Skytrak software battery indicator

[jaus]

When I first received my Skytrak, the software would indicate a full charge and base on that indicator I projected I had 4-5 hrs of play.

Now, after several months, I have found that :
- my battery indicator never reaches full.
- I get a 'battery critically low' message whenever I start the Skytrak app (PC) and the unit is not fully charged, even thought the battery indicator shows most of a charge.
- my battery indicator in the software does not accurately reflect the battery charge as the charge is depleted.

Last night I turned on the unit and software, got the 'battery critically low' message (I had used it for 45 minutes the day before) with the battery indicator showing an 80% charge. I then proceeded to use the unit for two hours before getting another battery warning (indicator showing about 20% remaining), and then left it on for another hour and a half with the battery indicator empty for the last hour or so.

Has anyone else noticed this? I'm not sure if this is a software issue, or I should be worried about the battery in the unit.

[goodmatt78]

similar issues here.

[bjohnson1102]

same for me...

[BradyPett23]

Same issue has happened to me a few times as well


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[A.West]

I leave my Skytrak plugged into power all the time, but once in a while I still get the "battery critically low" warning. I just ignore it, and nothing happens.
Is there a recommendation from Skytrak about how to manage the battery life? Like running down the battery occasionally, or avoiding running it down, or avoiding leaving it plugged in all the time?

[GmanJeff]

If I recall correctly, Seth has previously indicated in a different thread that there is no down side to keeping the unit charging continuously, which I do through the USB connection.

This issue seems to me to be one of several occasional communication/connection glitches which sometimes occur between the unit and the computer, which results in not only this message, but also sometimes with a message that the 30-day free trial period has expired even when an active annual subscription exists. I wonder whether the occasional mis-read shot is also associated with this hiccup. Seth has suggested that mis-reads can be the result of an improperly working IR curtain, but it seems not unreasonable to me that mis-reads could also be the result of imperfect data communication between the unit and the computer, as is perhaps reflected in these other situations.

[Monovision]

I have the same issues. Glad to know mine's not super unusual.

[aeroburner]

I had the same issue right out of the box and customer service was called and since it was only two weeks old I requested a new skytrak to be sent out they wanted to trouble shoot it but threw out not a chance on a two week old unit, I honestly have not pulled it out of the box yet since the new one got here as I bought this for traveling and I have a pro-tee also. But I would call customer service they are easy to get a hold of and will help. what they asked me to do is completely drain the battery then recharge it to fix they said that should fix issue.

[jaus]

...But I would call customer service they are easy to get a hold of and will help. what they asked me to do is completely drain the battery then recharge it to fix they said that should fix issue.

In light of that, it is remarkable that their documentation recommends recharging after every use. I have always read that it is better to drain batteries and then recharge them fully, in fact, I have NIMH and Lion chargers with the capability to fully drain the battery before recharging it. I had actually done a full cycle of the battery night before last and, when I turned the Skytrak on after the cycling, the software did show a full charge.

I would think that it will not do any harm to do a partial charge most of the time, but a full cycling of the battery should be done at regular intervals.

[Pguttu]

The battery is a Lipo. I used a high amp charger, and got into the described behaviour. Slid the lid off the unit, took out the battery. Are now only using the computers Usb port for charging which is low amp. Working perfectly.
I think the design fault is the protection curcuit in the battery that generate resistance if you expose it to a high amp charge. A complete discharge and/or removal of battery from the unit will remove the resistance in battery and restore full capacity.

[doublebogey]

In light of that, it is remarkable that their documentation recommends recharging after every use. I have always read that it is better to drain batteries and then recharge them fully, in fact, I have NIMH and Lion chargers with the capability to fully drain the battery before recharging it. I had actually done a full cycle of the battery night before last and, when I turned the Skytrak on after the cycling, the software did show a full charge.

I would think that it will not do any harm to do a partial charge most of the time, but a full cycling of the battery should be done at regular intervals.

You guys are right. I drained my ST battery until it gave me a low battery warning, then recharge to full and now it shows almost full (at least more full than previous full charges).

When Seth / SkyTrak_Seth comes back from his well-deserved vacation, maybe he can chime in on how best to maintain ST battery to last longer.

[doublebogey]

Spoke too early. Leaving it plugged in all night after being fully charged (i.e., yellow light off), I turned on the next morning and battery only at 75-80% full (like before).

[Thinman]

never drain a lipo battery dead. they react very poorly to low voltage. In the rc car world, we set the auto shut-off at ~3.1v on a ~4v pack.

lipo batteries have no memory. charge early and often.

[doublebogey]

Great advice. Thanks!

[SkyTrak_Seth]

Guys, thanks for the heads up. I will certainly look into this. I believe that the critical battery/30 day popup upon connection may be due to a failure to read the data from the unit when it goes through the license check. However, if your unit actually does go to a critical level/drain, then it will need to go through full charge and a re-learning process. Like mentioned above, don't let it completely die. Please bear with me while I look into this, but I welcome any and all feedback to help narrow down how and when this occurs.

[ste1]

I had the Skypro with the same type of battery.
It stopped working and there was no way of replacing a battery apart from sending it to skypro for a repair.
They were going to charge me something like £80 for a replacement which I was more than miffed about.
In the end they sorted it free of charge which I was very happy about and then I decided that I would go ahead with a Skytrak.
So treat your customers with fairness and they'll come.

[doublebogey]

Just realized battery indicator shows full with USB still plugged in after being fully charged. However, after being fully charged with the USB pulled out, battery shows ~60-70% full. Does this mean my battery health is only 60-70%? However I don't think my unit after being fully charged (with USB unplugged) has ever shown more than ~70% full before. Just wondering if others see the same and wondering if my battery is slightly defective to begin with. Thanks.

[SkyTrak_Seth]

Does this happen instantaneously when you unplug the USB cable? (like you see a drop in the app from 100 to 70)

[doublebogey]

Yes instantaneously.

[doublebogey]

Yes instantaneously.