Stratus 1 and 2 are no longer being repaired

S

Scott@KTYR

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Scott@KTYR
FYI – According to the Sporty’s Customer Service Dept. the Stratus 1 and 2 are no longer being repaired and you can exchange them for a Stratus 2s for $250.00.

My Stratus 2 stopped charging on my trip to Montana last week.
 
What's wrong with it? It could be an easy fix. Open it up and look for something obviously wrong (burned components, bulging electrolytic capacitors, etc).
 
Interesting...no mention on there website of such a program....I would trade up for $250.00 in a heart beat...it would be great if it works
 
Warlock said:
Interesting...no mention on there website of such a program....I would trade up for $250.00 in a heart beat...it would be great if it works
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For $250 I'd rather build a Stratux. I can understand not repairing the Stratus 1, but to stop repairing the Stratus 2 is ****ty.
 
Warlock said:
Interesting...no mention on there website of such a program....I would trade up for $250.00 in a heart beat...it would be great if it works
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Yeah, me too. Where is information on this?
 
Put me on the list for the upgrade.
 
I emailed appareo and asked them if they stopped repairing the Stratus 2 and if you can upgrade for $250 to the 2s. She informed me they are still supporting and repairing the stratus 2 but it depends on which part it is if they still have them. They will work on the unit until it hits $250 at that point they will offer you a reconditioned stratus 2s for $250. if you want to trade in with a functioning stratus of any model they offer a $100 trade in for the 2s.
 
simtech said:
She informed me they are still supporting and repairing the stratus 2 but it depends on which part it is if they still have them.
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In other words, they're not supporting them! :rolleyes1:
 
hahaha IKR what parts are they out of...most if I had to bet! I was more concerned about trading in and getting the 2s for $250. Its not that easy and when your 2 craps out you get a overhauled 2s for $250 and they obviously keep your old 2.
 
simtech said:
I emailed appareo and asked them if they stopped repairing the Stratus 2 and if you can upgrade for $250 to the 2s. She informed me they are still supporting and repairing the stratus 2 but it depends on which part it is if they still have them. They will work on the unit until it hits $250 at that point they will offer you a reconditioned stratus 2s for $250. if you want to trade in with a functioning stratus of any model they offer a $100 trade in for the 2s.
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Having been involved in design stuff, and my dad in the parts supplying biz most of his life, they really screwed up if they chose parts that were that close to EOL, and didn't make a final run purchase of them based off of number of repairs expected, on such a new product. Very bad product planning.
 
denverpilot said:
Having been involved in design stuff, and my dad in the parts supplying biz most of his life, they really screwed up if they chose parts that were that close to EOL, and didn't make a final run purchase of them based off of number of repairs expected, on such a new product. Very bad product planning.
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I agree, poor planning, but it happens all the time. I saw stuff that never made it out of the prototype phase before it had to have a major revision due to parts being no longer available.

Welcome to modern consumer electronics folks. They should be considered disposable, regardless of how much you paid for it.
 
Can't remember the source, but read something about expecting 250-300 recharge cycles on most consumer electronics batteries. Anything after that was gravy.
 
Sundancer said:
Can't remember the source, but read something about expecting 250-300 recharge cycles on most consumer electronics batteries. Anything after that was gravy.
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That's lithium ion and it has to be a complete cycle. Partial cycles do less damage. Additionally well-built products will allow replacement of the pack, unless the manufacturer wants planned obsolescence.

There are NiCD batteries that have been properly charged and cared for *on orbit* for over a decade... But most "consumers" wouldn't wait that long to recharge NiCD devices when that technology was popular so fast charge rates would cause the battery to vent from heat and slowly die.

It is possible to make a NiCD chemistry battery nearly last "forever" charging it correctly. Similar with NiMH and Lead-Acid.

But anyway, design decision ... If the battery isn't removable you know the engineer was told it wouldn't matter anyway because the company is planning to dig into your pocket again relatively soon.
 
FYI - I sent my broken Stratus 2 to Sporty's on Aug 1 and today I received my "Newly Overhauled" Stratus 2s. Looks like new. The power cord and connector have been changed to a new style. I am charging it now and will use it on my next flight.
 
You think they are basically gutting the returned 2 and putting in the new 2S board in the 2 chassis then shipping out?
 
Scott@KTYR said:
FYI - I sent my broken Stratus 2 to Sporty's on Aug 1 and today I received my "Newly Overhauled" Stratus 2s. Looks like new. The power cord and connector have been changed to a new style. I am charging it now and will use it on my next flight.
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$250 or warranty repair?
 
The problem is the use port gets broken. The use cable has so much leverage it stresses the port and it breaks it. Soldering a new one on is a challenge. With the 2S they changed the port from micro-usb to something different. This is working better and they have fewer ports broken. Many ordered a different cable to got rid of the cable that came with stratus and went to a lightweight cable than bends easier and is more flexible so the unit doesn't get torqued.

It is cheaper but if you go to 2s as the port problem should be behind you, but you may have other issues. Getting a refurbished 2 still leaves you with potential of having your port break. Stratux has no such issue.
 
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