Larger battery for T3?

[fastpat]

I went surfing to see if a larger battery is available that will fit my T3 and found one that is quite similar in configuration, the correct 3.7 volts, and is one third more capacity at 1200 mAh. It's made for the original Apple iPod. It is a Li-polymer just like the OEM in the T3.

Anyone look at this battery for a potential fit?

Pat

[derekweb]

Would the OS on ROM be able to handle the increase in potential juice that the new battery you reference would provide?

[motionmind]

Originally posted by derekweb
Would the OS on ROM be able to handle the increase in potential juice that the new battery you reference would provide?

If it's an identicle voltage, then there's technically no more "juice" than the OEM. The thing that would be off is the system's battery levels and warnings because of the higher current storage, though I have no clue if this is hard-coded into the OS of the T3. It would suck if the T3 still shut itself down because it thought the battery was dead when you were really still at 33%.

[fastpat]

Originally posted by derekweb
Would the OS on ROM be able to handle the increase in potential juice that the new battery you reference would provide? If it's an identicle voltage, then there's technically no more "juice" than the OEM. The thing that would be off is the system's battery levels and warnings because of the higher current storage, though I have no clue if this is hard-coded into the OS of the T3. It would suck if the T3 still shut itself down because it thought the battery was dead when you were really still at 33%.

My guess would be that the algorithm used in the T3 would simply read 100% a whole lot longer and then read the percentage of full based on the charge level when it dropped below what the 900 mAh battery level would read. Here's the URL for the 1200 mAh battery. (http://store.l-f-l.com/cgi-bin/cp-app.cgi?rrc=N&pg=prod&ref=UP325385A4H)

Pat

[Sid]

My understanding is that any replacement battery would have to be the exact same physical size as the original due to the tight tolerance internally.

[fastpat]

Originally posted by Sid
My understanding is that any replacement battery would have to be the exact same physical size as the original due to the tight tolerance internally.

Yes, I'm sure it's a tight squeeze in the T3, that's why I was happy to see the same general layout for the iPod battery. I am searching for an answer to the question about exact fit.

I don't know the dimensions of the iPod battery yet.

Pat

[krispy]

Looking at the pic at: http://store.craytonelectronics.com/upapipinba.html it seems to be twice as tall as the T3 battery, but thinner. I'm going to get one and slip it between my EB case and T3, make a mod to the T3 case, a hole, and plug it in. I'm at that point, as my battery is almost gone and palm is offering me 0 support.

[CWolf]

krispy : you'll have to write a howwto with pics for that one!

[fastpat]

Originally posted by krispy
Looking at the pic at: http://store.craytonelectronics.com/upapipinba.html it seems to be twice as tall as the T3 battery, but thinner. I'm going to get one and slip it between my EB case and T3, make a mod to the T3 case, a hole, and plug it in. I'm at that point, as my battery is almost gone and palm is offering me 0 support.

That's one answer I guess. Is your battery worn out already?

Here's the OEM battery:
http://images5.fotki.com/v66/photos/4/41655/822857/900mAH-vi.jpg

And the iPOd battery:
http://images5.fotki.com/v67/photos/4/41655/822857/1200mAH-vi.jpg

The T3 battery is labeled as a Li-Ion, but it's my understanding that it is not, and that it is a Li-Polymer just like the iPod battery. I also read that the Li-Poly battery can be rolled or folded if necessary to fit an application, as long as you don't rupture the foil pouch it's in.

Please post when you get the iPod replacement, I'd like to know more about it.

Pat

[krispy]

Yes, my battery is on the way out. I bought new Oct last year and it has declined from 4 hours use time to under 2. (I am a power user, online ~4-8 hours a day with lots of recharging.)

I'm kinda worried about your statement that the T3 battery is not Li-ion, because it is printed all over the label. (Is this false-advertising?) And I wonder if the T3 "sense the difference" like the older palms and adjust for different battery types. Maybe I'll hold off on buying 'till I get the specs...

[CWolf]

Erm, as far as I am aware all tech specs do point to li-ion. At the end of the day they have to print the correct info on the battery legally anyway.

