Aim Solo says low battery

[breakaway500]

Recently my Aim Solo (original model) has started to say "Low Battery" and shuts itself down even though it is plugged into a good 12v source. Fuse in plug is good. It seems to "sense" being plugged in as the unit powers up and acts normal for about 5 minutes. Then the message comes on screen and it powers down. I know there is an internal battery in these but I have always used it plugged in. I've emailed Aim but have not received any responses. Anyone familiar with these ever have this issue? I was going to replace the internal battery to see if that fixes it, but they don't seem to be available for the early models only the Solo2. Hate to have to buy a new unit just because the battery is dead...but it's driving me nuts. Gadgets!!

[jeffw]

Try charging it overnight on the wall charger and see if that helps.

If not, call AiM and return it to them. They don't charge much for service. I think we paid $50 including shipping to have a new battery put into a SmartycamHD.

[breakaway500]

Thanks Jeff. Does the unit charge by being plugged in with the 12v cord or is there a specific charger unit? Its been so long since I bought it I can't remember seeing a separate charging accessory.

[Mick]

If it's like the Solo2 it also can be charged via the USB port.

[paultg]

Thanks Jeff. Does the unit charge by being plugged in with the 12v cord or is there a specific charger unit? Its been so long since I bought it I can't remember seeing a separate charging accessory.

There should be a wall plug adaptor that goes on the end of the cable you would use to plug it into a computer.

[paultg]

I have one if you don’t. I could mail it to ya if you promise to mail it back.

[breakaway500]

Thanks for the offer Paul,but I found the AIM usb cord in the cable/rats nest drawer I put it. I've now got it plugged in..is there any way to see/tell if it's actually charging other than let it sit overnight and try it? You would think there would be a battery power percentage indicator..

[paultg]

Nope, not that I know of. Just keep it plugged in for a while then power it up and see what the battery indicator says.

I’m curious what you find out. Mine is pretty old and I usually just power it through the car outlet when using it too. I wonder if many of us will be in a similar situation as you as these units age.

[breakaway500]

It only recently started to act wonky. I thought it may have been the outlet being the issue but it’s happened on 3 different vehicles now,all times displaying the “low battery” alert and then a shut down even though plugged in to 12v. It’s been 1000 times more dependable than the Racelogic timers I use to use so I’m
Not disappointed. Maybe Santa will bring be a new Solo2 this winter.

[jeffw]

Thanks Jeff. Does the unit charge by being plugged in with the 12v cord or is there a specific charger unit? Its been so long since I bought it I can't remember seeing a separate charging accessory.

You could either charge it from the 12v cig port if you know it'll stay on, or a USB cable connected to a wall charger.

[breakaway500]

Charging the battery did not fix the problem so I purchased a Solo2 battery,which is a bit bigger, so I had to remove some of the plastic on the inside of the back cover to have it fit. Other than that modification, the Solo2 battery fits fine,(it's the same 3.7V) and plugged right in, and the Solo1 is now working properly again. $20 from Pegasus Racing. If your original Solo battery dies, and you don't want to send it in for the "correct" battery (they will not send/sell you one to DIY...why?) the Solo2 battery (which they will send you..) seems to be a reasonable alternative...