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Replacing the Coin Cell Backup power supply in a Handheld PC

CESD|200033

Applies to

  • Windows CE 1.0, CE 1.01
  • Windows CE 2.0, CE 2.0 SP1
  • Windows CE 2.11, CE 2.12 (Handheld PC Professional)
  • Windows CE 3.0 (Handheld PC 2000)

Contents

This article discusses the requirement of a Redundant Power Supply in models of Handheld PC and their replacement procedure if using a coin cell.

  • FAQ
  • How-to Guide

FAQ

Listed below are some common questions and answers to user questions regarding the replacement of a Back-up Cell in a H/PC

A. When should I replace the Coin Cell
        If you Handheld PC is equipped with a Back-up power source, you will be notified by Windows CE when the Back-up Cell is running low. When the battery begins to loose charge a warning Icon will be displayed in the System Tray, next to the clock. When the power status changes from a Low power state to a Critical power state a Warning Message will be displayed on screen. At which time you should change the Cell immediately.

You can also check the status of the back-up battery from the Power applet in Control Panel.

It is important to maintain a healthy back-up cell in you Handheld PC. As a result there is no intermediate Power Status stage in the Back-up battery's level. Make sure to observe the Best before date for your back-up source as a out of date battery could prove ineffective against a main cell power outage.

 

A. Why do I need to have a back-up battery
        The back-up battery is a redundant power source for your Handheld PC. It is not able to provide power for device operation. The purpose of the Coin Cell is to provide a constant supply of power to your devices RAM. As the RAM is a Volatile Memory core, loss of power for any short amount of time will cause it to be wiped.

An examples of when the Back-up battery is needed is in the event of a main power supply failure. For example if your devices main batteries fail during operation and the Handheld PC powers down, the Coin Cell will provide charge to the RAM while the main power supply is down, while the main battery's are physically missing (e.g. being changed), or until the device is connected to a mains socket. 

Without the presence of the coin cell, within 15 - 240 seconds of a mains power failure the devices Volatile RAM core will be wiped, a Hard Reset will have been performed and all data in RAM will be lost.

At all times when there is sufficient power from a Main battery or Mains Socket source the Back-up cell will not be drained. Establishing a good power supply policy for your Handheld PC device will essentially require you to change your back-up cell only when the expiration date is reached.

 

A. Do all Handheld PC's have coin cell backup batteries
        No. Unfortunately some manufacturers opted to make use of alternate power solutions, such as AAA batteries. Additionally there are a number of Handheld PC devices, for example LG and NEC ranges which make use of internal, non-removable battery styles. Such devices often require specialist technical assistance in the event that the integrated cell becomes depleted and can no longer provide an adequate charge.

 

A. Which Cell should I purchase
        The Cell / Coin Cell type may differ depending on the Device & Manufacturer. Below is a list of Handheld PC devices and required Cell types.
Note that not all of the devices listed below have user replaceable backup batteries

Handheld PC Cell # Voltage
Ericsson MC12 CR 2032 3V
Ericsson MC16 CR 2032 3V
HP 300LX CR 2032 3V
HP 320LX CR 2032 3V
HP 340LX CR 2032 3V
HP 360LX CR 2032 3V
HP 620LX CR 2032 3V
HP 660LX CR 2032 3V
IBM Workpad z50 AAA x2 / LR03 x2 1.5v + 1.5v
Jornada 680 CR 2032 3V
Jornada 680e CR 2032 3V
Jornada 690 CR 2032 3V
Jornada 690e CR 2032 3V
Jornada 710 CR 2032 3V
Jornada 720 CR 2032 3V
Jornada 728 CR 2032 3V
Jornada 820 CR 2032 3V
LG Phenom H220 ML2430 3V
NEC Mobile Pro 200 CR 2032 3V
NEC Mobile Pro 400 CR 2032 3V

If you have any additional information on Coin Cell compatibility please Contact Us.


How-to Guide:

The Coin Cell battery should be replaced using the following procedure.
NB: This article is specifically written for the HP 300 series and the Ericsson MC Series. Replacement procedures will be similar on other H/PC's, however slot style and location may differ.

Before replacing your Back-up Battery. Ensure that your main batteries are fully charged and or that your device is CR2032 Graphical Representation - (c) HPC Factorconnected to mains power.

Have a back-up of your files and databases.

 

  1. Save all open documents and close all open applications. Power Off your Handheld PC.
  2. Turn over your Handheld PC and carefully remove the Coin Cell compartment door.
  3. Using the Stylus, carefully place the nib into the small slot by the side of the Coin Cell and leaver the battery out of the slot.
    NB: Be sure not to allow the stylus to slip forward as you leaver the Coin Cell out of the slot as the stylus may damage the negative terminal.
  4. Coin Cell Graphical Representation - (c) HPC FactorInsert the new Coin Cell face up so that the Positive terminal (+) is pointing upwards (See Image)
  5. Push the Coin Cell snugly down into the slot so that it locks into place.
  6. Place the cover back over the compartment.

You have now successfully replaced the Back-up Coin Cell on your Handheld PC. You can safely continue using your Handheld PC normally.

If you wish to check on the status of the Coin Cell's charge:

  1. Tap Start > Settings > Control Panel
  2. Open the 'Power' Applet
  3. On the 'Battery Type' tab change view the 'Backup Battery' section to check on the overall status of the back-up batter