An Autel drone battery refusing to charge can be frustrating. This guide details how to potentially revive a dead Autel battery that hasn’t been used since 2018. This process involves carefully disassembling the battery, applying an external power source, and reassembling it. Disclaimer: This process is risky and should only be attempted by individuals comfortable with electronics and soldering. Improper handling of lithium-ion batteries can be dangerous.
Steps to Revive an Autel Battery Not Charging
The following steps outline the process used to recover a dead Autel drone battery:
Disassembly and Preparation
- Carefully open the battery casing: Refer to online resources like YouTube for detailed instructions on safely opening your specific Autel battery model. Exercise extreme caution to avoid damaging the battery cells.
- Detach internal components: Carefully remove the charging connector and charge controller board from the battery casing. Keep them connected to the battery leads. This allows for direct access to the battery terminals.
- (Optional) Remove the charging circuitry: While potentially unnecessary, the charging circuitry was removed from the battery terminals by desoldering. This was done as a precaution before applying external power.
Applying External Power
- Set up a power supply: Use a variable voltage power supply capable of at least 12V and 3A. Set the voltage to 12V and the current to the lowest setting possible without causing the voltage to drop.
- Connect the power supply: Carefully connect the positive and negative leads of the power supply to the corresponding terminals on the battery. Caution: Perform this step in a fire-safe area. Monitor the battery for excessive heat or swelling.
- Observe voltage changes: The initial voltage may drop but should gradually rise. In this instance, it dropped to 6V then rose to 8V within 30 seconds.
- Test the charging circuitry: Briefly disconnect the power supply and reconnect the charging circuitry. Observe the battery indicator LEDs. Faint illumination indicates progress, but further charging may be necessary.
Continuing the Charging Process
- Increase voltage: Repeat step 5, but allow the voltage to reach 12V this time. Continue monitoring for any signs of danger.
- Recheck the indicators: Disconnect the power supply and reconnect the charging circuitry. The battery indicator LEDs should now show a stronger charge.
Reassembly and Final Steps
- Resolder the charging circuitry: Carefully solder the charging circuitry back onto the battery terminals. Ensure solid connections to prevent issues during flight. Avoid short circuits and contact with the positive battery lead.
- Reassemble the battery: Carefully put the battery components back into the casing and seal it securely.
- Test with the Autel charger: Attempt to charge the battery with the original Autel charger. If it doesn’t charge, the battery may be beyond repair and should be discarded safely.
Conclusion
Reviving a dead Autel battery can be possible, but it’s a complex and potentially dangerous process. This guide offers a potential solution for an “Autel Battery Not Charging,” but it’s crucial to prioritize safety and proceed with caution. If unsure about any step, consult a qualified technician. If the battery remains unresponsive after this process, consider it unrecoverable and dispose of it properly according to local regulations.
