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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

General Sailing Forum

Broken Battery Clip

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TCurran
Admiral

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USA
588 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/18/2012 : 03:08:18

During our race this past Saturday, I knocked my Veloctek S10 gps speedometer off the hatch and it crashed on the cabin floor below. Although it comes in a pretty heavy-duty waterproof case, the fall jarred a battery loose and bent the end of one of its clips. As I went to straighten it out, the clip broke (specifically the end that connects to the "-" side of a battery). The clip is part of the circuit board. Veloctek said they no longer repair that model (discontinued in 2007).

For all of you electronics guys out there, any suggestions on how to repair? Or is it repairable? Soldering the clip back together won't work, is it possible to replace the clip? I left the unit on the boat, but will try and take pictures and post later.

Thanks

Tom Curran
1981 Capri 25 Hull #101 "Dirty Debbie"
1988 Watkins 30
PAFB, FL

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vipermagic
1st Mate

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USA
69 Posts

Response Posted - 07/18/2012 : 06:15:06

If you're comfortable removing the battery holder and replacing it, that would be the best way to go. I found a picture of the S10 compartment, and I'd be this is the part you need to replace: http://www.sparkfun.com/products/7949

Another (easier) way to go would be to get something like this http://www.batteryspace.com/batteryholder1xaabatteryholderwith626awgwireleads-rohscompliant.aspx

Just solder the leads to the old, broken battery holder, pop a battery in, and tuck it in the case.

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TCurran
Admiral

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USA
588 Posts

Response Posted - 07/18/2012 : 06:34:32

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by vipermagic
 If you're comfortable removing the battery holder and replacing it, that would be the best way to go. I found a picture of the S10 compartment, and I'd be this is the part you need to replace: http://www.sparkfun.com/products/7949

Another (easier) way to go would be to get something like this http://www.batteryspace.com/batteryholder1xaabatteryholderwith626awgwireleads-rohscompliant.aspx

Just solder the leads to the old, broken battery holder, pop a battery in, and tuck it in the case.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Yes, that is what broke. Will have to see if I can get the old clip out.

They're "AAA" vice "AA"s but the battery holder you linked to just might work. Worst case if the new holder wont fit in the case, I could mount one outside the case.

Thanks for the links.

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Sloop Smitten
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1181 Posts

Response Posted - 07/18/2012 : 09:13:32

It would appear to be a thru-hole component rather than a surface mount component so if you can disassemble the unit enough to gain access to the other side of the board you should be able to remove it using a desoldering pump and/or some solder wick. If your not familiar desoldering board components you might want to refer it to someone who is. Not real difficult but it is easy to lift or burn a track if you are unfamiliar with the process.

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delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 07/18/2012 : 11:49:55

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">If your not familiar desoldering board components you might want to refer it to someone who is. Not real difficult but it is easy to lift or burn a track if you are unfamiliar with the process.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Sound advice. You need an iron that's either designed for the task (moderate to low heat, and small tip), or has adjustable heat and interchangeable tips, but those aren't common unless you're in the industry. At my previous job, we had soldering stations that had the complete setup including a microscope so you could see what you were doing. Heat sinks are also good idea. I used to have some nice little aluminum spring loaded ones, but they got stolen along with a bunch of my other tools. Now I used hemostats that are easy to find in any electronics store, plus they hold on better. However, they can crush delicate stuff if you're not careful.

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Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 07/18/2012 : 20:41:44

The clips are usually stainless and not solderable. Soldering to a board takes a fast, light touch. If you don't succeed, you're only out a gps that doesn't work to begin with.

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TCurran
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
588 Posts

Response Posted - 07/19/2012 : 03:17:45

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Dave5041
 The clips are usually stainless and not solderable. Soldering to a board takes a fast, light touch. If you don't succeed, you're only out a gps that doesn't work to begin with.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Dave, that's what I'm thinking.

Appreciate all the tips and suggestions, replacing the clips look above my skill and tool level, will check around the Marina for someone with the skills. If that fails, will try the external battery holder, and I screw that up....Velocitek did offer me a 30% discount off the "Speedpuck".
http://www.velocitek.com/speedpuck/

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.