Smack2k
Veteran Member
Is it possible or advisable to modify a Dallas Clock Chip with a coin cell battery holder while the chip is still in the motherboard? Or too dangerous?
Would this Dallas chip also hold the CMOS? If so, wouldn't you have to do the battery hack described in this thread?
http://www.vcfed.org/forum/showthread.php?49058-CMOS-settings-will-not-save&highlight=
I've done it on a board once; I damaged the board beside the module and it was unusable thereafter. If I had been using better tools and been more careful it would have worked. You "can" do it but you need to be precise in your actions.
Some boards, the module is directly adjacent to an expansion slot and the battery contact side might be inaccessible. It's a no-go there.
I have also desoldered the RTC module and put the new one (or modded one) into a DIP socket instead...that's the approach I would personally recommend. You need a decently hot iron to melt some of the contacts' solder all the way through and a good desoldering tool of your choice. I prefer the vacuum sucker things but others have differing opinions.
Worth noting, the same can also be done to the ODIN-brand compatible modules, and Houston Tech modules (but they're a little different and easier, the lid just pops off, it isn't all glued together in potting compound).
Tezza, but fan of your blog. I really enjoy reading it. It's something I've wanted to do as I go through various retro computers and projects but just can't get myself started on it (blogging)
So I desoldered the chip from the board....no issues.....I have cut into it and hit what seems like metal, but its all one solid mass on both sides of the 3 middle pins...I dont see the metal piece that goes up to a smaller neck (that gets cut) and then up to the rest of the metal. Its all one seemingly metal piece....this is a DS12887 Chip if that helps....
Keep up the good work, I for sure will keep reading...
So I desoldered the chip from the board....no issues.....I have cut into it and hit what seems like metal, but its all one solid mass on both sides of the 3 middle pins...I dont see the metal piece that goes up to a smaller neck (that gets cut) and then up to the rest of the metal. Its all one seemingly metal piece....this is a DS12887 Chip if that helps....