalid wrote:

Whilst clearing out my old laptop bag I found my long lost new battery for my 12" G4 Powerbook - which I got at the same time as the book but have never even took it out of the plastic bag. As the current battery in the machine is getting a bit "tired" (runs down very very quickly from 30% ->0%) I thought i'd give it a go.

Anyway I put it in and fired up. Had to reset the date from 1/1/1970. The charging light is perpetually green and after 30 mins it was still showing 0% charge. Anyway switched off, put the old one back in and the charger is glowing orange and the battery is beginning to top up as normal.

So, have I missed some trick (PMU?) or is it likely that the "new" battery is goosed? Probably the latter. "New" batteries will die if you don't use them for a long time.

--

Mike Jenkins Mike's Auctions: http://tinyurl.com/93qtw 360 Gamertag: LilWashu360

Sometimes you have to calibrate the newer battery. This can take several charging attempts (or could be ok after the first try). Also as the prior answer stated, the Battery could be stale and cell damage may have occurred. Regards Rob E.

Thanks chaps - I guess i'll try a couple more times and if it still refuses to charge - it'll go to the great recycling site in the sky.

JohnB

David Kennedy replied on :

On 1/7/07 22:40, JohnB wrote:

Rob E wrote:

"Mike Jenkins" mike.jenkins.no.spam@redacted.invalid wrote in message news:1i0lax9.15ihdi7102y9xcN%mike.jenkins.no.spam@redacted.invalid

JohnB john.brennand@redacted.invalid wrote:

Whilst clearing out my old laptop bag I found my long lost new battery for my 12" G4 Powerbook - which I got at the same time as the book but have never even took it out of the plastic bag. As the current battery in the machine is getting a bit "tired" (runs down very very quickly from 30% ->0%) I thought i'd give it a go.

Anyway I put it in and fired up. Had to reset the date from 1/1/1970. The charging light is perpetually green and after 30 mins it was still showing 0% charge. Anyway switched off, put the old one back in and the charger is glowing orange and the battery is beginning to top up as normal.

So, have I missed some trick (PMU?) or is it likely that the "new" battery is goosed? Probably the latter. "New" batteries will die if you don't use them for a long time.

--

Mike Jenkins Mike's Auctions: http://tinyurl.com/93qtw 360 Gamertag: LilWashu360

Sometimes you have to calibrate the newer battery. This can take several charging attempts (or could be ok after the first try). Also as the prior answer stated, the Battery could be stale and cell damage may have occurred. Regards Rob E.

Thanks chaps - I guess i'll try a couple more times and if it still refuses to charge - it'll go to the great recycling site in the sky.

JohnB

I've always wanted to try dismantling and fitting new cells. In fact, I've got one here ready for when I can pluck up the courage. If you wanted to have a crack at it and report back....

JohnB replied on :

David Kennedy wrote:

On 1/7/07 22:40, JohnB wrote:

Rob E wrote:

"Mike Jenkins" mike.jenkins.no.spam@redacted.invalid wrote in message news:1i0lax9.15ihdi7102y9xcN%mike.jenkins.no.spam@redacted.invalid

JohnB john.brennand@redacted.invalid wrote:

Whilst clearing out my old laptop bag I found my long lost new battery for my 12" G4 Powerbook - which I got at the same time as the book but have never even took it out of the plastic bag. As the current battery in the machine is getting a bit "tired" (runs down very very quickly from 30% ->0%) I thought i'd give it a go.

Anyway I put it in and fired up. Had to reset the date from 1/1/1970. The charging light is perpetually green and after 30 mins it was still showing 0% charge. Anyway switched off, put the old one back in and the charger is glowing orange and the battery is beginning to top up as normal.

So, have I missed some trick (PMU?) or is it likely that the "new" battery is goosed? Probably the latter. "New" batteries will die if you don't use them for a long time.

--

Mike Jenkins Mike's Auctions: http://tinyurl.com/93qtw 360 Gamertag: LilWashu360

Sometimes you have to calibrate the newer battery. This can take several charging attempts (or could be ok after the first try). Also as the prior answer stated, the Battery could be stale and cell damage may have occurred. Regards Rob E.

Thanks chaps - I guess i'll try a couple more times and if it still refuses to charge - it'll go to the great recycling site in the sky.

JohnB

I've always wanted to try dismantling and fitting new cells. In fact, I've got one here ready for when I can pluck up the courage. If you wanted to have a crack at it and report back....

Bit out of my league I'm afraid David. I don't have a blast proof vest and face mask !

-- JohnB

David Kennedy replied on :

On 1/7/07 23:39, JohnB wrote:

David Kennedy wrote:

On 1/7/07 22:40, JohnB wrote:

Rob E wrote:

"Mike Jenkins" mike.jenkins.no.spam@redacted.invalid wrote in message news:1i0lax9.15ihdi7102y9xcN%mike.jenkins.no.spam@redacted.invalid

JohnB john.brennand@redacted.invalid wrote:

Whilst clearing out my old laptop bag I found my long lost new battery for my 12" G4 Powerbook - which I got at the same time as the book but have never even took it out of the plastic bag. As the current battery in the machine is getting a bit "tired" (runs down very very quickly from 30% ->0%) I thought i'd give it a go.

Anyway I put it in and fired up. Had to reset the date from 1/1/1970. The charging light is perpetually green and after 30 mins it was still showing 0% charge. Anyway switched off, put the old one back in and the charger is glowing orange and the battery is beginning to top up as normal.

