Rockbox Technical Forums

Third Party => Repairing and Upgrading Rockbox Capable Players => Topic started by: chengdude on November 10, 2019, 12:16:49 PM

Title: Brand new Clip+ ...can the battery be revived?
Post by: chengdude on November 10, 2019, 12:16:49 PM
(I posted a similar message on the SanDisk forums, but since I would like to install Rockbox I thought I'd try querying the experts here as well)

I recently bought a brand new, still sealed 4GB Clip+.  The battery was fully discharged out of the box, which I guess would be expected considering the years the player spent without being opened/used.  Sadly, though, nothing I've tried seems to revive it from its current comatose state.

On a USB connection, the player is fully recognized in both MTP/MSC but no matter the computer or port, it only shows Connected>Writing, then settles to Connected>flashing SanDisk logo with the battery indicator showing full and no animation.

On a 5V 2A AC connection, the player + menus are fully functional but now the battery indicator shows empty with a diagonal line through it and no animation.  Charging it for several hours doesn't move System Settings > Power from 0%

Besides crying tears of disappointment, I'm not sure if there's anything left to do short of a battery replacement.   I suppose I could leave it on AC power for some days and cross my fingers.  It's on firmware v01.02.17; perhaps attempt an up/downgrade?  Anything else to try?

Thank you for any and all advice!
Title: Re: Brand new Clip+ ...can the battery be revived?
Post by: Bilgus on November 10, 2019, 01:39:35 PM
Leaving the power on won't help anything. li-ion batteries have protection that kicks in on overcharge / undercharge
The danger on overcharge is obvious but there is similar danger when the battery gets too low as well not to mention damage to the capacity of the cell.

Best bet is to just replace it.

The other option (not recommended) is to slowly bring it back above the cut off voltage with a resistor and a few AA batteries or a current controlled power supply.
[BTW if you choose the second option don't blame me if it explodes]
Title: Re: Brand new Clip+ ...can the battery be revived?
Post by: saratoga on November 10, 2019, 02:54:46 PM
Not sure about the clip+, but some devices will very slowly trickle charge a dead battery.  Could let it sit plugged in for a few days and see if any charge sticks before you replace it.
Title: Re: Brand new Clip+ ...can the battery be revived?
Post by: chengdude on November 10, 2019, 08:18:04 PM
Thanks.  I had read about the trickle charge possibility while searching, so we'll give that a try before attempting a transplant.
Title: Re: Brand new Clip+ ...can the battery be revived?
Post by: Moogle on November 15, 2019, 03:25:56 PM
It might have gone to sleep. Try this: https://sciencing.com/revive-lithium-ion-batteries-5982537.html