[ixSinxi]

I've seen threads around the forums, but none of them have helped :/
The main reason is that i've lost the rapid charger, and am having to deal with a 0.8A Nexus S charger instead >_>

When I power it up, the red light starts blinking every 15 seconds, and just stays like that.
My warranty is over (been a year since I bought it) so I can't even call BB support :/

Any idea on what I should do? Im really not looking forward to buying another charger since I have a habit of breaking gadgets and my parents will just yell at me a bit more lol..

Thanks in advance.

[malgpz900]

You will have to switch the Playbook off and leave for quite a while if you are using and 0.8A charger. Lots of threads/posts on here about charging Playbooks, I am surprised you could not find one to help you. You really need the correct Playbook rapid charger/ magnetic charger/desktop cradle to charge it up.
Malcolm.

[ixSinxi]

Thanks, I know there were a lot of threads, but none of them described anything about what to do w/o the Rapid Charger.

Any estimate on how long it'll have to be off for? :P

[dangerousfen]

Have you still got the playbook charger tbat came in the box when you bought it? if so use that.

Come on F2. Post it up again so the OP understands all the charging issues. Then help yourself to a brandy.

[ixSinxi]

Nope, said that in OP :/ ^

[FF22]

You don't have the standard ac adapter that came with the pb? That would best for stack charging. Or find one with at least that much output.

Locked, bricked Stack Charge Charging

More Mapsonburt:

Don't keep trying if you get the Red light/5 Yellows... you'll soon drag the battery down past where you can start it again. Leave it off, plug it in and let it charge (with at least a 1.8A charger). Once you get the flashing (once every few seconds) green light, you can power it up - on the charger. If you do drag it down below the red flash/5 yellows, plug it in for 1 minute, unplug (at the wall) for a second or so, plug it back in and repeat for 20-30 minutes. You'll eventually get the red/yellows and then leave it plugged in (and off) until you get the flashing green. It's a PITA but the PlayBook has a very conservative charging algorithm when the battery is below 2.67 Volts to prevent explosions (I'm guessing). I've never been unable to start one with that method.

Mapsonburt:


The PlayBook OS currently shuts down at 3.5 volts. When the battery gets below 2.67V it won't show power lights or even try to start because there isn't enough juice to even power the processor to run the code on the BIOS. The BIOS is software hard coded on a chip within the PlayBook that tells it how to load the PlayBook OS and is coded such that it only recognizes signed PlayBook boot images (which is why it is so hard to root and that nobody has been able to get one to boot Android or WebOS. The BIOS software also contains some charging algorithms for when the OS is not running - ie device is powered off but plugged into a charging source. This code ONLY runs when the battery is above 2.67 volts because the processor can't run below that.

The root of the problem is that this design issue prevents the device from accepting any charge longer than 60 seconds when the battery is too low to run the charging algorithms on the BIOS or on the OS (one runs before the device is powered on and one runs afterwards). RIM did this because Lithium Ion batteries have a nasty habit of catching fire if not charged properly so they wanted to ensure that the processor could be in control of the charging. Makes perfect sense and they probably thought they were avoiding situations like where early Li Ion batteries on laptops were catching on fire. The problem is they were a bit too aggressive in dealing with the problem at design stage. If the battery is below 2.67Volts their protective algorithms can't run but you also can't put enough charge into the battery to charge it! Hence all the reports of people having success with stack charging.

Unfortunately there are a lot of wrong ways to do this floating around out there and getting repeated everyone someone posts a new thread on the issue. It really should be made a sticky. What is the right way?

