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Sena 50S Battery Replacement

12K views 29 replies 9 participants last post by  Jonnybow  
#1 · (Edited)
REVISED 8-31-2022 If you are like many of us with the Sena 50S you've encountered the battery not lasting more than 2-3 hours. One of my 50S is out of warranty and the battery only lasted a couple of hours. Sometimes Carolyn would get a low battery warning within 15-20 minutes of turning it on. @6xGrins had recently done a battery change on his 50S with good results. After talking with him I tackled this little project.; e.g. the pins that go into the bottom connector are at a right angle making it difficult to disconnect. Changing the battery is the easiest part. I tried to reinstall the circuit board and could NOT get the pins to align with the bottom connector. After a bit I gave up and resorted to YouTube. I found one video that was helpful. In video, option 2 is the hot ticket. Start by applying a little heat to the bottom of the 50S where the pin connector is located. I used a heat gun. Then using an X-acto knife, pry the connector from the housing exposing the pins to the circuit board. After removing the little screws on the back side and prying the thumb wheel off I then pried the circuit board up to get access to the battery. There are 7 screws holding the housing together. 2 of the screws are smaller than the other 5. 1 of the screws is almost hidden.The circuit board is plugged into the 50S housing at 2 spots; both located on the far right hand side, I used a screwdriver to gently pry the circuit board straight up. With the circuit board out of the way, using a small set of needle nose pliers I removed/replaced the battery. Once this was done I reassembled in opposite order. FWIW, There is a sticking substance on the backside of the pin connector that is tacky so I'm comfortable the connector is sealed.

From the video, you do NOT need to remove the large rubber seal or disconnect the antenna. Do not release the antenna at any time while replacing the battery. Leave the antenna in the stored position.



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Discussion starter · #3 ·
Discussion starter · #5 · (Edited)
So is it the same battery that is listed for the 20 and 30 units?
Yes. The stock battery is stamped 1000 mAh, the replacement is 850 mAh. Justin tells me the 850 lasts 6-8 hours Mesh, all day Bluetooth.

Duane
 
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Discussion starter · #6 ·
Update: I just did a search and found a 950 mAh battery listed on Amazon for the 50S. I ordered one and if it fits I'll update the link for the battery.

Duane
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
Update 8-3-2022 I received and installed the 950 mAh battery from Amazon. No issue with fitment. I have revised my initial post to reflect what I did to change the battery. All information in the first post is accurate. If you try this and run into a stumbling block send me a message (conversation) with your phone number and I'll give you a call. Even better if you have an iPhone; FaceTime ..

Duane
 
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Discussion starter · #10 ·
@Ron Coleman , the battery I replaced was in wife's 50S. Since changing we've done 2/3 6-8 days, mesh only, no "low battery" reports...

"If" I changed battery again I wouldn't use the 950 mAh. I recently see that Amazon shows an 1150 mAh battery; I'd go with that one.


Duane
 
Discussion starter · #11 ·
@Ron Coleman , if you have an iPhone give me a call on FaceTime and I'll walk you through how to change it. It's VERY simple once you've done one.

Duane
 
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Discussion starter · #17 ·
@Ron Coleman , good job. And no, you do not need to raise and/or disconnect the antenna.

Duane
 
Discussion starter · #18 ·
@Arizona Jim , I used my DeWalt heat gun. Doesn't take a lot of heat to loosen the glue on the pin connector.

Duane
 
Discussion starter · #29 ·
There are 2 models of the Sena 50S. The latter having greatly improved battery life and connectivity. @ 5 years old your's is the original. Three years ago I replaced the battery on both our 50S units; e.g. battery life problem solved.

Duane