[NTLK] How do I freeze the battery for MP2x00?

Hello Douglas:
Woody's excellent comments notwithstanding, I believe that *some* Newton batteries can be given a bit more mileage with the freezer technique. This technique is one part science, one part faith, and one part folk medicine. I'll try to explain the process in simple layman's terms.

The idea as I understand it is this: the electrolytic compounds within the battery cells use certain specific electron flow "paths" as they charge and discharge repeatedly. I don't think this occurs on the molecular level, but anyway... The goal is to "disrupt" the existing electron flow "paths" within the electrolytic compounds and let the electron flow establish a new, different "path" for future charge and discharge cycles.

Follow these steps:

1. Place your Newton battery in the freezer for 25-40 minutes. Not too long, as you do not want the battery to actually freeze. Freezing the battery solid could cause all kinds of problems, as internal components could leak and short out.

2. Take the battery out of the freezer and wrap it in a small towel or piece of cloth.

3. Hit the cloth-wrapped battery sharply two or three times against a hard tile floor, table, or counter top. This is the part that theoretically jars the ions and stuff within the electrolytic compounds.

4. Allow the battery to approach normal room temperature again, before you attempt to recharge it.

At best, this will result in a performance increase of 15-30 percent.
At worst, you won't see any performance increase, and you'll need to re-cell the battery or buy another one. Give it a try.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to my other scientific research projects. ;O)

Matt K.
Backyard Quantum Mechanic
Detroit, Michigan USA

One more thing -- I once spoke with a fellow who had been in prison, and he told me that inmates commonly used a similar technique to get more life out of their batteries. Don't know if it was true or not, but that's what he told me.

       
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