IPV4 problem

[SailCat]

My IPV4 is just a few months old and (Aside from it being a handful) I have enjoyed the performance. Over the past week or so, it has been depleting batteries rapidly. The batts in question are two pair of nearly new Sammy 25Rs.

The POS P4U is apparently discharging whether or not it is in operation, F'rinstance, overnight with a tank on it, I return to a 'Low Battery' message upon first use. My chargers (Nitecore I4 and an Xtar VC4) indicate one battery is fully discharged while the other needs only to be topped off.

Obviously something is amiss. I'd sure like to hear a diagnosis or highly-educated guess from someone who has an inkling what the hell is going on as I do not with my limited knowledge of electronics.

If there's a direct question or two to be asked, it would include could this device be repaired and would I need a letter of credit from my bank to fund the project?

Thank you kindly in advance!

 

[Zamazam]

I've heard of this situation a number of times. If still under warranty, I'd send it in for repair or replacement.

 

[AmandaD]

I've heard of this situation a number of times. If still under warranty, I'd send it in for repair or replacement.

I've heard of that too. Definitely see if it's still under warranty.

 

[SailCat]

Well, damn.

I appreciate the answers, thank you, and will check on the warranty status.

 

[Cloudy Peak Vapes]

That could very well be a sign that the balance board is gonna short. Is it your right battery fully discharged? Definitely figure out your possible warranty options, and I'd honestly not use the device anymore. Not your fault, but that is asking for trouble, unless you sit with a multimeter and check your batteries repeatedly. Still, stop vaping that. And don't leave batteries in it. This is what I've always looked out for with my 4. I'm yet to have my batteries drain unevenly, thankfully. Good luck, I hope you get this resolved.

 

[SailCat]

Thanks, TBCAmor. Yeah, it's sitting idle. 'Turns out it's only four months old (I have a wonky chronological memory). Since AsMODus wrote off P4Y in June, I contacted the vendor who referred me to KMG Imports, LLC which is now doing warranties. Other than my paying shipping both ways, it appears to be the solution. <sigh>

Vape on!

 

[SailCat]

Weren't 4 owners removing the charge board entirely, because of this issue?

Unknown. And I'm unqualified to do so, regardless, as my electronics ignorance knows no bounds. I wouldn't know a charge board from a cribbage board. I'm gonna send the sucker to KMG and hope for the best.

The tip is appreciated, though, Jim.

 

[Wingsfan0310]

I'm not saying you should do it yourself (probably void your warranty) but there are YouTube videos showing how it's done. I don't have the 4 (I have the 3Li), but watched the video and it looks like a relatively simple procedure. Good luck!

Cheers,
Steve

 

[SailCat]

Thanks, Steve, but I'm also a bit of a klutz. Forgive the typos but I have a coffee cup stuck on my hand.

 

[smacksy]

I'm not saying you should do it yourself (probably void your warranty) but there are YouTube videos showing how it's done. I don't have the 4 (I have the 3Li), but watched the video and it looks like a relatively simple procedure. Good luck!

Cheers,
Steve

It is indeed a very simple procedure..
I pulled that board in both my V4's under 20 min after watching a few videos ..
They work great and I've got the peace mind not worrying about them shorting out

sent from my XT1080 via Tapatalk

 

[SailCat]

Thank you, smacksy, but I would remind you of the depth and breadth of my ignorance regarding electronics. Do I understand that removing this board thingie will allow the device to function normally, that is, prevent the rapid and asymmetrical discharging of the batteries (that is, one batt to a far greater degree than the other)?

Perhaps I should mention that I would not charge batts onboard the IP4 as I have read something can go horribly wrong if one does so, but rather I am doing so in a couple of supposedly decent chargers.

 

[smacksy]

Thank you, smacksy, but I would remind you of the depth and breadth of my ignorance regarding electronics. Do I understand that removing this board thingie will allow the device to function normally, that is, prevent the rapid and asymmetrical discharging of the batteries (that is, one batt to a far greater degree than the other)?

Perhaps I should mention that I would not charge batts onboard the IP4 as I have read something can go horribly wrong if one does so, but rather I am doing so in a couple of supposedly decent chargers.

That's true..I wouldn't use in-mod charging either...charge your batts in a separate charger..rather be safe than sorry..

sent from my XT1080 via Tapatalk

 

[SailCat]

Sorry. @ smacksy I tend to be verbose.

I buried this question in the wall of text above: Will replacing the charging board solve the rapid discharging problem?

Thanks again.

 

[smacksy]

Sorry. @ smacksy I tend to be verbose.

I buried this question in the wall of text above: Will replacing the charging board solve the rapid discharging problem?

Thanks again.

It wouldn't hurt to remove it..its probly making contact on the + post in the batt tray already, not enough to cause a hard short yet but maybe enough to drain the battery... As a precaution I would remove it...

sent from my XT1080 via Tapatalk

 

[Everpresentnewb]

Mine Had the charging board removed as soon as I got it. Ive never had a problem with it since. My coworker got one as well, but didnt pull the board. He started having one battery (The right side batt)constantly discharging. after he mentioned it to me I pulled his charging board. He hasnt had an issue since.

 

[SailCat]

That sounds like the answer, all right, but I think I'll still send it in since it's under warranty. Not anxious to void it (yet), though I've voided a few.

Thanks jimmy and epnewb!