Acorn A5000 Motherboard Battery Replacement - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Zelandeth · 29th Apr 2012, 1:38 am

Hopefully a quick one here.

Having dragged my old A5000 down from the loft this evening, managing to do so without breaking my back somehow (quite how Acorn managed to make such a compact computer so heavy I will never know), the first thing which became apparent when powering it up was that it had no idea when it was - having reverted to 1992. Hmm methinks...That's not good, and it's never done that before.

Whipped the cover off, fearing the worst and sure enough the motherboard battery has become incontinent at some point while it's been in storage.

This was originally a Varta VR280R, which I assume was a NiCd cell - the modern equivalent seems to be identical save for being a NiMH version, would I assume that these are suitable just to drop in as a replacement?

Second question: What would you suggest to be the best course of action to remove the battery goop from the motherboard? It's turned a few things green, but hopefully there's no terminal damage done given that the machine seems to be working perfectly aside from lacking an ability to retain settings when the power's shut off...

Refugee · 29th Apr 2012, 2:12 am

Just drop an NiMh in there.
the charging requirements are the same and the capacity may be larger but that will not make any difference apart from lasting longer without being plugged in.
I think the goo is water based so after you have cleaned it off dry it off overnight before you fit the new battery.

mike_newcomb · 29th Apr 2012, 12:04 pm

Hi Zelandeth,

I use a cottonbud and surgical spirit (ss) to remove the goo.

Am careful not to use too much ss, also where it goes, as it can remove printing etc.

Good Luck - Mike

29th Apr 2012, 1:38 am	#1
Zelandeth Heptode Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, UK. Posts: 931	Acorn A5000 Motherboard Battery Replacement Hopefully a quick one here. Having dragged my old A5000 down from the loft this evening, managing to do so without breaking my back somehow (quite how Acorn managed to make such a compact computer so heavy I will never know), the first thing which became apparent when powering it up was that it had no idea when it was - having reverted to 1992. Hmm methinks...That's not good, and it's never done that before. Whipped the cover off, fearing the worst and sure enough the motherboard battery has become incontinent at some point while it's been in storage. This was originally a Varta VR280R, which I assume was a NiCd cell - the modern equivalent seems to be identical save for being a NiMH version, would I assume that these are suitable just to drop in as a replacement? Second question: What would you suggest to be the best course of action to remove the battery goop from the motherboard? It's turned a few things green, but hopefully there's no terminal damage done given that the machine seems to be working perfectly aside from lacking an ability to retain settings when the power's shut off... Attached Thumbnails __________________ Zel's Lair - A random bag of vintage tech, lighting information and other assorted geekery

29th Apr 2012, 2:12 am	#2
Refugee Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Worksop, Nottinghamshire, UK. Posts: 5,553	Re: Acorn A5000 Motherboard Battery Replacement Just drop an NiMh in there. the charging requirements are the same and the capacity may be larger but that will not make any difference apart from lasting longer without being plugged in. I think the goo is water based so after you have cleaned it off dry it off overnight before you fit the new battery.

29th Apr 2012, 12:04 pm	#3
mike_newcomb Rest in Peace Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: West London, UK. Posts: 665	Re: Acorn A5000 Motherboard Battery Replacement Hi Zelandeth, I use a cottonbud and surgical spirit (ss) to remove the goo. Am careful not to use too much ss, also where it goes, as it can remove printing etc. Good Luck - Mike