Setting up Windows power to run your computer on mains and battery power! Is it worth removing the laptop battery when running on mains Network operation or on battery
A cordless screwdriver is a great helper in the household. The tool, together with the master, works in the house and in the garden, works in the garage or in the field. Until the battery runs out. The number of charge-discharge cycles of the battery is limited, the battery also deteriorates from idleness: self-discharge destroys the elements. On average, the battery lives 3 years, after which it has to be replaced. You can save the tool by converting it to a network one. The conversion is done in different ways.
Is it really worth redoing?
Without batteries, a screwdriver turns into a piece of iron. When the batteries stop holding a charge, you have to look for new batteries. Firstly, it is expensive - the price of batteries is up to 80% of the cost of a screwdriver, it is more efficient to buy a new tool. Secondly, batteries are not always on sale, for example, if the model is discontinued. Thirdly, a prudent owner seeks to use all opportunities to save money.
Converting a cordless screwdriver to work from the mains is a good way out. What does it give:
- The tool gets a new life.
- No more batteries needing to be charged.
- Tool torque is independent of battery power.
The disadvantage of the converted design is the dependence on the outlet and the length of the network cable.
Attention! Work at a height exceeding two meters with a converted screwdriver is not allowed.
How to convert a cordless screwdriver to work from a 220 volt network
The craftsmen came up with several ways to convert a screwdriver to work from the mains. All of them are to provide the motor with the required supply voltage using an intermediate source or converter.
Table: power supply options for corded screwdriver
| Source of power | Advantages | Flaws |
| Complete screwdriver charger. |
| The charger takes up space on the table. |
| A ready-made power supply placed in the case of an old battery. |
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| A homemade power supply placed in the case of an old battery. |
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| External power supply | An easy makeover. |
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| Power supply from the computer |
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Connecting the screwdriver to the charger
Attention! At low voltage, there are high losses in the wire, so the cable between the charger and the tool should be no longer than 1 meter, with a cross section of at least 2.5 square meters. mm.
Sequencing:
- Disassemble the old battery and remove the dead cells from it.
- Drill a hole for the cable in the battery case, thread the cable through the hole. It is advisable to seal the connection with electrical tape or heat shrink tubing so that the wire does not break out of the housing.
- The elements removed from the battery will violate the weight distribution of the screwdriver - the hand will get tired. To restore balance, a weight should be placed in the body - it can be a dense tree or a piece of rubber.
- Solder the cable to the terminals of the former battery connected to the screwdriver.
- Assemble the battery case.
- It remains to test the updated tool in operation.
Solder or attach two wires to the charger terminals with crocodile clips.
Installation of a ready-made power supply in the case of an old battery
Attention! In a closed case, the power supply does not cool well. It is recommended to make holes in the walls of the case. Do not operate the tool without interruption for more than 15 minutes.
Procedure:
- Disassemble the old battery and remove the non-working elements from it.
- Install the power supply into the battery case. Connect high voltage contacts and low voltage terminals.
- Assemble and close the battery case.
- Install the battery in the screwdriver.
- Connect the power supply plug to the socket and check the updated network tool in operation.
Homemade power supply
Attention! Follow the rules of electrical safety. Soldering and connection should be carried out with the device de-energized.
Step-by-step instruction:
- Disassemble the case of the old battery, remove the dead batteries from it.
- Install the elements of the electrical circuit of the power supply on the circuit board, solder the contacts.
- Install the assembled board into the case. Check the tester for the presence of voltage at the output.
Power supply in the case
- Connect the low voltage wires to the terminals of the old battery. Assemble the body.
It remains only to assemble the battery case
Connect the screwdriver to the mains and check its operation.
Video: homemade lithium battery for a screwdriver
Connecting to an external power supply
Attention! In the process of refinement, you will need to disassemble the body of the screwdriver and intervene in the electrical circuit. Remember the disassembly sequence to assemble all parts in reverse order.
What to do:
Connecting to a power supply from a computer
Instruction:
- Find or buy a power supply from a computer with a power of at least 300 watts.
- Disassemble the screwdriver housing. Find the motor power wires inside. Solder the connectors for the computer power supply to the wires.
- Remove the connectors for connecting the computer power supply from the case.
- Connect the screwdriver to the new power supply.
- Connect the power supply to the network and check the operation of the device.
