Chapter 2 – Hardware Operation
WalkAbout Computers HAMMERHEAD RT User’s Guide – V030105
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As the battery power availability decreases, the LED’s will turn off from
top to bottom. For example, when the top light begins to flash, the
computer has approximately 90% charge remaining. If four LED’s are lit
a solid green, an estimated 80% of the total battery charge remains. If
three are lit a solid green and the fourth one begins flashing, the
computer has approximately 70% charge remaining.
The last LED indicator will begin to flash when approximately 10% of
battery power remains. When the remaining battery power becomes
critical, all data should be saved. Failure to do so may result in lost data!
Replace one of the batteries with a fresh battery or recharge the unit.
When the HAMMERHEAD RT is turned off, the battery status indicators
will also turn off after a delay of a few seconds. When the unit is placed
in standby mode, the battery status indicators will flash as a reminder the
unit is on standby.
How to recharge your batteries
The Hammerhead’s batteries automatically fast charge any time the
Hammerhead is connected to an external power source (AC or DC).
This is accomplished using either the Hammerhead internal battery
charger or an approved Walkabout power source/battery charger.
To recharge the battery using the AC adapter, plug the circular
connector of the AC adapter into the AC connector in the Hammerhead
or in the power supply port on the replicator. Charging begins
automatically as the unit is docked when using a vehicle-docking mount,
desktop docking station or a wall mount docking station. The
Hammerhead is fully functional as it charges. Using the unit as it
charges will only slightly lengthen the recharging process. Don’t be
alarmed if batteries feel warm to the touch during this process. It is
normal for a battery to become warm during charging and discharging.
Do not use any external power source other than the AC or DC adapters
provided with the HAMMERHEAD RT.
Also, do not connect to more
than one power source at a time, such as an AC power supply and
docking station, when charging the unit or permanent damage to
the battery or computer may occur.
Chapter 2 – Hardware Operation
WalkAbout Computers HAMMERHEAD RT User’s Guide – V030105
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How to tell when batteries have finished charging
When charging, the green charge indicator light will flash while the unit is
recharging. When charging two batteries, the secondary battery (see
diagram below) will charge to 80% of full charge, then the primary battery
will charge to 80%. After both batteries reach 80%, the secondary battery
will then charge the remaining 20%, after which the primary battery will
complete its recharging process. This method provides the best ratio of
charge time to run time for short battery charge cycles. When batteries
are fully charged, the charge indicator light will stop flashing and remain
lit.
How to increase battery "run time”
The total run-time of the battery is dependent on a variety of factors
including temperature, backlight requirements and computer usage.
To ensure maximum performance of the battery, optimize your
computer’s power management features. Settings for the display and
the hard drive shutdown, as well as the use of suspend, stand-by and
hibernate mode, result in lower overall drain on the battery, effectively
increasing the computer’s operating time.
When to replace your battery
Battery life is dependent on battery usage. Every time a battery is fully
charged and discharged, it
decreases the amount of
energy stored in the battery. To
determine if the battery is past
its prime, first check the date
code on your battery.
Battery knob
