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Old 12-16-2007, 01:17 AM
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Join Date: Dec 2007
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Default Trying to insert BACKUP battery Dell Axim X3

The round flat battery - where does it go??

I reluctantly took apart my Axim X3, after buying a battery online, and finding out the low battery warning I was getting referred to the backup battery. After taking apart my PDA, I see a round plastic part, but it is encased in the plastic, with wires attached.

Does anyone know how I am supposed to insert the battery I bought?

I could really use some help, thanks in advance, and happy holidays. Chip
 
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Old 12-16-2007, 07:47 AM
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Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,455
Default Re: Trying to insert BACKUP battery Dell Axim X3

Quote:
Originally Posted by cgm707
The round flat battery - where does it go??

I reluctantly took apart my Axim X3, after buying a battery online, and finding out the low battery warning I was getting referred to the backup battery. After taking apart my PDA, I see a round plastic part, but it is encased in the plastic, with wires attached.

Does anyone know how I am supposed to insert the battery I bought?

I could really use some help, thanks in advance, and happy holidays. Chip
The back up battery is probably not user replace-able. On newer models it was replaced by a capacitor. You may be able to source and replace it since you have it open. I don't know the internals of that device.
 
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Old 12-25-2007, 06:37 PM
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Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 1
Default HOWTO backup battery replacement

I too have a DELL Axim X3 PDA with a dead "backup" battery. Technically the backup battery on this model is not classified as "user replaceable" because you have to take your whole axim apart to replace it (unlike some other models like the X5 which I believe takes a standard watch-like battery (CR2032) and just slips in a socket on the back of the unit (no hardware disassembling required).

You are correct when you say that the battery you find when you take apart the unit is encased in plastic with 2 wires coming out of it. This is a custom battery designed for this axim with a special connector to plug it in.

There are basically two ways you can still replace this battery. The first way which may be the easiest but probably the most expensive is to simply purchase a new battery. I don't believe DELL sells them (since they classify them as non-user replaceable) but several third parties do sell them (just do a Google search for dell axim x3 backup battery and you should find some). This would involve just taking the PDA apart (which it sounds like you already have), then pulling out the old battery and simply plugging the new one in.

Alternatively you can purchase the battery by itself (I think several manufacturers make them and you may be able to find the odd one on ebay as well). This is a bit more work because what you have to do then is remove the old battery, rip open the plastic seal, pull the wires off the old battery and attach them to the new battery (either via solder or maybe some electrical tape might do). Then replace the battery and voila. It is important to make sure you get the right battery too since the wrong one could (in the worst case) toast your PDA, or (in the best case) just not work right and be worthless. Take the old one apart and see what the part number is on the battery. Mine was a V20HR. Just google the part number and see what you can find.

I hope this helps.

DISCLAIMER: It is very easy to toast your PDA in a multitude of ways by doing either of these replacements so be careful (I'm not going to be held responsible for any mistakes you may make!).
 
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