ST16 Remote Controller Li-Ion Battery 0v

Mrgs1 · Apr 17, 2019

PatR said:
Agree. Doing that is akin to grabbing a stick of dynamite with a broken fuse and lighting it to see if it still works.

Every lithium cell that’s been depleted below it’s minimum voltage, we’ll use 3v for an example, has sustained some level of damage and attempts to salvage them does nothing to reverse the damage. Trying to revive one carries risks that continue long after it might have been tricked into achieving useful voltage again. Just the attempt can be enough to call out the city fire department.

Those that do try it need to know how these batteries work. The process required very low charge rates until a battery achieves minimum voltage but be advised the attempt can create a thermal runaway and put you smack in harm’s way.

Phaedrus said:
Not saying anything about that. I was responding to the idea of "zapping" lithium based cells to revive them. Not a recommended practice.

Sorry I put it in wrong reply, it was meant for Typhoonpete post, since your replies to me seem quite aggressive anyway, I'll block you then we don't get in each other's way. Clearly there is a problem.

Phaedrus · Apr 17, 2019

Ummm..... Okay?

Kinstray01 · Apr 17, 2019

PatR said:
I agree with sending the ST-16 to Yuneec. The power switch may have failed, achieving a position that would turn off the indicator light but still leave the circuit open to discharge the battery. Replacing just the battery would only repeat deep discharge of the battery as you have already experienced.

If the -16 is at fault you have a 50-50 chance Yuneec will replace it for free. If not they will probably notify you of the problem and inform you of the estimated labor cost. My guess is labor would be less than 2 hours.

I bought it in 2016 when they first came out, more or less. I took it back to where I bought it (Marionville Models) and he was able to get the battery to show 3.2v again and advised me to try charging it. It's been on charge for a couple of hours now, but I'm still not getting any response from the controller. May have to return it to Yuneec or take a chance and buy a new battery for the ST16?

Mrgs1 · Apr 17, 2019

Steven McKinstray said:
I bought it in 2016 when they first came out, more or less. I took it back to where I bought it (Marionville Models) and he was able to get the battery to show 3.2v again and advised me to try charging it. It's been on charge for a couple of hours now, but I'm still not getting any response from the controller. May have to return it to Yuneec or take a chance and buy a new battery for the ST16?

Just go for it, they are a good bunch there, the longer wait, longer to get it back.If it's just the battery, they'll fit a new one, less money, if not you'll pay more for a repair, either way you get a working controller.

PatR · Apr 17, 2019

Marionville is high on my list of good dealers.

Mrgs1 · Apr 17, 2019

His done quite a few YouTube video reviews.

Kinstray01 · Apr 17, 2019

It's reading 2.76v on my little cheap volt meter again. I don't think it's charging though

PatR · Apr 17, 2019

That’s below minimum voltage...

Mrgs1 · Apr 17, 2019

Steven McKinstray said:
It's reading 2.76v on my little cheap volt meter again. I don't think it's charging though

There's not any in stock at hobbymounts, Yuneec UK have them, but won't get now until after Easter, unless you pay for Saturday delivery.

Kinstray01 · Apr 17, 2019

PatR said:
That’s below minimum voltage...

Yeah, I suspect that's my problem. I think they controller sees it as a 'dead' battery and refuses to charge it.

PatR · Apr 17, 2019

Steven McKinstray said:
Yeah, I suspect that's my problem. I think they controller sees it as a 'dead' battery and refuses to charge it.

At that voltage, for all intents and purposes it is a dead battery. Unlike lead acid and some nickel chemistries they can’t be effectively resurrected. It’s unfortunate but below certain levels we have to recognize it’s time to buy another. Safer that way, for both the aircraft and the owner.

Eagle's Eye Video · Apr 17, 2019

Steven McKinstray said:
It's reading 2.76v on my little cheap volt meter again. I don't think it's charging though

Just a general risk vs. reward analysis leaves replacement as the safest and least expensive choice. Why expend additional effort? YMMV.

Kinstray01 · Apr 17, 2019

PatR said:
At that voltage, for all intents and purposes it is a dead battery. Unlike lead acid and some nickel chemistries they can’t be effectively resurrected. It’s unfortunate but below certain levels we have to recognize it’s time to buy another. Safer that way, for both the aircraft and the owner.

I don't think I'll be flying with it unless it can acceptably sustain charge on the ground, which it isn't at the moment. Where's my Wizard??? ?

Sureshot · Apr 18, 2019

Steven McKinstray said:
Thanks for all your great advice!

Yes, I suspect I am going to have to make a purchase here. It will just not lift the voltage for love nor money. I wish I still had my charger from my DJI Flamewheel F550 days. It had Li-Ion charging capabilities.

I'm hoping the charging circuitry isn't goosed inside the ST16. I've asked the same question to Yuneec to see what they recommend. Yuneec sell a replacement battery for £39.94 all in.

ST16 Ground Station Battery

Did @Sureshot say he opened a battery pack? Is it simply 3x 18650? I have an 18650 charger if they can be individually removed. Any recollection of what was inside?

I have not cracked open the ST16 battery (yet). The weight & dimensions exactly equal 3 18650's.
I use 18650's everywhere. The old CX20's Tx has a 3S (12v) holder. Also flashlights, lasers, closet lights, and 3 battery banks.
A 4P battery bank will run an action cam all day making a time-lapse with 5 second interval photos.

Kinstray01 · Apr 18, 2019

Good news today! A good friend of mines charged my battery for a bit on an Overlander RC6-VSR 80W 7A and it looks like it has brought my battery back to life! I originally got the battery with yellow warning triangle animation, but that has now cleared and I now have the red low battery charging animation! More than I've had for a couple of weeks now!

We tried his battery and my controller is still working! At the worst, I think I may need a new battery. I'm going to leave it overnight and see what result we have in the morning. (Last time I left it overnight, it completely flattened)

TyphoonPete · Apr 19, 2019

Given other attempts this would seem to indicate, to me at least, that the USB part of your factory charger is not performing up to spec.
If you have another product that can use USB to charge (phone, whatever) try it to prove/disprove the point.
Cheers Laddie,