MyChron Battery Care & Charging Guide

AiM MyChron Battery Care & Charging Guide

This guide explains how to care for, charge, and maintain the battery in your AiM MyChron 5 or MyChron 6. Written by Rex Harris — professional qualified radio engineer (RSM Approved Radio Engineer ARE127 and Approved Radio Certifier ARC127) with decades of motorsport electronics experience — and Charlie Harris — national-winning kart racer, Canterbury University engineering student, and kart race engineer — at Harris Race Radios, the Official AiM dealer in New Zealand, supplying genuine AiM Sport products.

MyChron 5 is obsolete and we no longer sell MyChron 5 units. We continue to support existing owners with parts, sensors and repairs. MyChron 6 models are our current new-unit range. The MyChron 5 instructions below are retained for existing owners, not as a recommendation to buy an obsolete unit.

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1. MyChron Battery Types

  • MyChron 5 / MyChron5S: rechargeable, removable lithium battery with model-specific AiM charging arrangements. The removable-battery charger and an external-power lead are different accessories.
  • MyChron 6 / 6 2T: internal rechargeable lithium battery. USB-C supports charging; AiM also documents charging through the specified external-power connection. Do not assume a MyChron5 battery or charger fits MyChron6.

2. Charging Your MyChron

MyChron 5 and MyChron5S, existing-owner support

Use the matching AiM battery charger and approved adapter. AiM also documents charging without removing the battery using the proper optional charger, and an external-power-cable arrangement that can recharge the battery while the system remains powered. Confirm the exact cable, charger and supply before using either route. A connector that physically fits does not establish compatibility.

MyChron 6 and MyChron6 2T

Section 3.3 of the MyChron6 manual describes charging through the specified external power connected to the rear 5-pin Binder connector, or through the supplied USB-A to USB-C cable. Use the correct AiM charging arrangement and approved adapter. Do not connect an arbitrary supply to the Binder connector or assume any USB-C charger is suitable.

The manual gives about four hours for a completely discharged MyChron6 and roughly 10 W of delivered power for fast charging. These are documented conditions, not guaranteed times. A PC USB port with insufficient power can take longer. A universal MyChron5 3–4-hour or MyChron6 2–3-hour charge time is not prescribed here.

Charging indicators and power state

Follow the instructions for the exact device and charger for its indicators and required power state. Do not transfer a charger LED sequence between models. AiM's documented MyChron5 external-power arrangement can charge while powered, but this does not establish an on/off requirement for every route or model. If the charging indication is unexpected, ask Harris Race Radios to check the model and charger before trying another supply.

3. Battery Life Expectations

AiM lists up to ten hours for MyChron5 in its manual and up to twenty hours for MyChron6. These are manufacturer figures, not guaranteed full race days. Battery condition, settings, connected equipment, temperature and use affect duration. Test your configuration before an event; no universal Wi-Fi-on runtime is prescribed.

4. Checks Before a Race Weekend

  • Identify the model and use the correct AiM charger, approved adapter and lead.
  • Inspect the battery, cable and connectors externally for damage.
  • Check normal charging behaviour against the exact charger instructions.
  • Test useful runtime with the actual equipment connected.
  • Plan firmware maintenance separately, allowing time to test before racing.

5. Long-Term Storage

Follow the storage requirements for the exact AiM device and battery. The previous universal 50–70% storage charge and 2–3-month recharge interval have not been verified as model-specific AiM instructions, so are not prescribed here. Ask Harris Race Radios for advice before a long lay-up, especially if the battery has been left discharged or its condition is uncertain.

6. Battery Health and Replacement

  • Unexpected shutdown, short runtime or abnormal charging needs investigation; these symptoms do not alone prove cell failure.
  • If there is swelling, leakage, unusual heat, odour or visible damage, stop using and charging the equipment. Do not open, puncture or attempt to repair the battery. Contact Harris Race Radios or AiM support.
  • For MyChron5/5S, use the specified removable battery and documented fitting procedure.
  • Do not assume MyChron6's internal battery is a user-replaceable MyChron5-style pack. Ask Harris Race Radios or AiM about the correct service procedure.

7. Troubleshooting

Symptom, not an official error code Safe first check When to stop
Unit will not turn on Identify the model and check its approved charging arrangement and undamaged connections. Contact support if normal behaviour cannot be established; do not repeatedly try unverified supplies.
Runtime is unusually short Compare with previous tests using the same settings and equipment. If shutdowns recur, stop relying on it for an event and arrange a check.
MyChron6 USB charging is slow Check the specified cable and approved source; AiM notes low-power PC USB can take longer. Stop charging if there is heat, damage or abnormal behaviour and contact support.
Unexpected charging indication Check the exact charger instructions and inspect externally; do not force connectors or substitute an unverified supply. Contact Harris Race Radios or AiM if the indication remains unexplained.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an AiM MyChron battery last?

AiM lists up to ten hours for MyChron5 and up to twenty hours for MyChron6. Actual duration depends on battery condition, settings and equipment; neither is a guaranteed full race day.

Can I use any USB-C charger for the MyChron 6?

No blanket recommendation applies. Use the documented USB-A to USB-C route with an AiM-approved adapter and correct cable, or the specified external-power arrangement. Confirm an unfamiliar charger with Harris Race Radios before use.

How should I store my MyChron over winter?

Follow the requirements for the exact AiM battery and device. Ask Harris Race Radios for model-specific advice rather than treating a generic charge percentage or calendar interval as an AiM instruction.

My MyChron battery drains very quickly — what should I do?

Check the approved charging arrangement and compare runtime using the same settings and equipment. Contact Harris Race Radios if it remains abnormal. Stop use and charging if there is swelling, leakage, unusual heat, odour or damage.

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AiM MyChron NZ — Buying Guide & Full Product Range →

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