Why is it that the battery must be disconnected for 60 seconds to reset the computer and such? I've always known that it had to be done for a certain period of time, but never knew why. Electronics are not my thing, so its probably a real simple answer, but I've always been curious. Resetting my modem I have to wait 15 seconds, per manufacturer instructions, resetting the caddy, 60 seconds. In my mind, because I'm sure I am missing something, it seems that as soon as there is no power, it should be reset, and that longer time without power is not needed. :confused: Once the power is disconnected, it won't know when 60 seconds is, right?, so it shouldn't matter how long its disconnected, as long as it is. Alright, I am ready for the edjumuckation... ... ...repair my ignorance! :)

Depending on how the electronics are designed there can be several reasons for the different amount of time. Most likely there are capacitors in the circuit somewhere that have to discharge before the device (modem, car computer or whatever) truly does not have any power. Depending on the size and number of these caps, this can take a couple seconds or a couple minutes. Some devices have battery backups (the size of watch batteries) that will have to drain after you disconnect the main battery or power source before everything resets. This will take longer by design.

Good answer. On some systems/computers, not only do you power off, but you also unplug from the power source and then turn on--while unplugged--to get rid of residual current in resistors/capacitors that could be hazardous (prior to opening it and service it).

Ok...that's kind of along the lines I was thinking...thanks fer learnin' me.