Strand 300/Zero88 Demux 48 Users Public Service Announcement!

[IRW]

Don’t forget to check your batteries! 
 

I’m just dealing with an old HVAC processor that has almost succumbed to the infamous problem that plagues innocent pieces of legacy kit such as those above. If you still have a battery directly mounted on the PCB, (a) it could probably do with a new one, and (b) remount it using flying leads!

Ian

[richardash1981]

I changed the same sort of battery in a LightProcessor Q series desk when I bought it - not quite as far gone as yours, but on the way. They are hiding in lots of places!

[DrV]

On 9/27/2023 at 11:38 PM, IRW said:

Don’t forget to check your batteries! 
 

I’m just dealing with an old HVAC processor that has almost succumbed to the infamous problem that plagues innocent pieces of legacy kit such as those above. If you still have a battery directly mounted on the PCB, (a) it could probably do with a new one, and (b) remount it using flying leads!

Ian

 

Especially if it's got a blue casing - that must be absolutely ancient. The green ones have been around for at least 20 years! I resurrected a GSX last week, which had suffered Varta's disease but at least it was a green one.

[ianknight]

A lot of the reason for the spread of "vartas' disease" is because of the second hand equipment market - the new buyers don't realise there's a battery inside that needs monitoring & replacement - even of things like 2032 button cells - I think they assume it's magic that lets their kit remember stuff between shows 😛

Sometimes they seem reluctant to ask about their 'new to them' kit - either they're afraid of the replacement costs or they assume that the issue will repair itself 😞

[GOODN537433]

Now that's a good point / shout. I've had my zero88 dmux 48 (-ve control voltage for tempus racks etc) for decades it's never missed a beat, but I had not even considered it having a battery!