CF-29 new battery

I bought a new battery made by Amstron for my CF-29. I had been getting about an hour and a half out of my Panasonic battery, so I had to do get a new one. The battery was $89, from atbatt.com. So far, I am getting about 5 hours run time out of it. The battery has 7800 mah capacity, and says it has Samsung cells inside. I will report back with updates, or any major changes in the battery.

 

had u used the battery recalibration software of panasonic?

 

I was about to say that $89.00 is a heavy price to pay for a CF-29 battery, but having done a quick search it looks like the sharks are having another feeding frenzy lol.

I've got five OEM Yellow Tab's (VZSU29AS) of the 7.8Ah variety and a couple of 7.65Ah (VZSU29A) earlier versions. The most I've ever paid for brammy new with zero cycles is $74.00 the average being between $36.00 & $41.00. I snagged a 7.6Ah with zero cycles for $12.50 shipped, so at some point in the not too distant past there has been some bargains about if your prepared to look.

Somebody must be hiding these things in a broom cupboard & waiting for the prices to hike, so who works as a janitor?

It increases the service life of the battery if used regular, but if you buy non OEM batteries with crap cells it won't make any difference, a dead cell is a dead cell - ello.

Also, the run time on any battery will be dependent on the CPU loading so if your running at 100% CPU & you get five or more hours run time, don't keep the secret all to yourself lol.

o.g.

 

I did run the calibration utility with the new pack. I did not want to buy N.O.S. packs, because even unused, they do have a lifetime from the date of manufacture. It is not really worth my time to guess and buy packs and hope to get one that holds up, and I thought the price was reasonable.

You will not get 5 hours running 100% CPU, so I should have clarified. I mainly use web browsing, and listening to music on my computer, and have the screen at 100%. Also, the CF-29 will not run 100% CPU without throttling, at least the 1.6 that I have. I had to upgrade the heat pad on mine to be able to do that. When running full load, it gets too hot on the bottom to hold. I get this when playing diablo 2, so it is plugged in. It also sits on a table, and gets pretty warm, but no throttling.

 

@vwhead1979:

I'll clarify the point I was trying to make;

On a moderate CPU load you'll struggle to get more than four hours from a good battery. On a ten hour shift, you can use two batteries if one is charging whilst the other is being used, but the high charge-discharge cycles will lead to a shorter overall battery life. So in this example, you would be better off with three batteries.

Three batteries at $89.00 each equates to an average of $89.00 each.

Seven batteries at an average of $41.00 each (I'm talking OEM here) gives a lower charge-discharge cycle on each battery & a longer overall battery life for each one.... all things being equal.

Now, where do you get OEM high capacity batteries at bargain prices?? It's called careful shopping & if you buy the first thing you see, you will probably always pay a higher price.

If your usage is such that six or seven batteries constitutes a preposterous suggestion, my user experience is that having only one ends in a short life high cost episode. Even for moderate use, two or three NEW OEM BATTERIES can cost less than the alternatives.

o.g.

 

I find to get the true run time on my batteries I use BatteryBar BatteryBar - Download.com

 

Wondering...are you using the trial version or did you buy the full version?
I'm wondering how many people here run their batteries down before switching out as apposed to keeping the toughbook connected to power (ac/dc)?
Anyone have an additional battery charger they are using for swapping out batteries?

 

I use the trial version

I run my batteries down once or twice a month

Yes I do...not sure the model but will work with any toughbook that starts with " CF- "...this is what I am told
Here is the one CF-VCBTB1W . I see there is some good buys out there http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l2736&_nkw=CF-VCBTB1W+ . You will still need your charger to use this...it plugs into it. It also chargers media bay batteries too

 

I've used the trial version at some point in the past. It's quite useful for giving a graphical representation of your CPU usage against operating temperature & battery draw.

If you are using your toughie on or near a desk top then I can't see any point in using battery power. If you are working on a site miles from civilisation then battery power is often the only option when out of the vehicle.

The external battery charger (CF-VCBTB1) charges the main battery & media bay battery at the same time, problem is, when you've got half a dozen or more batteries you end up buying three or more chargers & three or more power supply's to charge them or the corresponding Lind Automotive chargers.

o.g.

Edit: I had an email whilst typing, has TAN said the same?

 

If a pack can be charged 300 times before hitting the 70% capacity mark (and I think they can get 500 charges before hitting 80%), I can charge it 6 days a week and replace it after a year.
That will cost me €165 if I buy it full price at a local dealer.
To me that is expensive, but worth it, as I can use my CF-19 every day, 7-9 hours long, without worrying about a power outlet or carrying a charger.
If you can get them for $83-100, why would I even consider non-OEM batteries?

 

@Alecgold:

I've never seen any published data regarding how many charge cycles an OEM battery can withstand, what's your source of information??

