Replacing Psion S3a Battery Lead.

This file is intended to give some guidelines to those of you who are attempting to replace the battery lead in your Psion S3a where this has failed.  The operation is straightforward, and if you can change a plug you can replace the lead.  It is fiddly though, and have a small philips and a small flat blade screwdriver to hand before you begin.  It shouldn't take more than 15 minutes to complete.

This file has been written by one who just this minute finished the operation, having recieved the bulk of the advice below from two other forum members.  Whilst the writer bears no responsibility for any failure or damage caused as a result of following this advice, it is certainly better than no advice at all, as provided by Psion when they send you the new lead!  To their credit, they sent me 2 new leads, although I'm now not convinced that they really have cured the problem with the replacement leads as they claim.  When I realised I had recieved 2 new ones, I entered a reminder to replace the lead again in 12 months time!

1.  How do I know if I have a failed battery lead?

Failure is evident when the machine turns itself off as the lid is closed, and a low battery warning comes on at startup (the batteries are usually OK).  This usually occurs between 8 months and 2 years of buyingt the machine, depending on the usage.

2.  Where do I get a new lead?

Psion Service should send you one FOC when asked, even if the machine is out of warranty.  Their UK phone number is 0181 566 6162.

3.  How do I fit the lead?

I connected the mains lead to the machine, although I understand this is not imperative.  I also backed everything up before starting.  Again, better to be safe than sorry.

First open the battery compartment and remove the batteries. Behind them you will find two, or four, little screws which you can remove with a small philips (crosshead) or pozi-drive screwdriver. Gently ease away the battery compartment from the rest of the machine and you will see the famous lead. 

Examine very carefully to see how it runs through the compartment. At the end where it connects to the machine, is a little white plastic plug. Gently ease that out. You have now disconnected the lead. Remove the lead from its run in the compartment, and put the white plug of the new lead into the machine. Run the new lead through the compartment, locating the metal contacts as before. Offer the compartment up to the machine and tighten the little screws. 

NOTE:  Most of the lead routing is straight forward, however pay particular attention to the area where the lead goes from the compartment to the machine.  The hinge gets in the way, and it seems that the lead has to be pushed all the way to the base of the housing to clear the hinge.  Check again that the rubber grommets are fixed into their locating tabs before finally closing everything up. If you're going to have trouble getting the thing put back together this will be the spot.

That's it!  Any comments, or definite instructions from Psion, would be appreciated............

Trevor Tyrrell
100705.1327@compuserve.com