ASi Programmer power

[Brew Chip]

Greetings. I have an ifm ASi programmer that's getting a bit old and doesn't hold a charge very well anymore (in cold areas, I can only set a few addresses before it dies on me). While I'm waiting on a replacement, any tips for keeping this one working? If I open it up (clearly not under warranty), is it possible to wire in a new battery? If I plug the programmer into the powered ASi bus, will that fry the programmer?

 

[TurpoUrpo]

Which model do you have? The one I have used did support using ASi power. I have no idea if that affects the battery life.

https://www.ifm.com/mounting/704749UK.pdf

 

[Brew Chip]

AC1154. Hopefully letting the bus power the devices will take some of the load off the battery, but I'm still curious. If I open this up am I just going to find basic rechargeable AAs soldered to the board?

 

[Brew Chip]

To follow up on my own question: yes, I popped it open and discovered a pack of 4 batteries soldered directly to the board. They look to be AA shape, but the pack is glued to a chunk of foam and I couldn't see any writing to indicate the voltage or type of battery. I got a replacement unit, so I handed the old one over to a field tech and he may or may not try replacing the battery at some point. If he does, I may or ma not come back to report!

Cheers

 

[TurpoUrpo]

What about the battery life when using with ASi power? Any effect on the battery life? Or did you not test at all after all?

 

[Brew Chip]

Yeah, we didn't end up testing it, unfortunately. No one was eager to spend time experimenting during startup, go figure...