Disappearing SNES Saves

[pacmanhat]

I've noticed in the last couple of weeks that a couple of my SNES games (specifically Kirby Super Star and Lufia II) have a tendency to lose all their save files for what appears to be no reason. I'm pretty sure it has something to do with the internal battery, but I could use some clarification on this, as well as some insight as to how I can fix the problem. Can anyone help me out?

[heybtbm]

You can always read the SNES battery replacement FAQ at GameFAQs. It's pretty informative and should answer most of your questions.

I happen to work with a guy who for the last 20 years worked on developing lithium batteries for a large battery company (who shall remain nameless). From the various conversations I had with him about the batteries used in video games, the conventional wisdom is that the CR2032 can last anywhere from 8 to 20+ years. It quite random how long they can keep a save past their expected lifetime. The actual amount of energy required to "keep" a save in the SNES cartridges in unbelievably small and is the reason most saves can last longer than the average lithium CR2032 battery life.

[Skyway_Recreation]

yea read that faq. you might have to buy some battery holders to replace the batts though, i don't know where to get those though, i salveged a few off of some OLD mobos

[rbudrick]

Unless you replace the coin battery holder al together, you will have to unsolder the battery to replace it. THere is a real danger there of over heating the battery, so be very careful...you don't want an exploding battery.

Some have said that it is wise to make some tiny scratches in the surface of the battery with a small (fine paintbrush sized) wire brush so the solder sticks to it better.

-Rob

[Sylentwulf]

Everyone always complains about the battery holders, and finding them/using them.
I use the batteries I sell, pry the old battery off of where it is with a razor blade, LEAVING EVERYTHING ELSE IN TACT (Including the stupid piece of metal battery holder thingy)

Then I just tape the new battery on with a piece of electrical tape. Noones going to see it anyways once it's in there, but you COULD solder the new battery on (I've done that a few time before too)

Basically, I'm just wondering WTF people are taking the OLD battery holder off for and why are they throwing it away?!

http://www.electricquarter.com/battery.htm

[Jibbajaba]

#3 most viewed article in the Knowledge Base.

http://www.digitpress.com/livefaq/index.php?action=artikel&cat=25&id=18&artlang=en

Chris

[davidleeroth]

Or you could buy the right battery in the first place and be done with it. It's not like they want your arm and leg for one:

BR2032-1HE (http://www.ibsa.com/estore/view_product_detail.asp?category%5Fid=392264&part%5Fnumber=LIT1915&mscssid=U9CMH4VD351E8JXK83FMX0G0MRK93UL4&js=1)

[Jibbajaba]

Or you could buy the right battery in the first place and be done with it. It's not like they want your arm and leg for one:

BR2032-1HE (http://www.ibsa.com/estore/view_product_detail.asp?category%5Fid=392264&part%5Fnumber=LIT1915&mscssid=U9CMH4VD351E8JXK83FMX0G0MRK93UL4&js=1)

Wow. That's nice. I have never seen that before. That makes changing batteries a lot easier. I would have to look at one of my carts, but if it is as easy as de-soldering the old battery and soldering in the new one, that that's great!

Chris