HUB Backup AA Battery Info email from ST

General Discussion
1

I just received an email from ST indicating that they’ve discovered an issue with the 2.0 firmware version 0.16.9, which may cause the battery backup to deplete sooner than expected. A firmware updated is expected.

It goes on to say that a depleted battery may produce a white crusty powder. As a child, I remember many a battery powered toy being rendered useless from this substance.

So out of curiosity, I popped the bottom cover off my HUB. To my surprise, 3 of the 4 batteries were solidly encrusted with the white substance. My HUB is under a year old.

I’m really grateful that ST sent out an email regarding this, and I’m even more happy that I decided to check my batteries.

Is there a way to see the battery health from the IDE or otherwise? Does the HUB send a warning when the batteries are getting low, or when there is a fault?

I would highly suggest that everyone pop the cover off and take a peek.

Cheers

1 Like
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3

Ah, thank you. I missed that thread.

MODS: Please feel free to delete my post.

4

It’s not just Kirkland’s brand. ALL brands have leaked so far.

Potassium hydroxide is a caustic agent that can irritate the respiratory system, eyes, and skin, you may want to take a precautionary extra step of using vinegar or lemon juice (both acids) to neutralize the alkaline build-up. Use a Q-tip or an old toothbrush and carefully wipe away.

5

Also wear safety glasses. It is usually easy to clean using what is mentioned above, just don’t soak it.

6

All good tips. Do you happen to be an EH&S manager for a living?

7

I just opened that cover a month ago, and there was no issue t that time. Will have to have a look again tonite and will replace, just as a precaution

8

Or use lithium batteries.
They last much longer and don’t leak (but explode :grinning:)

9

Alcohol, q-tips and popsicle stick will do the job as well and is less likely to cause you harm.

10

I just checked my batteries, as my ST is just a few months old i couldn’t believe they would leak, but two of them actually did!
Just in time.

I now left out the batteries, we don’t have many power outages here.

11

does this issue relate to the batteries cooking in the hub and sometimes smoking?

12

I don’t know what EH&S is so I’m pretty sure I’m not a manager.

13

haha. Environmental, Health and Safety.