C8 Ra Backward

My newly obtained C8 with standard RA drive is running backwards direction. I've tried to change the direction as directed in the manual, holding both Dec hand controller buttons down while powering it up, but no dice. It's only on battery power now. Will I fry the electronics if I merely reverse the polarity of the battery? I will eventually go to a 12 VDC power source but want to iron out this direction problem. Tnx in advance, Phil