Editing Atari Stacy General Maintenance (section)

== ⚠ NiCd battery — critical issue ==

The Stacy contains an internal NiCd (Nickel-Cadmium) battery pack for the real-time clock. '''This battery is the single most common source of damage in surviving Stacy units.''' NiCd cells manufactured in the late 1980s are prone to leaking corrosive electrolyte (potassium hydroxide), which attacks PCB traces, corrodes component leads, and can cause irreparable board damage if left unchecked.

=== Inspection ===

* Open the case and locate the NiCd battery pack on the main board.
* Inspect for any white or green crystalline deposits around the battery and nearby components.
* Check for darkened or eaten-away PCB traces in the battery area.
* '''Even if the battery appears intact, it should be removed preventively''' from any Stacy that has not already had this addressed.

=== Cleaning battery leakage ===

# Remove the battery pack immediately, cutting leads if necessary.
# Neutralise leaked electrolyte with white vinegar (acetic acid) applied via cotton swab — NiCd electrolyte is alkaline (KOH), so an acid neutraliser is appropriate.
# Clean the affected area thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol (99%+) and lint-free swabs.
# Inspect PCB traces under magnification. Repair broken traces with 30 AWG Kynar wire.
# Check continuity on all traces in the affected area with a multimeter.
# Allow the board to dry completely before reassembly.

=== Replacement ===

* The original NiCd pack can be replaced with a modern NiMH equivalent of the same voltage and physical dimensions.
* Alternatively, remove the battery entirely if real-time clock functionality is not required. The Stacy will still boot and operate normally without it — the date and time will simply reset at each power cycle.
* '''Do not install a non-rechargeable lithium battery''' in the NiCd holder, as the charging circuit will attempt to charge it.