Re: help - IIgs ROM 3 battery worries!

["Paul Grammens" <grammens@svn.net>]

Blake Patterson <blake@blakespot.com> wrote in message
39AA507C.728588F@blakespot.com">news:39AA507C.728588F@blakespot.com...
>
> I just orderd an unused, factory new Amiga 2000 to add to "the
> collection" and lots of people have gotten me all worried and spun up
> about the condition of the motherboard battery on that thing.
> Apparently often they leak, etc. and sort of "dissolve" the motherboard
> around it.  Well, I have a ROM 3 GS that has a battery that is
> functional, but obviously old.  I assume these concerns are the same for
> the IIgs.  So, I have 3 questions:
>

Nicad and alkaline batteries do tend to leak with age, but I don't think
this is is a problem with the Lithium batteries used in the IIgs. I've
bought  a large number of used Macs and IIgs's that use this battery, and
although the battery is usually dead, it hasn't leaked.  In contrast, it's
common on 386 and 486 machines with nicad or alkaline batteries to see
leakage and corroded boards.  That said, for collectors with a lot of
computers, it's best to remove all batteries while the computer is stored.


> 1) Will the IIgs function w/ battery removed?
>

Yes, though of course it loses all the settings held by the battery.

> 2) Can anyone give me a replcement part # from Radio Shack (or
> somewhere)
>    for a replacement battery?
>

Sorry, I don't have a number, but it's the same battery used by millions of
Macs.
I get some surplus lithium batteries from my local electronic junk store for
$1.50 each, solder wires on them, and attach them to the holder. I use a lot
of them, and I'm too cheap to buy the official part. I think they cost over
$5.

> 3) Is is difficult to remove / replace the IIgs ROM 3 mobo's battery??
>

It's very easy. It's next to the connector where the powersupply harness
plugs onto the motherboard. Just squeeze the plastic cover and pull it off,
then pop out the battery. Be sure you note the polarity when putting in the
new battery.
-Paul