Batteries in MISB figures...

Discussion in 'Transformers Toy Discussion' started by jerryitus, Aug 5, 2010.

  1. jerryitus

    jerryitus Transformer vacuum

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    I was testing out the electronics in a transformer that I got the other day, and it made me think about the MISB guys that i have which contain batteries. If i have a bunch of MISB transformers (10-20) that are years old (some close to 10 years) that have electronics and batteries, should I be opening them to remove batteries to protect the investment? I'm sure there are others that have thought of this, what do you guys do? Thanks.
     
  2. rainningstorm

    rainningstorm cheapskate@Cantonment

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    I would like to know too, is it safe to leave the batteries inside?
     
  3. exomega255

    exomega255 Emerald Green

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    depends on what batteries are inside. Certain battery chemistries allows for storage up to 3 years or so, but if you are planning to store them, it is safer to remove the battery so it doesn't damage the transformer.
     
  4. Hakka

    Hakka Well-Known Member

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    Current batteries like energizer and duracell have a shelf life of 5-7 years. I'm not sure how long after that they start leaking but if its an expensive toy I'd be removing them just to be safe.

    Hakka.
     
  5. jerryitus

    jerryitus Transformer vacuum

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    Thanks, probably should have thought of this before I picked up electronic transformers to save as MISB, kind of defeats the purpose now :( 
     
  6. thenatureboywoo

    thenatureboywoo Veteran

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    I don't have any Tf's MIB or MISB, but my Tf's are starting to get older and I've begun the process of removing batteries. I don't want to take the chance that they start to corrode and leak. That would be a sucky way of ruining a $25-$45 toy.
     
  7. Soundblaster1

    Soundblaster1 The Heisenberg of Toys

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    I always take out batteries ASAP. Granted I'm not a MISB collector, but yeah. Better safe than sorry.
     
  8. Razorclaw

    Razorclaw Are ya gonna draw pistols

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    Button/cell batteries can be left in devices and figures with no problems. I bought a CASIO calculator 10 years ago and not used it too much. He still has his original battery inside.
     
  9. Tigertrack

    Tigertrack Back In The Game!

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    When I purchased Kaltor, my calculator robot watch dude, the seller said it had a battery in it, and he removed it in order to prevent corrosion. When I received it, I put the included battery inside the watch, and the battery was dead. Replaced the battery, and the watch works perfectly.
    I also have Omega Supreme and Shockwave with batteries in them. I wonder how long those should be kept in.
     
  10. exomega255

    exomega255 Emerald Green

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    Well, for one, battery capacity decreases over the years, so even if you keep them in, they will be "empty" after a few years of self-discharge at storage.

    The problem comes in when cheap cells are used, etc. I have had a few toys where I left the battery in them for quite a few years, and then the battery corroded inside, not only leaving a mess, but also endangers whether the toy's electronics will function in the future.
     
  11. Facemeat

    Facemeat Give me your Face(meat)!

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    I bought an MISB Armada Megatron a bit ago, and the batteries were drained without them ever being used. I opened the battery compartment and what do ya know...all corroded. Now he's sitting in the garage waiting for me to do whatever I plan on doing. My advice would be to simply not buy anything MISB with batteries that you feel may be too old. It's much easier and cheaper to buy it out of box and ask the seller about the batteries. Of course in your situation, already owning the figures, I'd advise opening them up and cleaning out the battery compartments. Btw, anyone know the best way to clean out battery corrosion safely?

    EDIT: Razorclaw, my Megatron had Button batteries and they were corroded right out of the box, so that's not the case for all button batteries.
     
  12. jerryitus

    jerryitus Transformer vacuum

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    Does anyone know if the battery acid compromise the plastic/paint? Or just hurt electronics...
     
  13. Hakka

    Hakka Well-Known Member

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    Try cleaning the acid with vinegar.

    Hakka.
     
  14. Hakka

    Hakka Well-Known Member

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    It will damage plastic and paint. Even after you clean it all away some acid will come back after a while.

    hakka.
     
  15. jerryitus

    jerryitus Transformer vacuum

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    I guess its good that i asked then, looks like i have a new project this weekend.
     
  16. Razorclaw

    Razorclaw Are ya gonna draw pistols

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    That's good to know. I left the cell batteries in my Armada Unicron and Megatron. I will definitely get them out then.
     
  17. exomega255

    exomega255 Emerald Green

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    this is actually one of the reasons why I hate light and sound gimmicks. Not only do they hinder articulation and better execution, they raise the cost of the figure and indirectly diminish other aspects, and not to mention, for collectors (instead of kids), we have to take out the batteries.

    If they want things to light up, just make lightpiping more common. I can make the noise on my own.

    For sound gimmick, unless its the awesome G1 transformation noise (ala Overload Armada), nty
     
  18. Gingerchris

    Gingerchris Telly-headed Tyrant

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    I'm not going to mess with my MISB figures but in a couple of months time I'm planning a huge sort out in my TF storage. Removing batteries is one of the things on the to-do list for that.
     
  19. Facemeat

    Facemeat Give me your Face(meat)!

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    Hmm, so Unicron uses button cells as well? That's odd, I recieved a loose Unicron recently that the people who I bought it from bought for their kid years ago and he never played with it, suggesting they never would've bothered to replace the batteries. Yet, he still works. His eye lights are kinda weak but he does work.
     
  20. Biotoakid

    Biotoakid Whew what an old username

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    I guess I have to open my Mint ROTF Jetfire to take the batteries out :(