View Full Version : How to replace dead batteries in NES games and more (pics).
wavracer
03-25-2006, 11:20 AM
This is how I replace dead batteries in NES, SNES, N64, Genesis, etc. games. It takes about 15 minutes to do a nice job.
http://www.telusplanet.net/public/jlouko/VideoGames/SNESBattery1.jpg
http://www.telusplanet.net/public/jlouko/VideoGames/SNESBattery2.jpg
http://www.telusplanet.net/public/jlouko/VideoGames/SNESBattery3.jpg
Tools required:
_ 3.8mm Security Bit (Nintendo)
_ 4.5mm Security Bit (Sega)
_ 25W Soldering Iron
_ 60/40 Solder
_ Desoldering Wick
_ CR2032 Battery
_ CR2032 Battery Holder
_ Wire
_ A little bit of time, steady hands, and patience. :)
Enjoy,
Mark
Jibbajaba
03-25-2006, 11:38 AM
Hi!
These pics are great. Would you mind if I added them to our Knowledge Base article on this very subject?
Chris
boatofcar
03-25-2006, 11:51 AM
Those are some nice looking pics. Thanks!
c0ldb33r
03-25-2006, 12:07 PM
Good pics!
Will you lose your existing saves when doing this? I wonder because my Final Fantasy 2 can't keep more than one save file at a time without dumping the others. So I know the battery is almost dead.
wavracer
03-25-2006, 12:12 PM
Hi!
These pics are great. Would you mind if I added them to our Knowledge Base article on this very subject?
Chris
Sure, help yourself. I took the pictures myself, so you or anyone else are welcome to use them as you see fit. If you want I can add other pics (like of a NES game for example), but the process is exactly the same.
Blitzwing256
03-25-2006, 12:28 PM
its been my expereince that a game will generally hold the saves for about a half hour without the battery.
(tested this with a batteryless ultima exodus) the chip will retain the charge for about 2-30 minutes without a battery attached, so in theory if you're swift you can retain your saves (again only done this with the nes but I assume other systems are the same)
another good option is to get a snes copier and back up your save ram (some of them are capable of this) so you don't run the risk of losing it.
its been my expereince that a game will generally hold the saves for about a half hour without the battery.
(tested this with a batteryless ultima exodus) the chip will retain the charge for about 2-30 minutes without a battery attached, so in theory if you're swift you can retain your saves (again only done this with the nes but I assume other systems are the same)
another good option is to get a snes copier and back up your save ram (some of them are capable of this) so you don't run the risk of losing it.
Now thats a good thing to know.... replace them before they die, and keep your saves!
awsome!
omnedon
03-25-2006, 02:33 PM
My expereince is that saves are lost instantly, every time. More than 50 carts of experience.
Good Tutorial!
InsaneDavid
03-25-2006, 08:21 PM
My expereince is that saves are lost instantly, every time. More than 50 carts of experience.
Yeah, once the cell is disconnected they're gone. Nice tutorial! I usually put a blob of hot glue in there to hold the new battery retainer firmly against one half of the cartridge shell so it won't break loose or rattle around.
GrandAmChandler
03-26-2006, 12:48 AM
I am going to move this to the technical and restoration forums! They can use this info!
SkiDragon
03-26-2006, 05:08 PM
Theoretically you should be able to connect a second battery in parallel while you change the main battery in order to retain your saves. I've never tried this, though.
InsaneDavid
03-26-2006, 05:32 PM
Theoretically you should be able to connect a second battery in parallel while you change the main battery in order to retain your saves. I've never tried this, though.
Hmm.. interesting and obvious point. LOL Never thought of it though. Usually when I change them it's during a maintenance day or before selling a game and want it blanked so I can test the install anyway.
Bratwurst
03-26-2006, 05:35 PM
Theoretically you should be able to connect a second battery in parallel while you change the main battery in order to retain your saves. I've never tried this, though.
That's one way of doing it. I have a variable power supply with alligator clips.
Extending the battery away from the board is a good thing (although with a battery holder it's necessary as there's not enough space) in case of leakage. I go one step further and seal mine in plastic.