How do "YOU" keep your CPS2 Boards alive?

I saw this on eBay and it got me thinking that I don't know that much about CPS2 batteries. I thought you could only use a 3.6V 1/2 AA battery, and that they last 4-5 years in storage. But this guy says these last twice as long. Surely that would be a good thing, right? But I've never seen anyone mention using AA sized batteries before, so I decided to post this thread.

When deciding what type of battery to use, what really counts? Can it be any kind of 3.6V Lithium battery or do battery size and amperehours matter too? I've seen varying numbers for amperehours ranging from 850mAh on 1/2 AA size all the way up to 2.25Ah for AA size batteries, yet AFAIK they could all be used for CPS2 battery replacements. Is this true/correct?

Also which brand do you use? After looking into it, I figure my choice is between Tadiran and Saft. Are there any others? Which do you prefer? What was the cheapest you found them for and where?

I'm thinking about installing a battery holder with a retainer. I found a nice guide here and I think using one would be a good way for me to go since I don't really want battery changing to be a hassle and I plan on owning my boards forever. Any comments on this method? Pros and Cons?

I'd like to hear your suggestions on how you went about this procedure and which batteries you think are the best.

P.S. - I figure having the boards Phoenix Editioned would be the easiest/hassle-free way, but for the sake of this thread, I'm really only interested in your battery related suggestions. Thank you.

It's not hard...

But whatever you do, don't feed or water them after midnight....


Or just get the Phoenix roms from Raz...
and
Remove the Battery.

A full size AA batery is not used due to the size and fitment issues on a CPS2 board so do yourself a favor and only use a 1/2 AA battery. I have used batteries in the range of 1200mAh and multiple brands and they have all lasted about the same time so you will be fine in your selection of battery. The battery holder shown in the guide will work but is very large. I would recommend that you use a PC mount 1/2 AA battery holder instead. If you decide not to do this on your own, I can replace the battery for you or Razoola can provide you with the Phoenix roms for a small fee. Good luck on your battery replacement.

I send them to razoola

http://cps2shock.retrogames.com/

So I take it no one uses the 3.6V AA size Lithium batteries? Alright, well then I guess I'll have to assume it doesn't work any better than a 1/2 AA size battery. I was just curious to know if it would really last twice as long. Anyway, I will stick to using the 1/2 AA ones then. Thank you guys for the input.

srabelpawz - I e-mailed Raz a while back when I was considering getting my boards Phoenixed. It was 30 euros ($35.04) per game plus return shipping. I have 7 CPS2 games, and for the price of one, I can buy $5 replacement batteries for all of my games. I'm not saying it isn't worth the money, but I just can't spend $245 to make all of my games immortal. Maybe someday, but not at the moment. One other thing I keep in mind is that there are some games that just aren't worth immortalizing.

I had all my games phoenixed.

I dont like the "splashscreen" on the phoenix edition boards.
So i change my batteries every now and then.

cps2 boards alive

I keep mine hooked up to my marine deep cycle car battery