Something I noticed about my DEFENDER PCB... Opinions please

CyberDude

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Something I noticed about my DEFENDER PCB... Opinions please

Mine has 3 AA batteries instead of the small lithium battery. Is it advisable to do the upgrade to the PCB and make it Lithium or just keep it as is? Seems to have been fine all these years as is. Thanks.



 
If you let the AA batteries die, there is a high chance of leakage.

The alkaline chemical inside the battery will corrode the coper, it will follow the traces under the protective coating, it will follow up the legs of components, and even inside switches. It can destroy a board easily enough.

While changing to a 3V button cell battery works, with far less chance of leakage, there are 3rd party solutions that use non volatile memory (ferromegnatic ? RAM, and at least one other technology I'm blanking on) ..... no battery required any longer.... that is the best as it removes all risk.

Nothing wrong with the AA cells you are using... just:

1. Don't let them die
2. Change them on a schedule and don't forget to do so.
3. If you ever catch any leaking, remove the cells and neutralize the alkali with white vinegar and rinse with distilled water.
 
is that even recommended? alkaline batteries? i thought they needed to be rechargeable since voltage runs through the batteries?
 
you don't want lithium on Defender. I made that mistake. it drains the battery cells really really fast.

you can keep AAs, just get one of the remote battery holders like on pinball.

or you can probably do one of those NVRAMs.
 
you don't want lithium on Defender. I made that mistake. it drains the battery cells really really fast.

you can keep AAs, just get one of the remote battery holders like on pinball.

or you can probably do one of those NVRAMs.

What about energizer max life lithiums in AA format?
 
I bought the NVRAM for my Robotron and Defender. Installed in in Robotron and it works great. When I get my Defender working, I'll definitely be installing there, too.
 
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