Killer battery

[kf0rt]

So, I pulled my old Icom IC-228A 2-meter rig out of the car a coupla weeks ago. Kinda thinking I might trade the car in sometime in the next few years, and I hate to have to pull the ham gear out when I'm getting all impatient. And the rig hardly ever gets used anyway.

Anyway, just fired it up in the shack here, and all the memories are intact. Battery's never been replaced and I bought it new in 1988. Way to go, Icom!

At least I'm pretty sure it has a battery.

[kc7jty]

the htees were the first to have the non volatile memories, maybe the battery doan matter?

[kf0rt]

I had to dig out the book and see.

It's got one of those CR2032 button batteries according to the schematic. Manual says you have to send it to an Icom service center if it needs replacing.

I loves a challenge. :lol:

[kb2vxa]

Well maybe you can explain why my watch battery is still good after eight years. BTW the Indiglo back light still works too. Oh my itchy nuts, now I let the cat out of the bag and the next time I use it it'll crap out.

[KA5PIU]

The CR2032 is a lithium battery, which means that self-discharge is almost negligible and the shelf life is about 10 years.

In memory backup usage the battery only needs to replace the charge due to leakage, which is so small that the shelf life is a good approximation of actual life.

Hello.

But, the radio was produced in 1988, 20 years ago, so this cell has exceeded shelf life by 100%.
I have seen battery packs that were built on the 60's that are still good today.
Now, batteries are labeled with a "good until", not that it matters, modern devices suck out so much current that shelf life a non issue.