1) ONLY use a source that provides 1.7Amps or more of charge. The original charger provides this. The rapid chargers provide a lot more. Your phone charger only provides a fraction of this. Anything less is going to take forever to charge the battery above 2.67 volts and may not have enough juice to charge the battery AT ALL once the processor starts to run above 2.67Volts or even worse once the OS starts to run above 3.5Volts. Forget about using your computer to charge it when the OS isn't running as the computer looks for the hardware to identify itself and won't put out a full charge current unless the device indicates it can accept. Once the OS is running, you'd often CAN get enough power from the USB on the computer but that is because the OS has signaled it is OK for the computer to send it. When the OS/BIOS isn't running, the PlayBook won't take much/any charge from a computer. The rapid chargers are best as they quickly charge but more importantly do not use the (too) flimsy USB port. A lot of problems are caused by this port getting wobbly over time and the device not getting a charge at all. Everyone should have a rapid charger.

2) Until you get your device WELL above the 3.5Volts that let's the PlayBook boot, do NOT try to start it. Every attempt drags the battery down some more and that attempt sucks much more charge from the battery than you can put in in those 60 seconds before the hardware shuts down the charging. How can you tell where your battery is? Well if you are getting no lights on the playbook on your first charging attempt you are below 2.67volts. If lights go on and then it doesn't start the OS it is below 3.5Volts. If it loads the OS and then dies it is just above 3.5Volts. If the device loads the OS it is somewhere below 5.0Volts. Depending upon where you start (how low the battery is) various techniques work best. They are: REAL stack charging (plug in for 60 seconds, unplug, plug in for 60 seconds, repeat until the processor starts accepting charging (the big battery symbol on the screen). Again, DO NOT try to turn the device on until then. You are just working against yourself and it will take much longer. You should get the charging symbol within 20-45 minutes of repeated REAL stack charging. Forget you ever heard of plugging in for 2 mins and then off for 2 mins and similar as those 2 mins of off time are COMPLETELY worthless. I have put a multimeter on the PlayBook in this state and it NEVER takes more than a minute of charge when under 2.67volts but will accept another minute of charge after a short (1-2 second) disconnection. Just do it right.

3) Once you see that charging screen leave it plugged in to the charger (stop stack charging) for at least an hour before you try to start the PlayBook. If you don't you may end up in a situation where the attempt to start drags that battery back down below 2.67V and you have start stack charging again. Be patient, you are almost there!

4) Fully charge your Playbook after this to ensure your PlayBook gets back to 100%.

Unfortunately, there isn't a lot RIM can do about this now. It's a hardware design issue. I'd be interested in knowing if the fixed it with the 4G versions. I don't think I've ever seen that complaint with one of those but I've "fixed" both of mine a few times (the kids keep trying to power them on after letting them shut down on low battery despite me saying time RUN not walk and put it on a rapid charger when ever it hits the flashing red battery signal (9%). I've also helped many friends and people on the web and NOBODY who has followed the instructions has failed to get their PlayBook to charge.

I'm convinced this fault is the reason so many PlayBooks are returned to the stores and through RMA. RIM has been very good about this but it should never have happened. Happy Charging!


........................
The battery is likely below 2.65 volts. That happens if the PlayBook has sat for a while. Plug your charger into the playbook (make sure it's the stock charger and not a computer or other charger as you need to pump in lots of amps - more than 1.7amps - the more the better). The rapid charger is even better as it can go to 5 amps.

LEAVE the charger plugged into your PlayBook. Unplug it from the wall (to save the fragile micro-USB port) every minute for a few seconds and plug back in. You'll see lots of references on the web to plug in for 2 minutes and unplug for 2 minutes. Ignore those. I took the PlayBook apart and put a multimeter on mine when it was doing this. If the battery is below 2.65 volts, the PlayBook charging circuit charges for about 1 minute and then shuts down. NO AMOUNT of continued charging makes any difference. As soon as you unplug it (at the wall) and power it back up, it will take charge again for another 45-60 seconds. Repeat.

Keep doing that for as long as it takes to get the screen to show the charging display. If it is just below 2.65volts, it will take somewhere between 20-45 minutes as the battery only takes a little bit of charge each cycle and you need to get that voltage up over 2.65 volts (at which point it will show the charging display and take a full charge). It may take more... but keep at it. Every time you plug it in for 60 seconds, you are adding a bit more power to the battery.

