Frequently Asked Questions - Compaq Armada 7400 White Paper

Armada 7800 and 7400 Battery Calibration
N :
OTE
While the computer is recharging
it can be turned on and used.
[PRT017A/0199]
Calibrating Without the Utility
The Battery Calibration tab will not appear on Armada 7000 family computers produced
prior to 1Q99. The new High Capacity SMART Battery is still backward compatible with
these computers though. To calibrate the new battery on these systems using the
following steps:
(1) Remove any second battery from the notebook, leaving only the battery to be calibrated.
(2) Dock the computer or connect to AC.
(3) If the remaining battery capacity is between 90 and 100%, undock or disconnect AC and let
the battery drain to less than 90%.
(4) Dock the computer again or reconnect AC.
(5) Allow the computer to charge to 100%.
(6) Restart the computer in MS-DOS mode (Start ! Shut Down ! Restart the Computer in MS-
DOS Mode ! OK).
(7) Set the system to "drain" mode on the battery conservation settings through Fn+F7.
(8) Allow the computer to discharge until it shuts off.
(9) Dock the computer or reconnect AC.
(10) Allow the computer to fully charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do the new Armada 7800 and 7400 notebook computers require
calibration when earlier models did not?
Previously used methods for measuring remaining battery capacity are no longer effective
on the new, higher capacity batteries. While the accuracy of the remaining power gauge
has been improved, periodic calibration is required to keep the gauge as accurate as
possible. Improved gauge accuracy translates into the obvious user benefit of being able
to better estimate the remaining run time given the current charge level. However, other
benefits such as longer runtime can also be achieved since many of the power
management triggers such as low battery hibernation are triggered based on remaining
battery capacity reported by the gauge. A more accurate gauge means that these triggers
are more likely to occur at the correct point.
Are the new batteries backward compatible with earlier Armada 7000
notebooks?
Yes, the new High Capacity SMART Battery is backward compatible with earlier Armada
7800 and 7400 models as well as the 7700 and 7300; however, the battery calibration
utility will only work with the newer computers. When using a new battery in an older
computer the battery can still be calibrated without the utility using the steps outlined in
the section titled Calibrating Without the Utility.
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