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estimating remaining charge in LiIon battery packs

From: (Paul R. Bernard)
Date: 10 Mar 2001 18:22:07 -0500

I've recently turned my attention to the power sources for my as yet
nonexistent wearable.

LiIon seems to be the most popular choice whether they be InfoLithiums
or laptop batteries.  So one obvious possibility is to hot swap
pre-charged LiIon batteries and also keeping a gaggle of wall warts
and a LiIon charger or two stashed in strategic locations.

But how does one go about trying to estimate when one of these
batteries is approaching the end of its charge?  Is it just guess work
and experience or can anyone here using these batteries get the values
directly from the batteries?

I'm assuming that the interface to the on-board electronics of the
batteries is proprietary.  If I'm wrong, please correct me.

I've noted that some LiIon batteries are including a little pushbutton
on the side and a series of LEDs that indicate remaining charge.  This
is certainly better than nothing, but something a little more
automated would be better.  I don't want to be the weak link when my
wearable suddenly loses power because I've forgotten to push the
button.

Doug, what's happening with the all singing and all dancing (and more
importantly Charging while in use) power source you've been trying to
get made?

- paul

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