Video: power supply for a screwdriver from a computer PSU
How to power a screwdriver while maintaining its autonomy
If the master works in a building that is not connected to electricity, and the batteries have already deteriorated, there are ways to power the screwdriver:
- replace old battery banks with new ones;
- connect the screwdriver to the car battery;
- connect the tool to another battery, for example, taken from an uninterruptible power supply.
Replacing old elements
Attention! When replacing batteries, pay attention to the correct polarity of the cells.
Procedure:
Attention! Charge the converted battery only with a specially selected charger.
Connecting to an external battery
Sequencing:
- Buy or find an external battery, for example, take it from an unnecessary uninterruptible power supply.
- Take a wire with a cross section of at least 2.5 square meters. mm. Remove the insulation and install clamp terminals suitable for fastening to the battery on the copper ends.
- Place the other end of the cable into the case of the old battery and solder to the terminals inserted into the screwdriver.
- Insert the battery case into the screwdriver, connect the cable with terminals to the battery.
- Test the restored tool in operation.
An electric cordless tool lasts several times longer than the batteries that power it. Throwing a screwdriver with unusable elements into the trash is unreasonable. The real owner will be able to repair the device by transferring it to another power source, thereby giving it a new life.
If you are among the users of laptops, then you probably at least once asked yourself this question: is it necessary to disconnect the battery from the laptop if it has been working for a long time from the network? To find the answer to this question, you need to study the principles of battery operation.
previous generation
Some laptop models that were released a few years ago can work both from the network and from a removable or built-in battery with a “memory effect”. Let's see what this term means.
The memory effect lies in the property of the battery to "remember" the amount of energy spent on the operation of the device and "assume" that this volume is the capacity of a full battery. In other words: with each charge not “to the eyeballs”, the battery accumulates less and less electricity than it can actually hold. Nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal hydride batteries, which used to be often installed on laptops, are guilty of this. Such batteries must be removed from the laptop when working from the mains or the battery must be completely planted beforehand. Don't forget also that the battery "gets old" even if it's just lying on the shelf with a 40 percent charge.
current generation
Latest generation laptops are usually equipped with lithium-ion batteries without memory effect. This makes it possible to charge the device at any time, regardless of the remaining charge level. If your laptop was released no more than 3-4 years ago, then you do not have to worry about disconnecting the battery while working from the network.
To control the battery charge level and energy consumption, you can use special programs for monitoring the state of your computer, for example, Notebook Hardware Control, which is freely distributed through the official website of the developer:
How does the battery feel if the laptop is constantly plugged in? I had heard a lot of advice on this topic before, but I could not even imagine that everything was so serious! Why am I at all ... The other day they brought me a laptop for cleaning, an old Acer (about 3 years old). Having dismantled it, by the amount of dust, I determined how clean the owners were. There was practically no dust in it, only on the cooler blades.
After cleaning it from the inside, I reassembled it and turned it on. The battery level showed the remaining 3 hours of operation. Well, well, I think, in about twenty minutes it will squeak about the discharge of the battery. And what do you think? I was cleaning the system for a little more than 2 hours, after which the battery charge remained 20%!
Not believing my eyes, I called the owner of the laptop and asked if he changed the battery, to which I received a negative answer. In my practice, this is the first laptop that, after so many years, holds a charge as if only from a store!
It turns out the secret is simple! The guy (the owner of the laptop), apparently very meticulous, after buying a laptop, he carefully read the instructions, which clearly stated that You don't have to keep your laptop plugged in all the time..
The whole point is that a battery that is constantly connected to power is not discharged by more than 80%, this causes its capacity to be lost. Also, high temperatures have a very negative effect. Don't let your laptop battery overheat.
How to extend battery life
1. Do not keep the laptop connected to the mains at all times. As I wrote above, this negatively affects its capacity. After charging the battery, unplug the power supply from the mains. Connect only when discharged up to 10-15%.
2. Do not allow the battery to overheat. This applies to both external factors (direct sunlight, hot rooms, blocked air intakes) and internal factors (overheating of internal components, clogged air intakes, malfunction of the cooling system).
3. Once every 10-15 days, do a full discharge-charge cycle. In order to maintain the capacity of the battery, you just need to perform a complete discharge, followed by charging. In the interval between the cycle, you can not charge up to 100%, and discharge up to 40% or more.
