Tecra 500 CDT

[moribundman]

I use that 12 year old laptop as a diagnostic tool (Vag-Com) for my 12 year old Audi. The computer has been abused and stored poorly (has been rattling around in the trunk for 5 years), not used very often (once a year), and finally its battery is complete toast.

When I use the Tecra, I power it through the the car's power outlet. Ever since the battery has died, I get a message that the battery has died when I start the computer up. Then it runs a self-diagnostic and works fine.

Can I remove the rechargeable, or does it have to remain installed for some weird reason? I prefer removing the battery before it starts leaking.

Also, is there another battery that I should know about? I know my Mac computers have a small lithium battery.

PS: I run Windows 98 on that beast.

 

[JHZR2]

take the battery out and try... run the experiment. most computers have a small button cell of some sort to keep the clock going. This is why you can remove power or the main battery and still keep date/time.

 

[MysticGold04]

Yes, try it.. I'd be willing to bet that it has an internal battery that keeps the cmos settings intact. Every computer I've seen since the 80's has one somewhere...

A little OT, but interesting nonetheless...

I had a computer here at work that was left unplugged for a few months... I plugged it in the other day to power it up and no power. I thought the power supply was the issue... nope, tried a different PS. Weird cuz the motherboard has a power led and it was lit, but no response from the switch... I left it plugged in and the next morning, the darn thing was powered on!

Only thing I could think of is that the little battery had died and once it charged back up, the motherboard was happy again. I had to reset all of the cmos settings though.. I had never seen that in my lifetime of working with computers though...

 

[moribundman]

A Mac (at least an older model) will not function properly when the small internal PRAM battery dies. When changing the battery, the PRAM needs to be reset via a tiny button on the logic board.

A search reveals the Tecra contains a 3 cell Nickel Metal Hydride bacup battery, which "may require technician to install." I guess I may bust the case open and take a look.

I'll see what happens if I start the Tecra up without the main battery. A replacement battery costs over $150.

I just remembered that I could use my Nokia N800 as diagnostic tool, if I were to get Carman and a OBD-II scan tool with Bluetooth.

 

[Shannow]

Sounds all very John Titoresque, travelling back in time to get a old IBM PC that can talk "mainframe" to the computers that died in 2036.

 

[moribundman]

I'm back from the future. Now I must go back, or is that forward?

I plugged the Tecra into the car again, and it started up fine without a systems check. Since it weighs 20 pounds or so, with probably not much useful life left, I think I'll get myself a USB (under $60) or a Bluetooth adaptor (kinda pricey at around $160) and use that with free diagnostic software that I can run on my Nokia internet tablet.

 

[Shannow]

Where's the fun in that.

You can have my Amiga if you pay shipping.

 

[moribundman]

I got an Apple IIe right here!

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: moribundman
I got an Apple IIe right here!


Oh man!!! I've got an old "PLUS" at my parent's place. As well as an old Mac workstation with the "portrait" screen.

 

[Papa Bear]

You can have my Atari 400.

 

[carlprop]

Hi Mori, I have the Toshiba Tecra 510CDT. I can provide a couple of links for you.

http://www.sparepartswarehouse.com/Vendo...vicetype=Laptop

http://www.diaspoir.net/blog/mt/2004/01/toshiba_tecra_510cdt.html

As you know, the battery is very expensive. But hopefully you will find those web sites helpful.

 

[moribundman]

Thanks! I have however mothballed the Tecra. I use now my tiny internet tablet for car diagnostics. The Techra has joined the Apple IIe in my collection of curios.