DO NOT try to power the device on until the device has a full charge. You will just risk getting it into a situation where it can't fully boot before it drags the charge down below 2.65 volts again and you'll have to start all over.

This works... and saves you from having to jump start it like I did the first time I got mine into this situation.

[dangerousfen]

You can take that brandy now F2.

[jpash549]

As usual F2 beat me to the punch and posted Mapson Burch's good advice. Nevertheless I am posting the following info. Going to the Blackberry Knowledge base may be useful in other situations but not as much fun as forum discussions over brandy or tea ad crumpets.

Blackberry Knowledge Base. article KB27705

Google Blackberry Knowledge Base
On left side of page go to tablet.
Then enter either battery charging or Kb27705 and you see a link to the applicable article.

http://btsc.webapps.blackberry.com/b...ListHelperImpl

[FF22]

You can take that brandy now F2.

I just might indulge after dealing with non-goose down on my cross-country ski trip today. Pretty wiped!

[ixSinxi]

I've read that a few times F2, but would it apply if I don't have the Rapid Charger?

[FF22]

Stack Charging is generally done with the normal usb-ac adapter. (not the rapid charger).

[ixSinxi]

Urgh this is confusing me :S
Right now I have two charging supplies:

0.15A USB charger
0.8A Phone Charger

Neither of which came with the Playbook itself. I'd have to Stack Charge it with the 0.8A charger?

[FF22]

"Stack Charge it with the 0.8A charger"

You can try using that. I might take more plug/unplug sessions. Again, to avoid stress on the usb port, plug/unplug at the wall socket and not the usb port.

And do NOT try turning it on. Just do the charging over and over.

[jpash549]

Urgh this is confusing me :S
Right now I have two charging supplies:

0.15A USB charger
0.8A Phone Charger

Neither of which came with the Playbook itself. I'd have to Stack Charge it with the 0.8A charger?

You definitely need to get at least a 1.8 amp charger if you possibly can.

[ixSinxi]

"Stack Charge it with the 0.8A charger"

You can try using that. I might take more plug/unplug sessions. Again, to avoid stress on the usb port, plug/unplug at the wall socket and not the usb port.

And do NOT try turning it on. Just do the charging over and over.

Gotcha, any idea how long it will take?

You definitely need to get at least a 1.8 amp charger if you possibly can.

Im a broke 16 year old :/

[FF22]

Just follow the directions above but it could take quite a while. And I can't even guess.

There may be cheap original adapters on amazon or ebay.

[ixSinxi]

Alright :/
Do you think I should get a 2amp wall usb charger? Would it substitute for the Playbook stock charger?

[jpash549]

Gotcha, any idea how long it will take?


Im a broke 16 year old :/

Maybe a cheap one will turn up. By the way and, maybe an unecessary caution because you already know it, be careful when you plug in chargers to the Playbook micro USB because the charger plug goes in upside down from what it does on some other devices. An 0.8 amp charger will only give you maybe, at best, 2.9 watts charging rate and so you should be able to get by if you charge in standby, airplane mode. When stack charging use a switchable outlet to plug your charger into if you can so. that you don't have to plug and unplug the USB end. Normal charging should take 6 plus hours. No idea as to how much time it'll take to get it started again. Let us know what happens.

[ixSinxi]

Maybe a cheap one will turn up. By the way and, maybe an unecessary caution because you already know it, be careful when you plug in chargers to the Playbook micro USB because the charger plug goes in upside down from what it does on some other devices. An 0.8 amp charger will only give you maybe, at best, 2.9 watts charging rate and so you should be able to get by if you charge in standby, airplane mode. When stack charging use a switchable outlet to plug your charger into if you can so. that you don't have to plug and unplug the USB end. Normal charging should take 6 plus hours. No idea as to how much time it'll take to get it started again. Let us know what happens.

Will do. I will try stack charging after my guests go home. Right now i've left it plugged in, and the red light is turning on, then turning off every 10-15 seconds. Is this normal? Good or bad?

