PS1 Mobile Power One headaches

[Phosphor Dot Fossils]

Okay, I received one of these as a gift over the weekend and I can't get the bloody thing to hold a charge. It's been charging for something like four days without ever accumulating enough juice to even get the PSone to so much as boot up. Anyone else had this problem? Any solutions?

[bargora]

I've never seen one in person, but I would suggest (if you can't return it for one that works) that you verify that it is charging. Is there a separate charger that has a "charging" light? Does it have terminals that you can check with a voltmeter and see how many volts it's putting out? Do you know what kind of chemistry it uses (lead acid, nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride, lithium ion)?

[FABombjoy]

When charging, does it stay the same temperature, get a little warm, or get very warm?

[Phosphor Dot Fossils]

I've followed the docs to the letter on this puppy (including not plugging the battery into the monitor/PS1 while it's charging), and there's been no detectable change in heat coming from the battery.

As far as a separate charger, nope, you just plug the PS1 wall wart power supply into it to charge it. No charge light.

[bargora]

I assume that your PS1 power supply is working properly. If so, then I will put on my CAPTAIN OBVIOUS cape and say that SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE BATTERY!!1!

The fact that you never noticed any warmth from the thing is puzzling, because most batteries get warm when charged or overcharged. Four days should be ample. I am guessing that there is a loose connection in there, or else that your battery's internal charging circuitry is screwed.

I assume that this thing has a plug coming out of it that goes into the back of your PSone, right? If so, and you have a multimeter, try placing the contacts against the inner and outer surfaces of the plug and see if you can get a voltage reading from it.

Before I fly off into the backdrop, tell us--is there any chance you can return or exchange this item?

[digitalpress]

I forget the name of it now, I have a battery backup that sits underneath the small version PSOne. Is that what you're referring to? It shouldn't take that long if so. Mine recharges in about 3 hours, though it drains equally fast!

[Phosphor Dot Fossils]

Yep, this is the one that has two components (the battery itself and a "clamp" stand that snaps into place on top of it and holds the PS1 in place).

I'm trying to see about just returning the thing; I mean, the thought is appreciated, but I'm not sure there are that many opportunities for me to go mobile with this thing. It's not like I travel a lot. But chances are the receipt has already been tossed. :roll:

[digitalpress]

Yep, this is the one that has two components (the battery itself and a "clamp" stand that snaps into place on top of it and holds the PS1 in place).

Hey! Mine didn't come with a clamp! It just has little grooves that match the underbelly of the PSOne. I got ripped off too!

[FABombjoy]

If it's not warming up, then it's not charging. Some part of the circuitry/battery is open/defective. Even a miniscule amount of current will produce a detectable heat, and 4 days of charging with even a minimal amount of current should be enough to boot the PS1, at least momentarily.

Are you able to have the whole thing plugged in at once (PS->battery->PS1), and turn on the PS1? If that works, you could rule out the power connector(s).

If the power supply works on the PS1, but doesn't charge the battery, than it's something internal to the battery.

[mitmoe]

i have one and it works great. takes 3-4 hrs to charge and i get the same in gameplay time.

[Nature Boy]

Hey! Mine didn't come with a clamp! It just has little grooves that match the underbelly of the PSOne. I got ripped off too!

I picked up the same one yesterday (there's nothing like a nice, timely thread). Not only does it not clamp on, mine doesn't work either. I think it was previously returned - it charged up in quite a bit less than 3 hours (maybe an hour?). And, like PDF mentioned, it powers up the PSone for a bit and then resets. Continually. I'm bringing mine back and looking for the Sony, clip-onable one.

Thankfully I got the car adaptor too - playing PSone portably is *sweet* (I played Metal Slug X and Wipeout XL yesterday while waiting for soccer practice to start). I've got my system with me and plan on heading to my car over lunch for a bit of Italian Job :D