SERVICE: AP310 Timekeeper Battery replacement

Article ID: 061108sab
Last Reviewed: July 10, 2023

The information in this article applies to:

  • Ranger Adaptive Logger AP310.

Target Audience

This article is aimed at:

  • Qualified Service Personnel for the Ranger Product Line.
  • These instructions are specifically NOT for untrained end users.

Summary

This application note details the sequence required to change the timekeeper battery in the AP310.

Before you start

  1. You will need a replacement timekeeper battery. This is a 3 volt lithium button cell CR1616 or equivalent.
  2. Download any recording sessions from the Logger using Pronto for Windows.
  3. Save any user configurations you have created using the PmFiles.exe utility. This utility is installed to the same directory as Pronto for Windows (see APPNOTE: Utilities installed with Pronto for Windows ).

Removal of the logger from the box

1. Disconnect the logger from any power source and make sure no Rogowski coils or voltage probes are attached. Disconnect the RS232 cable if attached but keep it nearby. It is part of the procedure!

2. You will need a small ‘Posidrive’ screwdriver. Unscrew the overlay (four screws, one at each corner). Place it carefully to one side. Now you are looking at the front panel.

3. In the top right and bottom right corners are two locking tongues. Remove their screws. With a sharp pointed implement release the locking tongues from the edge of the box.

4. Now screw your RS232 connector onto its socket in the logger face and use it as a handle to pull the logger out of the box. or turn the box over and gently tap one corner to loosen the logger insides.

The following pictures show the sequence of steps to go through to lift the boards out of the box.

location of locking tongue screws

You have removed the overlay and revealed the front panel. Note the two locking tongues and their screws.

locking tongues

The screws are now removed.

applying the pointed tool to the locking tongues

Take your pointed implement and locate it in the top of the locking tongue screw hole, catching the locking tongue.

retracting the locking tongues

Slide the hole as far as the tongue groove will let you. The locking tongues may be a little stiff the first time they are moved.

fully retracted locking tongue

When both locking tongues have been released, attach the RS232 cable to its socket.

lifting the unit out of the box

Use it as a handle to lift the unit out of the box after reading the following precaution!:

Although the battery voltage is low, each battery is capable of storing a large amount of energy. This is not dangerous unless a battery is inadvertently short-circuited. When any such battery is short-circuited a great deal of heat may be generated, especially at the contacts where the short circuit is made and in the conductors where the short circuit current flows. In extreme cases this could result in melting of the insulation or even fire.

To avoid this hazard, after taking the unit out of the box put it down on a dry flat insulating surface that is free from any conducting debris. Take care not to allow the battery contacts to become damaged or to touch any other conductors. Keep the logger well away from any metal objects like scissors or knives or screwdrivers!

fully removing the unit from the box

Lift the unit out of the box using the RS232 connector or turn the unit upside down and gently tap the corner of the box to nudge the logger out.

Replacement of the timekeeper battery

unit upside down

Place the board assembly upside down on a on-conducting surface.

location of the screws to remove

Remove the batteries and then remove the four retaining screws as shown.

location of the timekeeper battery

After gently pulling the two boards apart, identify the timekeeper battery and replace it with a new item.

when rejoining boards check 6 way plug

Rejoin the two boards taking care that the 6 way plug is correctly inserted.

The re-assembly process is the reverse of that used for disassembly.

References

None.