If the battery low symbol appears as soon as the Cambridge Z88 is switched on, the safest course of action is to replace the batteries as soon as possible. The computer should be switched off until new batteries have been obtained.
The replacement batteries should be Alkaline cells, size AA, type MN1500 or LR6.
Note that while you are exchanging batteries, the contents of the machine's memory will be kept intact by the internal super capacitor. However, this will only maintain power for a limited time, so it is recommended that you power the Cambridge Z88 from the mains power unit while changing batteries, especially if extra cards are fitted.
In the absence of a mains unit, carry out the following actions promptly, and bear in mind the time limitations given below.
The time available depends on the number of RAM cards fitted. With no RAM cards the machine will retain its data for 3 minutes. With one RAM card this will be reduced to about 1 minute. Use of two RAM cards will lead to a further reduction to about 30 seconds.
It is not recommended that the machine be fitted with three RAM cards as this would require the use of slot 3 which is designed primarily for use with EPROM cards and, although it is possible to use it with RAM, a much higher power consumption would result.
The time limit does not depend on the size of RAM card used. EPROM cards do not affect the time limit in any slot.
The times given are for the worst case situation. In general the limit will be twice as high, but this should not be relied upon.
If you have a mains adaptor you can use it to power the Cambridge Z88 while you change batteries. See Appendix G - Using the mains adaptor.
Read the following procedure carefully, so that you can carry it out without pausing:
Switch the Cambridge Z88 off by pressing both keys simultaneously.
Switch on, by pressing both keys simultaneously. The Cambridge Z88 should now be working, and the battery-low indicator will not be displayed.