iZ Technology RADAR Support Technical Memo

iZ SUPPORT T

ECHNICAL

MEMO

MOTHERBOARD BATTERY
REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE

Always follow proper anti-static precautions when handling internal components on
RADAR. iZ recommends performing tasks in an controlled anti-static environment using
an anti-static bracelet connected to the ground of the power switch (or any non-painted
grounded RADAR chassis metal) when any contact will be made with the inside of
RADAR.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of motherboard battery on RADAR that should be replaced:

The motherboard battery is responsible for powering the real-time clock circuitry that is responsible for the
storage of the CMOS settings in the motherboard’s BIOS setup. If the battery no longer supplies power
your RADAR may exhibit the following symptoms:

___________________________________________

_____________________

• Incorrect system date and time

• When booting up the RADAR the video monitor displays “System boot failure”

• When booting up the RADAR the video monitor “NTLDR is Missing”

• When booting up the RADAR the video monitor “CMOS Checksum Error”

• RADAR does not output time code and other problems related to the Sync Processor board

TOOLS REQUIRED

You will need the following tools to replace the motherboard battery

• Phillips screwdriver

• Small flathead jewel screwdriver

• Replacement motherboard battery - CR2032 coin type 3V lithium battery

_____________________________________

iZ Technology Corporation 1

iZ SUPPORT T

ECHNICAL

MEMO

REPLACEMENT SCHEDULE FOR
MOTHERBOARD BATTERY

The shelf life of a CR2032 battery is about 10 years. When the battery is in an AT computer motherboard
(EPOX and Gigabyte) and the power is on, or when the battery is in an ATX motherboard (DFI) and the
power supply is merely plugged in, there is no current drawn from the battery and so it's expected life for
this situation is 10 years.

In an AT motherboard that is off or ATX motherboard that is unplugged, current is drawn from the
battery. The expected life for this situation is 3 years. In a realistic situation, the AT motherboard is on and
the ATX motherboard is plugged in for part of that time, so a realistic life expectancy for the battery would
be more than 3 years.

_______________________________

iZ recommends that the first replacement date for the motherboard battery should be 2 years from build
date of unit. After the first replacement, the on-going replacement should be every 3 years after that.
The invoice date or the date code in the RADAR serial number should be used as an accurate record for
indicating the build date.

PROCEDURE

The following steps outline the procedure for replacing the motherboard battery:

Identify the type of motherboard inside the RADAR. RADAR uses:

• Gigabyte GA-6VA7 (AT form factor, gold in colour) (Shipping October 2000- October 2002)

See Figure 1.

• EPOX EP-3VWB (AT form factor, green in colour) (Shipping November 2002 to April 2004)

See Figure 2.

• DFI CA64-TC (ATX form factor, gold in colour) (Shipping May 2004 to current) See Figure 3.

iZ Technology Corporation 2