Buffy? I like that. That girl's so hot, she's buffy.

Forrest ,'Conversations with Dead People'


Buffistechnology 2: You Made Her So She Growls?  

Got a question about technology? Ask it here. Discussion of hardware, software, TiVos, multi-region DVDs, Windows, Macs, LINUX, hand-helds, iPods, anything tech related. Better than any helpdesk!


le nubian - Nov 20, 2004 7:40:33 pm PST #63 of 10003
"And to be clear, I am the hell. And the high water."

well, that didn't work.


dcp - Nov 20, 2004 8:00:49 pm PST #64 of 10003
The more I learn, the more I realize how little I know.

Could it be an overheating problem?

Or perhaps it is some other (or someone else's?) remote that is turning the TV off.


Ouise - Nov 21, 2004 3:40:43 am PST #65 of 10003
Socks are a running theme throughout the series. They are used as symbols of freedom, redemption and love.

Exploding batteries is a bad thing, yes?

My sister was recharging some batteries (belonging to my other sister) and one has burst, and liquid has come out of it. We don't know how old they are, and they are labelled Alkaline, but we don't know what chemicals are in them, because she threw out the package.

I guess my questions are:
1) how careful do we need to be cleaning up?
2) is the battery recharger salvageable?
3) how should we dispose of the explody battery?

Any and all help would be appreciated.


DXMachina - Nov 21, 2004 3:52:58 am PST #66 of 10003
You always do this. We get tipsy, and you take advantage of my love of the scientific method.

Ouise, there is a Duracell Material Safety Data Sheet here: [link] It's a pdf file.

The main toxic ingredient is potassium hydroxide, which is in the same chemical class as lye (sodium hydroxide). It is a powerful base. Wear rubber gloves when you're cleaning it up. You should be able to clean it up by flushing with lukewarm water.

The charger may be salvageable if you clean it well. Make sure it's thoroughly dry before you plug it back in.

In my town, the transfer station has a bin for batteries, although it's never occurred to me to ask what the policy is on leaking batteries.


DXMachina - Nov 21, 2004 3:58:49 am PST #67 of 10003
You always do this. We get tipsy, and you take advantage of my love of the scientific method.

One other thing. You shouldn't even try to recharge alkaline batteries. Chargers are only for batteries that are specifically labeled as rechargeable, usually Nickel-Cadmium or Lithium batteries. As you've dicovered, alkalines don't always react well to charging.

eta: There are some alkaline batteries that are specifically designed to be recharged, and they are labeled as such. Ordinary alkalines can be recharged, but they also run the risk of exploding while doing it. [link]


le nubian - Nov 21, 2004 4:49:57 am PST #68 of 10003
"And to be clear, I am the hell. And the high water."

dcp, re: tv turning off...

I just turned the tv on this morning and boom! it went off after 3-5 minutes. I can't imagine that another remote is turning it off...though I did wonder if it is possible that my laptop is turning it off. Is this possible or am I just crazy weird for thinking this?


Ouise - Nov 21, 2004 4:53:33 am PST #69 of 10003
Socks are a running theme throughout the series. They are used as symbols of freedom, redemption and love.

Thanks so much, DX! They are labelled rechargeable, but it sounds like maybe they shouldn't have been. Off to get some rubber gloves ...


DCJensen - Nov 21, 2004 10:14:47 am PST #70 of 10003
All is well that ends in pizza.

le nubian, do you have the exact model number handy? There are a couple of places one can search for troubleshooting info on the 'net.


Theodosia - Nov 21, 2004 10:48:23 am PST #71 of 10003
'we all walk this earth feeling we are frauds. The trick is to be grateful and hope the caper doesn't end any time soon"

In five-and-change years of recharging rechargeable batteries, I've never had any explode. EEEEek!


DXMachina - Nov 21, 2004 10:59:35 am PST #72 of 10003
You always do this. We get tipsy, and you take advantage of my love of the scientific method.

Theo, are they Alkalines or Ni-Cads? It's way more likely with the alkalines.