Macintosh SE Pram Battery

#1 Fri, 10 Feb 2012 - 22:46 68kMLA

Will a Macintosh SE boot with the battery removed? Also does anyone know where to acquire a battery with solder leads on them? :?: This is probably common sense to some but I can't seem to find this battery

#2 Sat, 11 Feb 2012 - 02:36 68kMLA

In my experience, the older macs seem to boot without the PRAM battery all the time. Some are finicky, and the newer ones don't like it, like the TAM. Even my IIfx needs fresh batteries. I would keep some on standby as a test just in case.

#3 Sat, 11 Feb 2012 - 06:05 68kMLA

FlyingToaster,

In a pinch, if you can't find/acquire the replacement battery, you can solder in place a battery socket for a "1/2 AA"; the same type of PRAM battery used by the SE/30 and like Mac models sharing that battery. Just make sure you solder it in the correct position or you'll risk shorting/damaging the logic board. If you would like a socket, let me know via PM.

73s de Phreakout. :rambo:

#4 Sat, 11 Feb 2012 - 06:10 68kMLA

If you want to use a soldered tab variant, you'll have to buy a 1/2AA with them soldered on at the supplier or someone with a rig to spot weld them. While I was at Batteries Plus+ looking for some 1200mAh AAAs I noticed they had a solder tab welder (the gent said it was $2K) so they may be able to help you. I did buy my 1/2AA from them. You can also rig up your own spot welder.

Once you get the solder tabs installed then it's play time. However I'd advise a holder if you can.

Note: Not affiliated or associated with Batteries Plus

#5 Tue, 14 Feb 2012 - 00:32 68kMLA

OWC has the battery you need at a very reasonable price.

#6 Wed, 15 Feb 2012 - 09:32 68kMLA

You probably got a very early version of the Mac SE logic board as the later revisions have a battery socket on them.

I would recommand soldering a socket on the PCB: it's much easier this way to replace the battery in the future. The sockets are still easy to get.