[krispy]

I guess the bottom line now is that there is no valid replacement available at this time. (I have a feeling palm contracted this particular battery only for palm use.) Sounds like a good opportunity for some company to come out with one for me and the future T3 users with dying batteries...

[Vidge]

If you are just looking for a replacement battery, I've heard that this one (http://www.gethightech.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=PA1382&Category_Code=BATT) works. I have also heard that the larger capacity batteries will not fit inside the T3.

[fastpat]

Originally posted by krispy
Yes, my battery is on the way out. I bought new Oct last year and it has declined from 4 hours use time to under 2. (I am a power user, online ~4-8 hours a day with lots of recharging.)

I'm kinda worried about your statement that the T3 battery is not Li-ion, because it is printed all over the label. (Is this false-advertising?) And I wonder if the T3 "sense the difference" like the older palms and adjust for different battery types. Maybe I'll hold off on buying 'till I get the specs...

Here's Cadex battery analyser's web site (http://www.cadex.com/gen_arch.asp) that has a number of articles on batteries, and a good description of what a Li-Poly battery really is, and why there are no real Li-Poly batteries in service and how what is out there is a hybrid between Li-Ion and Li-Poly. Anyhow, it's interesting, and explains why the charging and output characteristics are very similar if not identical.

It was on another site where I read that the battery in the T3 is one of the Li-Poly hybrids. That info could be wrong, but I don't believe it's important as far as charging and battery output is concerned.

I have the URL for a replacement OEM type battery for the T3 at home, it's in the photos I posted above, the black one. The site has illustrated replacement instructions as well. The battery, if memory serves, was about $50.00.

Pat

[krispy]

The sites that you mention sell a battery for the T, T2. I have already asked and they claim it will NOT work in the T3. (Even if they had one, they do not ship international, which leaves me out.)

[fastpat]

Originally posted by krispy
The sites that you mention sell a battery for the T, T2. I have already asked and they claim it will NOT work in the T3. (Even if they had one, they do not ship international, which leaves me out.)

I rechecked when I arrived home, and you are correct.:( This is the place I was referring to. (http://www.pdainternalbattery.com/)

An interesting, similar, problem being experienced by Apple iPod users, the 18 month battery. (http://www.popsci.com/popsci/computers/article/0,12543,588084,00.html) Sounds more than a little bit like your issue.

I've contacted this shop to see if they will come up with a T3 battery. (http://www.pdasmart.com/ipodpartscenter.htm) They do have a 1500 mAh 3.7v battery, but it may not fit. I'll post anything I find out.

One of us may have to crack his T3 and simply photograph the battery and read the model number directly from that. I'm not really keen to do that since this is my first PDA and I'd like to keep it intact for as long as possible.

Pat

[krispy]

Someone has already done it. See: http://www.pspilot.de/ppptun3/ppptun3.html#T2a
If you click on the pics you will get a high-res picture. I've searched the web with those battery numbers / manufacturer etc. and have got nowhere....

[fastpat]

Originally posted by krispy
Someone has already done it. See: http://www.pspilot.de/ppptun3/ppptun3.html#T2a
If you click on the pics you will get a high-res picture. I've searched the web with those battery numbers / manufacturer etc. and have got nowhere....

Great resource, thanks.:D

I'll send the T3 battery (http://images5.fotki.com/v67/photos/4/41655/822857/T3_batt-vi.jpg) picture URL to those folks on Monday and see what they say.

Pat

[CWolf]

It's strange. You would have though PalmOne would sell replacement batteries as an extra cash winner. After all, my laptop battery is toast (hardware fault killed it), it is classed as a consumerble so not covered and they want £250 for a new one.
As for a solution at the moment...

Try a Power sled, bulks out the back a bit but at the end of the day so will a DIY job, plus the sled will give you 3 times normal battery (unless it's dead, then it's just 2x battery), means no risking killing the Palm....

[Gnam]

This is an interesting thread - I'm looking for a Palm TE battery replacement.

After 4 months I've noticed an annoying drop in the battery life of my TE.

Sadly I can't use the PowerToGo sled. I'm trying to find the details on my TE's internal battery.

I'm now wondering if I could 'mod' my TE - I've found Gameboy Advance SP batteries at 10Euro and I'm dreaming of doing some kind of DIY job on my TE.

