I think my Pila 300P is dead

[dudemar]

Hi all,

I just tried recharging one of my 300P's in the IBC charger, but it didn't work. I inserted the battery into one of the bays, but the green and red LED's on the IBC continue to light. I noticed the red LED blinks even faster than when it's in "idle". Either the battery's broken, or it's the IBC. Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Dudemar

 

[SilverFox]

Hello Dudemar,

What is the voltage of the battery you are trying to charge?

Did you try hitting the reset button a couple of times?

Tom

 

[dudemar]

It is 3.7V @ 1400 mAh. I pushed the reset button a number of times, same result. I do admit to dropping my flashlight quite often, so this could be the culprit.

Dudemar

 

[SilverFox]

Hello Dudemar,

I understand that the rated voltage written on the battery is 3.7 volts, however I was wondering when you took a voltmeter and measured the voltage what voltage did you read?

If you have dropped the flashlight, you may have damaged the protection circuit. This would render the cell "dead" to the charger.

Tom

 

[dudemar]

Oops sorry I didn't know what you meant! Unfortunately I don't own a voltmeter so I'm unable to make those measurements.:sigh: I agree with you, I think the chip/circuit broke... would it be safe to take the batt. apart to confirm this?:thinking:

 

[SilverFox]

Hello Dudemar,

You have to be careful not to short things out, and remember that you will end up with an unprotected cell, but it should be OK to pull the protection circuit off.

Before you do this, run down to the local hardware store or Radio Shack and pick yourself up a volt meter. It doesn't have to be anything fancy, but it sure comes in handy when trying to figure out a problem.

Harbor freight has some for under $5 that are capable of general trouble shooting.

Tom