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HP Forum Archive 19

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HP-41cx "plastic film" in battery contacts
Message #1 Posted by Giovanni Jimenez on 9 Aug 2009, 10:54 p.m.

Some time ago I got a nice HP-41CX, and I noticed that there is some sort of "plastic film" covering the contacts in the battery compartment; not all of it because the calculator works fine, so obviously the batteries are making contact, but it is around these contacts and I have no idea what this film is for. It is a bit loose but I don't want to take it off, just in case it has some purpose.

I have another calc (HP-41CV) and it doesnt have that "film".

Any idea what this might be ? THX

      
Re: HP-41cx "plastic film" in battery contacts
Message #2 Posted by Eric Smith on 10 Aug 2009, 2:01 p.m.,
in response to message #1 by Giovanni Jimenez

Hard to say without actually seeing it, but is it possible that the flex circuit is delaminating?

            
Re: HP-41cx "plastic film" in battery contacts
Message #3 Posted by Geoff Quickfall on 10 Aug 2009, 9:40 p.m.,
in response to message #2 by Eric Smith

I would have to agree with Eric. Having now fixed two of these, both suffering corrosion damage there are three layers.

The film the gold is bonded to and a film that covers the gold contact. This film is bare at the contact points for the batteries and the module connections and can delaminate. As long as the gold is intact and not cracked there should be no problem.

I suppose you could glue the plastic back in place with contact cement ensuring you clean any access but it is not required.

Cheers, Geoff


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