I'm quite annoyed that Palm refuses to give the users the chance to buy a backup battery.

Hopefully I'll find a way of adding a bigger capacity battery onto my TE as well.

I wonder if I could fit a normal cell phone battery?

Hmmm... I'll be following this thread with interest ;)

Bye!
Gnam

[KenSong]

I have a friend whoo has hacked his T3 with a mobile phone Lilon battery rated at 1500 mAh 3.7v. He says it lasts almost twice as long and he has ordered an additional 3 batteries and i'm waiting in line to get mine fixed.

Another friend replaced with a 1100 mAh battery also in his T3 but the battery life is just slightly improved. I have opened up my T3 to see the battery and it's a Samsung. My friend's T3 battery is Sanyo and we bought from the same batch!?!

I'll keep you guys posted if this works and I'll try get the source of the battery.

[xsulux]

i'm waiting for big news in this thread.

[Sid]

Originally posted by KenSong
I have a friend whoo has hacked his T3 with a mobile phone Lilon battery rated at 1500 mAh 3.7v. He says it lasts almost twice as long and he has ordered an additional 3 batteries and i'm waiting in line to get mine fixed.
<snip>
I'll keep you guys posted if this works and I'll try get the source of the battery.

Does the new battery fit inside the T3?, If not, what does it look like now?

[KenSong]

It fits exactly in the T3 which is alsoa tight fit with the original battery pack. It is glued to the back plate so it has to be carefully removed. He also reported that the battery gauge remains accurate, just holding the 100% mark much longer than before. Charging is longer to get a full charge which is expected. Since the Tungsten C can be charged with the same charger as the T3, I see no reason why this swap would cause any problems.

I am looking forward to it :)

[fastpat]

Originally posted by KenSong
It fits exactly in the T3 which is alsoa tight fit with the original battery pack. It is glued to the back plate so it has to be carefully removed. He also reported that the battery gauge remains accurate, just holding the 100% mark much longer than before. Charging is longer to get a full charge which is expected. Since the Tungsten C can be charged with the same charger as the T3, I see no reason why this swap would cause any problems.

I am looking forward to it :)

So am I, I'm sure I'll need a new battery before too long, they never last as long as you expect them too.

Pat

[Ddeath]

That's great news kensong! Let us know asap about the type of handphone battery he used and how he modify the battery to use in a TT3. Your friendly neighbour from SGP... ;)

[xsulux]

kensong, any news about the 1500mh battery?

[krispy]

Let's share the sources here, I'm down to ~1.5 hours battery life now...

[CWolf]

Yeah, the type of battery - where to get it and a how-to would be great.

[fastpat]

One of the sources I wrote says they'll have the correct battery with 1200 mAh capacity in stock in a few days.

I'll post the url as soon as they verify that they have them, and I have my order in (of course) (grin).

Pat

[Gnam]

Okay, this thread is getting * very * interesting!

I'd like to comment on a few things concerning battery life. Even though I have a TE I still think we can bring our thoughts together ;)

My main problem is the short duration of a charge on my Palm. Even when brand new my TE's 'almost' 4 hours wasn't enough for * my * needs. I use my Palm constantly throughout my day and often find myself away from power sources. It can get quite nerve racking at times! So, my main concern at the moment is finding a way of charging my battery while on the move/at work with some kind of external battery source.

We know this can be done with the Palm PowerToGo sled (which I would have bought if my TE had a Universal connector). My idea is this: how difficult would it be to use * any * type of li-ion rechargeable battery as an external battery source?

Would it be possible to wire, say, a high capacity mobile phone battery to my TE? In short, I'm looking for a D-I-Y PowerToGo sled for my TE!

I reckon it can be done but I'm not sure about the wiring...

[CWolf]

Erm, well you can get one off charge packs for Palms anyway, I have several - need uni adaptor tho... It would be cheaper and safer to convert one of these I think... I will check the make when I get home.

[Gnam]

Originally posted by CWolf
Erm, well you can get one off charge packs for Palms anyway, I have several - need uni adaptor tho... It would be cheaper and safer to convert one of these I think... Do you mean the type that take normal Alkaline batteries? I've seen these but I know that they are very slow (almost a trickle charge). Plus it would cost me a lot if I used it on a Daily basis -as I intend to.