So, have I missed some trick (PMU?) or is it likely that the "new" battery is goosed? Probably the latter. "New" batteries will die if you don't use them for a long time.

--

Mike Jenkins Mike's Auctions: http://tinyurl.com/93qtw 360 Gamertag: LilWashu360

Sometimes you have to calibrate the newer battery. This can take several charging attempts (or could be ok after the first try). Also as the prior answer stated, the Battery could be stale and cell damage may have occurred. Regards Rob E.

Thanks chaps - I guess i'll try a couple more times and if it still refuses to charge - it'll go to the great recycling site in the sky.

JohnB

I've always wanted to try dismantling and fitting new cells. In fact, I've got one here ready for when I can pluck up the courage. If you wanted to have a crack at it and report back....

Bit out of my league I'm afraid David. I don't have a blast proof vest and face mask !

Well, if you do decide to get rid of the old one I may be tempted sooner or later to give it a try.

JohnB replied on :

David Kennedy wrote:

Well, if you do decide to get rid of the old one I may be tempted sooner or later to give it a try.

It lives !! On the 3d insert charger went orange and it started charging ! Just made 100% now so running it down to see how long it gets.

Cheers

-- JohnB

David Kennedy replied on :

On 2/7/07 13:15, JohnB wrote:

David Kennedy wrote:

Well, if you do decide to get rid of the old one I may be tempted sooner or later to give it a try.

It lives !! On the 3d insert charger went orange and it started charging ! Just made 100% now so running it down to see how long it gets.

Good news indeed. I'll try a reset with the one I have here and see what happens.

Rob E replied on :

"JohnB" john.brennand@redacted.invalid wrote in message news:5eqdhgF39954qU1@redacted.invalid

Whilst clearing out my old laptop bag I found my long lost new battery for my 12" G4 Powerbook - which I got at the same time as the book but have never even took it out of the plastic bag. As the current battery in the machine is getting a bit "tired" (runs down very very quickly from 30% ->0%) I thought i'd give it a go.

Anyway I put it in and fired up. Had to reset the date from 1/1/1970. The charging light is perpetually green and after 30 mins it was still showing 0% charge. Anyway switched off, put the old one back in and the charger is glowing orange and the battery is beginning to top up as normal.

So, have I missed some trick (PMU?) or is it likely that the "new" battery is goosed?

Regards

-- JohnB

Good! I had a similar prob some time ago. Glad it cleared for you too! Rob E.

JohnB replied on :

Rob E wrote:

"JohnB" john.brennand@redacted.invalid wrote in message news:5eqdhgF39954qU1@redacted.invalid

Whilst clearing out my old laptop bag I found my long lost new battery for my 12" G4 Powerbook - which I got at the same time as the book but have never even took it out of the plastic bag. As the current battery in the machine is getting a bit "tired" (runs down very very quickly from 30% ->0%) I thought i'd give it a go.

Anyway I put it in and fired up. Had to reset the date from 1/1/1970. The charging light is perpetually green and after 30 mins it was still showing 0% charge. Anyway switched off, put the old one back in and the charger is glowing orange and the battery is beginning to top up as normal.

So, have I missed some trick (PMU?) or is it likely that the "new" battery is goosed?

Regards

-- JohnB

Good! I had a similar prob some time ago. Glad it cleared for you too! Rob E.

Yep - reminded me of starting a car after leaving it for a month or 2. Finally spluttered into life and now after a good run out is running sweetly.

Battery is lasting >3 hours and there is a "smooth" run down of power with no precipitous decline in the last third.

-- JohnB

David Kennedy replied on :

On 2/7/07 13:52, David Kennedy wrote:

On 2/7/07 13:15, JohnB wrote:

David Kennedy wrote:

Well, if you do decide to get rid of the old one I may be tempted sooner or later to give it a try.

It lives !! On the 3d insert charger went orange and it started charging ! Just made 100% now so running it down to see how long it gets.

Good news indeed. I'll try a reset with the one I have here and see what happens.

It seems to have worked. The battery now seems to hold a charge; not a big one, around 90 minutes, but at least that's usable as a spare.

Rob E replied on :

"JohnB" john.brennand@redacted.invalid wrote in message news:5evs0lF3andbjU1@redacted.invalid

Rob E wrote:

"JohnB" john.brennand@redacted.invalid wrote in message news:5eqdhgF39954qU1@redacted.invalid

Whilst clearing out my old laptop bag I found my long lost new battery for my 12" G4 Powerbook - which I got at the same time as the book but have never even took it out of the plastic bag. As the current battery in the machine is getting a bit "tired" (runs down very very quickly from 30% ->0%) I thought i'd give it a go.

Anyway I put it in and fired up. Had to reset the date from 1/1/1970. The charging light is perpetually green and after 30 mins it was still showing 0% charge. Anyway switched off, put the old one back in and the charger is glowing orange and the battery is beginning to top up as normal.

So, have I missed some trick (PMU?) or is it likely that the "new" battery is goosed?

Regards

-- JohnB

Good! I had a similar prob some time ago. Glad it cleared for you too! Rob E.

Yep - reminded me of starting a car after leaving it for a month or 2. Finally spluttered into life and now after a good run out is running sweetly.

Battery is lasting >3 hours and there is a "smooth" run down of power with no precipitous decline in the last third.

-- JohnB

Nowt wrong with that battery... good luck. with it! Rob E.