4. If you are using your laptop as a desktop computer, the best option is to remove the battery from the laptop and keep it plugged in at all times. The main condition is not to store the battery fully charged. For long term storage, leave the battery at 50-60%.
Also an important factor is the laptop power supply itself, if for some reason the original power supply is out of order, buy the original one! It will cost more than a Chinese fake, but your battery will thank you.
These seemingly simple tips will help you avoid big problems when, at the most inopportune moment, your laptop cannot be offline!
A laptop is a mobile device, that is, an analogue of a desktop computer, which is designed for portable use. But, like many portable devices, it requires periodic charging. If the laptop does not work on mains or does not retain battery power, then this is a serious problem.
If the laptop is powered by the network, but does not charge, then it is worth doing some manipulations. However, they cannot be considered unequivocally safe, so you will have to do this at your own peril and risk.
First you need to remove the battery from the laptop and connect the power cable to it. Then you should turn on the device and wait for the operating system to start. After that, you can insert the battery into the laptop.
Laptop power supply
The laptop does not work from the network for another reason - a malfunction of the power supply, which can often fail. With power fluctuations, its performance leaves much to be desired. The fact is that the task of the transistor, which is located inside the power supply, is to convert 220 volt variables to 12 volt constants. However, this is difficult to cope with if the voltage is constantly jumping. In connection with this situation, the power supply may simply burn out.
The solution to this problem is very simple - replacing the inoperable power supply with a similar new one. Just when buying, you need to know the model of the laptop and its connector, then you can avoid the return.
Another reason why the laptop does not work from the network is the power supply cord that has become unusable.
The first case affects the connection of the power supply with the cord included in the outlet, as it is subjected to constant kinks and friction. In the event that the part that attaches to the power supply has been broken, you can fix it yourself. To do this, you will need wire cutters and electrical tape. The damaged area must be cut and the wires subjected to insulation. Then the surviving parts are connected to each other.
Of course, this method will permanently ruin the appearance of the device, but it will give it time to work a little more to wait for it to be completely replaced with a new one.
In the second case, the power cable breaks in the place where the plug is connected to the laptop's charging port. This happens due to careless transportation or constant movement of the cable in that place.
The solution is completely similar to the first case, but it is better to replace the cable with a new one.
Connector for power supply cable
If the laptop does not work from the network, then the reason may be hidden in the plug for the charging cable of the device itself.
For some time, when the laptop is constantly transported without proper handling, the power plug may also be damaged. Checking the charging socket for serviceability is simple - if the laptop displays the charge level only when the plug in the socket is in a certain position, then the problem is definitely in the connector.
If you have enough experience in assembling / disassembling laptops, then you can try to replace the connector yourself. In another case, in order not to damage the motherboard, it is worth taking the equipment to a repair service.
Motherboard problems
If all of the above options did not help determine why the laptop is not working from the network, then the problem is most likely in the motherboard. True, an ordinary user will not be able to accurately determine the area of \u200b\u200bbreakdown, since it can be transistors, capacitors, and much more.
The best solution in this case would be to contact a service center, where an experienced specialist will diagnose and issue a verdict.
There are cases of laptop battery failure, which leads to its complete elimination, so the question arises as to whether it is worth using a laptop without a battery.
Of course, a laptop is subject to long-term operation in the absence of a battery, only if several conditions are met:
- Firstly, the power supply used must be branded, that is, the one that came with the laptop.
- Secondly, the supplied voltage should not jump, for this it is better to purchase a special filter.
- Thirdly, to be completely sure that the voltage will not change dramatically, it is necessary to install uninterrupted equipment that provides a stable voltage supply.
These methods will undoubtedly help you to use the laptop further, but then it will lose its mobile superiority over a stationary computer. Therefore, it is easy to immediately understand whether a laptop can work from the mains without a battery.
To avoid all the previous situations, you should listen to the advice of experts. And for starters, it should be noted that a constant connection to the network leads to an accelerated breakdown of the laptop battery, so it is recommended to turn it off as soon as the battery is fully charged.
Since the batteries are lithium-ion, they constantly need to be both discharged and recharged, so off-grid operation is required.
Probably, many people have encountered a situation where a laptop refused to work without a battery from a 220 V network. There may be several reasons for this. Let's look into this issue.
