Replace timeclock battery in P-ACP-E and P-ACP-D Mk2
Issue
My Paradigm Architectural Control Processor Mk2 (P-ACP-E or P-ACP-D) has its date and time reset upon a power cycle, and/or may be displaying an "Internal Clock Error / Low Battery" error on the display.
Explanation of Issue & Solution
This occurs because its timeclock battery, which powers the internal timeclock on the unit's control card is fully drained. The battery naturally drains over time, and when it's empty the date/time resets on boot. The solution is to replace the battery, and then correct the time after the unit boots up. Timeclock batteries are considered consumable items, and thus are not covered under ETC's warranty. Typically the battery will last for many years before being drained. Units disconnected from power, such as those in a dealer's loaner inventory, will drain more quickly.
A dead timeclock battery does not result in losing any Paradigm configuration data. That information is stored on a non-volatile micro SD (µSD) card.
Both the P-ACP-E and P-ACP-D hardware use the same coin cell battery. A new battery can be ordered through an ETC Authorized Dealer and ETC's part number is BT153-F, or it can be sourced elsewhere by searching for BR1225. Each has a different process for replacement and are covered in separate sections below.
Replacement Steps for P-ACP-E
- Power off the DRd or ERn rack housing the P-ACP-E.
- Remove the P-ACP-E from the rack.
- Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, remove the two screws on the top edge of the rear of the P-ACP-E, allowing the top lid to slide out of place.
- When facing the front and looking down from the top, the battery is located in the bottom-left corner as indicated in the image below.
- Gently push back the retaining bracket and slide the battery up out of the slot.
- Insert the new battery in place of the old, ensuring the retaining bracket is secure.
- Restore the lid and screws holding it on.
- Insert the P-ACP-E back into the rack, and power on the rack.
- After it has fully booted change the date and time to the correct values following the instructions in How to change the date and time on a P-ACP-E and P-ACP-D Mk2.
Replacement Steps for P-ACP-D
- Locate the enclosure housing the P-ACP-D. Often this will be a black DIN enclosure on the wall, or it could be mounted in an equipment rack.
- Power off the P-ACP-D.
- If powered via PoE, simply unplug the Ethernet cable.
- If powered via DC input, power off the breaker to the PSU. Do not unplug the 3-pin power connector from the P-ACP-D with the PSU still energized, as this could arc with the pins in the socket and cause damage to the processor.
- Unplug all station, DMX, or RS-232 connections, and physically remove the P-ACP-D by pushing up on the bottom edge (where the RJ45 and Stations connections are), and tilting the top forward.
- Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, remove 4 screws total, 2 from each side of the unit. Below is an image of the right side with the screws circled in pink. The screws on the other side are in the same spot.
- Lift the UI off the body of the P-ACP-D. The parts precisely fit together, so it's best if you lift a bit on the top edge, then the bottom, and work it back and forth until it's free. Below yellow arrows point to the general areas that need to be lifted. NOTE: the UI is attached to the body with a short ribbon cable. Be extra cautious from this point forward to not accidentally rip the ribbon cable from its socket.
- Below is an image with the UI lifted up slightly. The ribbon cable is outlined in yellow, and the battery is circled in pink.
- The UI can carefully be tilted backward resting on the right side of the unit, as shown in the image below. The battery is circled in pink.
- Using either a plastic set of tweezers or pliers, or normal needle-nose pliers wrapped in electrical tape, remove the battery while gently pushing back the retaining bracket on the socket.
- DO NOT use unprotected metal pliers or similar tool to remove the battery, as that can cause an electrical short and damage yourself or the processor!
- Insert the new battery with your hands, then reverse the steps to re-assemble and install the P-ACP-D in the enclosure. Remember to plug in all the Ethernet, stations, DMX, or RS-232!
- After it has fully booted change the date and time to the correct values following the instructions in How to change the date and time on a P-ACP-E and P-ACP-D Mk2.