Originally posted by CWolf
I will check the make when I get home.
Thanks! :)

C'ya,
Gnam

[CWolf]

Nah, they are packs that hold 4 full charges for the 515 - I canna find one at the moment, no idea if they would work on a T3...

[xsulux]

any news about the 1500mh battery

[fastpat]

Originally posted by xsulux
any news about the 1500mh battery

I received a message from PDASmart (http://www.pdasmart.com/) that they would have batteries for our T3's sometime this week. PDASmart stated that they would be a 1200 mAh capacity battery.

I'd suggest contacting them right away and placing an order.

Pat

[CWolf]

Erm, not until they do 2 things:

1. Provide a way to change battery that will not invalidate a warranty.

2. Tell us a Price!

[fastpat]

Originally posted by CWolf
Erm, not until they do 2 things:

1. Provide a way to change battery that will not invalidate a warranty.

2. Tell us a Price!

To answer:

1. I don't think there's any way to do that while the warranty period is in force by something the battery supplier can do short of an arrangement with Palm. Since Palm wants you to send them the unit and they'll change the battery, for plenty of money I've read, that's not likely.

However, the Federal Trade Commission in the US has had some things to say about that aspect with regard to cars and trucks sold here when the makers tried to force buyers of their products to take them into a dealer for all maintenance, such as oil changes and so forth. In short, reasonable user maintenance does not void a warranty. Changing a battery is normal, reasonable maintenance which can't (in my opinion) void a warranty. On the other hand, if you physically break something while disassemblling your T3, Palm wouldn't have to make that good. This applies to those of us in the US, others mileage may vary.

2. They didn't tell me the price, but the prices on their other batteries are from about $50.00 to $70.00, I'd expect a battery for a T3 to be within that range.

Pat

[CWolf]

OK, that's good... I wonder how long it will be before they start selling these over in the UK.

[kennyd]

Thanks for the update.

[krispy]

Hey CWolf!! Check the bottom of the page on the PDASmart site. They ship nearly everywhere, which is good for me, (Japan) and you, (U.K.). Hope the time schedule is good, mine is fading fast!!

[xsulux]

thanks

[CWolf]

Krispy : Thanks, didn't actually look! Silly me. I am ok for battery at the moment, nice to know that I will be able to do something if/when it does go.

[Gnam]

http://www.rojakpot.com/(s5muy3iwwfwbxj55tuxjukft)/default.aspx?location=3&var1=12&var2=0

Very interesting and long article which explains 'everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask about building a DIY battery extender"...

I haven't finished reading it all yet but it looks interesting and detailed.

[krispy]

I've been in contact with PDAsmart about the replacement battery. I was contacted today and I have good news and bad. They have a replacement, but in their words:

"Thanks. I do have stock and they run 40.00 per battery. The size is only 50mah more than the factory."

I'm still ordering, as mine is dying, but longer life will probably not be there...

[fastpat]

Originally posted by krispy
I've been in contact with PDAsmart about the replacement battery. I was contacted today and I have good news and bad. They have a replacement, but in their words:

"Thanks. I do have stock and they run 40.00 per battery. The size is only 50mah more than the factory."

I'm still ordering, as mine is dying, but longer life will probably not be there...

Please let us know your experiences with PDASmart. It's too bad that their actual battery is smaller than originally stated, I wonder what happened?

Anyway, please let us know what you actually receive.

Regards,

Pat

[krispy]

(I'm working on two threads about this...anyway...)

All is not lost!!! I did a followup email with PDASmart inquiring about the 1200mAh version. Here's the reply:

"It is in the works. They are not completed yet. It might be a month before I get them done."

So, I'm going to hold off for now on purchasing the one they have now.

Let's all cross our fingers....

[Ascarias]

Call me an idiot, but where in teh world do you see/order them (I'm referring to the PDASmart site)?? Everything on here refers to all devices other than Palm. Shoot, I don't even see an announcement for a replacement battery for T3 and you'd think that would be news ...

[krispy]

If you look on their page, they accept email requests for other batteries. They do not have a better T3 battery yet as I mentioned in my last few posts. Maybe by the end of May. I'm sure they will have an announcement when it does come out.