vga256

i realize that this only speaks to 0.1% of you, but some useful info for NeXTStation owners:

the battery backup that shipped with the nextstation is a BR 2/3A type battery - a chub gherkin that costs about $7-12 USD and are not easy to find these days.

thankfully i've discovered a modern direct swap equivalent: the CR123A. it is used in various types of LED flashlights. it outputs the same voltage.

the only difference i noticed is that the CR123A is about 0.5mm longer due to slightly more protruding positive terminal. thankfully, the battery holder accepts it (it just puts more pressure on the holder's metal flexi-tab). the CR123A can be found for $1 each.

#vintageApple #macintosh #next #retroComputing #vintageComputing

Dec 12 at 6:55pmWeb
Show threadEric VitielloDec 12
@vga256 This is good info, thank you!!
Show threadvga256Dec 12
@pixel cheers!
Show threadMichael OrtmannDec 12
@vga256 i remember before i sold my NeXT this year, i also replaced the battery and i got a new BR-2/3 A. So they are still available, at least here in Europe. Bought one at pollin.de. They are still 4.85 Euro. I was too scared of alternatives because of tiny differences in length. May your NeXT live long on the new bat :)
Show threadPlausible Human BeingDec 12

@vga256

Automated External Defibrillator battery, also. Recognize it because I got roped into being the department safety representative and had to replace them when they passed their expiry date.

Show threadvga256Dec 12
@LovingFalloutLondon1954 *wow* now that's a fascinating application for one. i assume it doesn't actually use the 3V batteries for the defibrillation, but more for onboard electronics/clock?
Show threadPlausible Human BeingDec 12
@vga256 They were used by the defibrillator. There were about 20 of them in the machine.
Show threadvga256Dec 12
@LovingFalloutLondon1954 🤣 that is amazing. that's *one* way of making 60V!
Show threadTom StepletonDec 12

@vga256 I never dared to wedge the CR123A into my battery holder.

Meanwhile, I maintain my common observation that literally nobody has ever seen a yellow Panasonic BR-2/3A battery leak. I've asked repeatedly in multiple settings and nobody claims to have encountered it. Rob Blessin of Black Hole Inc claims to have handled literal thousands of cube and NextStation boards and says he's never seen it either.

Show threadpitz ☕Dec 12
@vga256 There's a seller on eBay (EU) for one of those adapters taking a CR2032 coin battery. I'm sure a CR2032 won't last as long, but it's at least an alternative to those NeXT batteries.
Show threadvga256Dec 12
@pitz that's a nice solution as well. it doesn't need to last a century.
Show threadMatt GoddenDec 13
@vga256 A BR Vs. CR difference is the temperature performance envelope it's expected to operate within, for anyone who doesn't know. BR is for high temperature, industrial applications; e.g Mac Pros always used BR variants. There's also a difference in the discharge stability over time.
Show threadJon EdwardsDec 13
@vga256 That is handy to know. I use Jurassic Computing’s NeXTbatt adaptor https://www.tindie.com/products/jurassicomp/nextbatt-cr2032-lithium-battery-replacement/
NeXTBatt CR2032 lithium battery replacement by Jurassic Computing on Tindie

NeXTBatt CR2032 PRAM BR-2/3A 3V Lithium battery replacement for NeXT computers

Tindie
Show threadvga256Dec 13
@jon those are really nice. i'll probably order a handful of them!
Show threadJon EdwardsDec 14

@vga256 They are a great value. I keep a couple on hand at the ready.

I wish I had had an excuse to pick up a set of Jurassic's rainbow RAM when it was available https://www.tindie.com/products/jurassicomp/rainbowram-6x-256kb-68-pin-vram-simm-macintosh/

Show threadvga256Dec 14
@jon 😻 beautiful