[Soekris] update: NET4801 - hw clock is spinning too fast... - hardware issue

[Mark Anacker]

Soren Kristensen wrote:
> 
> We have had issues with RTC startup on some older boards, could happen
> the first time (handled here) or if the rechargeable batteri is allowed
> to drain completely, typically after a couple of months without power.
> 
> If the RTC don't work correctly in the BIOS, please email
> sales at soekris.com for instructions how to handle it.
> 
> But the quick fix is to kickstart the RTC by:
> 
> Remove power. Put fingers on the pads/parts between X1 and U1. Connect
> power. Repeat until CPU clock is shown at 266 Mhz. Have it powered for
> 24 hours to fully recharge the batteri.

Well, that apears to fix it.  You mean to tell me that a low battery will not
only mess up the stored time, but screw up a divisor somewhere?  And it doesn't
get reset properly on power-up?  These things can sit on a shelf for *months*
before being deployed.  Please tell me this is fixed in newer boards...

Otherwise, it's one more manual step to add to the system build process.

-- 
Mark Anacker
SecureD Services, Inc.