How do you condition a laptop battery

[wyvrn]

After a year, the batt on my laptop is wearing out. Anyway to recover it by conditioning?

[Richard_Cranium72]

Depending, if it's a lithium-ion and showing death throes it's curtain time.

If it's a ni-cad, you might be able to remove the "memory" that's built up.

When a ni-cad is charged without being discharged totally first, it will build a memory.
This prevents a "full" charge.

I use a 12 turn signal lamp with wires soldered to the leads.

Place the lead ends on the contacts to discharge it.
When the bulb dims, recharge the battery.

THEN, place in the fridge for a couple of hours.

Again, discharge the batt & re-charge then cool.

Repeat as many times as needed to gain full mh/hours, maybe 6-10 times.

I got a full size VHS RCA camcorder for $35.00 cause the battery was dead(totally) and this method got it back in service.

Some chargers have a "conditioner" cycle to discharge it.

When discharging, don't leave it alone...
Observe it and when the bulb dims, remove and charge....

DrVette

[wyvrn]

Yep this is a Nicad, thanks for the tip, I will try that. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[DanU]

This laptop is only one year old??? I thought all but the oldest laptops used either NiMH or Li-ion.

Regarding NiCad and NiMH discharge, don't discharge the battery pack below 1.0V per cell. For example, if it's a 6 cell, 7.2V pack, don't discharge below 6.0V. Otherwise you risk cell reversal, which can damage the cells.

[wyvrn]

Apparently compaq still put out NiCad batteries in their lower end laptops as of last year. I discharged to about 5 % (the laptop was still running), and then recharged it. I am using it right now, and after ten minutes it is down to 59% from 98%. Argghh don't wanna pay Comcrap for a new one already.

[wyvrn]

Down to 29%...