To mitigate this issue, I decided to solder on a larger 65mAh ML2032 battery to replace the original 17mAh ML1220.
I’m happy to report that all is working well so far and the larger battery can sustain the mainboard RTC and BIOS settings in between the weeks when I don’t use the machine.
Link to more details: Review, usage and repair of the Framework laptop - YKM's Corner on the Web
…and you only have Intel UHD graphics…and not Iris Xe? (single channel RAM)
Physically similar to my idea of having a small DC to DC converter that connects the main battery to the ML1220 permanently.
Worthy tradeoff for my use case 
It’s actually a real good idea. For my use case though, it’s in my 3D-printed enclosure so this wouldn’t work for me.
The remote battery hack is a great idea – almost something that Framework could / should provide for those whose use case makes this a serious problem!
Yes I am in the process of speaking to them about it but I’m in no hurry. I wrote an email months ago but have been waiting on other users experience before I load Frameowrk with more ideas
I’m pretty disappointed in this. I convinced my (now) wife to get one of these for her work use, which is only occasional, and I’ve had to do the reset 3 times. The procedure is a little more complicated than she’s comfortable with.
If there is no actual fix for this, I am reconsidering buying one for myself. This is really unacceptable. I know Framework is a new company, but asking that that computers be able to turn on is not really setting the bar very high.
I liked the idea of repairability, but if this can’t be repaired, where are we exactly? Will the RTC battery get worse and worse, requiring more frequent resets?
The workaround that I’ve been able to fit into my day-to-day flow is to have a habit of docking / plugging it in once a week, and have a schedule timer to turn on (and off) the USB-PD at scheduled time.
Hi and welcome to the forum.
Of course you can buy a 12gen issue which doesn’t have this issue or as mentioned just plug to charge it now and then ~ maybe for a good six hours every six days.
A full battery should last the best part of three weeks, so if you intend to leave it for that long, don’t, and give it a full days charge at least every two weeks.
The the above charging doesn’t work then you may have a poor battery or poorly conected battery.
You don’t say a) how long you have it plugged in and charging nor b) how long since such a charge.
amoun:
These are not really useful suggestions. Suggesting to buy another $1700 laptop to resolve the problem is not going to happen.
And saying “If you intend to leave it for three weeks, don’t” is also not useful. Normal laptops can be left alone for a month and turned on without taking them apart. I need solutions, not obvious but not helpful suggestions.
@murph, while you may not like them, and I am not suggesting that you need to, those are your options if the device is used infrequently. You can upgrade the main board, or plug the laptop in for a day every couple of weeks. You can set a charge limit on the battery to avoid undue wear on it by keeping it plugged in. Best of luck with things.
I agree…and that’s what we are left with really.
I was recently told that I’ve been overly negative with my posts…so I’ll stop crapping on it further…and the laptop is what it is. We’re stuck with it.
I’m glad they now have a partnership with Google. Nothing quite like having a business partner who has higher product release standards. (I hope)
I’m not sure that I would hold up Google as something to emulate. It took me three pixelbooks to get one that worked. It won’t boot if I leave it unused and not plugged in for more than a few weeks (sound familiar?). They haven’t met a product that they aren’t willing to abandon. The list is legion. I’m glad that Framework is working with them and hopefully they can get something out of the collaboration, but let’s not kid ourselves that Google is great shakes. I say this while posting from a Google phone. So I have and will continue to use their products where I see fit, but I know first hand that overall they operate more like an immature child than a wise adult.
So there’s nothing to be hopeful about?
Well hopefully Framework’s engineers can learn from Google’s, and vice-versa. I would say that I hope that Framework as a company does NOT emulate Google.
Just to clarify. You didn’t state the use conditions clearly enough so ‘advice’ on charging more frequently, which was mentioned before is the favour option. Failing that the 12gen is an option. Other options void the warranty.
Regarding
Quite likely. Let’s imagine the ML1220 has a span of 200 cycles. If it is charged from 2.3 to 3V every two weeks a whole cycle can be imagined so it could last for 7 years. But as it is degrading 3.5 years may the max. So keeping it charged regularly may mitigate it’s decay.
Regarding the cost. There was no indication of which laptop you have so the cost of $1700 is down to your spec’s requirements. Given the infrequent use you wife has maybe it doesn’t require such a high end version, especially as the GEN12 has better performance. So maybe the 1240 kit at $540 will suffice and there’s an option to sell the 11gen.
You may not consider my responses helpful, but they are responses to a slightly vague use case and this is a topic about the viability of the ML1220.
Stating you are unhappy with the way the ML1220 is implemented is fine but then what answer do you expect when you talk about
The options seem to be, be more careful or buy a 12Gen
So to clarify: My response is not to help change the situation that the ML1220 discharges but relates to how unhappy you are with your decision to purchase which effects your consideration in the viability of a second purchase.
Can anyone confirm the 12 Gen upgrade kit fixes this issue 100%?
AND:
Can my existing 11 Gen mainboard function as a (always plugged-in) desktop without the RTC battery? Or does it still need the RTC battery? I’m pretty sure mine is near-dead. And are there 3rd party cases for this repurpose?
I might be able to justify sticking with Framework if the upgrade fixes my laptop booting problems and my old mainboard can be a server or desktop PC.
You should be able to find an official post to say that this has been resolved in the 12 Gen, will have a look later for you
With an always plugged in why not have an ML1220 ?
Read post 301 above for a starter
I wasn’t sure, since I understand the 12 gen still uses these same batteries. I know it charges differently (from the main battery) so that should help. My 11 gen issue is worse, though, since even after resetting the main to boot, and letting it charge for days, I still can’t boot from battery alone. I’ve been emailing support since September and it’s just test after test.
As for why not use the ML1220 on always plugged in—sure, but I’d like to avoid extra steps from cold boots. If it’s anything like my laptop experience now, I’ll have to physically remove the coin battery and put it back before it will power on. Maybe skipping the battery altogether will skip that dance and go straight to booting.
