I've just collected a BC8500 which works fine except for one small problem. It will hold its preset memory of the sound functions up until it is unplugged & then everything is all to c*ck when I plug it back in. Is this likely to be the lithium battery? The strange thing is that none of the presets for the radio go astray which I would have expected if it was this.

I've only given it a cusory once over & any further investigation will have to wait until the weekend, just thought I'd ask in anticipation to try & gain some pointers.

Chris.

Thought "CODE" showed up in the display if the battery had gone?

Craig

This is just wierd.

I've had a further play with this and the problem is as follows :-

If I unplug the sytem for any length of time, when I turn it on again (any function) the volume is set at zero & the balance is set at full left hand side. All of the previously saved radio stations also disappear.

When I scroll through the "sound" options the top LED's ficker when I hit the balance function & the tape drawer drops about 3 mm (as if it has opened fractionally). I cannot adjust the balance settings until I open the tape cover panel and then I can adjust balance to the mid setting. I can re-save all the radio presets & sound settings and they are fine as long as the Beocenter is left plugged in & on standby. This makes me suspect it could be the lithium battery which isn't dead but possibly on it last legs. I can unplug the system for a short time with no apparent problems.

GRAHAM WHERE ARE YOU

Chris.

Having trouble posting earlier so answered by email direct to Chris.

Basic answer was "I don't know" but I would try replacing the battery!

I am interested in the result as I have one which has a similar fault!!

Does anyone know the spec's for the lithium battery - I haven't opened it yet and don't want to have to do so twice (lazy I know)? It isn't mentioned in the service manual other than to say it has to be the same as the one fitted or is it a dealer only item?

Chris.

The memo batteries are quite long lived in these units,and only cause memo problems usually.The "weird scenes in the gold mine"that you are seeing,seem to suggest the micro is having a "strop".It's supply and reset is crucial,and there is a common problem with all the Beocentre 9000 derivatives where the 5v supply resevoir cap goes o/c or dry jointed,causing all sorts of "funnies".You will have to go "well in" sir,armed with soldering iron.Check the 5v supply first (4.7v won't do!)

Batteries should be readily available if needs must.

Regards,

Nick

Thanks Nick,

                  I've opened it up in any case so I'll replace the battery as a matter of course. Turns out to be a CR2450.

Chris.

Battery replaced with one with solder tags from Farnells (no exploding batteries for me thank you very much) & now working perfectly - result

Chris.

Medogsfat:

If I unplug the sytem for any length of time, when I turn it on again (any function) the volume is set at zero & the balance is set at full left hand side. All of the previously saved radio stations also disappear.

My Beomaster 5000 (80's model) is doing exactly the same. Until I can have the battery replaced, I'll just keep it plugged in. I thought that I could replace it -but after I've heard Dillen's advice on another thread (antistatic workplace etc.), I know it's no job for an amateur like me...

Nice to know that you've got yours "up and running" again 

Farnell actually has the original battery available with the solder tags! Regarding CODE on the display when the lithium cel is out of juice, this only happens to BeoCenter 9500 and BeoMaster 4500 and not BeoCenter 8000/8500 and BeoMaster 3500. Why? I have no idea......

Beomaster 4500 and Beocenter 9500 both have 2-way communication! Beomaster 3500 and Beocenter 8000/8500 doesn't. Maybe it has something to do with that!

-Loudspeaker

Could be. Must be in the software, since the electronics of at least BeoCenter 8500 are exactly the same as in BeoCenter 9500, the only difference is the software!

Loudspeaker:

Beomaster 4500 and Beocenter 9500 both have 2-way communication! Beomaster 3500 and Beocenter 8000/8500 doesn't. 

First types of Beomaster 4500 were one-way only.