OK, tested the IRD(921) and found that the IRD number is intact, so I can now go about the task of changing the battery. I assume that you get the rack out of the way, so you can reach it, then you plug the machine in, while you do the replacement. Checked some prices for the replacements, in Canada, and found that they're all over $20.00. I see that Radio Shack has the 3.6v lithium batteries, for around $10.00, stateside. I have to go on Friday anyway, so I'll pick one up then.
When I looked in the channel map, from 2001, the last time I activated it, it showed 31 satellites in the buffer, 7 that were programed in. I intend to sub it for a couple of hours, from Shaw Direct, since I have a subscription there already, and that should reset the clock. I don't intend to do a master reset. I should be able to use all of these spare satellite tiles, to program the current satellites, in the sky. If this all works out good, I plan on adding my Viewsat 9000, using the 921 as the slave unit.
Any other tips out there?