Mastercycler 5333 "Memory Corrupted" message

The batteries for the ROM are integrated into the base that the ROM chip plugs into. Although the batteries can be replaced (lots of work) or an external battery wired in (also lots of work), a drop-in replacement is available for $35.74 at Digikey: https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/analog-devices-inc-maxim-integrated/DS1244Y-70/956862 I've used them in a 5331 and a 5133. After installation the unit will cycle once through the memory corrupted message, reformat the memory, and then you're good to go.

Amazing! Thank you so much for this information--I never would have figured that out. I'll order one and post an update after installing. Thank you!

I finally got around to replacing this chip. It worked! I was a little confused since the new chip from Digikey is one piece as opposed to the two stacked original chips. But I followed your instructions and you are exactly correct--the units give one last Memory Corrputed message, then are back to normal after that. Thank you so much, bowlby_2496!

It seems that these 5333 are reaching the end of programmed life. I have two with the same symptoms. Are somewhere available the instruction to replace the battery, as I will fix one with the chip from Digikey, but would also try to fix the other by replacing the battery as I expect all 5333 from our labs will dye soon

Here are a couple of links, but to be honest, the drop-in replacement chip would be a lot easier: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rQXCAyqEGk https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/showthread.php?t=120088

This worked for me too! To be clear, I pulled out the ROM - NEC N43256BCZ - 70LL. It's a 28-pin ROM chip that's about 1.5 inches long. Other models might have different OEMs in them .. Look for the ...256... in the part number. Then I pulled out the DS1216 that was underneath the ROM. It was in a little 16-pin chip that in turn was mounted on a PCB in a 28-pin package. I would post pics, but apparently there is no way to do so on this platform.

I have a Mastercycler 5332 in the lab that we no longer use because of this same problem: Memory corrupted + Power error. Do you guys think I'll be able to do the repair if I follow the advices posted here? We have bigger and newer models of thermocyclers, but this one is compact and perfect for the trials we do with fewer samples. @LifeSciencesTrading could you maybe post a video on youtube with the pics and explaining step by step how did you do it?