Batteries
There are two batteries in the computers: the main one powers the tablet itself, the small one inside the tablet keeps the clock running and retains some setup information.
The main battery is Lithium-ion type, which means that it does not have the "memory effect", i.e. the charge/discharge cycles will not reduce its capacity. It is also a "smart battery", which means that there is some electronics inside to monitor and control the charging/discharging process. This internal circuit may need periodic calibration. The manufacturer's instructions say the following: "if you are using the computer almost exclusively attached to an external power source, calibrating at least once a month is recommended."
To calibrate the battery pack, follow these steps: 1. Turn the computer off. Connect the AC adapter and let the battery fully recharge (battery light green). 2. Disconnect the AC adapter and power on the computer. Let the battery run down until it is so low that the computer turns off. 3. Reconnect the AC adapter to the turned-off tablet and let the battery fully recharge (battery light green).
Our recommendation to take the tablet off the docking station after turning off the AC power was intended to minimize the overnight discharge due to some leakage into the interface board. This minimal discharge will cause the battery light to start with orange color, even if it was green when you turned off the power the night before. This is not a problem. However, if you find that it takes a very long time for the light to turn green, it is an indication that the smart battery needs recalibration.
You can minimize the battery leakage by leaving the AC adapter on while keeping the tablet on the machine.
If you store the tablet for a log period of time (e.g. going on vacation resisting the urge to take it with you), it is recommended to take the battery out and store it in a dry, cool location. After storing the battery for a long time, it is recommended to start with a calibration process.
The internal CMOS battery is used to power the circuitry only if the tablet is without power. Its estimated life varies between one to three years, which means that you will need to replace it a couple of times during the life expectancy of your IQ system. The signs of a low CMOS battery are different on the two tablet designs: - The T201 (old) model will show a window during the boot process saying "System initialization has failed! Do you want to continue booting?" For a while, pushing the snapshot button will take you through the booting and starts the IQ program. When the battery is almost fully discharged, the booting stops a second time, indicating RTC failure and asking for a password. At this point the battery definitely needs replacement.
Because of the original location of the CMOS battery, you need to send back the tablet, preferably after the first failed initialization. We have modified the design, adding an extension cable that brings the battery out in the memory compartment at the back of the tablet. When the battery is replaced the very first time, TabletKiosk will install the extension cable, making it possible for you to replace the battery yourself.
- The i440 (new) model will stop at the BIOS boot-up screen and ask for pressing F1 or F2 to continue. There is no button that would act as F1 or F2. You need to plug in a USB keyboard before turning on the tablet and press F2 (F1 would take you a setup menu that may be confusing...). You will need to do this every time, until you replace the battery (see the picture in the Technical Support Photos folder on the first page of Photos). The keyboard will be needed one more time, right after you replaced the battery.
Please remember to reset the date/time in Interface Setup/Test every time you had to start the tablet with the snapshot button or the F2 key. This will help us to analyze the logs.
I hope this post helps understanding the operation and handling of the batteries in the tablet.
Zoltan