DNA 200 Uneven LiPo Cell Discharge

[MarkS]

It seems that the DNA 200 board in my LAVABOX is discharging Cell 3 (likely an issue with the charging section). Any LiPo I put in her (the 900 mAh and two different 1,300 mAh) has cell 3 down to ~3.7V after 3-4 days while cells 1 and 2 are still at 4.18. Since I'm past the manufacturer's 90 day warranty, I thought I would seek insight from VU on what to do. I've also posted a ticket on the EVOLVE site yesterday (Ticket tracking ID: DBU-69N-X6G6) and waiting to see if they may do something. Here are a few pics and shows discharge after about seven hours on a new LiPo after it was balanced charged on an external charger. All are at 4.20 volts at the start but seven hours later C1=4.19, C2=4.20, C3=4.17. I will reconnect it this evening after work to post another update on the drop.

 

[MarkS]

Now down to 4.12

 

[MarkS]

Basically 24 hours after full charge Cell 1 = 4.18, Cell 2 = 4.19, and Cell 3 = 4.08. This validates the observed drain on Cell 3 after four days (reading of ~3.7). I removed the board and visually inspected the balanced connector on the board and there is nothing visible that would indicate moisture, oxidation, or other continuity issues. I will de-solder the connector tonight, clean it and the board contacts, and solder it back into place.

@Whiskey This may be better in ask an expert...

 

[Eskie]

@Wingsfan0310 should be on call for this one too. Not sure he has a Lavabox, but he knows these boards really well. I will say I have an Efusion Duo with the Lipo installed in place of the sled and have had no issues with it.

 

[Wingsfan0310]

It sounds like it might be a problem with the battery balancer/monitoring circuit. I have two Lavabox DNA200's and I don't have that problem (for that matter I have a few 3s DNA200 Lipo mods that don't exhibit the issue you are having).

My first though would have been cell 3 is going bad but since you said you have tried different 3s Lipo packs and cell 3 is doing the same thing with all of them, I would look at the board.

You're best bet would probably be to open up a ticket with Evolv. Since you are handy with a soldering iron, desoldering the board and sending it in for replacement would probably be your best bet (the board has a 1 year warranty).

Cheers,
Steve

Edit: Here's the link to open up a ticket:
https://helpdesk.evolvapor.com/?a=add

 

[MarkS]

My first though would have been cell 3 is going bad but since you said you have tried different 3s Lipo packs and cell 3 is doing the same thing with all of them, I would look at the board.

You're best bet would probably be to open up a ticket with Evolv. Since you are handy with a soldering iron, desoldering the board and sending it in for replacement would probably be your best bet (the board has a 1 year warranty).

Cheers,
Steve

Edit: Here's the link to open up a ticket:
https://helpdesk.evolvapor.com/?a=add

Thanks Steve. That was my first thought too and that's why I have tried three different 1,300 mAh and one 900 mAh LiPo packs in it and it's doing the same on all three (even after balance charging and watching the natural discharge rate utilizing an external stand alone charger). I've also posted a ticket with EVOLVE Wednesday morning (Ticket tracking ID: DBU-69N-X6G6) and waiting to see if they may do something.

 

[MarkS]

Well... if nothing else I found a cold solder joint on the Mod's positive XT30 connector, which I fixed and put new heat shrink on in the process. I put a brand new LAVABOX 1,300 mAh battery (Crazypony) extender pack (the screws had seen their better days and the prior owner had dropped it damaging the top corner edge of the back plate) on the Mod following the balance charging plug removal, cleaning, and replacement. It's been over 48 hours and EVOLVE still hasn't contacted me on my ticket. so much for their 24 to 48 hour promise. I will update with any further results.

 

[conanthewarrior]

I have had this issue before myself, yes, Evolv sorted it though for me through their RMA process.

I am not sure exactly what was wrong, as they replaced the board in the mod for me (Hotcig V2, they also replaced the board in a V1 for me, don't buy one of those lol).

It does sound very likely it is something like @Wingsfan0310 suggested, and is something to do with the balance monitoring/ charging. I do hope Evolv help you and if an RMA is needed, they will replace the board for you. I live in the UK, and in both cases they have been very fast, with the mod arriving and leaving on the very same day! Took far longer for the mod to get shipped there and back.

 

[MarkS]

I have had this issue before myself, yes, Evolv sorted it though for me through their RMA process.

I am not sure exactly what was wrong, as they replaced the board in the mod for me (Hotcig V2, they also replaced the board in a V1 for me, don't buy one of those lol).

It does sound very likely it is something like @Wingsfan0310 suggested, and is something to do with the balance monitoring/ charging. I do hope Evolv help you and if an RMA is needed, they will replace the board for you. I live in the UK, and in both cases they have been very fast, with the mod arriving and leaving on the very same day! Took far longer for the mod to get shipped there and back.

Preliminary indications are favorable! Currently all three cells seem to be idle discharg evenly based upon an eight hour period. Thanks for the feedback.

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