X3 backup battery revealed...

Tenc hi4U · 08-27-05, 01:13 AM

Greetings all, its been a while since I've last posted.

I'll give ya'll the abbreviated version. My g/f has an Axim X3 without a warranty, she left it uncharged for about a year, I got it and the backup battery reads "abnormal" no matter what I do.

So I disected it and found the backup battery could technically be replaced by a user if one could locate a replacement battery or one of similar specifications.

The X3 I opened uses a Varta V20HR

http://www.varta-microbattery.com/en...ts/DS55902.PDF

I've found a few places online that sell them, but being so late in the evening I can't call them. So tomorrow I will search for a usable replacement.

Oh well, just though ya'll like to know what kind of battery to look for if you're thinking about replacing your BUBattery. I'll let ya'll know more as it develops.

E.M. Moore

UncleGuito · 08-31-05, 01:02 PM

you positive?
if so, can you give me a step-by-step process of how to replace it once you have, i am clueless on how to take it apart and what to tinker with

UncleGuito · 08-31-05, 01:28 PM

i just found a place where you can buy them for fairly cheap
if youre right, ill be loading up on these

http://www.mouser.com/index.cfm?&han...00000&crc=true

Tenc hi4U · 08-31-05, 04:54 PM

Thats excactly where I ordered mine from. I only ordered 3 of them for this proejct. I will be using conductive silver epoxy to bond the 2 leads to the battery and then use heatshrink or electrical tape to coat the battery. Once I do the procedure I will be taking and posting step-by-step pics.

I am positive as for the model of battery used in my g/f's X3, if Dell used a different one in different revisions or generations I do not know, as I only have hers to go off of (my X3i has not had a problem yet, I'll cross that bridge if/when I get to it).

I'll keep ya'll updated.

Matt Moore

Tenc hi4U · 09-04-05, 09:12 AM

Okay, I just completed the battery replacement. Unforuntaely my girlfriend is in possession of my camera and she is on a business trip, so no pictures on this one.

DISCLAIMER : I take no responsibility for any damage you may cause to your Axim. The parts and proecedures described in this guide refelct my own experience with my own Backup Battery (BuB) in my girlfriend's Axim X3. Your mileage, parts, anbd experience may vary.

Tools needed for successful BuB replacement:
1. fine tip jeweler's screwdrivers (helpful if you slightly magnetize the tip)
2. Varta V20HR rechargeable NiMH battery
3. electrically conductive silver epoxy
4. strong needlenose pliers
5. electrical tape or heatshrink (razor blade or scissors to cut to shape)

But here it is step-by-step:

1. Pop little rubber caps from 4 corners of back covers. Disassemble Axim X3 with small jeweler's phillips head screqwdriver. Be sure to plave all parts in a plastic bag or other container (4 scres rear cover, 2 screws near port). Disconnect the ribbon connector towards the bottom of the PCB and the speaker wire (also on the lower portion of the PCB). Backup battery should be the green covered circular item under the pcb).

2. Locate backup battery, Cut away BuB cover, & CAREFULLY use strong needlenose pliers to grip and "roll" the leads off of BuB.Be very careful with the leads.

3. Mix dime sized batch of silver conductive epoxy (do NOT hot solder this battery, heat will lead to BuB damage and destroy lead connection to wire).

4. Apply epoxy to both sides (not too much)and afix respective leads to respective side (red lead goes to +, black lead goes to -). Secure connections with some type of clamp (I used a binder style paper clip, but a wooden close pin or something else that will hold the leads to the BuB while the epoxy cures (Mine took 24 hours to cure).

5. Recover new BuB with protective covering (I use electrical tape cut to the shape of the BuB. Covering WILL have to be form fitting to fit back into Axim BuB "slot".

6. Reassemble and charge Axim and charge.

Good luck all.

Like I said before this process was successful in my replacement of the BuB in my gf's Axim X3.

Good Luck,

E.M. Moore

cytation59 · 09-13-05, 01:44 PM

I spent hours with Dell trying to get this issue resolved. All they kept saying was that the battery could not be replaced. I cant believe they sell a product with the battery buried like this one. My friend has an X5 and the battery can be replaced in about 10 seconds. Thanks for sharing your experience, I was ready to throw the darn thing out the wiondow before I found your post. I'll be real careful before I buy a Dell product again.

