TJ35 Power Issue

[Chrys Ellis]

I am starting a new thread instead of continuing the one started here (http://www.1src.com/forums/showthread.php?t=83107), because I have made a discovery significant enough to think of it as a wholly different problem, in my opinion.

The problem with the unit, is this: when the Clié is plugged into the wall charger, it works fine. If I unplug it, it will not turn on, and when I plug it back in, everything is reset (date, settings, etc.).

Obviously, the battery will not hold a charge at all. My question is, will replacing the battery fix this problem, or is it likely the issue is something within the Clié itself? I am willing to buy a replacement battery if the consensus here is that it will most likely fix this issue, but I don't want to spend $40 for a new battery if there is no point.

I'm hoping someone out there with a good understanding of the technical aspects of the Clié can offer some insight as to the source of this problem, so I know how to proceed. All input will be appreciated.

Thanks,

Lane D.

[daver]

have you tried doing a hard reset? what about opening up your TJ35, unplugging and replugging your battery? stuff like that usually helps. it's worked a few times for me.

[Chrys Ellis]

I have tried both a hard reset and unplugging the battery. The only time the unit works at all is if it is plugged into the wall charging adapter. Once disconnected from that, it won't power on at all, and once it's re-connected, it's reset as if it was just hard reset. The unit holds no power unless plugged in. The battery won't seem to hold a charge. My question again is, is this most likely a problem with the battery, or could it be something faulty within the Clié itself?

Lane

[Valwit]

could be the battery, could also be a defect a the electronics that should charge the battery. then the battery could be ok. plug it in and look what the battery voltage is.

[Chrys Ellis]

...plug it in and look what the battery voltage is.

Well, I'm not sure how I can accomplish this. When I have the unit connected to the wall charger, all the battery icon shows is a lightning bolt across it, indicating it's charging. As I've said, when I disconnect the unit from the charger, it won't power on at all. Is there a way to check the voltage of the battery while it's connected to the wall charger?

Lane

[cerberus]

How old is the Clie? Sounds like a dead battery to me. My NX70 got to that point about 6-7months ago. I got a new battery and it's like new again.

[Valwit]

Is there a way to check the voltage of the battery while it's connected to the wall charger?

You could always use something like an voltmeter :)

[Chrys Ellis]

How old is the Clie? Sounds like a dead battery to me. My NX70 got to that point about 6-7months ago. I got a new battery and it's like new again.


My one year warranty ran out about three weeks ago, naturally. I'm going to see if I can find a replacement battery locally, so I can return it if it doesn't fix the problem.

Lane

[TheBigBradWolf]

I suggest taking a multimeter/voltmeter and see if there's any voltage coming out of the battery. I don't know about clie hardware, but I'd imagine the battery has some kind of surface that can be hit with multimeter leads.

[Valwit]

just test at the cables. but test the battery and also test the clie with plugged in power. it might be that the battery isn't charged

[Chrys Ellis]

I would love to perform these tests, if I had a voltmeter. Unfortunately, I don't. I don't know how much a voltmeter costs, but it seems buying a replacement battery to test might not be a bad idea, since it seems at least a strong possibility that the battery is to blame. Does anyone know any retailers (Fry's, CompUSA, etc.) that would carry a battery for the TJ35?

Lane

[TheBigBradWolf]

I paid $10 for my multimeter...it's a nice digital one...they can range from like $10 to $200 but I can't imagine paying more than $15 for all practical purposes...really all you need to know is "is electricity flowing" I've seen continuity tests(basically a light with two leads) for 3 or 4 bucks.

[Chrys Ellis]

I paid $10 for my multimeter...it's a nice digital one...they can range from like $10 to $200 but I can't imagine paying more than $15 for all practical purposes...really all you need to know is "is electricity flowing" I've seen continuity tests(basically a light with two leads) for 3 or 4 bucks.


Ok, is Radio Shack the best source for one? Where did you get yours?

Lane

[Valwit]

Radio Shack sounds ok for this kind of stuff