Model 102 seems to lose power after backup battery replacement

[MxArgent]

So, last night I replaced the backup battery in my Model 102 using one from Soi Generis. Ever since the operation, the system's seemingly been having issues with losing power while on - it just cuts out, no low battery indicator or anything. Happens after a few minutes of runtime, happens sooner and sooner each time I restart it from there on out. Letting the system sit for a while buys me time. If I have my Dial-a-rom installed, trying to CALL software on the ROM causes it to happen instantly, although the system does appear to be reading the ROM fine before it drops out. I'm gonna go back and give my work a one-over (Surely replacing a varta-style battery wouldn't give me much trouble, and it's retaining saved files, but you never know) but should I plan on getting the parts for a recap? This whole issue screams "weak power somewhere along the line", but I'm not sure where yet.

Also, re: the LCD/KB ribbon cables, is it normal for the metal contacts on the ribbon cable to come free of the substrate (I think it's called) and need to be lined back up with tweezers? I had a bear of a time getting the LCD reconnected. Took a few tries getting them lined up just right.

 

[Istarian]

Since the system is retaining saved files in memory, then I would assume the backup battery is doing it's job just fine.

Perhaps the fault is not directly related to your battery replacement, but a general power supply issue?

I think you're on the right track with checking and/or replacing any capacitors because they are probably critical to supplying a smooth steady voltage.

Assuming that the system charges the backup battery it might pull the voltage/current down enough to trigger a power off.

 

[Jeff_Birt]

There are dozens of tiny traces that run under the battery on the T102. A leaking battery can wreak havoc in this area. Also, leaking AA batteries can cause corrosion under the battery box. I had one recently which worked fine for hours are a new memory battery was installed and then flaked (dead LCD as I recall.) Traced it down to a corroded trace under the battery box. Just removing the PCB to change the memory battery was enough to finally break the corroded trace.

If the conductors are coming loose from your flex cables it is time to replace them. Loose conductors can short out against each other in the socket and cause problems. I keep them in stock: https://www.soigeneris.com/flat-flex-cables-ffc-for-t102

 

[MxArgent]

There are dozens of tiny traces that run under the battery on the T102. A leaking battery can wreak havoc in this area. Also, leaking AA batteries can cause corrosion under the battery box. I had one recently which worked fine for hours are a new memory battery was installed and then flaked (dead LCD as I recall.) Traced it down to a corroded trace under the battery box. Just removing the PCB to change the memory battery was enough to finally break the corroded trace.

If the conductors are coming loose from your flex cables it is time to replace them. Loose conductors can short out against each other in the socket and cause problems. I keep them in stock: https://www.soigeneris.com/flat-flex-cables-ffc-for-t102

Funny enough, the plastic guide just fell off the ribbon cable while I was disassembling things for diagnostic work earlier. Oh well, I was planning on swinging back through your shop for one of the backpacks soon anyhow!

This one did have some corrosion on the AA box at intake, but I've already done remediation work there. Luckily, the old battery hadn't leaked at all.