The battery doesn hold a charge any more; do I need to replace it?
Rechargeable batteries deteriorate over time, especially if drained nearly completely (to extend the life of your battery, limit how often that happens). However, in many cases they can be “conditioned” back to life. This can be done by administering several vigorous 30-second wind cycles. Alternatively this can be done by letting the product run from the battery until it stops, and then, with the product turned off, fully charging it using the wall adapter.
Because the clock and preset memory use some power even when the radio is off, the Summit’s internal battery may eventually reach an advanced state of discharge, in which it is no longer able to receive an efficient charge from the AC adapter or the solar panel. This is characterized by no digital display, difficulty charging the unit, or reduced playtime. If this happens, “reconditioning” the battery will usually solve the problem. Wind the crank vigorously for 30-60 seconds, and repeat several times, the more the better. This should bring the battery back to a condition where it will accept charging as usual from the AC adapter or solar panel.
Because the clock and preset memory use some power even when the radio is off, the Summit’s internal battery may eventually reach an advanced state of discharge, in which it is no longer able to receive an efficient charge from the AC adapter or the solar panel. This is characterized by no digital display, difficulty charging the unit, or reduced playtime. If this happens, “reconditioning” the battery will usually solve the problem. Wind the crank vigorously for 30-60 seconds, and repeat several times, the more the better. This should bring the battery back to a condition where it will accept charging as usual from the AC adapter or solar panel. I will give this reconditioning a bash later. Seems a bit of a pain but there you go. Will try and report back in due course!
