Repairing a A501 RAM expansion

[linuxlove]

I took the RAM expansion card out of my Amiga 500 and what do you know? The internal battery is corroded.
There are two traces near C49 and C50 that don't seem right; they are darker than any of the other traces.

What would be the solution for fixing the problems? This is a Revision 5 card.

 

[Unknown_K]

Grab a meter and see if those traces are still there, could be acid has eaten them away.

 

[linuxlove]

It appears both traces are still good.

 

[Unknown_K]

There should be threads here about cleaning off battery residue. I would clean off the battery acid and then install a coin cell with diode (which is what I did with the 501 in my A500) and put it back together.

 

[linuxlove]

And will any old diode do or does it have to be a specific kind?

Also, which terminal is the + side?

 

[Unknown_K]

The + side should be marked on the board (for the coin cell top is positive).

Any diode rated for 3VDC operation should do, it is a very low current application.

 

[Agent Orange]

There should be threads here about cleaning off battery residue. I would clean off the battery acid and then install a coin cell with diode (which is what I did with the 501 in my A500) and put it back together.

Try a small amount of baking soda applied with an old tooth brush and wipe clean and dry. Replace the battery.

 

[cosam]

Try a small amount of baking soda applied with an old tooth brush and wipe clean and dry.

Unless the "acid" gunk is actually alkaline (quite likely). In which case you'd be better off cleaning up with a weak acid like vinegar.