NGPC Blinking power light? What does it mean?

[Kuros]

I got a kinda beat up NGPC + Sonic Pocket Adventure for $5 today at the swap. I just got home, popped in fresh batteries and tried to turn it on but nothing happened. Just a blinking power light. Does anyone know what this mean and is the system repairable? Or shall I keep it around for parts and tinkering around. I don't mind either way since I got a good game out of it at least that works and I have a NGPC in great condition anyway.

[InsaneDavid]

Check to see if there is a system battery (the button cell) installed. Somehow I remember that the NGPC wouldn't boot if it didn't have a working system battery - might try replacing that since it should at least boot to the configuration menu even if there was a problem with the cart slot.

[Kuros]

Check to see if there is a system battery (the button cell) installed. Somehow I remember that the NGPC and NGP wouldn't boot if it didn't have a working system battery - might try replacing that since it should at least boot to the configuration menu even if there was a problem with the cart slot.

Tried that already. I swapped the cell from my good one to see if the beat up one would boot and it didn't.

[InsaneDavid]

A scan of the old SNK tech support boards returned the following...

"If the red light is blinking it means your battery is almost out. If it stays one solid color that means it still has plenty of juice."

Try alternate batteries / make sure the battery compartment connections are clean including making sure the system battery contact is touching the battery.