[TenTec] OMNI 5 GOES DEAD ON 40

[Peter Bertini]

Well, I had a few opened up, but it is not a "chip," but a chip encased in
a plastic case on a DIP header.  The IC inside does have a pin for the
external battery, but in the module the pin is bent back 180 degrees and
does not exit the header. The battery is internal, and soldered directly to
the pins of the IC.

Yes, it is possible, with some skill and patience, to open the part, dig
away at the filler, and expose the IC--the device could be modified to use
an external lithium batter in a holder, and the radio would also need some
minor mods.

As I recall, this part, which is a Dallas Time Chip with internal ram,  is
soldered to the board in the Paragon II.  I added a socket, which is NOT an
approved modification according to the TenTec factory.

I could provide some photos, but my guinea pigs are lost in the morass of
my unkempt shop. I figured I'd cross that bridge when the chips were no
longer available. My CAT-1000 repeater controller uses a similar Dallas
Time chip for date, time and to store controller parameters.

regards

Pete, KIZJH

I just did a quick Google, and found that this is not uncharted territory:

http://www.classic-computers.org.nz/blog/2009-10-10-renovating-a-dallas-battery-chip.htm


*O.K. I will be the first one to ask. Has nobody figured out yet where the
positive and negative battery terminals are on this RAM Chip? Maybe I have
just ask the Stupidest Question, ever ask on this forum. I have never seen
one of these RAM Chips. Can somebody please send me a picture of an example
Chip? It just seems to me that some fine wire leads and a battery holder
with the correct voltage of batteries installed, could place an end to the
whole problem. Aw Shucks, you could even install a small solar cell
illuminated from an Ironman or Batman 7 watt nightlight ..... hi .. hi ...
This is a good question ( I Hope ) Maybe the Internal Battery shorts to
Zero Ohms? So that an outboard battery won't work? *
*      As Johnny 5 Says .... Need Input !! 73 from Wade/KJ4WS*