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Updated 2026-10-27

SunFounder GalaxyRVR: the battery runs out very fast

Researched by Riley Hart · based on SunFounder GalaxyRVR build guide and docs · we may earn a commission

Short answer

The battery was not fully charged, or a loose power connection keeps cutting in and out. Start with this: Charge fully for about 2 hours before driving.

Why it happens

The battery was not fully charged, or a loose power connection keeps cutting in and out.

How to fix it

  1. Charge fully for about 2 hours before driving.
  2. Check the battery plug and the shield are firmly seated.
  3. About 90 minutes of driving per charge is normal.

Check the step it comes from

SunFounder GalaxyRVR step 44: Charge it fully
Step 44 of 49

Charge it fully

Plug in the USB-C cable (a 5V 2A phone charger works). A full charge takes about 2 hours.

Check: A red charge light is on. The orange battery lights blink.

Common mistake: Using a fast laptop charger. A plain 5V 2A phone charger is safest.

See this step in the full build guide

Still stuck?

Show the AI coach a photo

Open step 44 in the free build tool, tap Stuck and take a photo. The coach checks it against that exact step and tells you what to change. 3 free questions per kit.

Open step 44 →

Other GalaxyRVR problems

No camera picture in the appThe ESP32 CAM is in its adapter the wrong way, its ribbon is loose, or the camera is not getting power.The GalaxyRVR Wi-Fi does not show upThe rover is in upload mode, the battery is flat, or the camera board is not powered. The camera board makes the Wi-Fi.The app keeps disconnectingYour phone leaves the rover's Wi-Fi because it has no internet, or another network on the same channel interferes.The app sees the Wi-Fi but will not connectCustom code uploaded to the board replaced the rover's own program, or the camera board firmware is old.A wheel spins the wrong wayTwo motor plugs are swapped.One wheel does not turnIts plug is not fully in, or its wire got caught and snapped.

All 12 GalaxyRVR problems and fixes · The full build guide

SunFounder GalaxyRVR Mars Rover Kit$129.99 at SunFounder. Every part and tool in one box.
See it at SunFounder store

Sources

Drawings by robotsforthat. SunFounder GalaxyRVR is a trademark of SunFounder. We are not affiliated with SunFounder.