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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2020
    Posts
    41

    MB16 battery needed

    My machine won't boot up because of the CMOS battery error.
    I can't find the battery on my 1987 MB16.
    I found an empty circuit board traces for it on the motherboard, but it's clear that the battery was never there.
    I can't find the model number of the board, and I really don't want to take it out to read the back, unless I absolutely have to.




    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails IMG_2797.jpg  

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Nov 2012
    Posts
    1267

    Re: MB16 battery needed

    The battery is inside the Dallas real-time clock module (below the PCI slots in your first photo). The module is replaced as a whole.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2020
    Posts
    41

    Re: MB16 battery needed

    Thank you, thank you!
    I'll order this one from Amazon. It should be here in 2 days. https://www.amazon.com/Todiys-DS1288.../dp/B08LL8GL1Y





    Quote Originally Posted by CitizenOfDreams View Post
    The battery is inside the Dallas real-time clock module (below the PCI slots in your first photo). The module is replaced as a whole.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jun 2020
    Posts
    41

    Re: MB16 battery needed

    What kind of mouse do I need to manipulate menu in BIOS?

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2012
    Posts
    1267

    Re: MB16 battery needed

    Quote Originally Posted by MarioMP View Post
    What kind of mouse do I need to manipulate menu in BIOS?
    Any standard COM or PS/2 mouse (same vintage as the motherboard) should work in those menus, I think.

    An early USB mouse that had a USB to PS/2 adapter with it may work (if the motherboard has the PS/2 connector).

    A modern USB mouse will definitely not work, even with the adapter.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jun 2020
    Posts
    41

    Re: MB16 battery needed

    I took out the motherboard because I couldn't get the DS12887A chip removed while installed. Turns out, it's soldered and just just socketed.
    Which brings up 3 questions:
    1. Can I use the battery connections next to the AMIBIOS chip to make it easier?
    2. Are there any settings I need to backup from the BIOS before I unsolder the timing/battery chip?
    3. How long does the DS12887A battery last on machines that are in a hobby shop and only turned on 1-2 a month for few hours?

    Should I try to install a socket holder/riser to make it easier next time I have to replace the DS12887A ? If I assume this one is original to the motherboard ( dated 1993ish) then I obviously won't worry about it.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Nov 2012
    Posts
    1267

    Re: MB16 battery needed

    1. No, you cannot simply connect a battery to the motherboard. The DS12887A will not see it.

    2. If you see the "CMOS battery error" message, the settings have already been lost, there is nothing to backup. Just in case though, enter the BIOS and write down anything that looks important.

    3. The datasheet claims a minimum of 10 years of expected data retention at room temperature. I have seen Dallas chips that lasted for around 15 years. So I personally would not bother adding a socket.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jun 2020
    Posts
    41

    Re: MB16 battery needed

    Thank you.
    The error said the battery low, so I should still have stuff in there.
    It looked like standard BIOS screen, and from years back, I don't remember there ever being anything special, other than boot sequence and port (serial and parallel) settings such as IRQ and stuff. I don't ever remember loosing them when replacing normal batteries, but that was in standard PCs.
    The board is out now.
    When it was still installed, I tried to go into the settings and change things (pressed F1 to get in), but I couldn't navigate with arrows, space, tab, enter, etc.
    There is a mouse cursor in the center of the screen, but obviously machine doesn't use a mouse. I went to used computer parts store and bought an old, 2 button, DB9 mouse. I plugged it into the only visible RS232 port but nothing happened.

    At this point I don't know if I did something wrong and how to navigate in BIOS. I don't want to desolder the old chip without writing down BIOS settings, but I'm also unsure how to navigate the BIOS.

    Quote Originally Posted by CitizenOfDreams View Post
    1. No, you cannot simply connect a battery to the motherboard. The DS12887A will not see it.

    2. If you see the "CMOS battery error" message, the settings have already been lost, there is nothing to backup. Just in case though, enter the BIOS and write down anything that looks important.

    3. The datasheet claims a minimum of 10 years of expected data retention at room temperature. I have seen Dallas chips that lasted for around 15 years. So I personally would not bother adding a socket.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Posts
    1567

    Re: MB16 battery needed

    These machines were DOS basic right?...does using the holding down Delete method work differently? Or same as F1 when booting up?

    Another question is does your machine have any Software Disks from Milltronics?

    The reason I ask is .... have seen in the past by rerun the PLC Exe program the Battery Low alert resets. Double check the Verison numbers before trying this one...dont want to brick the controller


    DJ

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jun 2020
    Posts
    41

    Re: MB16 battery needed

    I did not get any disks with it. :-(

    Yes, it's just a DOS.

    I tried holding ESC, DEL, F10 buttons without change.

    I obviously don't care about the clock itself -- I just want to use my damn machine.

    I don't think we can use it without booting up, can we? I mean, I know I can move the bed, but don't know how to move Z or if the spindle would fire up with the side button (on the console).

    Quote Originally Posted by machinehop5 View Post
    These machines were DOS basic right?...does using the holding down Delete method work differently? Or same as F1 when booting up?

    Another question is does your machine have any Software Disks from Milltronics?

    The reason I ask is .... have seen in the past by rerun the PLC Exe program the Battery Low alert resets. Double check the Verison numbers before trying this one...dont want to brick the controller


    DJ

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