Battery discharges while Field PC is off

10 Aug 2006

The Microsoft Windows Mobile and Windows CE operating systems on our Field PC products remain in a suspended state when the device is turned off (by quickly pressing and releasing the Power Button (On/Off key)). This suspended state normally drains the battery at an extremely minimal rate. While remaining in this suspended state, a single fully charged battery could drain completely in 3 - 20 days (depending on the software applications installed, the accessories attached to or inserted in the device, and the condition of the battery).To prevent the battery from draining completely in 3 - 20 days while the device is in this suspended state (turned off), we recommend leaving the device plugged in or sitting in a docking station with the charger cable attached whenever not in use (over nights and weekends). The Field PC maintains the battery in a fully charged state while plugged in by trickle charging the battery, and does not ever overcharge the battery. The batteries used in the Field PC have little to no memory effect when left charged.

Windows Mobile Field PCs

You can prevent the battery from discharging while off by performing a full Power Off on the Field PC by:

  1. Press and hold the Power Button for 3-5 seconds until the Power Button menu appears.
  2. Select Power Off from the menu.

If you are storing the Field PC for longer than two weeks, or if you are unable to charge the device for several days, perform a full Power Off and then remove the battery and store it separately. This will maintain the highest percent charge remaining in that particular battery and prevent potential over discharge when using a NiMH battery pack.

Windows CE Field PCs

If you are storing the Field PC for an extended period or if you are unable to charge the device for several days, back up the file system by tapping Start > Programs > Utilities > Save System or SaveRegistry. To avoid slowly draining the battery while the Field PC is off, remove the battery. This will maintain the highest percent charge remaining in that particular battery and prevent potential over discharge of the NiMH battery pack.