[comp.sys.zenith] Z 183 Charging Problem

urban@eecae.uucp (Mark Urban-Lurain) (09/06/90)

I have a Z 183-93, dual floppy, 8088, 4.77/8 Mhz laptop that has
developed a charging problem.  The battery only holds charge for about 1
to 1.5 hours, instead of the 3 - 4 when new.  The battery is always
charged, then run down completely, so it is not a nicad memory problem.
Also, the low power led always blinks; even when the battery is removed
and the laptop is run on the charger.

I've swapped chargers, same problem.  Voltage measurements at the
battery terminals, with the battery removed, show only 11 volts, instead
of the 14 it is supposed to have.  

Local service reps tried replacing the charging board in the laptop,
same problem.  They now say it is time to replace the logic board: cost
about $500 for the part.  Is it possible to replace only the portion of
the circuit on the board that is related to charging (Regulator, etc?).
Anyone else had this problem and found a cheaper solution?  



--
Mark Urban-Lurain                        urban@cpswh.cps.msu.edu
Computer Science Dept.                   urbanluraimg@clvax1.cl.msu.edu
Michigan State University                (517) 353-0682   
A-714 Wells Hall, East Lansing, MI  48824