My mechanic shop has an old Meridian. He was about to trade it in for a newer system when his business partner decided to abscond.

Every time power blinks, he loses system programming. It wouldn't be so bad, but it defaults to pulse dialing. I visit, reprogram, and tell him it is almost time for that new system, then he cries the no-money blues.

If I recall correct, the DR5 s/ware cartridge contains a capacitor that holds voltage to prevent this. Do I just swap the cart and reprogram one last time? If this is so, do any of ya'll have a cheap cart with a good capacitor?

I don't mind getting credits for auto repairs, but would like to fix it permanently.

You can purchase a refurb DR5 cartridge for pennies on the dollar. Check with your local supplier or on-line.

Maybe the sponsor of this website would have some cartridges. Click on the "Equipment" link on the top of this page. The problem with selling just the cartridge is---then all you have left is a cabinet with no cartridge.

In the past, I have cracked them open, desoldered the capacitor and resoldered a new one to replace it--and went on my merry way. But I haven't worked on one of those in about 5 years. It helps if you do 4/5 or 10 of them, so you get better and faster. Doing one is just a PITA.

Or you could buy a new car and let someone else worry about your mechanic's phone system.

With the prices MY mechanics charge, they could certainly afford a new phone system, and a gold-plated one at that!

It's always better to change the Cap. Changing the cartridge is risky at best....who knows how good the Cap in that one is.

Do your mechanic a favour & talk him into upgrading to a CICS...AND install a UPS.

the UPS in in place, and if he buys a system, it winds up being I buy it, and gain credits for future repairs.

I guess I will crack the module and solder the cap in place. Anyone know the cap value?

Even with a new system, a UPS is still highly recommended and well worth the bucks.

1.0F / 5.5v

Thanks Dave!

Two things: 1 That cap is hard to find 'around town'. If you're running into that PM me and I'll tell you where we get 'em. 2 Check me on this, but the 616 has one on the mother board too. We replace both whenever we have a problem. Not sure if it's important, but it's easy once you are in there. John C. (Not Garand)

You're right John, there is also one on the board.