PowerBook G3 Lombard PRAM battery replacement?

[dpfenninger]

Anyone know of a source for a replacement PRAM battery for a PowerBook G3 (Lombard)? I'm in the process of restoring the system and getting it up and running smoothly, but I've run into some boot up issues that I suspect are as a result of the PRAM not saving properly.

I've found one (https://www.usedmac.com/products/powerbook-g3-pismo-lombard-pram-bios-battery), but $65 is pretty heinous for what seems to be a pretty basic part. I have zero electrical/soldering skills to make my own out of cheap replacement cells, so something pre-made is preferable, or if someone wants to build one for me for considerably less than $65, I would be happy to pay you for your time and effort.

On a semi-related note, a source for a replacement laptop battery that doesn't break the bank would be appreciated, too.

Thanks!

 

[ww2_1943]

The battery on Usedmacs used. The only way to make one successfully is with a spot welder designed for welding the battery tabs. The PRAM battery for the Wallstreet/PDQ is easier to build.

As for a replacement laptop battery, none exist. I’ve spent countless hours looking into this. I even contacted a Chinese company that made replacement batteries for the G3 and they didn’t get back to me.

I did find a place willing to rebuild a PowerBook battery but they won’t guarantee it. The cost is $140 plus shipping both ways. If I had extra money laying around, I’d give it a shot. But you’re talking around $200 with shipping for a battery that may not work.

There just aren’t many people willing to work with lithium batteries. I can’t blame them. Too much liability and shipping options are limited.

 

[mectojic]

You don't need a pram battery for the lombard. I used mine for months without one, and nothing failed. Could boot OS 9 and OS X just fine; even the date and time was preserved on battery.

 

[mustagcoupe]

The cells are standard size but i dont remember which one. You can find the battery cells with tabs already welded on and then just solder the tabs together in the order you need. Its a bit messier than having a nice spot weld but it works fine. I never bothered on my lombard and since i dont have a main battery in it it does cause it to go kind of haywire on first boot until you get the date and time set.