EXXOS RTC MODULE - LOW PROFILE VERSION

The module is fitted into the low profile socket and is the same height as the original Dallas module.

You must use a sharp knife and cut the middle bar away from the socket. Do not use cutters as they will widen the socket as you cut often breaking the socket!

You must glue some card or preferably plastic on the underside of the metal shielding above the RTC module if refitting else if it touches the top of the battery, it will short it out!

Xcontrol pack by exxos

Other RTC software NOTE not all software is compatible with the new module!

RTC removal video DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS UNLESS YOU ARE GOOD AT SOLDERING. YOU WILL KILL YOUR FALCON OTHERWISE!

Can I solder the module directly into the motherboard ?
I don't recommend it. It is technically possible but the pins will not protrude totally though the motherboard and the module may not lay flat. As a lot of people damage tracks unsoldering the old Dallas chip, it is beneficial to have a socket there.

My Falcon does not boot with the new module ?
Did your Falcon boot before ? Normally people have damaged tracks while un-soldering the old Dallas module, in which case your Falcon needs professional diagnostics and repair.
Secondly. If the floppy light is flashing extremely fast for a second, then stops for a second, then flashes fast again, then the Falcon is failing to talk to the RTC module. Again normally track damage, or battery not fitted. Also check the RTC software page on how to reset the RTC module on power up.

Can I use a different socket ?
I do not recommend it. Other sockets will be different dimensions and may not be good enough quality for a reliable contact. The sockets in the store are recommended. If you use a different socket, then you are on your own if your Falcon doesn't boot with it. It will also make the module a lot taller and the metal shielding probably won't fit back.

Time / Date settings are not saving ?
Check you are using the correct RTC software such as the Xcontrol pack by exxos which is tested working.
Check you do not have a flat battery (or it's shorting to the top shielding)
Check you do not have track damage to the RTC.

Time / date saving but not changing / advancing ?
Check you are using the correct RTC software such as the Xcontrol pack by exxos which is tested working. Reset the RTC module with software in the RTC software link. Remove the battery for 60 seconds and refit it and try again. Some RTC software disables the internal oscillator, causing time clock to advance.

Can you fit it for me ?
Short answer no. I get asked every couple of days to do such work and I just do not have time to run the store and do repairs / upgrades.

I screwed it up, can you fix it all for me ?
See the above question. Plus diagnostics and repair can take many hours to do. The cost of the work likely will total 100's if I take on the work. I suggest asking on the forum for people who may be able to help.

What battery do I need ?
CR1220.

Can't you supply the battery ?
No. Batteries need special handling and paperwork which just isn't worth the trouble for a 50p item. Plus some countries are refusing packages with batteries. So in order to save everyone headaches, I do not ship batteries.

ORIGINAL TYPE RTC SWAP ( OBSOLETE)

My Falcon like many others has had a NVRAM fail for the past few years due to the internal battery going flat. In some cases it can prevent your Falcon from powering up, but more often than not, it simply looses the time and date. There is a boot floppy which I will upload later in this page which will reset the NVRAM in case that your falcon will not turn on due to bad NVRAM or corrupt settings.

First of all we need a replacement NVRAM. The old NV RAM in my falcon was a ST MK48T87B-24 TIMEKEEPER RAM. Which was to be replaced by a Dallas 887A NVRAM. The new Dallas chip is compatible but does have a few pins "missing" on the chip. These pins are N/C on the ST chip so it is of little importance. If you are unable to find the Dallas chip it can be found in my webstore. The chip is easy to change , though of course you need to have some basic soldering skills in order not to damage the Falcon PCB.

I recommend as the Falcon PCB has "Though VIA's" and is delicate to say the least, that a sharp pair of side cutters be used to cut the pins from the old NVRAM and then unsolder the pins left in the PCB.

Pin 12 ( far right pin on NVRAM in image) is the GND connection to the NVRAM chip, and was a pain to remove. There must be a huge copper area connected to the pin preventing the pin from unsoldering from the hole. I eventually got the pin removed. After using a high wattage soldering iron for some time.

I would suggest if this pin is hard to remove, then just cut half the pin off the NVRAM chip, and solder the NVRAM chip to the pin which is still in place on the PCB. This way the pin would not have to be removed and there is less risk of causing PCB damage.

So time to boot up the Falcon. Initially the time and date all showed zeros. I changed the time in the normal Control Panel and double checked the settings were being saved. By default the date format was in USA mode, so it is important to change this to UK format otherwise the NVRAM will not save the settings correctly.

So now I have a happy NVRAM once again, see you all in another 10 years ;-)

These programs have been sent to me by Esa Sorsa which should allow editing settings of the NVRAM.

nvrcf030.zip
l_config.zip
rtc_chk.zip