Removing and replacing the battery in your Micro-I
Over time, batteries can deteriorate and impact the functionality of your Micro-I. If you have a Micro-I with a serial number ending between 0000-0900, then it likely contains a battery. (Your Micro-I serial number is located on the underside of your Micro-I and uses the last four digits).
Please note we highly recommend using the supplied power cable when using your Micro-I. However, if you need to use your Micro-I remotely ensure you use a recommended battery or power bank.
Symptoms of a low or dead battery:
If you encounter any of the following symptoms, it may be time to inspect your Micro-I’s battery:
- Internet disconnects: Frequent internet dropouts on your Micro-I could indicate battery-related power issues affecting the onboard systems.
- Red battery status: If the battery status on the portal appears red, it signals that the battery is either depleted and requires charging or has malfunctioned.
- Lights not turning on: In some instances, the lights inside the Micro-I won’t illuminate or will remain in a solid yellow or flashing white state.
How to remove the battery:
Follow these steps to remove the Micro-I’s battery. Note that a screwdriver is necessary for this process:
- Power off: Turn off and unplug the Micro-I.
- Turn Micro-I over: Locate the battery compartment on the underside of the Micro-I. It is situated next to the single foot to the right of the serial number sticker.
- Identify the screw: Find the screw holding the lid of the battery compartment.
- Open the compartment: Loosen the screw to open the compartment.
- Remove the battery: Take out the existing battery.
- Secure the Lid: Screw the lid back in place.
Consider using a battery pack: We recommend utilising a battery pack while working in the field which can be used to log submissions in offline mode.
Battery pack recommendations:
- Ensure the battery pack features a 5V output port (minimum), ideally with 3.0 amps or higher.
- Choose a power bank with a capacity of 15,000mAh or greater to support all-day operation under general conditions.
Battery replacement:
If you opt to continue using the current battery, please be aware that it may affect the Micro-I’s performance over time. Replacement batteries are available for purchase at local hardware stores. Recommended battery specifications are:
- Battery Type: 18650 Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery
- Voltage: 3.6V
- Capacity: 3500mAh