by Wayne A. Diercks – 5/17/2015

Intro

Although the stock 500 mah battery that comes with the X5C quadcopter has
no need for any modifications, there are other batteries that are a tight fit and
would benefit greatly from this simple, ten minute battery modification.
Many complain that the 600 mah GOO batteries are a bit snug when new but
can get worse when they sometimes get “puffy” as they age. My favorite
battery, the 750 mah Turnigy battery, has no handy foil flap on the end for
easier removal and also is a bit thicker at the edges, making for a difficult
removal. See my previous article, “Battery Flight Times for the SYMA X5C-
1” for dimensions and specifications of these batteries.

The Problem

The problem with the battery compartment when installing slightly bigger
batteries is in the single “truss” holding the battery from falling out of the
compartment. It is a slightly bowed piece of plastic spanning the width
of the compartment. It contacts the battery along its edges and not at its
bowed center. This truss is structurally unnecessary and in my opinion is an
engineering oversight. The solution is in removing the center of this truss
and retaining small fingers extending from the sides, holding the battery
snuggly in place. Besides offering more height and flexibility when the
battery slides past, this modification also creates a path down the center of
the battery for adding gripping material if necessary. In less than ten
minutes this engineering oversight can be corrected saving time, relieving
constant frustration and eliminating danger of breakage.

 

The Solution

Draw a line on the truss about a quarter inch or slightly less (6 mm) from
each side. This will insure that the fingers overlap the battery edge of your
narrowest battery when slid left or right in the compartment. Then cut
along this line with a side cutter tool, which is the perfect tool for the job. A
quality scissors should work, also. After cutting both sides and removing
the center of the truss, file or sand off any sharp corners, which may gouge
the battery as it slides past.

 

Testing and Additional Mod

Now that the modification is complete, slide in a problem battery and test how well it fits.
The slightly tight 600 mah GOO battery should now slide in and out like butter yet have
no chance of falling out.

The 750 mah Turnigy battery, however, may still need a bit more help as
there is no handy foil flap to assist in its removal. A strip of foam doublesided
tape down the center of the battery will create a firm gripping point for your
fingers in removing the battery. This could not have been added previously as the
center of the truss was in the way.

This simple battery compartment modification should in no way interfere
with the battery door, camera, connectors or leads. It should not negatively
affect any of your batteries now or in the future. It is a permanent
improvement of an engineering oversight. Life is good.