The only non-OEM battery I've ever had lasted around three months, so I'll use an O'l TinkerDwagon quote;

"You do NOT always get what you pay for, But you DO pay for what you get" - ello.

o.g.

 

Typical cycle life is quoted in the DataSheets for the cells. This can vary from 200-1000 cycles depending on the manufacturer and what minimum charge capacity they use as a cut-off point. I've seen them use as low as 45% of rated AH capacity in some cases.

The more consistently you use them, the longer they will last. I've seen 10 year old batteries still giving good (2 hours plus) runtime because they get used every day and charged when and only when depleted. I've also seen 1 year old batteries that tank in 30 min 'cuz they were never off the charger.

mnem
*Juiced*

 

@ orange george, the 300 is an assumption, but not without reason.
Apple now makes battery packs that should last 1000 charges. If this is true remains to be seen, but Apple hasn't lied about batteries and battery-life in the past.
Other respectable manufacturers give estimates around 500 cycles to get down to 70%.
So I thought 300 cycles to 80% is a resonable assumption.

@Mnem, I've never seen them go as far as 45%, but that will get you to 1000 cycles anyway I guess.

 

I get ya' drift guy's.... but the answers hurt.

I've lost count of how many times in the past I've said to someone else....check the Material Data Sheets.... they are on your Health & Safety DVD.... they are there for a reason!

So the last thing that entered my head was to check the Data Sheets...Ouch.

o.g.

 

if we are talking about batteries, may i ask this:

Can i use a CR2032 3V 200maH battery instead of a CR2016 3v 70mah battery to repair some laptops i have ? Both cmos/clock batteries are 3 volt Lithium cells. only the amphere rating differs. A friend of me said that it can. but do you (the specialists around here) say that i can do this, without damaging any laptops ?

The reason why i ask this , i can buy loads of CR2032 batteries for 1$ for 20 pieces, but i cannot easy buy CR2016 batteries in my place. Oh and i got a stash of about 80 CR2032 batteries here.

 

You should be good to go. The cmos will only draw the amount of current that it needs, so the backup battery will just last 2.33x longer.

Will they fit?

 

some of the laptops i repair are very easy with their cmos batteries. They just have some plastic wrap around them with a little cable to the motherboard, so a little bigger 3V battery will work. Thanks . Silly me, that i didnt know this for 6 years. I always tought that the exact battery had to be used....

Anyhow, this saves me some money !

Thanks !

 

think of flashlights with the same lightbulb.
3xAA is bright, but for only 2 hours
3xD is just as bright, but for 6 hours.

 

Please try to stay on the topic of this thread. I did not want to get into an argument over OEM or aftermarket, I only wanted to share my experience with this battery. I do not think it is realistic to expect a 5 year old battery to perform the same as a new battery, they just wear out over time. The reason I chose this battery is that it is made with Samsung cells. I would like to update this thread as I use the battery for others who may be interested in buying one.

 

Please do keep us posted. It would be good to find a good aftermarket battery to us. The last one I had was for my CF-28 and that one did not last 9 months...

 

O.k. point taken....if it helps, the primary reason for threads becoming de-railed is because of insufficient information along with a one sided view on the part of the poster.

If it's informative & factually correct, people are likely to take more interest.

o.g.

 

sorry, for almost derailing this thread. I just didnt want another small topic about CMOS batteries. thats all.

Anyhow, sorrys....

 

SO,
I just scooped up a decent yellowtab for a song from Sadlmkr.
It kicks my (litereally) 1/2 dead blue tabs beeeeeeeeeehind.

So, how do I take care of this new (to me) and wonderful battery?
I leave my 29 docked most of the time (which means its charging or just running on "AC".

How do I ensure I keep my pack at peak performance, without using up all the charge cycles/killing it?
Keeping the bluetab in there while on the dock is an option.

 

Personally I keep the battery out of it at work for me. On a oil rig so it pretty much stays in place. About once a week or two weeks I do a full charge up and charge down on the battery. That has kept even my cf-28 battery going.

 

Oops, I think vwhead1979 wants to keep this thread for his non-OEM experience.

Removing the battery when it's on AC is a good way forward.

I started doing the refresh utility every five cycles but it's a complete PITA when you've got a handfull that need doing so I've extended that to every ten cycles.

Good info here; http://forum.notebookreview.com/pan...s-usage-calibration-feedback-experiences.html

It's worth reading, some good tips & tricks.

o.g.

 

That battery was used when I got it. Looked new. It was run all the way up and down at least twice a day for the last month. (I plug in before it shuts off then un-plug when I notice it's full) Works for me.

O.P.,
The Sanyo cells are a very good thing...along with Panasonic cells. How much does the battery weigh out of curiosity? I'm doing a private survey comparing some after market batteries with OEM.

Thank you,

Jeff

 

Do we know what company makes the panny cells or are they unbranded?

 

Ummm... Panasonic? Just a guess though.

mnem
Doyt!

