In some cases, the back-up batteries on the CPU boards are causing malfunctions (real-time clock reset). This is caused by bad contact between the contact springs of the battery holder and the coin cell battery.
| Caution: It is very important that the battery is of an approved brand (Duracell, Eveready, Panasonic, Ray-O-Vac, Sanyo, Varta, Toshiba, Seiko or another major battery manufacturer) and that it is kept clean. Oils from fingers (i.e. fingerprints) may together with humidity and time cause problems. Such dirt may just as well be deposited on the underside of the positive contact spring, if a dirty battery has been mounted in the holder. |
As the holder is made from a material impervious to most industrial solvents, you may use almost any cleaning solvent at hand (isopropyl alcohol is recommended). Flowbird recommends wearing cotton or latex gloves when replacing batteries in order to prevent fingerprints on the battery surfaces. It is also recommended to inspect the positive spring contact to establish that it has not been bent upwards to such an extent that the pushing force has been affected, even as it is made of spring steel.
To prevent excessive bending of the positive contact spring, Flowbird recommends using of a pair of plastic (or otherwise insulated) pliers when mounting new batteries. The coin cell should be pushed in such that the cell is in contact with the plastic housing of the battery holder, not bending the positive contact spring upwards more than necessary.
The CPU board contains a lithium battery (button cell) that should be returned for recycling if required according to local laws and regulations. The battery (CR2032, 3 V, 210 mAh, 20 mm diameter) supplies backup voltage to the real-time clock in case of interrupted power supply from the 12 V batteries.
| Important: To ensure uninterrupted terminal operation; replace the battery every 5 years. Warning: Lithium batteries can be dangerous because they can explode if short-circuited. Handle batteries in accordance with local laws and regulations. |