[ixSinxi]

Omg guysguysguys it started oscillating yellow!
What now??

[FF22]

Leave it alone for a few more hours.

I can't recall BUT it might mean it is charging when off or it is now fully charged and off. Someone else will remember I'm sure but if you can wait a while longer ......

[jpash549]

Omg guysguysguys it started oscillating yellow!
What now??

From Blackberry knowlwledge base 27705

Starting*in*BlackBerry*Tablet*OS*2.1.0:

Once the yellow LED begins pulsating indicating charging mode, if the tablet*is disconnected from the charger, a*graphic will be displayed on the screen indicating*to reconnect the power source.
The graphic will be displayed for 20 seconds before the*tablet powers off if the power source is not reconnected.*The PlayBook is fully charged when the pulsating LED changes to a solid green light.*The graphic indicating that the power is source is not connected, may still appear even when the tablet*is fully charged.*The same graphic will also be displayed if the*tablet is turned on and there is not sufficient power to perform the boot process.

[ixSinxi]

It started and is now at full charge!!!!

[vokaliztah04]

My problem is somewhat similar, I was able to charge my PlayBook after having 0% by doing the stack charging and yes it was a PITA when my PlayBook reached 68% battery level using (the original charger that comes in the box) i switched it with rapid charger and left it over night. the next day my playbook was back to being flat 0% battery. the only difference is that the first time it flat 0% i can still open the PlayBook it loads perfectly but this time around is different, every time i connect it to the charger the RED light (solid not pulsating) start to open then after that SOLID ORANGE light then afterwards DARK GREY SCREEN whenever i pull out the charger it shows this then it will eventually fade away and again back to DARK GREY SCREEN.

i tried long pressing the off button and also the off + volume thingy but every time i try to put back the charger it repeats the same thing as mentioned above... sometimes when i connect it to the PlayBook the RED light is on (solid) then Orange Light (solid also) then the PlayBook will turn on like this and before it even boot properly it'll be stuck like that for 10mins. then it shuts down...

can anyone please help me?

[FF22]

How old is your pb? Warranty?

The PB has a one year warranty to the original purchaser. It also has 90 free Tech support. I do not know how Rim deals with "quasi-tech support v. warranty"

Rim Support
Tel:
Canada Toll Free: 1-877-644-8405
United States Toll Free: 1-877-644-8410
Puerto Rico Toll Free: 1-855-651-4936
Email: [email protected] (this route generally does not work and a call is necessary)

(UK Support) 0800 096 2805

Playbook French Support
Smartphones BlackBerry Z10 - Tous les T�l�phones Portables BlackBerry - FR - France
Phone : 0800 914 533 (within 90 days from activation)

BlackBerry� Customer Support Center
Austria:0800-297-476
Belgium:800-77-980
RIM (Brasil Support toll free number): 0800-022-3161
Bulgaria: 00800-118-1115
Denmark: 802-%)!(*
France: 800-914-533
Germany: 800-181-6530
Italy: 800-789-272
Luxembourg: 800-2-2187
Netherlands: 800-022-7316
Norway: 00-1-647-426-7058
Poland: 00-800-112-43-59
Portugal: 800-827-760
Russia: 8-800-100-9643
South Africa: 0800988892
Spain: 900-866-969
Sweden: 02-079-4448
Switzerland: 0-800-802-492
United Kingdom: 08000962805

Phone-Numbers of BlackBerry PLAYBOOK- Helpdesks...

Germany: 0800 1816530 (Geb�hrenfrei)

North-America: 1 877 255 2377 (Toll Free)

UK: 0808 100 7466 (Toll Free UK only)

Outside UK: +44 1753 558400

Worldwide: 1 519 888 6181

[email protected]

(BTW: Helpdesk for BlackBerry devices -except PlayBook- for Germany:
0180 3302626)

......................

When trying to charge it, do not keep turning it on. Leave it alone for 3 or 4 hours.