 

With referance to another thread, we spoke about the rebranding of Matsush!ta Electric Co. Ltd to the now Panasonic Corporation - I'm sure you remember.

I've a recollection that Matsush!ta Battery Industrial Co. Ltd had been producing batteries under the Panasonic brand for a number of years prior to the rebranding.

So the answer is....Panny.

EDIT: geeky Dwagon beat me to it.

o.g.

 

From Panasonic:
View attachment TIPSU.pdf
This little item is included with all Toughbooks since the CF-29. Panasonic is one of the largest battery manufacturers in the world, they should know.
CAP

 

So the next question is I wonder if anyone has ever looked around to see if anyone sells the cells ??

 

The blue tab contains nine cells of CGR18650CA.

I've not opened the yellow tab.

Panasonic 18650 Battery CGR18650CA 2200mAh - Hiking Shoes - Products - EVVA Technology Co., Ltd.

o.g.

 

Panasonic makes the best batteries here in the US, they supply cr123's to surefire & Duracell among others includind the Military - that says alot (if you don't count the fact the Govt goes for the lowest bidder of a contract). Not exactly on topic but I am a loyay Panasonic buyer so I have to plug them

 

I have a knock off blue tab that appears to be missing 2-3 cells. ether that, or it wasn't packed with 18650's

 

How exactly does it "appear" to be missing cells? Have you had it apart?

mnem

 

AFAIK, the early CF-29 knock-offs were six cell.

At some point in time the advertising changed to reflect the fact they were now producing Superior nine cell packs.

So, they are not superior to the OEM packs, but probably are superior to the previous garbage.

ha..ha..ha..appears to be missing 2-3 cells...as in...they rolled out & I've lost them.

o.g.

 

Well, if the pack has 18650's in it, then it's quite obvious when you squeeze a certain spot. the plastic flexes in real bad, and if you don't stop squeezing, the edge of the pack starts to ease open at the seam.

I don't wish to tear this pack apart; I'll be using it while docked (it still operates for 1.5 hours or so), and just drag around my yellowtab for use as needed.

 

What's the AH rating on the pack?

mnem
Gimme the juice, man. More, more, more!

 

I.F. ...That yellow tab is used to daily extrycize (sic) Don't muck it up!

 

@Jeff: tryin' not to.
@Mnem: 6.6 Ah? maybe 6.8? I'm not sure as the label is not correct (long story)

 

anybody have a new or nearly new yellow tab for a cf-29? instant paypal payment available. Thanks

 

Try posting here ToughBook Buy Sell and Trade Forum you might have better luck.

 

Look for 7800mahn 9 cell, most units on eBay are 6600mah

Good luck

 

If it's 6.6, it SHOULD be a 9-cell pack; even the most outlandish overraters don't rate a 18650 for more than 3000 mAH, which would be a max of 6000 mAH for a 6 cell pack.

If the label is wrong, of course, you could have anything in there... even 3 cells/2200mah. :-/

Myself, I'd crack that pack open & find out for sure. You can always put it back together with super glue; or if you don't want to close it up permanent-like, a little heavy shipping tape over the side seams.

mnem
This cell is not properly padded.

 

Having slaughtered the OP's thread on potential replacement battery packs....

Waiting with anticipation of I.F. opening the box.

Are you gonna take the money....or open the box?

Edit: You get nothing in this game for a pair!

o.g.

 

Curiosity was gettin the best of me, and my lind was down, so I had to swap batteries while in my van.
I couldn't help it, racked the battery, and cracked it open. I tried to peel the pack open the rest of the way, but was afraid it would shatter and still want to be able to use it, so I stopped.
There seems to be only 6 cells in there. It came from an amazon SBC refurb.

 

@I.F.....Jolly good show old chap.

Now....the precedure in adding an additional three cells is ???

Feel free to explain in as much detail as you feel is necessary.

o.g.

 

Ok, you're gonna need:
a bottle of rum
3 18650 Fireworm 3500mah cells
acetylene torch
some silver solder and paste flux

Step 1Drink the bottle of rum while contemplating the different ways to use an acetylene torch to solder the ends of the cells
Step 2Utter the words "Hey Ya'll, watch this!"
Step 3 End up at the hospital with alcohol poisoning and 3rd degree flaming polymer burns to your face neck and chest

I'm knee deep in a bottle of Cruzann BlackStrap Rum right now.
I'll report back.....

 

Mhmmm... There has to be another cell missing in there; or someone stacked 'em wrong so you're not getting full capacity out of one of the subcells.
These packs are all built in a 3xSOMETHING arrangement; either 3x3 or 3x2. if you have 7 cells in this pack, something is SERIOUSLY wrong.


mnem
Now tell me again the part about how I get to blow sh!t up?

 

IT's the chinese. You know how they are at math. they figured out some non linier equation that makes 7 cells work.

I Found the bottom of that bottle, btw.



Now where's that torch?????