Battery leakage

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.video.classic (More info?)

I have a handful of those plug-n-play TV games in my collection, and
they are all powered by AA batteries. Having seen the damage that can
be wrought when old batteries burst open, I have been wondering - how
do I know when the batteries are going to corrode? I want to be able to
leave the batteries installed (the screw on the battery doors makes
access less convenient for reloading, and I want them to be ready to
play whenever I want), but I don't want my toys ruined. Currently, the
batteries installed all have an expiration of 2010 on them. Is it safe
to assume the batteries will not leak before then? And are the factors
other than age that can lead to battery leakage?

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.video.classic (More info?)

each time you get done playing a game, ask yourself if you'll be
playing it again within the next six months. if the answer is no, TAKE
THE BATTERIES OUT!

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.video.classic (More info?)

Also, TV Games just released a special AC adaptor that fits in the
battery compartment to most of its TV Games units (Namco, Atari,
Activision, etc.). I saw it at Wal-Mart for around $6. If you still
plan on playing the units now and again, but don't want to worry about
leaving the batteries inside, perhaps you should pick up one of those.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.video.classic (More info?)

>TV Games just released a special AC adaptor

Cool, but it doesn't help with those units not made by Jaks, such as
the Genesis and Taito units from Radica.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.video.classic (More info?)

True, but the Radica Space Invaders unit and the Genesis unit both have
an input jack for 6V DC. Should be simple enough to find a power
supply at Radio Shack.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.video.classic (More info?)

So basically, nobody knows if I can trust the expiration date on those
batteries, right? I agree that using AC adaptors is probably cheaper
and safer. But in all honesty, I was lucky to get my wife to agree to
let me keep these things in the living room where I can actually use
them from time to time. If I also run out and buy a bunch of adaptors
as well, there is going to be trouble!