Time Machine - Memory Loss!

[Richrox986]

So my Time Machine table, (which was originally manufactured for the German market) has started reverting back to default settings after a short amount of time. I have worked out how to return it to English but it's clearly got a touch of short term memory loss!

I've located the battery in the head unit, (pic attached) which I assume is the cause. Couple of questions....

1. Before I try, does the battery just slide out? looks like it should, but it's also very well held in there.
2. Which battery do I need to replace it? it looks like two CR2032's wrapped together.....

Silly questions prevent silly mistakes so I'd rather gain advice before trying to do anything.

Thanks


Richard

 

[AlanJ]

that looks like a memory capacitor - take it out and see what markings it has on it.

 

[Richrox986]

CPU Board diagram attached, that area is designated as "Batteries" although it only has that one blue object in situ.....

 

[Richrox986]

And it is very happy where it is, I can't slide anything under it or over it to pop it out......

 

[Sgt GrizZ]

CPU Board diagram attached, that area is designated as "Batteries" although it only has that one blue object in situ.....

Originally there were 3 x AA batteries there. Someone has fitted an alternative.

 

[AlanJ]

it's soldered in then, what does it say on the sides?

 

[pinballtoys]

memory capacitors rely on the game being on frequently to charge-up, providing voltage to the RAM when the game is off.
has it been turned off for many months?

 

[Richrox986]

it's soldered in then, what does it say on the sides?

Pic attached..... 5.5V1.OF

 

[AlanJ]

yes it’s a super capacitor. it should charge up and then hold the settings. in order to charge up it needs 5v from the board. so normally a diode needs removing to allow it to charge.

 

[AlanJ]

ps. in your first pic looks possibly like d25 diode has been bypassed with a piece of wire which would make sense

 

[Richrox986]

Ok thanks, so I know nothing about electronics, so, what does this all mean? what (if anything) can I do about this?

 

[AlanJ]

close up
pic of d25

 

[Richrox986]

close up
pic of d25

Here you go.... looks like a piece of wire has been soldered in its place.....

 

[AlanJ]

ok that’s good. that keys the current flow back to the “battery” which in this case is a super capacitor. it should hold its charge for a while. how long does it take to lose its memory?

 

[Richrox986]

It seems to be a few weeks as I play it regularly, but probably not for a long period of time...... so do I need to leave it on for longer to let it charge fully?

As a work around, I have bought some DM's from ebay, it has a German coin mech.

 

[Moonraker]

You probably want to leave it on for at least 1 hour a week, that should be sufficient.

 

[Richrox986]

You probably want to leave it on for at least 1 hour a week, that should be sufficient.

Giving this a go now! have reset it to English and Free Play and will leave it on for 6 hours

 

[Richrox986]

Been off for 12 hours over night. All running well, not reset to factory default.....

Fingers crossed, charging the memory capacitor is the answer!

Guess I just need to play more Pinball!