I see a lot of Miss-Information in this post, and no real solutions provided.
So.
#1
Do NOT replace the Re-Chargeable Nicad Battery (or updated Re-Chargeable NiMH battery) with any type of NON-Recharge battery !!. The circuity will try to re-chargeable the battery, and using a NON-Rechargeable battery will most probably cause the battery to overheat, leak, and cause damage.
Note: Original manufacturer's battery was Nicad. A Far better modern replacement is a NiHM battery, (Better ability to recharge to full capacity.. Nicad batteries have "memory" issues etc etc etc).
You should be able to find the correct battery type anywhere in the world. (3.6V )
#2 If the battery does go flat, fails, or is replaced, you will loose both any programs you have saved, as well as the "Machine Parameters".
You should document and keep all the 6-8 machine parameters, so at any time you can re-enter them.
#3 If you are getting POSITION ERROR when in Automatic/Programmed cutting, then you will probably need to change the 1st Parameter (The Stopping distance)
This varies slightly from machine to machine, as well as with age/wear of the leadscrew, leadscrew bearings and play, and backgauge motor brake.
Do not adjust the TOLERANCE (2nd parameter), unless it is not set to the Factory Defaults.
(If you cannot cut reliably with Factory Tolerance set, and optimally adjusted Stopping distance, this is a sure indication of something very wrong, and that should be investigated and corrected, rather than just accepting and allowing the machine to cut less accurately).
There are simple procedures that "anyone" can do to set/ confirm any of the machine parameters, or to adjust the 1st "Cutting Distance" parameter, to its OPTIMAL setting.
Unfortunately those easy procedures are not included in any Wohlenberg OEM manual
(For Liability reasons, I can not post the procedures we use when repairing/servicing, but if you would like a copy, shoot me an email, including a detailed description of your problem)
There is little or no reason why the Wholenberg SMP, 85, 86, 90 cutter cannot be serviced to run with a very high degree of reliability, if serviced correctly.
Geoff
email
CPF@scopesys.com
30+ years Wohlenberg Service/repair/refurbishing.(USA & worldwide)
(NEVER been a Wohlenberg that we have failed to repair/service back to New (or better) operational condition. !)