FALCON 030 RTC (2017 Batch)

[exxos]

IMG_1646.JPG

IMG_1645.JPG

This RTC IC is basically the same as the Falcon one, only this uses a external battery. This way, it is easy to change the battery than having to worry about de-soldering the NVRAM in a few years time.

The module itself is a tiny fraction higher than the original NVRAM chip and should fit under the metal shielding as normal (though I have not tested that it will).

Store Link.
https://www.exxosforum.co.uk/atari/store2/#0089

[exxos]

ADDENDUM: (2017 Batch)

A fault has been found where the Falcon does not boot after setting the time or date in control panel. Oddly the time and date does actually write correctly to the NVRAM, but the Falcon for some reason is unable to boot afterwards. I'm not really sure why this happens.

Solution is thankfully easy and just requires a decoupling capacitor soldered on the back the motherboard is shown in the image below.

A value of 100nF (0.1uF) or 220nF (0.22uF) is recommended. Higher Values will also likely work also.

mod.jpg

[kodak80]

Is this modification needed on all Falcons? I am yet to try installing the one I purchased. How many people have had issues?

[exxos]

Is this modification needed on all Falcons? I am yet to try installing the one I purchased. How many people have had issues?

I only just found the issue.. so 1 :lol:

I would suggest adding the cap as its bound to cause issues on other machines. Oddly on my own falcon it did not, but on this falcon in for repair, it does...

The original NVRAM (internal battery) does not seem affected.

[kodak80]

Hi Chris
Just wondering what voltage the capacitor was you used? Would 220nf 35v work?

[exxos]

Hi Chris
Just wondering what voltage the capacitor was you used? Would 220nf 35v work?

Its 5V rail, so anything over 10V is good.

[kodak80]

Hi Chris
Just wondering what voltage the capacitor was you used? Would 220nf 35v work?

Its 5V rail, so anything over 10V is good.

Also, which pin has the positive lead from the capacitor?

[exxos]

Also, which pin has the positive lead from the capacitor?

100nF-220nF most likely going to be ceramics, or should be, so it does not matter of which way around it goes on.

[kodak80]

Finally removed my dead Dallas RTC and have fitted a low profile IC socket. I have installed the Exxos RTC but I have the same issue that Gazak28 had. Once I set the date and time, then turn the Falcon off and unplug the power lead for a short while, the Falcon will not boot up when I reconnect the power lead and turn it on. I have added one of the resistors you sent to Gazak28 but this does not fix the no boot issue. I soldered it on the top of the RTC board around the edge as I did not want to solder it under the motherboard on the new IC socket. The only way to get the Falcon to boot is to remove the RTC battery and power off the Falcon.

Gazak28 has now replaced his Exxos RTCs with socketed Dallas replacements and his 2 Falcon's are now working fine. They boot and the time is kept whilst off.

Any other thoughts on fixing this would be appreciated.

[exxos]

I assume you are resetting the RTC and using the RTC software to set it as listed on the forum? some control panels may not work with every RTC IC as someone else found the other day.

https://www.exxosforum.co.uk/forum/viewt ... ?f=25&t=30