Thanks again

Originally Posted by Tenc hi4U

Okay, I just completed the battery replacement. Unforuntaely my girlfriend is in possession of my camera and she is on a business trip, so no pictures on this one.

DISCLAIMER : I take no responsibility for any damage you may cause to your Axim. The parts and proecedures described in this guide refelct my own experience with my own Backup Battery (BuB) in my girlfriend's Axim X3. Your mileage, parts, anbd experience may vary.

Tools needed for successful BuB replacement:
1. fine tip jeweler's screwdrivers (helpful if you slightly magnetize the tip)
2. Varta V20HR rechargeable NiMH battery
3. electrically conductive silver epoxy
4. strong needlenose pliers
5. electrical tape or heatshrink (razor blade or scissors to cut to shape)

But here it is step-by-step:

1. Pop little rubber caps from 4 corners of back covers. Disassemble Axim X3 with small jeweler's phillips head screqwdriver. Be sure to plave all parts in a plastic bag or other container (4 scres rear cover, 2 screws near port). Disconnect the ribbon connector towards the bottom of the PCB and the speaker wire (also on the lower portion of the PCB). Backup battery should be the green covered circular item under the pcb).

2. Locate backup battery, Cut away BuB cover, & CAREFULLY use strong needlenose pliers to grip and "roll" the leads off of BuB.Be very careful with the leads.

3. Mix dime sized batch of silver conductive epoxy (do NOT hot solder this battery, heat will lead to BuB damage and destroy lead connection to wire).

4. Apply epoxy to both sides (not too much)and afix respective leads to respective side (red lead goes to +, black lead goes to -). Secure connections with some type of clamp (I used a binder style paper clip, but a wooden close pin or something else that will hold the leads to the BuB while the epoxy cures (Mine took 24 hours to cure).

5. Recover new BuB with protective covering (I use electrical tape cut to the shape of the BuB. Covering WILL have to be form fitting to fit back into Axim BuB "slot".

6. Reassemble and charge Axim and charge.

Good luck all.

Like I said before this process was successful in my replacement of the BuB in my gf's Axim X3.

Good Luck,

E.M. Moore

Tenc hi4U · 09-13-05, 09:24 PM

I should mention, to those attempting this to put the leads on to the battery and THEN put the conductive eopxy over the leads, then cover the BuB with electical tape, THEN use the clamping item to hold leads to BuB while the epoxy cures.

joedoe101 · 09-13-05, 09:46 PM

I believe because x3s have rechargable BuB and X5s dont

Originally Posted by cytation59

I spent hours with Dell trying to get this issue resolved. All they kept saying was that the battery could not be replaced. I cant believe they sell a product with the battery buried like this one. My friend has an X5 and the battery can be replaced in about 10 seconds. Thanks for sharing your experience, I was ready to throw the darn thing out the wiondow before I found your post. I'll be real careful before I buy a Dell product again.

Thanks again

chas_brown · 09-19-05, 01:12 PM

I'm trying to replace the BUB in my Axim X3. You say there are 6 screws to remove but I can't find the 2 screws by the port. What port do you mean?
Thanks for your response,
C.Brown

AximX30User · 09-19-05, 07:12 PM

Originally Posted by chas_brown

I'm trying to replace the BUB in my Axim X3. You say there are 6 screws to remove but I can't find the 2 screws by the port. What port do you mean?
Thanks for your response,
C.Brown

No, there are just the four screws behind the little rubber feet. Then just CAREFULLY pry around the edges of the PDA with the edge of a credit card.

wadd3456 · 12-11-05, 08:40 AM

here is an image of mine. Can you point to what you mean?

Tankman · 12-11-05, 08:47 AM

Nice post. Detailed!

Now, you could ask for any replacement for the battery required.
Wal-Mart, K-Mart, jewelers. Again, nice.

wadd3456 · 12-11-05, 09:03 AM

Sweet, found it. I feel like a moron... I just needed to rip out the board to get to it. Its located on the CASE not on the board itself. I just ordered a couple batteries....this shouldnt be too hard.

Thanks

Kar98 · 12-17-05, 12:54 PM

Some illustrations:

http://www.aximsite.com/boards/showthread.php?t=93470

DiabloQ · 04-10-08, 08:08 AM

I have the dell Axim X3 im also looking for a replacement, you happen to find a place that could sell/ship this to me, thanx.