Extended Battery Problems

[melbrett]

I have been given 2 iPaq H3800 with new (in the package) extended battery packs (HP compatible) and cradles. Neither one seems to charge either of the external batteries. I get the message "Your extended battery has become critcally low. The expansion pack will be powered off..." When I charge, the back light blinks for about 2 hours, and then goes off, and the system power settings cycles for the external battery pack. I'm not too PPC savvy, but can get around.

I have also unclicked the power - turn off device on external power is not used for.... but it still doesn't charge.

I have Windows CE3.0, with the latest Rom version(1.20.21ENG), according to HP tech support. They also suggested a reset of my PPC, which I did and nothing has changed. Any thoughts of what to try next? :(

[AnswerDude]

Are you plugging the AC power adapter into the cradle? I think you can also plug the power adapter directly to the expansion sleeve.

[melbrett]

I am plugging the Ipaq and the expansion pack directly into the cradle. There seems no other way to charge either piece. Any other thoughts? This seems weird to happen with both expansion packs (one only used for about 3 months, the other brand new in the package). I had a friend who had a similar Ipaq try to charge both my packs and he got the same issue.

[AnswerDude]

As i asked, are you plugging in ac power adapter to the cradle? As far as i know, cradle by itself that just connects to the desktop cannot charge anything, you'll need ac power adapter that plugs into electrical wall socket.

[melbrett]

Sorry, didn't quite understand your question. I have the cradle plugged into the wall and via my USB port. The regular battery charges fine, but the extended battery/expansion pack doesn't. It's cycles on the power charging screen, then nothing after a few hours.

[AnswerDude]

It is also possible the battery inside the expansion pack is getting old and losing its capacity. I know that it's new in the package but the product was manufactured a while back and out in the market and sitting on the shelf somewhere for a long time. I don't think HP is even making it anymore. It's not uncommon that aging battery will not hold charge after long period of no charge.

[melbrett]

Any recommendations for buying a new battery for my expansion pack, or should I just get a new pack altogether?

[AnswerDude]

http://www.pdasmart.com/ipaq-battery-center.htm
You may also want to consider newer model with user replacable battery.