Märklin Memory

[capeklr]

Hi everybody,

a few weeks ago while operating my trains one evening I noticed that the programmable memory for my
signaling system did not always complete all the commands.
Well last week it stopped working all together, fitted another spare memory and started programming that,
also doesn't work.
Out of production many years, so can't get a new one anymore.
So tonight I opened it up and discovered a leaking battery.
Typed the number into google and it does show that this battery is still available overseas, but ordering from
there and then shipping batteries in might not work so well.
I'll try and get something local and see if I can revive this memory.
Stay tuned.

[ColWer]

Hi Jörg,

I am sure 3 x 1.2V AA can do the trick, Mantech or Yebo might even have the D type (torch batteries).

Let me know what you did. I might have the same problem.

Have a great day.

Ciao

[ColWer]

Are the tracks still ok? I'm wondering if the acid did not get hold of the copper tracks. 

W

[capeklr]

Hi,
I cleaned the pc board and the tracks still look good.
Also checked with my Ohm meter and shows continuity.
Went to Brights this morning and got a 3,6V battery for cordless
phones.
Cut off the connector and soldered the wires to the pc board.
Some hot glue to secure the batteries to the board and busy charging now.
Will test then and report.

[capeklr]

Hi,

unfortunately I have to report that this repair was not successful.
Opened another one today and here the battery acid has already lifted the copper tracks off the board. 
Will keep trying to fix these.

[LooVille]

Ai, good luck with the repair.

Have you ever looked at the Arduino Stuff? I'm not sure as my knowledge of this is very limited, but is there not a option for you?

[capeklr]

Ai, good luck with the repair.
Thanks, I am looking at various options and also have got a few ideas.

Have you ever looked at the Arduino Stuff?
I don't know, I have no knowledge of Arduino, I do need to be able to switch decoders via the keyboards and control unit
for my system to function.

[capeklr]

Hi,
so today I had a bit of time, took one of the other memories, desoldered the battery and cleaned the board
thoroughly.
Soft brass wire brush and washing it with Benzine and using compressed air to blow the dirt away.
Then I gave both sides a liberal coating of spray on flux.
To let it dry I put it on my wife's washing line in the back yard. 
Tonight I soldered another battery in and have now connected it to a control unit for charging.
So far its behaving correctly although responding a bit slowly.

[capeklr]

Success. 
After charging overnight I have one fully functional memory again.
Will connect it to the layout tonight and reprogram and test again.
R. 100,00 for a rechargeable 3,6 volt battery, a bit of material and work. 

[ColWer]

Awesome you Genius! 

[ColWer]

What is Spray on flux? And obtained at Yebo? 

Ciao

[capeklr]

What is Spray on flux? And obtained at Yebo? 

Ciao

Spray onto new or cleaned circuit boards, makes soldering much easier.
From Mantech.

[capeklr]

Okay, report back time.
Have fitted the memory back into my controls and programmed it.
I am getting interference, it switches signals at random.
Back to the drawing board as the saying goes.

[LooVille]

Ai, seems it just do not want to work..... Good luck and hope you get it sorted 

[ColWer]

I know the report will be positive. Spontanous switching could be diodes etc.

That means taking them out 

Go on Jörg