FLIR i7 camera won't charge (blinking red light)

[pjgfi]

Hello,

I was recently given a supposedly "dead" Flir I7 (blue/grey version) that wouldn't charge (no charging light with the original battery).

I bought a compatible battery that came pre-charged and I could switch the camera on and check it was working perfectly. Still, the camera would not charge (no charging light).

I also tried to update firmware but it fails without any error message (it just doesn't update). Maybe the camera needs to be plugged to mains to update firmware?

I tried my compatible battery in another working I7 and it wouldn't charge either, so I just got a "not fully compatible" battery.

Putting the original battery from the working I7 in my camera works although it won't charge, but at least I get a blinking red charging light (not documented!).

Any idea on what's wrong with my camera?

Thanks.

[Fraser]

That fault is usually due to someone connecting the wrong charger to the camera and killing the power controller IC. It is not an expensive component but it is tiny so care is needed to replace it. You will need a hot air rework station to fit the new IC. The battery in these cameras is “dumb” so no battery management IC is present. Compare your replacement cell with the original and look for the difference. I forget but the original may have a temperature sensor that tells the charger IC how hot it is getting. If so, the charger IC will not charge the cell if that temperature sensor is not present. I posted about repairing these I series cameras some years ago. I will see if I can find the link for you.

If your camera was subjected to an over voltage event you may also need to replace the power supply input TVS diode.

Fraser

[Fraser]

As promised, the link to my post on the iX series, including the power input circuit

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/thermal-imaging/flir-i5-mk1-teardown-(same-as-i3-i5-i7)-by-fraser/

Fraser

[Fraser]

The power input circuit…..

The BQ24032ARHLT (IC1) is likely damaged on your camera

[Fraser]

As I suspected, the battery used in the iX series uses a 4 pin connector with power on two and a temperature sensor on the other two. The temperature sensor is on the white wires and can be a simple diode or thermistor. You will need to determine which sensor type is used as I cannot remember. You can move the sensor from the old battery to the new battery or buy something similar and fit it.

[pjgfi]

Hello Fraser,

Thanks for those detailed answers.

Unfortunately I have neither the skills nor the stuff to change the IC.

I will try to find a way to charge the battery outside the camera.

I'll try to check the difference between my compatible battery and the original (fake extra sensor wires?).

Do you confirm I can't update firmware unless power comes from the mains?

By the way, I've seen the mains plug symbol only once while trying to charge the new battery. There may be bad contacts as well?

[Fraser]

I cannot confirm the situation regarding firmware updates and power requirements, but it is best practice to power the equipment externally during a firmware update to reduce the chances of bricking the camera if the battery should fail during the update.

There is always the chance of a failed solder connection on the power socket preventing charging so you could disassemble the camera and check the solder around the connector. That would not explain the blinking red charging light though.

Fraser

[pjgfi]

Thanks for your help!

I took the easy road and made a battery charger with a USB-C charging circuit and a 4 pin connector.

Works well, the only drawback is I have to unplug the battery from its "buried" plug. I might do an extension cable if it fits the compartment.

I get the "mains" symbol from time to time if I use the charger (stays a few seconds) but I still can't update the firmware for some reason...