the instructions from the manual are for shite. anyone do this, have some tips?

http://groups.google.com/group/wattage?hl=en

check here, somewhere in there I am positive you will find the guidance you need. For those riding with any powermeter its also a great place for all sorts of info on training with power. If you already are aware of the site, my bust.

It's pretty easy....

There are 2 types of hubs....one with finger holds and one that requires a plastic tool to get the cover off with. I've been able to remove both with my fingers, but it was hard on the one that needs the tool. If it is a relatively new model, you would have received it in the box.

Once the black cover is off, the unit that holds the battery just unclips and slides out. Remember to re-grease the seals before re-installing the cover.

Check the website for the type of batteries needed as they are the smaller watch type....

thanks -- before I saw your post, I looked in the box and saw that plastic thing and wondered if . . . if . . . yes it did fit!
once the cover came off (and they don't even tell you what the cover is, they just tell you to remove it), it was easy.