Dear OAD community
I would like to attach LiPo batteries (like here https://www.openacousticdevices.info/support/enclosures/audiomoth-ap9-based-ip65-enclosure-w-lipo) but remove the battery holder to win space. Is it in general possible? Before starting I just wanted to ask what the safest/easiest way is to do it.
Thanks so much!
Anton
I cut through the hot-melt glue with a scalpel - but be sure to cut between the glue and the battery holder to avoid the possibility of damage to the circuit board.
When soldering/desoldering the battery holder terminals take great care not to bridge between the terminal pads and the adjacent via holes (they are very close). I inadvertently did this on one of my original AudioMoths (-ve terminal) since when it will not accept power from the USB. (Fortunately this does not affect operation on battery power).
Thanks so much, Shawn!! :)
Hello Anton,
Yes, you can remove the battery holder easily. First, you need to separate the hot glue holding the battery holder and board together. I use a heat gun aimed between board and battery holder and gently separate the two opposite the where the battery holder posts connect to board. The glue will melt and you can separate them. I use a small piece of cardboad to slide through to keep the glue from connecting back together. I then use a solder iron to heat the solder on one of the battery holder connection pads and gently lift the board to separate from battery holder. Then I do the same on the other pad. Sometimes you have to alternate sides once or twice until they are completely apart.
I've done this on many audiomoths and not had a problem. You can also just get the dev board if you don't want to go through the trouble but they are a little more expensive.
Shawn