DOS computer = CMOS RAM ERROR ???

EKLB · Post by **EKLB** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 4:06 pm

Hello Batlab Members:

Got a BSR computer than finaly powered up with a CMOS RAM ERROR = CHECK BATTERY / RUN SETUP that the screen displays upon power up.

Well it appears the computer does not use a button battery or a prewired battery of any type that i can find on the main bd.

But it does apear to have a battery backed RAM chip that im thinking has the defective battery i need to replace and reprogram the computer to get it back up and running.

This chip is a 24 pin type but several of the pins are removed prior to assembly from the BSR factory and is normal in its design.

BSR i believe is no longer in business if im corect.

The distributor and seller used to be.

DAK INDUSTIRES INC.
8200 Remmet Avenue
Canoga Park CA 91304

This computer is a BSR 386SX (Clock speed was 16 mhz).

The battery backed ram i am thinking has the battery in it is a chip with the following info on it.

DALLAS DS1287
REAL TIME
9037B3 006585

Also has a piture of a alarm clock on the chip .

Anyone know what i have and where to get a fresh chip like it with the battery ?

Any contact info to whom i could call to find the CMOS RAM Battery for sure in this computer ?

Thanx EKLB

Will · Post by **Will** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 4:49 pm

The Dallas Semiconductor chip should be still available from vendors like Mouser, Digakey, and others. Search by the Dallas # DS1287 .

The cost about $26 if I remember correctly. Short of that, dig out the potting compound and change the battery, yeah right!!!

EKLB · Post by **EKLB** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 4:54 pm

Hello WILL:

Thanx for the reply.

Qeustion = Was i corect in assuming the battery is in this chip ?

Thanx EKLB

kcbooboo · Post by **kcbooboo** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 6:21 pm

Yup, the battery is inside it, all potted up. They usually last about 10 years, and when it dies, all you can do is replace the entire chip. It has the CMOS memory and the real time clock.

I had one go about 5 years ago. I think they're a lot more popular now that their lifetime is expiring.

Dallas is now part of Maxim Semiconductor, but you should be able to buy it from several distributors.

EKLB · Post by **EKLB** » Thu Jul 28, 2005 3:19 am

Outstanding !!!

Thanx to everyone that answered= Sure cleared things up for me.

EKLB

stay-con · Post by **stay-con** » Thu Jul 28, 2005 8:03 am

EKLB wrote:The distributor and seller used to be.

DAK INDUSTIRES INC.
8200 Remmet Avenue
Canoga Park CA 91304

They went out of business. Rumor was "tricky money" but they're back again.
http://www.dak2000.com/

I doubt seriously if they'll support the old computer though.

Jeff

kcbooboo · Post by **kcbooboo** » Thu Jul 28, 2005 9:01 am

DAK: when they were around, they did have some good deals and interesting stuff, but they did just sort of "fade away", rather unceremoniously. They may have the same company name, but I doubt any records or personnel from the 80s and 90s is still around.

Bob M.

EKLB · Post by **EKLB** » Fri Jul 29, 2005 12:13 pm

Was wondering if anyone had any contact info on the Dallas co now part of
Maxim Semiconductor.

I did order a chip from Digikey but they say its similiar to the Dallas 1287 chip and i was thinking id like to order a known working eqivelent of the Dallas DS1287 chip as a replacement.

DigiKey sugested there part number DS1887A but then also said
12887A-ND so im not sure now whats really coming other than the one they sugested which was only 13.96 for a total so i decided to order it and see.

But id really like to have the contact info on Maxim Semicoductors as a backup.

Thanx EKLB

kcbooboo · Post by **kcbooboo** » Fri Jul 29, 2005 1:28 pm

I believe it's just http://www.maxim-ic.com but you can google for either Dallas semiconductor or Maxim and find it exactly.

If you can't find anything current on their website, send e-mail to their technicians who will dig up some data and send it back to you. They did that for a modem board in my 10-year-old Nucleus 2 transmitter.

When I bought my replacement chip, I got it from a company that specialized in replacement CMOS/CLOCK chips, and they assured me that the newer part number they were selling would work in my computer. It did and I was a happy camper. They also had no minimum order amount, unlike many of the "parts" suppliers at the time.

Bob M.

kcbooboo · Post by **kcbooboo** » Fri Jul 29, 2005 3:39 pm

Jameco has them for $7.25 plus s&h, but they also have a minimum order. A place in New York has them for $5 something. Searching for DS1287 does get you to a Dallas/Maxim web page, and I did see something about the 12887 being a direct replacement. I didn't look for any of those to check the price or availability.

So they're out there.

Bob M.

DOS computer = CMOS RAM ERROR ???

DOS computer = CMOS RAM ERROR ???

Re: DOS computer = CMOS RAM ERROR ???