Notebook Akku Hot-swapper
Instructions how to build a "Notebook Akku Hot-swapper"
The "Notebook Akku Hot-swapper" is a device which allows to exchange the rechargeable battery of a Notebook during runtime avoiding the need to shutdown/poweroff the system before the exchange.
The problem :
When the power of the first rechargeable battery gets low I need(ed) to shutdown/poweroff the computer, then exchange the battery with the second one and power it on again. This always takes long time and re-opening all applications and logins again takes long time.
The solution :
A mobile device which acts like the regular notebooks power-supply - the "Akku Hot-swapper" !
If the first rechargeable battery gets low, plug in the "Akku Hot-swapper". After its plugged in, the notebook will use the power supplied by the "Akku Hot-swapper" and the (nearly) empty battery can be exchanged with a fresh one.
As soon as the fresh battery is plugged in the "Akku Hot-swapper" can be plugged off again.
-> The exchange of the battery can now be done during run-time !
-> No need to shutdown/poweroff/boot-up/re-login/... etc. any more !
-> Saves a LOT of time (and nerves) !
The "Notebook Akku Hot-swapper" is a device which allows to exchange the rechargeable battery of a Notebook during runtime avoiding the need to shutdown/poweroff the system before the exchange.
The problem :
When the power of the first rechargeable battery gets low I need(ed) to shutdown/poweroff the computer, then exchange the battery with the second one and power it on again. This always takes long time and re-opening all applications and logins again takes long time.
The solution :
A mobile device which acts like the regular notebooks power-supply - the "Akku Hot-swapper" !
If the first rechargeable battery gets low, plug in the "Akku Hot-swapper". After its plugged in, the notebook will use the power supplied by the "Akku Hot-swapper" and the (nearly) empty battery can be exchanged with a fresh one.
As soon as the fresh battery is plugged in the "Akku Hot-swapper" can be plugged off again.
-> The exchange of the battery can now be done during run-time !
-> No need to shutdown/poweroff/boot-up/re-login/... etc. any more !
-> Saves a LOT of time (and nerves) !
Stuff You Need / Pre-checks
"Stuff" needed from your electronic shop :
- 32 small rechargeable batteries (1.2 V / 2450mAh)
-> look for "good" ones, normal non-rechargeable battery won't work
- battery-packs/boxes for the 32 batteries
-> look for packs/boxes a 2 X 16 pieces
- small set of cable-clips and cables
- a connector/jack the same size as your notebooks power-supply
Tools needed :
- soldering iron
- cable nipper
- voltmeter (optional but usefull)
Skills needed:
- Understanding of the basic electric rules
- Two left hands able to solder cables
Build time :
- less than 1 hour
Pre-checks :
Use the voltmeter to measure the exact values of your notebooks power-supply.
-> mine is supplying 19 V / 4700 mA
Calculate the exact needs of the rechargeable batteries
-> I tried it first with just 16 batteries wired in row
(16 X 1.2 V = 19.2 V)
but it failed because of too less power strength !
-> 2 packs of 16 batteries wired in parallel then worked fine
- 32 small rechargeable batteries (1.2 V / 2450mAh)
-> look for "good" ones, normal non-rechargeable battery won't work
- battery-packs/boxes for the 32 batteries
-> look for packs/boxes a 2 X 16 pieces
- small set of cable-clips and cables
- a connector/jack the same size as your notebooks power-supply
Tools needed :
- soldering iron
- cable nipper
- voltmeter (optional but usefull)
Skills needed:
- Understanding of the basic electric rules
- Two left hands able to solder cables
Build time :
- less than 1 hour
Pre-checks :
Use the voltmeter to measure the exact values of your notebooks power-supply.
-> mine is supplying 19 V / 4700 mA
Calculate the exact needs of the rechargeable batteries
-> I tried it first with just 16 batteries wired in row
(16 X 1.2 V = 19.2 V)
but it failed because of too less power strength !
-> 2 packs of 16 batteries wired in parallel then worked fine
Assembling
Solder the battery-packs with cables. The matrix is :
- 16 batteries wired in row
- 2 X 16 batteries wired in parallel
Solder the connector/jack fitting to your notebook.
Put all 32 batteries into the wired battery-boxes
- 16 batteries wired in row
- 2 X 16 batteries wired in parallel
Solder the connector/jack fitting to your notebook.
Put all 32 batteries into the wired battery-boxes
Measuring
Measure the resulting power at the connector/jack
- it should be about 18-20 V
- be sure it has the same "power-direction" as your original notebook power-supply-connector !
- it should be about 18-20 V
- be sure it has the same "power-direction" as your original notebook power-supply-connector !
Put It in a Box
assemble everything in a box
More Informations
Some more informations can be found at : http://www.openmosixview.com/akku-swapper