Bulova N7 button issue ?

[Brendan]

I recently acquired a Bulova N7 driver.
I installed new batteries and the led's are bright.

But I often get erratic behavior when pushing the button. The time will jump ahead or it will display the date (and change it ! ) on the first push. And setting the watch is a chore because I'll often have to cycle around after a random "jump".

I thought it might be the button not making clean contact ?

I cleaned the button and the contact on the module with alcohol, but the problem persists.

The problem only occurs sporadically - but often enough to be frustrating ! (at least daily )

Any thoughts ?

[bucko170]

I think the problem could be that the contact for the set button is touching the case and making an unwanted circuit/connection causing the watch to go into set mode. I am no expert when it comes to repairs but I have come across this problem on a good few occasions, if you place the module in the case you might be able to see how close the contact is to the interior of the case, if it is very close and the module moves slightly then this might be enough to activate the set mode. You should be able, with care, to push the contact back towards the module and away from the case. The Bulova driver buttons are on opposite sides of the case so pressing the command button during setting might just be enough to push the module over and make the unwanted contacts as described.

[Brendan]

Thanks - the N7 just has the one button, but maybe the contact is still there on the opposite side ? ... I'll have to look.
If that's the case (no pun !) maybe I could place a piece of electric tape over the unneeded contact on the opposite side of the command button ?
Of course I need to get in there first .. maybe this afternoon !

[bucko170]

Sorry if it is a one button model the setting procedure would be accessed by pressing the command button 3 times, same as the one I have http://www.dwf.nu/Gallery/displayimage. ... play_media.

Some Bulova drivers do have a set button opposite the command button those are the ones with the 4-digit display, see Piotr's article here - http://crazywatches.w.interia.pl/photo/ ... eview.html

Might still be worth checking for unwanted connections, otherwise it's over to the experts!

[Brendan]

Ok .. the command button was sticking. After depressing, it sometimes wouldn't retract.
So I cleaned and lubricated the button and it works smoothly now.

But when I removed the module one of the battery contacts fell off.
I don't know if this was a previous condition contributing to the odd behaviour, or if it just happened.



So now I have a new task - can anyone guide me through this ?
I'm assuming I'll need silver epoxy to reattach the contact ?
Sorry to be a newb !

[Brendan]

I managed to complete the task .. I'll let it cure until tomorrow.
My expectations are low ..

[Brendan]

Success !!

All functions and the setting work perfectly ... what do you know ?? !!

I love a happy ending.

[bucko170]

Congratulations on a job well done

[Brendan]

Thanks .. I guess I could have tried to solder the prongs back onto the board, but then I would have had to remove the board from the yellow plastic support piece.
I probably would have screwed that up .. then I'd have to try to solder without melting anything - another potential screw up.
The silver conductive epoxy was pricey, but a better solution for for me.

[Kasper]

a nice picture of the finished watch is always welcome Brendan

[Brendan]

No problem !

[bucko170]

I feel as if there could be a hidden joke in that photo regarding blowing your own trumpet about watch repairs

[Brendan]

That would be a short tune !

[azimuth_pl]

Well done with the epoxy.
Soldering would be more solid but these stainless steel clamps usually don't want to stick to solder (I've tried many times with different solder).
If the epoxy would ever let go because of the pressure from the batteries, then you can simply drill a small hole all the way to the yellow carrier and apply a screw or rivet to hold the clamp firmly in place. This is of course a last possible solution.