Expansion Module 2 battery life?

[stringfellow]

So I finally got some batteries to test out my two Expansion Module 2's. I tested one and it seemed fine. Then a few days later I tried the second and nothing. I decided oh well at least I have the other one, so I put the batteries back in and nothing again. The only thing I can think is that the batteries are dead. Typically how long do the batteries last in the expansion module #2? What other options do I have besides batteries?

[NIAD]

So I finally got some batteries to test out my two Expansion Module 2's. I tested one and it seemed fine. Then a few days later I tried the second and nothing. I decided oh well at least I have the other one, so I put the batteries back in and nothing again. The only thing I can think is that the batteries are dead. Typically how long do the batteries last in the expansion module #2? What other options do I have besides batteries?

When I used C-Batteries with the unit (back in the day), they generally lasted at least 3 months. But this is all dependent on the amount of use the unit gets. Also, it's good practice to remove the batteries completely if you are not going to use the unit for a period of time and an even better idea to store unused batteries in a cool place or even in a refrigerator.

 

There are ways to mod the unit to use laptop batteries with a power transformer as seen on another thread created by Madaracs or you can choose the easy method like I did and watch for someone selling a Coleco Perma-Power Battery Eliminator (they have to be installed in a specific orientation) on eBay or in the Marketplace here at AtariAge (sometimes coupled with a Coleco Tabletop game). Last option would be to buy rechargeable batteries with a charging unit to aboid having to buy batteries all the time.

 

Jim

[Yurkie]

As Jim mentioned the Perma-Power battery eliminator is nice to have. I actually have only used C batteries in mine a few times and always removed them after playing, so I don't know what the battery life would be. If you wound the accelerator cord around the pedal so that is was squeezed together and left it plugged into the unit that would have drained your batteries. I read the manual and was surprised that it made no mention of removing batteries before storing. Jim mentioned removing the batteries and I too think that would be a good idea.

[Rik]

That's the thing i hate about expansion #2, the stupid batteries, such a pain in the neck.

[NIAD]

That's the thing i hate about expansion #2, the stupid batteries, such a pain in the neck.

Yeah, can be a pain in the arse at times! But really if you think about it, it's not that hard to place four batteries in the compartment and be done with it compared to the Roller Controller which requires one to disconnect the transformer power plug from the back of the CV, plug in the RC power adapter and then replug in the transformer power plug into the RC power adapter.

 

On top of all that with the RC, it's another wire to add to the hundreds of others criss-crossing in and around my desk!

[Rik]

That's the thing i hate about expansion #2, the stupid batteries, such a pain in the neck.

Yeah, can be a pain in the arse at times! But really if you think about it, it's not that hard to place four batteries in the compartment and be done with it compared to the Roller Controller which requires one to disconnect the transformer power plug from the back of the CV, plug in the RC power adapter and then replug in the transformer power plug into the RC power adapter.

 

On top of all that with the RC, it's another wire to add to the hundreds of others criss-crossing in and around my desk!

Yeah, you are right about that also!!!

[Yurkie]

I guess fortunately for me I am not a big fan of either the wheel, roller controller or SACs.

 

newcoleco made hacks for Destructor, Slither, Turbo and Victory so that you can just a standard controller.

 

Here is a link to his site. Modded games are under SOFTWARE > Games then click on Modified Games from the list

 

http://www.ccjvq.com/newcoleco/

[NIAD]

I guess fortunately for me I am not a big fan of either the wheel, roller controller or SACs.

 

newcoleco made hacks for Destructor, Slither, Turbo and Victory so that you can just a standard controller.

 

Here is a link to his site. Modded games are under SOFTWARE > Games then click on Modified Games from the list

 

http://www.ccjvq.com/newcoleco/

Actually, I love the Roller Controller and the ability to switch between the Trakball and the Hand Controllers with the flip of a switch. Plus it's pretty interesting trying out games like WarGames and Time Pilot using the the Trakball. The other thing I like about it is that it serves as a joystick extension so that you don't have to sit close to the system, buy extension cords (which I have done) or have your coiled cords straightened (which I prefer not to do for purists reasons even though I love the straightened cord on the Smurf Controller).

 

NewColeco's hacks that you mentioned are fantastic, with Turbo being the best one. The way that Daniel reconfigured the controls works perfectly and Coleco should have included this control option originally as well. In fact, they should have done this with all the Driving Module and Roller Controller games, given the user the option to use the special controller or their standard hand controller.

 

The Destructor hack takes a lot of getting used to, at least for me, and I actually think Team Pixelboy's layout proposal (that might become a reality shortly) would work better.

 

Either way, I'm not going to complain... I just love being able to play these games with or without the special controller!

 

THANKS DANIEL once again for making these available.

[Rik]

It would be great to convert these controllers to use an ac adapter like the one you use to power the 2600 console.The price of batteries is insane nowadays.I always take the batteries out of everything when not used, a very important thing to do.Batteries are not so prone to leakage nowadays, but better to be safe than sorry i say!

Edited November 13, 2010 by Rik