USB charging for the Taranis Xlite: FullSpeed X-Charger Board install tutorial

With USB charging I will never be taking those funny batteries out again

The X-lite has been a very popular controller ever since launch (you can see why in my review here). For me there were two key shortcomings:

1. It used a proprietary docking port meaning you couldn't fit the crossfire module. This is since been solved with a simple adapter that I reviewed
2. There was no onboard charger to charge the unique 18500 sized batteries.

In order to solve the charging issue FullspeedRC (yes the same ones that launched the Leader series of micro quads) have released a simple board that allows the batteries to be balance charge using the existing USB port. It can be bought for around $10 at the following retailers:
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• Xlite Charging Module @ FullspeedRC.com
• Xlite Charging Module @ Banggood
• Xlite Charging Module @ Gearbest

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Please note this is not a beginner install but if you can solder a FPV cam and vtx to a flight controller you can probably do this. I've put in a LOT of photos and steps in below to make it as straightforward as possible since Fullspeed's manual is accurate but overly short. As usual click any image below to embiggen.

Tools I recommend for this job:

• Small Phillips screwdriver e.g. something like this
• Good soldering iron with small tip. Strongly recommend the TS100
• Side cutters. I have been using these cheap Daniu ones for about a year now
• Hot glue gun. This is optional to insulated new solder joints and provide a stronger fix for the antenna UFL connection. I've been using this one for about 6 months.

1. Remove the rubber caps on the far left and right on the back of the controller. Also remove the battery holders and SDCard

2. Remove the small philips head screw left...

3. ...and right

4. GENTLY pry open the case. Use a plastic electronics opener like this one if you have it. The only clips on the case are these ones on each side.

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