Technical data

172 Chapter 11
Working with Batteries
Charging Batteries
Working with Batteries
Charging Batteries
You can charge batteries internally or using the external battery
charger (Option BCG). The external charger provides much faster
charging time.
CAUTION Charge batteries internally or with the appropriate charger, an SMBus
charger of level II or higher.
Never use a non-SMBus charger because the battery issues commands
over the SMBus to the charger to control the charge rate and voltage.
Never use a modified or damaged charger.
NOTE To ensure proper instrument function when operating the analyzer on
battery power, both of the batteries must have equal charge levels.
NOTE For maximum runtime, it is best to have approximately equal charge
levels on both batteries. The instrument will shut down if either battery
becomes fully discharged during operation.
Internal Charging
You can use the N1996A to recharge the batteries while the analyzer is
operating or shut down. For a fully depleted battery, charging time is
approximately 4 hours if the analyzer is in standby, 8 hours if the
analyzer is operating.
If two batteries are installed, the analyzer charges both batteries
simultaneously. During internal charging, the charge indicator blinks
to indicate the batteries are being charged.
To charge a battery internally, simply attach the external power supply
and turn on external power.
External Charging
The external battery charger (available as part of Option BCG) lets you
charge two batteries simultaneously. If the batteries are fully depleted,
it takes up to 4 hours to recharge them.
You have the option of charging batteries before they become fully
depleted. Doing this does not shorten battery life. But repeatedly
charging a battery before it’s fully discharged will impair the accuracy
of its internal charge-remaining indicator.