PowerBook G3 Internal Battery rebuild

[Alex]

Hi

I have a few Powerbook G3 models, pismo etc that need some new internal batteries. Well, I did the usual which is a google image search to visualize which sites might be on the topic. It turns out I came across a site that appears to have this part and more for these models.

I will commit to rebuilding the internal battery myself but I thought others might find the link of interest.

http://www.powerbookmedic.com/Powerbook-G3----Pismo---Lombard---Wallstreet-p-1-c-252.html

 

[Zippy Zapp]

I am trying to build the PRAM battery with cheaper, smaller cells then what it calls for (same voltage and chemistry)  because the cells that it uses are redicoulesly expensive.   

The site you listed does not actually have any to sell it is just a listing.

You might want to ask one of the mods to move this to the PPC PowerBook and iBook section as it might get more hits...

 

[maceffects]

I'm looking for a solution to a replacement PRAM for PowerBook G3 as well. So, if anyone knows a good source I'd be quite interested.

 

[Alex]

I am trying to build the PRAM battery with cheaper, smaller cells then what it calls for (same voltage and chemistry)  because the cells that it uses are redicoulesly expensive.   

The site you listed does not actually have any to sell it is just a listing.

You might want to ask one of the mods to move this to the PPC PowerBook and iBook section as it might get more hits...

I will be rebuilding as well.

Sorry I thought they were for sale. Oops, my bad for not confirming,

I tried to find the appropriate part of the forum but I couldn't find a section for powerbooks and iBook. Hmm…

 

[Alex]

I'm looking for a solution to a replacement PRAM for PowerBook G3 as well. So, if anyone knows a good source I'd be quite interested.

It's easy to do one your won actually.

https://youtu.be/5DdAZrTZjEM

Maybe this is not precisely for the machine you spoke of maceffects but looks like it can help for some other macs, perhaps, https://www.banggood.com/5Pcs-6V-CR2032-X2-Case-Button-Battery-Holder-With-ONOFF-Switch-p-970435.html?rmmds=mywishlis

- More here: https://www.banggood.com/search/cr2032-battery-holder.html

crappy instructions: http://www.instructables.com/id/Replace-the-BIOS-battery-on-an-IBM-Thinkpad-600X-C/

Another good solution (not mac but still) http://atozcs.net/10-minutes-compaq-cq40-cmos-battery-modification-with-cr2032/?v=9b7d173b068d

not too shabby, http://www.instructables.com/id/Heat-Shrink-Coin-Button-Battery-Holder/

I know these are general links but there is no reason you can't build this yourself if you have the tools.

 

[AlpineRaven]

I havent been bothered about the PRAM batteries because the batteries are always in PBG3 and if you dont pull the batteries out - the clock keeps going...

Cheers

AP

 

[Zippy Zapp]

Unfortunately the main batteries for the PBG3 are dying for many and there are no replacements beyond rarely finding NOS that may not even work or rebuilding yourself, which is an iffy proposition.  At least with a working rechargeable PRAM battery the unit can sit without power or battery and still keep time/settings for a period.  

I have 2 different PBG3s a Wallstreet and a Lombard and neither has a working main battery or PRAM.  The wallstreet i purchased some time ago came with 2 modules installed in the bays but no batteries so I don't even have a battery for the wallstreet.  The lombard has a battery that is dead and won't take a charge.

 

[FacnyFreddy]

You have to use VL Panasonic cells which are rechagable.

For the Pismo, you can get by with just 2 of them in series with a center tap and use the thicker higher capacity cells.

I used very thin brass sheet and held it together with conductive adhesive like you buy at the auto parts store for fixing read window defoggers. I then covered it all with spray on plastic dip from the hardware store.

Each cell is like $8-$12 depending on the capacity. So a full replacement unit is $32.

 

[Bunsen]

I can move this to PPC PowerBook & iBook or to Hacks & Development, whichever you prefer.

 

[Alex]

Hi Bunsen,

Good idea, you can decide as they are both appropriate locations.

Too bad we can't add more tags as we post further comments or can we? I say this 'cause it could use a few more tags.

 

[pcamen]

Hi Everyone, a little late to this thread, but it seems the most relevant to what I am doing.

I've got a stack of Lombards, and of course all of them need PRAM batteries.  I found someone selling them on eBay:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/132833188621

I bought a couple, but the first one I tested doesn't seem to be working.  The date is not retained between boots, nor is the setting for the startup disk (dual boot OSX and 9.2.2). 

Is there a good way to test these outside of the Lombard?

@Alex were you successful at rebuilding your batteries? 

 

[Alex]

@pcamen I did rebuild the internal battery for a powerbook 2400c only. It is not difficult to do. Unfortunately it did nothing for the powerbook 2400c, it remains in GLOD mode.