Maintenance
Should a laptop work without a battery from the mains
Sometimes the question arises whether a laptop can work without a battery and whether it should work like that at all. In general, most models can be easily and simply connected to the network with the battery removed. To do this, a controller is provided on the motherboard, which automatically switches power to the battery if it is not charged or directly to the laptop if the battery is charged to 100% or removed.
There are also some models that simply do not provide for operation without a battery. Usually these are old models that are simply not designed for such actions. They use the battery as part of the circuit. That is, first the idea is powered by the battery, and then into the laptop, and if the battery is removed, the circuit will be open.
Separately, it should be noted that using a laptop without a battery makes sense only if the battery has failed. In order to save battery life, you should not remove it. The fact is that the controller on the motherboard independently copes with disconnecting the battery, and operation from an external power source does not affect the battery life in any way.
If you work without a battery, it is better to use a UPS, in case of a power surge or a sudden power outage.
Causes and Solutions for Faults
Sometimes it happens that you need to connect the laptop to the network directly, without a battery, but this does not work. Power is not supplied. There may be several reasons for this inappropriate behavior.
Network operation is not provided
First, make sure that the laptop allows such a connection. If you have a modern gadget, even Chinese-made, there should be no problems. But, five years ago, many laptops did not support direct operation from the network. A battery was required. Now this is found only in the cheapest models or replicas.
But, nevertheless, the first thing to check is whether the laptop can work without a battery.
Lack of electricity in the network
Another banal situation - the socket is simply de-energized. This really happens. In this case, the laptop will not work naturally. Just in case, check if there is current in the network.
- Plug in any known working device. If it works, then there is current.
- If there is no voltage, check the automatic fuses. Sometimes they are made on separate devices, maybe this is your case.
If the fuse turns on, but there is no current, you should call a specialist, but for now use another outlet.
Worn out wire
Quite often the reason is in the power supply wire. As a result of operation, as well as regular transportation, the cord may break. It is quite simple to identify such a problem, it is enough to move the wire, if the reason is in it, in some positions there will be power. You can also check the wire with a multimeter. Typically, a break occurs in the following places.
- Break at the base. Directly near the block, the cord is constantly subjected to various loads. As a result, it breaks down quickly. To avoid this, it is worth carefully and carefully positioning the cord when using, as well as transporting. If a breakdown has already occurred, you can try to restore the integrity of the product. If the break is not near the block itself, cut off the damaged section of the wire, and wind the rest. In the event of a break directly near the block, you will have to disassemble it and re-solder the wire on the contacts.
- At the plug. Usually occurs after transportation with the charger connected. Due to incorrect positioning, the conductor breaks. This is solved either by replacing the damaged section of the wire, or by completely replacing the cord.
The power supply has gone
A fairly common problem is that the power supply simply does not work. It can burn out quietly, or noticeably, with the release of smoke. In any case, the malfunction will not allow the device to continue working. There is only one way to solve the problem - buying a new block.
When choosing a new unit, pay attention to the connector and power. They should fit your laptop.
Crashed connector at the memory or laptop
Another common problem. If the gadget was used inaccurately, transported with a connected cord, lifted by the wire, there is a possibility of damage to the socket. The antennae that come into contact with the plug may be bent, or the contacts directly in the laptop itself may break off. There may be several reasons.
The only way to solve the problem is to replace the socket. To do this, you will have to completely disassemble the device. If you are not sure of your skills, it is better to contact a service center for repair. Any mistake during operation can lead to other breakdowns.
Broken motherboard controller
As already mentioned, the corresponding controller is responsible for the operation in the "without battery" mode. If the laptop does not turn on without a battery, the motherboard may be the reason. The microcircuit can start working if you change the corresponding capacitors and transistors.
It is very difficult to identify this cause on your own. Eliminate it at home is also not possible. It is best to contact specialists who will restore the controller to working order.
Conclusion
Most modern laptops work without any problems without a battery. But, sometimes there are difficulties. They may be related to a malfunction of the power supply, wires, or components of the laptop itself. Diagnosis and elimination of some of the causes can be done independently. If the problem is in the connector or motherboard, you will have to contact the service for help.
Stayed questions or is there something supplement the article? Write about it in the comments. This will make the article more complete and useful.
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