SkyCaddie Watch Battery Replacement

[mvanslam]

First off, I apologize if this has been recently asked...but my SkyCaddie Watch has suddenly decided to only last about 10 or 11 holes. GPS shuts down after that. I know the standard answer and common knowledge is that the battery is not replaceable on this Watch. But in addition to being stubborn, I'm also the adventurous "Fix it Yourself" kind of guy.

 

Has anyone decided to take this thing apart and see what's in there? Looking for any data that might help me and/or keep me from being surprised. Also...a suggestion as to where to get the replacement cell (I'm assuming Li-Ion)

 

Thanks in advance!

 

[BlackDiamondPar5]

I don't have one, but one thing you want to check is to make sure the charging contacts are very clean. Use a toothpick and/or toothbrush to remove any dirt. Then wipe with clean cloth and alcohol.

Beyond that it appears from a bunch of reviews that this is a pretty common problem with this product. Just read the reviews on Amazon. Call the company and see what they will do about replacing it. From what I read once you're beyond the 6 month warranty it looks like you're out of luck. I'd appeal to them and show them the reviews on Amazon that show this being an issue.

I can't help with taking it apart but I'd try the above before you go rogue . Check eBay for the battery and just google the numbers on the battery... You may get lucky.

Too bad because functionally it looks like a decent product.

[dray]

You may have already solved the problem, but if not here is how to fix it.

First, try resetting the watch by holding down all four corner buttons at the same time for a few seconds, then try recharging the watch and using it a couple of times to see if that might fix the problem.

If that fails then here is what you need to do to change the battery.

Ok the watch uses a (452530) lithium polymer battery that means the battery is 4.5mm x 25mm x 30mm.
This battery is hard find except in large quantities from China.

I ordered a (502530) ) 3.7V 300 mAh Li-polymer Rechargeable Battery 502530 for PDA/Bluetooth/mp3/mp4 on ebay
that 5mm x 25mm x 30mm it is .5mm thicker but it did fit in the case. Battery measure tolerances are questionable

Ok, remove the (8) screws on the back and carefully separate the back from the front

CAUTION !!! when removing the back there are (2) small gold springs that may fall out be sure and not drop them.

Next unplug the battery and remove it the battery is wrapped in a copper foil tape which serves as part of the antenna system.

Remove the copper foil tape paying attention to the orientation of how it is wrapped you will have to put it on the new battery the same way.

You will have to cut the plug from the old battery and solder it to the new which has bare leads. Keep the leads about the same length as original so they will fit in the case. The battery leads are very thin wire so be careful when stripping for soldering. Put the used copper foil tape on the new battery.

Ok, put the battery back in the case and make sure the case will fit over it.

Ok the (2) gold springs. You will see (2) small flat gold tabs next to the battery on the face side of the watch the (2) springs sit on these tabs facing up they provide some kind of contact between face and back.

Ok, with springs facing up slowly place the back on the watch being careful not to knock the (2) gold springs off the tabs.

Push the back down and put the screws in and tighten. Snug the screws on the charging terminal side first to assure the internal contacts make contact since the battery is slightly thicker.

Hook up to the charger to make sure it will charge If not you may need to loosen screws and retighten.

I had to use and recharge mine twice before it would last a full round of golf, but now it seems to always have charge after playing.
WARNING
This is somewhat complicated and should only be completed by someone who may have some electronic experience.
You may also want to research lithium battery handling precautions on the Internet.
USER ASSUMES ALL RESPONSIBILTY FOR USING THESES INSTRUCTIONS. MANUFACTURES WARRANTY OR SERVICE MAY BE VOID IF WATCH HAS BEEN OPENED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[mvanslam]

Well...this is long overdue. I never realized that there was another reply on this mega-old thread of mine. I wanted to thank Dray for such a detailed answer. Believe it or not, I've never done a thing with the watch yet. It's still ticking right along. And it will last for the full 18 as long as we play in under 4 hours. That's about the max I can get out of it. When it finally starts giving me a much shorter life per round, I will definitely attempt what you have chronicled here.

 

Once again...thank you for your detailed response, Dray!

[HittOD]

Hello it's June 5, 2019. I found this thread regarding Skycaddie watch battery replacement. I suspect that Dray's directions for battery replacement were for a watch previous to mine. Mine is the Skycaddie Linx. Dray, can you confirm that your directions were for a specific Skycaddie model? MVANSLAM, have you attempted to change the battery yet? I have a Skycaddie Linx that is about six years old. Can't get a whole round now. Have tried reset by holding all four corner buttons for 10 seconds, and have tried cleaning contacts.

[SlimChim]

I fixed mine following the instructions above. I ordered the one with the wrong size connector so had to cut the connector off the dud battery and solder it to the new one.

i was nervous when I plugged it in for the first time, but charges and works like new now.

thanks for the help

 

 

 

[dougBOST]

I did exactly same thing with a new 502530 battery.The watch powers up,keeps time BUT does not find any courses.any thoughts?