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Amiga computer related discussion => Amiga Hardware Issues and discussion => Topic started by: mrbill on May 18, 2007, 03:44:25 AM
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I had an A1000 as my main system from '90-93, and recently decided to get "back into" things. I lucked into an A4000 (originally an /030, with a Retina BLT Z3, Emplant board, Warp Engine 040 accelerator) and A2000 (GVP '030 board and RAM8 memory module) for under $100 (basically I paid for shipping). :-D
They arrived today, and the first thing I went to do was remove the slightly-fuzzy batteries. Unfortunately, the battery "tabs" ended up coming completely off the board instead of letting me do a nice neat snip and leaving some contacts to solder into:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrbill/sets/72157600226133061/
The same thing happened on the A2000, which had a worse battery. I'm not really worried about it at all though, because that system is pretty much going to be a spare for parts (I already have another A2000 with 2.04 ROMs, etc).
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrbill/sets/72157600226142951/
If I'm not really worried about having a RTC, is this a major problem? Alternately, are there any individuals still left offering repair service, where I could ship them the 4000 and have a coin-type battery holder installed?
I look forward to getting the 4000 up and running, assuming I haven't completely toasted the box by taking off the battery.
If anyone wants the Emplant board, let me know. I have no interest in Mac emulation and have no use for it.
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If you haven't torn any copper traces on the motherboard, you should be fine. You're better off without the battery. Do you need an Amiga to know what time it is?
Check the area around the battery for corrosive residue. The battery on my A4000 left a circle of corrosion that went far beyond the battery. It extended as far as the sim sockets. Any green fuzz you see around where the battery was is a sulfated copper that used to be part of traces on the motherboard. I removed the battery on my A4000 and then cleaned up the motherboard, first with a mild baking soda solution to neutrilize any acid residue and then with a damp cloth to remove the baking soda. I carefully removed the remaining green fuzz and checked all the circuit board traces under them. I had to clean the first sim socket with a small wire brush--the sim as well. The A4000 motherboard is a lot more tightly packed than the A2000 motherboard and the battery is located in a much more vital area so the potential for serious damage is far greater.
The proof of the pudding is, of course, eating it so after checking everything out visually, fire up the system and see if it works.