The train of thought is they are huge helps.. but only a crutch.. they don't address the root problem. Now that NVRAM is so cheap, the argument is 'kill the problem entirely'.

The issue is remote holders still need to have their batteries changed, and leaking batteries even in remotes can still cause damage through vapors and other spreading if not addressed. Remote holders are like 95% solutions... where NVRAM is 99.5% solutions.

I personally don't like the loss of the Real-time clock and the burden of chip removal from the boards.. so I'm sticking with remote batteries and lithiums. But maybe in future games that have no mods yet, I might do a NVRAM.

there's really nothing that beats that. Royal flush? Nope. Walk off homer-game 7 of the world series? Not really. Game winning hail-mary in the super bowl? Not even close. Winning the lottery? Still not convinced...

mattster ran his mouth, took some shit, handled it well and manned up when proven wrong. He deserves a pass in my book

Better a smartass than a dumbass, I always say.

$318 is a cool deal - when I send in a battery leaked CPU board I get it repaired perfectly for below 100EUR (110USD), so you'd actually be making money ruining boards with Energizer batteries.

The worst battery damage is from the outgassing not actual dripping. I rarely see where fluids have dripped from a battery onto a board. Normally you just see a fan out pattern from the battery holder as the outgassing occurs once the seal is ruptured.

On Williams video game boards the battery holder is located at the lower left corner. The damage is above and to the right where it is impossible for the batteries to drip (unless your gravity works differently than mine).

So if you are going to play really safe, drill a small hole in the back box, run the wires through the hole and mount the battery holder on the outside back of the back box. It will also make it easier for you to replace the batteries on a regular basis.

ken

Leaky batteries leak. The acid does not run like paint, it seems to migrate and wick around, similar to oil on cloth, mostly downward.

Got any photos of gas damage that 'normally' happens?

You could also make the wires longer and install a metal battery box populated with all battery holders in a different room...the ultimate solution for keeping your pins safe...just kidding...

Why would anyone drill a hole in a backbox when there are existing vent holes just few inches above???

Better yet why would anyone do this over NVRAM that costs $6?

No kidding.

Muh reel tyme klok!

Who has $6.00 NVRAM? Usual pinball places seem to have the $39.99 ones. I would like to get a few to try, but at $40.00 a pop, I would stick to remote batteries.

Here's what he's referring to:
https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/nvram-experience

Cool, Thanks for the links guys, I am going to give these a try!!

I never do this sort of thing, because it is petty, but fuck it....here I go.

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IMHO
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Hey, I don't mind these posts because I got owned in this thread but I know that every one us gets it wrong from time to time. No exceptions. So yes, I feel stupid but what can I say, I'm human.

I don't think there's a drop-in chip for < Sys11 is there? You would have to do some desoldering, solder in a socket, and then you still can't use the $6 chip, but have to install an adapter board that has the NVRAM. At least that's what I found when last investigating NVRAM for my Sys7 machines, so I went with remote battery holders.

I have no penis. Now we are even. Internet respect +100 XP

Still had a half volt charge across the three batteries. Very minimal leakage. Lucky lucky.

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I wish I could remember how many were found in that warehouse.
There was at least 3-4?
It was a really nice score for JJs and the owners.
Everybody won.
The remaining ones just kept going up and up and up in price!
You just do not find things like this much anymore, but happened regularly in the early 90s.

The "cleanliness" of the boards, cabinet, and playfield reminds me of an Embryon that had CPU board cradle death and got packed in the shipping box less than 3 months after being initially routed never to see the light again for over 20 years. It looks nearly identical. That was in 2005!

Wow that was easy. Indicates there is some sort of "acceptable" failure rate in batteries that can not be avoided, or it's not practical or cost effective to correct it. Cheaper to replace the damaged goods.

My little girl was not happy yesterday when we opened this up......Just over 1 year old toy! 2022 date! But thanks to this tread vid they are sending a gift card for $75.00. I mentioned 3 things this year that i found a leaking battery in and was ruined,they asked for the value of each item. I would say excellent customer service.

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Vid:

Did your check finally arrive?

thanks for that, it was kool to see !

Thanks for the link Vid. And a good story!

went to my toolbag the other night for my flashlight.. to find it destroyed by the duracell AAs in it. Called them today, they are sending a visa prepaid card to replace it and a coupon for more batteries. Didn't even have to send photos, etc.. just told him the approximate cost of the flashlight and I guess it falls under their pain threshold of needing documentation. Simple enough call..

My son's remote control car just had Duracell batteries leak in them. Batteries were a year old and had expiration of 2024. I called Duracell and what they said is that the leaking is like a safety valve. It may damage parts, but it won't explode. They said it's caused by one battery running down relative to the others. Advised to either change batteries more often, switch them around in the device and/or don't leave the device on for long periods. They compensated me for it.

Just after this happened, I ordered this for my BW games. I have nvram in my stern games. I did not want to solder on the board so I went solderless.

http://www.marcospecialties.com/pinball-parts/RBM

Think Energizer will pay for these old skool bad boys here?

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Batteries expired in 2004. Maybe the previous owner should've changed them?

well,
any update?

I wonder how many of the handheld electronic games I've been hoarding for years and not always remembering to remove the batteries from they will compensate me for before they tell me to get lost? I'm going to find out, what have I got to lose?

Seriously, I must have thousands piled up for eventual eBay resale...

Unfortunately I missed the 2 year deadline.

Energizer® No Leaks. Guaranteed.

Energizer will repair or replace, at our option, any device damaged by leakage from Energizer MAX® Alkaline batteries either during the life of the battery or within two years following the full use of the battery. If exact replacement is not available, devices may be replaced with a product of comparable market value at the time of claim. Leaking battery and damaged device must be provided to Energizer as proof of claim. Energizer reserves the right to deny claims of damage caused by misuse or modification of the batteries or device. If you have a leaking battery, contact 1-800-383-7323 for return instructions.

Did you inquire? There is one thread I pushed a pinsider to inquire on 10 year old expired leaked Duracell batteries and he happened to get a new Rottendog MPU out of that one. May not happen here, but worth the time to send an email with pictures of the batteries on the board showing the expiration date. They will want you to send the board and batteries to them if they accept it.

Yes. I was told the limit is two years. I’m at 4 years. Maybe an exception for someone closer to two years. Didn’t want a fight or headache but worth checking out.

That is 2 years after the expiration date, correct?