h1900 series - Data Retention during Battery Replacement

[Rudy]

I have had an iPAQ h1910 for a few months. I'm slightly puzzled about a battery replacement issue. For the first few (initial) months, I only had one battery for the unit. I finally obtained a 2nd main battery (for extended use when I can not charge).

The hp "reference guide" for this unit states that these iPAQ's have a small backup battery that's supposed to allow you to change the main battery without losing data. But my experience so far has been that when I've rotated the main battery, the unit automatically goes into a "hard /full" reset. :( Does anyone have knowledge in this area? Do I need to get the backup battery replaced? (& if so. Is the replacement process something that can be done by the owner OR does the unit have to be taken/shipped to a HP authorized service center) :?:

Thanks for any help.

[jimski]

Ouch! I had this problem with my 5450 a couple years back. When HP finally got around to offering (it took 4 months from the release date)spare batteries, my first change resulted in a hard reset. After several more hard resets, I found that if the device was plugged into the charger I could change the battery without the hard reset.

It took HP 3-4 weeks to come out with a ROM patch that corrected the problem. So you either have a bad backup battery (your power applet in Settings should tell you if the backup battery is charged, assuming the 1900 has a backup battery), or HP needs to correct the problem through a software update. In the meantime, you can try plugging your device into the charger (what I called life support) while you change out the battery.

[Sven Johannsen]

The unfortunate reality is, if you are near an AC source to charge, why do you need to change the battery? As a portable option, you might invest in one of the external battery packs, which would still let you be mobile and change the battery.

The bottom line though is that something is wrong. You should be able to change the battery.

[newst]

The 1900 does have a backup battery that gives about 5 minutes or so to change batteries. My 1910 has worked fine from day one, and HP has never published a ROM upgrade, so I sincerely doubt there is a software/firmware issue.

As a temporary fix the battery powered charger is a good idea, as would be investing in one of the backup programs on the market. Long term, if you intend to keep the 1910, you really need to have HP, or one of the third party Pocket PC repair outfits like PPCTechs, replace the backup battery.

[Rudy]

Thanks to those who wrote in with ideas regarding my possible back-up battery problem. Both Sven, Newst, & several others on the forum have recommended PPCTechs. So maybe I'll contact them. However, this thing is still puzzling me because after letting my iPAQ sit in my briefcase for a few days without touching it. (I just got temporarily frustrated & annoyed with the thing and also had other things to do). I ultimately did a restore on my h1910. The puzzling thing is: when I looked at the back-up battery status (which I had never really paid much attention to prior to now) the screen is telling me that it's maintaining a 100% charge. I also noted that both Jemer99 & bigNgamer have posted messages to the forum during the past 5-10 days describing battery problems with their h1910's or h1945's. Is this just a problem with the older models or is this an occasional problem that occurs with all iPAQ's??

[newst]

I don't believe this is a generic 19XX issue or even an age issue. I've had my 1910 since the first week they were released. Twice between then and now I've packed it away in favor of newer, more powerful, Pocket PCs. Both batteries drained dead for extended periods. Both times a simple recharge brought the 1910 back to full life without any battery issues. I'm using it daily now without a problem.

One Ipaq design feature that I've seen on several different models is a switch activated by the battery compartment cover that must be activated before the Ipaq will recognize that a battery is in place. If something affects this switch the Ipaq will go into a no main battery installed mode-draining the backup battery and then hard resetting-even if there is a fully charged main battery in place. On the 1910 this switch is a small, wedge shaped piece of black pastic in a spring loaded socket at the upper right corner of the battery box.

As for PPCTechs, they do have an inexpensive diagnostic service you can take advantage of. If the cost to perform a final repair is greater than you want to spend you aren't forced into it. Good folks.

[jemer99]

I also have problems with the backup battery. Mine never charges what so ever. I got this pda from a friend and he hadn't used / charged it in a long time, so it drained the backup battery to 0%.

From what I understand about nihm batteries, if you drain too much power out of it, then it will not recharge afterwards. (I think the 0% on the screen is not actually 0%) but since he hadn't used it in months, I think it may have killed the battery.

As for HP, they would gladly send me a box to ship them the ipaq and have it serviced, for $99. I'll tell you that is a lot of dough to plop down on a $12 battery (except I can't find the replacement anywhere). With the $100 I paid, plus the $100 for the battery replacement, I could have bought an new dell axim X3 with wireless (when the have the special it's like $219)

I have heard a lot about PPCtechs, but they don't actually sell you the replacement battery, in case you wanted to do it yourself.

Also, I have seen what it takes to replace this thing, and it doesn't look like fun, but since the thing is out of warranty I would have liked the option to try to fix it myself, to bad hp doesn't sell the battery separate.

Oh well, I guess I can never be too far from power, or I'll have to buy an external charger on eBay. They run about 7-$10 and are usually powered by either AAs or 9vs.

Hope that helps,
Jerry

[newst]

Another option is the 2000 ma/hr main battery from Mugen. Far less chance your main battery will give out on you between charging opportunities with this installed. I have only had positive experiences with Mugen batteries.

They can be bought through ebay for about $50.00

[jemer99]

I found a site, in the UK, that sells the internal battery for the IPAQ 1910, 19xx series...

http://www.ipaqrepair.co.uk/view_product.php?product=310

It seems like a pain to replace, but it is possible.

Hope that helps everyone,
Jerry