Here is the next installment of the issue concerning the Rovio turning off when docked. CRM suggested that I wire around the switch, which disables the charging contacts when Rovio is not on the dock. Removing the bottom of the dock, I found the switch in question. It controls the positive terminal of the docking mechanism. I measured the resistance from the plate that contacts the "ball" part of the switch and depressed the mechanism, which simulates Rovio's weight when docked. I read a resistance of over 10 ohms. That much reistance in series with the charging circuit will drop enough voltage to not allow the battery to be completely charged. I disassembled the mechanism and, using an art eraser, burnished the contact surfaces of the switch plate and the ball. After reassembly, the series resistance dropped to below 1.0 ohm. The unit is charging perfectly now. An assumption: If Rovio is on the docking station and does not sense that it is charging, it will turn itself off. Too high a series resistance, caused by dirty contacts, will give that indication. Also, because of the series voltage drop caused by the relatively high current flow during charging, the batteries will be incompletely charged. Could something as simple as that be the cause for all the battery problems we have seen? I know from over 40 years of experience with all types of electronic systems that the first place to look is for something mechanical; contacts, etc.
The contacts in Rovio are not gold and therefore will probably tarnish. It is worth a look-see, if you are having charging problems. Especially, if you live in a moist climate. Maybe a little "tuner cleaner" is in order. Don't hurt the plastic, though. Old_Tex

Well, it has been almost one week since I issued this "fix" for Rovio. My battery shows all bars green. It has more "pep" than ever before. I feel sure that it is the root cause for all the battery issues (where the battery is not just dead). Anyone having battery problems or, at least, short battery life should consider this fix. Old_tex

"Are you kidding??Since "YOU" issued the "fix"??? If you will just glance up a post or two where I told you what the problem was and what to do about it!"

WOW, are we sensitive or what? I didn't mean to insinuate that you didn't find it. Far be it for me to take the credit. It's funny that all the talk about batteries not charging and all of a sudden your "fix" popped up. I didn't want to hack my Rovio and rewire anything. It should work as designed. Anyway, it's fixed now. Old_tex

I bought my Rovio from an individual who had it for over a year. It sat in the closet for at least six months. He said that he never got more than 15 minutes use from the battery. When I received it, I charged the battery at 800mA for three hours. (It is a 3AH battery.) I used an adjustable power supply and series ammeter, nothing special. I let the battery stablize after charging and measured its voltage to be six volts. I reinstalled the battery and Rovio worked just fine. Then is when I discovered that the charging circuit was marginal. That is what started this discussion. Now, the charging circuit delivers almost 8 volts at the loaded terminals (when Rovio is docked.) As CRM stated, the intermediate contact is marginal. He rewired around it, I just cleaned and burnished the contact. Rovio maintains a full charge, now. I have read of others increasing the wall transformer voltage. However, that voltage also powers the infared LEDs and other circuitry in the base... So, I, personally, would not advise doing that. Old_tex (Hope I didn't step on any more sensitive toes.)