DVW-A500: backup before replacing battery?
 

So I just bought three Sony DVW-A500 Digital Betacam recorders of which two show Error 096. I’m hoping this could be fixed by replacing the battery for memory backup, which doesn’t seem to be to dificult. The manual however advices to store all the setup data on a memory card before replacing the battery, and then reload it when done. I’m wondering what data I will loose if I don’t make the backup? Would that be all the info about running hours etc. from the Setup screen?

Most likely personal settings, I don't believe metering data relies on the battery.

Thanks @latreche34

So it turns out that the instruction for battery replacement I've been reading doesn't apply for the DVW-A500P. Which is a disappointment since it looks super easy.

The word battery isn't mentioned anywhere in the DVW-A500P service manual, and the tech I've hired to service my other machine says it's a soldered part. Anyone who knows where it's located?

For anyone who came here when Googling Sony Digital Betacam DVW-A500P Error 96 I’ll answer my own question.

Error 96 means that there’s a problem with the NVRAM. The NVRAM stores custom settings for long time even when the machine is disconnected from the mains. Therefore it has an intergrated lithium battery that will last 10–15 yrs. When it goes flat, you’ll have an NVRAM error. You can’t replace the battery alone, instead you desolder the NVRAM from the SS-52 board and replace it with a new one. It’s a standard component made by several different manufacturers. I chose to put a socket in between, so when it’s time to replace the component in another 15 yrs I won’t need to do any soldering 🙂

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Ah yes, not had to do this but we have these machines and I'm aware of it.

What a useful post, kudos.

Is the metering data still intact?