Storing DC VMUs for a long time. Battery concerns?

[dark]

So, it's my experience that batteries will oxidize and leak and stuff like that and I assume that the batteries in the VMUs or on the DC controller board are no exception. All the batteries in my DC VMUs date back to like 2000/2001... I haven't noticed any problems yet, but is this something I should look into replacing sometime soon? Are these batteries all ticking time bombs? I don't want to destroy my memory cards or DC through neglect...

[l_oliveira]

So, it's my experience that batteries will oxidize and leak and stuff like that and I assume that the batteries in the VMUs or on the DC controller board are no exception. All the batteries in my DC VMUs date back to like 2000/2001... I haven't noticed any problems yet, but is this something I should look into replacing sometime soon? Are these batteries all ticking time bombs? I don't want to destroy my memory cards or DC through neglect...

WOW you still have them on your VMU ? I tossed them away when they expired/gone flat still in 2001. Having them inside the VMU is a pretty BAD idea and the VMU don't need them to work.

You only need batteries in it if you plan to power it up to play minigames. :thumbsup:

[Hedgeyourbets]

Yeah, just bin them all
The one inside the dreamcast shouldn't be too bad though, if it's still keeping the time then there's no reason to remove it.
But bin those VMU batteries ASAP, it's not pretty when they leak

[l_oliveira]

The battery on the Dreamcast console is rechargeable and of very high quality. I've never seen any with a leaked battery.

[mazonemayu]

most of my vmus still havetheir original batteries in them, no problem yet

[dark]

I thought it would need the batteries to save, like on a SNES cartridge or other battery save function. If I don't need the batteries in at all to keep my saves, those batteries will be coming out very shortly. Thanks.

[l_oliveira]

It's flash memory based. So the batteries aren't necessary at all.

You only need the batteries if you want to power it on while it's not
attached to the Dreamcast (that's the point for it having it's own D-PAD and buttons, no ?) :thumbsup:

Also, if the batteries are flat, the poor thing will beep as you connect it to the Dreamcast, to indicate it has no batteries.

[Hedgeyourbets]

Nah, the batteries are just for keeping the time and for playing VMU minigames, your saves are safe. Also, aren't your ones mostly boxed Mayu? So surely they still have the plastic tab which prevents the batteries from conducting? In that scenario I can't see it being a problem.

[dark]

You guys have me anxious now. My VMUs are actually at my parent's house about 700 miles away. Next time I'm going over there is xmas XD

[l_oliveira]

Even if they're "sealed" these disposable button batteries (such as the CR2032) are expected to have a shelf life of ten years. I wouldn't risk the now rare Dreamcast VMUs having batteries leak inside them. :shrug:

Batteries are chemical stuff and chemical stuff that is based on reactions that are basic/acidic in nature. Which means corrosion. They also emit gases which are corrosive.

In the *very long term* it's what's likely to destroy the device it's connected to.

Same idea apply to electrolytic capacitors seen leaking on MEGA-CD units. Also the PC-Engine GT (portable) unit. The difference is that you can easily clip out the battery from a VMU by removing a screw. The capacitors are actually part of the device.

[mazonemayu]

hedgeyourbets: not all my vmus are boxed, I didn't post a pic of the dozen regular white ones I constantly use for saving, in my collection, as they are strictly speaking doubles & therefor serve no purpose in my collection thread ;-)

and indeed, my boxed vmus still have the plastic between their batteries; been like that for...well years now, I haven't had a leaker so far




l_oliveira: there's no substitute for a dreamcast booting with all 4 controllers plugged in, each having 2 batteryless vmus in their slots. you should try it sometime :lol:

[l_oliveira]

l_oliveira: there's no substitute for a dreamcast booting with all 4 controllers plugged in, each having 2 batteryless vmus in their slots. you should try it sometime :lol:

I would, if I had that many SEGA VMUs.....

I think I have 4 or 5 SEGA VMUs ... Would need 8 ... :thumbsup:


Edit: Oh and before I forget, I was talking batteries in general, but with emphasis on depleted bateries. Depleted batteries should NOT be left into the devices no matter what.

It's better having no battery than having an time bomb waiting to explode in it.