Haas Alarm 196 fires when the internal lithium battery voltage drops below the threshold required to maintain SRAM memory during power-off conditions. This battery preserves machine parameters, work offsets, tool data, and macro programs stored in volatile memory when the control is powered down.
HaasPower SupplyBasic15 - 30 minutes
196
Haas Alarm 196 - Control Memory Battery Low
Memory Battery Low
This alarm indicates that the lithium battery on the MOCON board responsible for maintaining SRAM memory and real-time clock data has dropped below the acceptable voltage threshold, typically below 3.0 volts. The battery powers the CMOS memory that retains machine parameters, work offsets, macro variables, and programs when main power is off. If not replaced promptly, all stored data including parameters and programs will be lost when the machine is powered down.
Root Cause Summary
Haas Alarm 196 fires when the internal lithium battery voltage drops below the threshold required to maintain SRAM memory during power-off conditions. This battery preserves machine parameters, work offsets, tool data, and macro programs stored in volatile memory when the control is powered down.
Safety
Data may be lost if battery dies
All stored data will be lost if battery dies completely
Power down the CNC machine before replacing the battery to avoid electrical shock or damage to the control system. Refer to the machine's safety procedures.
Be careful when handling batteries. Some batteries may contain corrosive materials. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and eye protection.
Ensure the replacement battery is the correct type and voltage as specified in the machine's manual. Using an incorrect battery can damage the control system.
Avoid short-circuiting the battery terminals during replacement. This can cause sparks, heat, and potential battery damage.
Properly dispose of the old battery according to local regulations.
Ensure the machine is powered off and unplugged before battery replacement to avoid electrical hazards
Causes and Fixes
1
Check battery voltage
Navigate to SETTING > DIAGNOSTICS > BATTERY to view current battery voltage. Normal voltage should read 3.0-3.6V.
Document the exact voltage reading for trending battery degradation over time
2
Backup machine data
Use SETTING > PARAMETERS > BACKUP to save all parameters, offsets, and tool data to CF card or USB before battery replacement.
Always backup data before battery replacement to prevent total memory loss
3
Replace lithium battery
Power down control, replace 3V lithium battery (typically CR2032 or equivalent) located on main control board behind operator panel.
Replace battery within 15 minutes to minimize memory loss risk
4
Verify alarm clearance
Power up control and confirm Alarm 196 clears. Check SETTING > DIAGNOSTICS > BATTERY shows voltage above 3.0V.
Reset alarm history after successful battery replacement using SETTING > ALARMS > CLEAR HISTORY
1
Inspect battery connections
Power down and visually inspect battery holder connections for corrosion, loose contacts, or damaged wiring on the main control board.
Ensure proper ESD protection when handling control board components
2
Clean battery contacts
Remove battery and clean contacts with isopropyl alcohol and fine abrasive pad. Ensure contacts make firm connection with battery terminals.
Apply thin coat of dielectric grease to prevent future corrosion
3
Test with known good battery
Install new battery and verify voltage reading in SETTING > DIAGNOSTICS > BATTERY shows stable 3.0V+ reading.
Monitor voltage over several power cycles to confirm connection stability
1
Verify actual battery voltage
Use digital multimeter to measure actual battery voltage at terminals. Compare with voltage displayed in SETTING > DIAGNOSTICS > BATTERY.
Significant discrepancy between actual and displayed voltage indicates monitoring circuit failure
2
Check for parameter corruption
Navigate through SETTING > PARAMETERS and verify critical parameters like Parameter 31 (POWER UP/RESTART) maintain correct values.
Parameter corruption indicates actual memory power loss despite good battery voltage
3
Document for service call
Record control software version, actual vs displayed battery voltage, and any parameter anomalies for Haas service technician.
Control board replacement typically required for monitoring circuit failures
1
Check parameter integrity
Navigate to SETTING > PARAMETERS and verify critical parameters haven't reverted to defaults. Check work offsets in WORK OFFSETS screen.
Parameters reverting to factory defaults indicate memory loss occurred during power-off period
2
Restore from backup
If parameters corrupted, restore from most recent backup using SETTING > PARAMETERS > RESTORE from CF card or USB device.
Always verify restored parameters match machine configuration before running programs
3
Replace battery preventively
Install new battery even if voltage appears marginal to prevent future memory loss during extended shutdowns.
Consider UPS backup power for critical production machines with frequent extended shutdowns
DIY Feasiblehigh confidence
Call a technician if:
·Control board voltage monitoring circuit suspected