Zhiyun Smooth X Gimbal Rechargeable LiPo Battery Removal & Replacement

In this consumer electronics repair video we go thru how to disassemble a Zhiyun Smooth X gimbal in order to access the Lithium Polymer (LiPo) rechargeable battery inside of it. The Smooth X gimbal is not designed for the LiPo battery to be end user replaceable, as this style of battery will have to be desoldered from the internal printed circuit board (PCB). Zhiyun does have a mail-in service to replace the battery, but that route is not cost effective so I'll show you how to do it if you have the right skills and tools.

The Smooth X uses a lithium polymer battery with three wires*, one being for a thermistor which is a temperature sensing safety feature used during battery charging (this feature is present to reduce the risk of fire). The LiPo battery will *not charge properly without the thermistor (3rd wire) connected to the PCB. The thermistor should not be bypassed, it's there for a fire safety reason.

When sourcing replacement LiPo batteries, the numbering convention with Chinese battery manufacturers gives the relative dimensions. So a 652265 battery is a 6.5mm H x 22mm W x 65mm L battery. And a 901860 battery is a 9.0mm H x 18mm W x 60mm L battery. There is some flexibility in these dimensions, limited only by the plastic housing of the Smooth X itself. There is very little flexibility in the electrical specifications. The battery must be rated at exactly 3.7VDC. And the battery should not be less than 950mAh for useful operation of the gimbal, though it can be more but such capacities over 1000mAh in the needed size dimensions were not available in the year 2023 when this video was made.

The eBay and Amazon search links below are paid links, for which I may be compensated and earn a commission, if you choose to buy the parts and tools shown in this video thru them:

Chipquik SMD291 flux: https://ebay.us/6mrLRR or https://amzn.to/3OZd0Vk

Chipquik EGS10W-20G white silicone adhesive: https://ebay.us/Dnpa3V or https://amzn.to/3KZj7HP

Xinj 901860 LiPo battery 3.7V 1000mAh with 3 wire (thermistor): https://ebay.us/Hhgi8J or https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dmk... (note that this replacement battery is, as shown in the video, 2mm thicker than the OEM Hongwell 652265 battery).

I'll also include a search for the 652265 LiPo battery 3.7V 1000mAh with 3 wire (thermistor) should one ever be available in the future : https://ebay.us/aXuxwH or https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dl7...

And if I've saved you some $$ here, consider some coins for the coffee tip-jar! https://ko-fi.com/drshock

Chapters:
0:00 - Problem overview
0:30 - Disassembly of the gimbal housing cover
2:20 - Removal of the printed circuit board
4:40 - Removal of the LiPo battery
9:08 - Replacement battery considerations
11:30 - Installation of the replacement battery
12:31 - Reassembly and testing

#drshock

Disclaimer: DrShock, the alias for the human content creator for this YouTube channel, is not responsible for any damages, injuries, losses, or liabilities associated with any repairs, upgrades, or maintenance performed on yours, or any other, product whatsoever. No warranty, express or implied, is made as to the accuracy or completeness of any information provided within this channel. Viewing and using the “as-is" information of this channel is totally at your own risk. Always wear personal protection equipment and follow appropriate product manufacturer service manual guidelines with original manufacturer parts only when performing any repairs, upgrades, or maintenance upon any product.