EVO 2 Smart Controller V1 replace internal battery?

JSTorsrud · Feb 18, 2024

Has anyone changed or know how to change the Internal Battery in the EVO 2 V1 Controller?

Appreciate the feedback.

JSTorsrud · Feb 20, 2024

JSTorsrud said:
Has anyone changed or know how to change the Internal Battery in the EVO 2 V1 Controller?

Appreciate the feedback.

There has been several articles about the V1 Smart Controller and charging issues.

In my case, my V1 controller will only charge to 11 percent! And I received a message (SURPRISE), stating that they have discontinued this controller and NO LONGER SUPPORT IT! So, I pretty much wasted $1200 on this and there is NO external Battery Door to replace the internal battery!

So, I will try to disassemble the controller and get inside and see if the Battery can be replaced. The Controller is basically no good for flying without a good battery, so I will press on.

This is just another reason to NOT PURCHASE AN AUTEL PRODUCT AGAIN!

waltermitty · Feb 20, 2024

It didn't seem like an impossible task. It's been a couple of years since I had the controller opened and it simply looked like dual 18650 cells hard wired to the board and somewhat easy for DIYers with intermediate skills, i.e. comfortable around PCBs. here is a screenshot I have in my notes. I was focused on modding the antenna and don't think I checked to see if the cells were parallel or series wired.

JSTorsrud · Feb 20, 2024

waltermitty said:
It didn't seem like an impossible task. It's been a couple of years since I had the controller opened and it simply looked like dual 18650 cells hard wired to the board and somewhat easy for DIYers with intermediate skills, i.e. comfortable around PCBs. here is a screenshot I have in my notes. I was focused on modding the antenna and don't think I checked to see if the cells were parallel or series wired.

View attachment 17052

Unfortunately, that is not the Smart Controller I'm talking about. It is for the Large Screen Smart Controller and I have spoken to Autel and there is NO Repair available for the LARGE V1, V2 or V3. It is a situation where once the battery is Dead or No longer charges, it becomes useless!

So, unless someone knows how to open the Case, my V1 is done! A total waste of $1200!

waltermitty · Feb 20, 2024

duh...my bad. it says so right on the title thread, too ! let me dig more to see if I've done anything with the Smart Controller.

waltermitty · Feb 20, 2024

p.s. not wishing to overlook the obvious but have you checked to see that you are using a certified charging cable and not just a data cable? I've made the error using the latter before with very poor charging results. Once I located a charging cable all has been well.

waltermitty · Feb 21, 2024

To make up for my failed reading comprehension above I sought to probe a little bit more. Photos are from my Evo 2, V1 (large screen) Smart Controller. It's still a daunting task but more from an availability perspective, not mechanical. Happy hunting locating a DT3S1P battery. I may need to go back in and lift the cushion tape to look for more identifying data as DT3S1P pretty much (only) identifies it as 3-series, 1 parallel configuration

JSTorsrud · Feb 24, 2024

waltermitty said:
To make up for my failed reading comprehension above I sought to probe a little bit more. Photos are from my Evo 2, V1 (large screen) Smart Controller. It's still a daunting task but more from an availability perspective, not mechanical. Happy hunting locating a DT3S1P battery. I may need to go back in and lift the cushion tape to look for more identifying data as DT3S1P pretty much (only) identifies it as 3-series, 1 parallel configuration

Thanks, I'll look at it again and see if I can pry it open.

JTorsrud · Feb 24, 2024

JSTorsrud said:
Thanks, I'll look at it again and see if I can pry it open.

After looking at the pictures, got my pry tools out and got the BEAST open. Pain in the BUTT!

Now, to see if I can get that battery cheaper someplace else.

waltermitty · Feb 24, 2024

I actually appreciated the challenge in opening but think about it like this: the tight rubber fitment is great in providing moisture resistance.

Since I used the nice, nylon pry tool, it was a very simple fingernail pressure... and then slipping in the nylon pry tool. From that point on, it was a simple and methodical wiggling of the pry tool all the way around.

First time is usually a pain but subsequent attempts should be much less stressful.

I hope you are able to find a less expensive replacement. Given its scarcity and lack of competitive sources I just paid for the damn thing and it's on a slow boat then via LAX DHL (3 weeks ETA).

DroneRat · Feb 26, 2024

Here's one.

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JSTorsrud · Mar 16, 2024

WELL!!!!!!!!
I was able to get the Case Open on the controller. Got the battery out.

Ordered a new BATTERY listed above, and waited for the SLOW BOAT FROM CHINA to get here!

Got the battery yesterday, and installed it in the controller.

Plugged in the charger and the charging lights indicate it is getting a Charge.

However, when I fire up the controller and check the battery, it shows the percentage of charge and status. In this case it displays NOT CHARGING!

Could this be a FIRMWARE Problem or something else that has gone WACKO in the controller?

Any replies are appreciated.

Thanks,

waltermitty · Mar 16, 2024

the caveat which pops up in my head is to be certain that you are using a bona fide USB-C CHARGING cable vs a generic USB-C data cable

JSTorsrud · Mar 16, 2024

waltermitty said:
the caveat which pops up in my head is to be certain that you are using a bona fide USB-C CHARGING cable vs a generic USB-C data cable

I've been using the Charging cable that came with the Drone and Controller. Let me do some more research and maybe I can get one from WALMART!

waltermitty · Mar 17, 2024

I've not tried this but merely scratching my brain: is there a factory reset button on the controller and if so, it may be the whack on the head the controller needs. I don't know how complex the controller-to-battery is designed and nowadays, it's not unheard of that battery use/monitoring and interrogating is performed....such as that which the drone/app does with the drone battery ?

DroneRat · Apr 9, 2024

Progress???

Boccer · Apr 27, 2024

Do you know anybody who as a v1 smart controller for sale

texn334 · Jun 18, 2024

Boccer said:
Do you know anybody who as a v1 smart controller for sale

this is the same question I have. You would think with all the crashed drones there would be some v1 controllers out there to buy.

MattMPA · Sep 2, 2024

I have a S/c V1 I'd sell. As others know, Autel won't service them. Mine went black while flying and I can't get it to turn back on. I went as far as opening the case to unplug-plug in the battery to no avail.

HOTAS · Sep 22, 2024

JSTorsrud said:
Unfortunately, that is not the Smart Controller I'm talking about. It is for the Large Screen Smart Controller and I have spoken to Autel and there is NO Repair available for the LARGE V1, V2 or V3. It is a situation where once the battery is Dead or No longer charges, it becomes useless!

So, unless someone knows how to open the Case, my V1 is done! A total waste of $1200!

You should look at the test reports and internal photographs on file at FCC. Simply enter the FCC ID number that is on the equipment tag on the search form at the FCC site, and study the info on file. Most include sufficient battery info to get you started and the ones that don't still show a picture of it as well as the rest of the device.
If you have trouble, message me the FCC ID and I'll send you the link to the result. FCC ID link: FCC ID Search