Thought I would put this story here in case someone else has the same issue. I dropped my mini motion one time to many (in the car park onto bitumen). Still turned on, all lights / wifi / web page all working but didnt record any sessions. The first time I thought it was operator error, but after three times I new there was something wrong.
I then noticed it rattled when I shook it - so I figured that was the end of that. As I couldnt get a replacement I thought I would have a look at what had come loose.
First attempt I opened it on the "seam" that was apprarent on the edge. That got me access to the wireless charging coil and back of the battery. I could see that it was all covered in black epoxy and as the battery was there I figured it was a bit too dangerous to poke around inside.
So I then got a hack saw and cut the "other" side off (the top side).
Inside I found this
It had come loose from where it was glued onto the back of the circuit board and of course the one connection was now not connected. Googling that device told me it was the GPS Antenna (which made sense) - so I put it back in place and put a drop of solder where it was needed (bit of overheating probably but wanted to make sure it was going to connect).
When I tested that it was now logging, but as I hadnt glued it in when soldering I decided to now put a bit of super glue "around" it. I then used some silicon I had handy (bathroom white) to glue the bottom and top back on. I put a large blob on top of the antenna so it is hopefully held in place between the lid and the circuit board as well. Used silicon in case I have to open it up again.
I now use it inside a Gopro camera case I happen to have (bought as part of the make your own GPS project I never finished) and it has been working perfectly.
I am actually even more impressed with the Mini Motion design now - one button, one light and all the features I need!
After the repair - maybe would have been worth buying some black silicon.
And a track recorded by it ! I did wonder if Silicon might interfere with the reception but doesn't seem to
Congratulations ! As far as I know you are the only one that cut open a mini motion. My Motion with screen is dead, I might open it and post some pictures when I have time
HI, well done on the repair. I've done a first repair to one of ours in a similar fashion to you. That is cutting it open. My conclusion is that it would be possible to repair in a more "professional" way. I will be doing another repair in the New Year and can report how it goes. Currently as a newbie I cannot post pictures or links, so contact me for further info if desired. Nick Weymouth Speed Week
To be clear this is only a fix for the earlier Motion mini which have the strap passing through the case and have stopped logging and rattle, indicating the antenna has detached. My plan for future repairs is to drill a hole in the case top above the solder pad and make a repair through the hole. Tip the unit on to its edge so that the top faces you and the button faces your right and tap to ensure the loose antenna moves to the bottom and out of harms way. Then using a pillar drill or perhaps a dremel grinder bore a hole of about 6mm diameter on the top case 11m from the lower side and 27mm from the button edge (now with the button on the LHS when viewing the top). There is 3 mm clearance before the drill impacts the circuit board, so select a non pointy drill and ensure it doesn't grab and pull through suddenly - hence the pillar drill. Then the fun bit - wiggle the unit until the antenna aligns with the solder pad and carefully solder in place through the hole. When connected pour just enough resin or adhesive around the antenna to stick it in place as well. Then seal the hole with epoxy adhesive or possibly silicone. Good luck!
