[Defect] StackChan Not Powering On/Charging Via Base

[RCG-RCorrales]

Connecting USB-C to base does not charge StackChan, even though the red LED turns on upon applying USB-C power. As a result, keeping StackChan connected to charge overnight/etc. will not charge StackChan.

Connecting USB-C to the CoreS3 unit itself, does charge successfully.

Suspect the battery/battery circuit may be defective, as even leaving USB-C connected to CoreS3 for ~10 min does not show progress in battery charge levels (still shows as 0% battery in settings, powers off immediately upon disconnecting USB-C.

Attempted Fixes:

• Re-seating CoreS3 unit from StackChan body
• Re-seating USB 4-pin cable that connects StackChan base/body to CoreS3
• Using different USB-C cables connected to base

[Shinji3rd]

This is also happening to me. But with a minor difference: charging via the base DOES work sometimes, but charges slowly, and StackChan consumes energy faster than it charges. At some point, it started working normally and continued to do so for 4 days, then again stopped charging correctly. This does not allow me to keep my StackChan turned on at all times, and charging via the unit is not comfortable.

[RCG-RCorrales]

Still happening, even after a teardown and rebuild.

[Shinji3rd]

Ok, I contacted tech support and after flashing another system to test (and flashing the original firmware again after that) they were able to provide me with a solution. Maybe this also works for everyone having this same issue. I’m copying their response:

This issue may be caused by a loose 7-pin ribbon cable on the back of the StackChan. After fully charging the device, please try gently pressing down on the 7-pin ribbon cable located inside the back of the StackChan (pressing the cable itself, not the connector) to ensure a stable connection (as shown in the image).

———

I followed those instructions and, after my first try, the problem was even worse: it stopped charging completely.

I realized the cable bent to the left, so I moved it to the center again and tried pressing down once more. Now the cable is centered and after pressing it, I can confirm it charges normally and now works as it should.

In short: even if you disassemble the device and then reassemble it, the problem might continue because it’s not the connector, but the cable itself, you have to make sure the pins from the cable are making proper contact with the connector. In any case, the issue is now solved for me, and if it appears again, I now know where to look :)

[jpavith12]

I have an issue where the devices works fine when connected to power but when running on battery after it reaches almost 50% the device turns off and doesn't power on untill connected to power source

[RCG-RCorrales]

Ok, I contacted tech support and after flashing another system to test (and flashing the original firmware again after that) they were able to provide me with a solution. Maybe this also works for everyone having this same issue. I’m copying their response:

This issue may be caused by a loose 7-pin ribbon cable on the back of the StackChan. After fully charging the device, please try gently pressing down on the 7-pin ribbon cable located inside the back of the StackChan (pressing the cable itself, not the connector) to ensure a stable connection (as shown in the image).

———

I followed those instructions and, after my first try, the problem was even worse: it stopped charging completely.

I realized the cable bent to the left, so I moved it to the center again and tried pressing down once more. Now the cable is centered and after pressing it, I can confirm it charges normally and now works as it should.

In short: even if you disassemble the device and then reassemble it, the problem might continue because it’s not the connector, but the cable itself, you have to make sure the pins from the cable are making proper contact with the connector. In any case, the issue is now solved for me, and if it appears again, I now know where to look :)

Unfortunately, this didn't help. I even did a complete teardown and careful rebuild of my StackChan, and it still has the issue. It simply will not charge from the base.

[Shinji3rd]

Unfortunately, this didn't help. I even did a complete teardown and careful rebuild of my StackChan, and it still has the issue. It simply will not charge from the base.

Maybe you'll need to get a new cable from them. This started happening again for me and solved once I changed the cable with a new one I got when I purchased my StackChan just in case. The cable they sell separately seems to be an upgraded cable or something because it has an additional section with some tape, and it works wonderfully.

[RCG-RCorrales]

Which specific cable? The black silicone one, or 4-pin JST? I'm thinking it's the 4-pin.

[Shinji3rd]

Which specific cable? The black silicone one, or 4-pin JST? I'm thinking it's the 4-pin.

The black 7P silicone one. They’re selling a repair kit now that includes 5 of them instead of 1, so I assume they realized that’s the weaker point of their build.