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CHAPTER 10 - Installing the Real Time Clock Battery

CAUTION:  The clip mechanism in the battery holder is easy to break.   If your OpenSpand shipped with a real time clock battery installed, then you probably won't need to change it for several years, but if you do have reason to install or remove the battery please read these instructions first.  

You will first need to open the OpenSpand case, the instruction for which you can find here.

How to REMOVE THE Real TIME CLOCK Battery

THIS SECTION NOT YET CREATED

How to Insert a CR2032 Battery in a tinyRTC Module

The tinyRTC modules commonly use a CR2032 battery holder that can be surprisingly awkward to use. There is a simple technique that makes inserting the battery much easier.

RTC with battery inserted RTC without battery RTC top and bottom

The Trick

Don't try to push the battery straight down into the holder.

  1. Identify the positive side of the CR2032. The side with the large flat surface and + marking goes up.
  2. Look at the battery holder. One end normally has a spring or metal clip that needs to slide over the edge of the battery.
  3. Insert the battery edge-first. Slide one edge of the battery underneath the fixed lip of the holder.
  4. Tilt the battery downward. Keep the first edge underneath the lip while pressing the opposite edge downward.
  5. Snap the opposite edge into place. The battery should click underneath the spring contact and sit securely in the holder.

Think of It This Way

Hook one edge → Tilt the battery down → Snap the other edge in

In other words, the battery goes into the holder at an angle rather than being pushed vertically straight down.

Don't Force It

Some inexpensive tinyRTC boards have very tight or poorly formed battery clips. If the battery refuses to go in, don't force it with a screwdriver or other tool.

The battery holder is often soldered directly to the PCB, and excessive force can bend the contact or even pull the holder away from the circuit board.

If you are having trouble, examine the holder carefully and make sure you are inserting the battery under the correct lip before pressing the opposite edge down.

One More Thing

There are several slightly different versions of tinyRTC/DS1307 modules, and their battery holders are not all identical. There are several slightly different versions of tinyRTC/DS1307 modules, and their battery holders are not all identical. The technique above works with the module supplied in the Zebra Systems, Inc. OpenSpands

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