Help with a Phasar

[LEDluvr]

Hello, I'm newbie member to the site but I've a visitor for a while now. :D
I have a problem with my humble Phasar LED. The 2 o'clock button sometimes quickly jumps from the time to the date when pressed. I read in a previous post that the problem can probably be fixed by cleaning and then applying some dielectric grease. I was wondering what tool would be best to open the case back? I'm hesitant to use some needlenose plyers as I've used on some of my Seiko LCDs. Any help is appreciated.....

[img=http://img385.imageshack.us/img385/3572/ledsears1oe3.th.jpg]

[img=http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/2962/ledsears3zz9.th.jpg]


Also - I just replaced the 357 batteries with some LR44 batteries I had. They appear to be the exact same size but should I really be using the 357's?
Thanks!

[Planet-LED]

You need a wrench similar to this one: http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Pro-Watch-Repai ... dZViewItem

If you go to ebay and type in "watch repair tools", you will find a host of very inexpensive tools that form the basics of beginning watch repair.

Cleaning the switch contacts may be all that is needed to fix your problem. Sometimes bending the contact on the module a bit closer to the pusher can help as well. If you do use dielectric grease, err on the side of conservative; a little goes a long way.

The LR44 batteries will work fine.

[rewolf]

Also - I just replaced the 357 batteries with some LR44 batteries I had. They appear to be the exact same size but should I really be using the 357's?
Thanks!

357 (aka SR44W) is silver oxide (AgO) whereas LR44 is only alkaline. The size is the same. Silver oxide has slightly higher voltage and keeps this voltage quite constant over battery life, other than alkalines. For LED watches I prefer silver oxide cells (high drain type, KOH electrolyte).

[LEDluvr]

Thanks for the tip HDLED. I've seen those tools advertised before but never bothered to buy one. It's about time I did.

Rewolf, thanks for the insight regarding the batteries. It sounds like the 357 is the better choice, I'll use them in the future. :)