[Premium-Rx] Re: [Test-Equipment] NiCad Battery Corrosion

[Glenn Little WB4UIV]

I have had the same problem. If it is caught fast enough, you can 
neutralize the hydroxide components with a mild acid. I used vinegar. Then 
flush the area with lots of water followed with distilled water.

I have a WJ8888B that has a CPU board destroyed by this problem. The memory 
battery was placed on the CPU board. The radio was stored by the military 
for many years. When sold at auction the damage was done. The hydroxide 
went through the wire on the battery to the board, under the nickle and tin 
plating, through the board connector, through the wiring from the card 
connector and through a glass seal on a feed through connector. This was a 
mess to clean up. Still have to remake the board.

73
Glenn
WB4UIV

the At 08:15 PM 3/11/03 +0000, Chuck Urmson wrote:
>Hi All,
>
>Every time I acquire a "new" receiver or piece of test equipment the first
>thing I check is whether it has a NiCad memory backup battery and, if so,
>how much damage has it done so far.  If possible I remove it completely and
>consider manually entering settings every time I power it up a small price
>to pay for peace of mind.  I have a few questions for the lists members:
>
>1.      Does everyone else suffer from the same problem?
>2.      What are your recommendations for cleaning and neutralizing the
>corrosion?  IPA simply doesn't hack it.
>3.      Does anyone have a good general fix for the problem, e.g. proper 
>charge
>circuit, replace with super-cap, Li battery etc?
>
>Regards,
>Chuck Urmson
>M1DPD
>
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