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Need help?Do you have a question about the alchemy Pi-UpTime UPS 2.0 and is the answer not in the manual?
Lists core capabilities including UPS function, power inputs, and monitoring.
Details USB-C/micro-USB input and 40-pin header output for powering devices.
Explains on-board ADC for voltage and temperature monitoring via I2C.
Provides model number and supported Raspberry Pi models.
Lists compatible Raspberry Pi models and SBCs with 40-pin header definition.
Details input power, adapters, max current, and input operating range.
Covers 5V and 3.3V UPS power output, current limits, and ripple.
Explains battery types, capacity, charging, LEDs, polarity, holder, and safety.
Details monitoring via ADC, I2C addresses, and sensitivity.
Recommends spacers for mounting and describes connection point spacing.
Explains using the shunt for power control or an external switch.
Provides board dimensions, weight, and header pin specifications.
Covers warranty terms, operating conditions, and compliance.
The Pi-UpTime UPS 2.0 is an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) designed for Raspberry Pi and other single-board computers (SBCs) like Odroid, Asus, and Arduino. It provides seamless UPS functionality, preventing reboots when power fails. The device supports 18650 size Li-FePO4, Li-Ion, or Li-Polymer batteries, with battery chemistry selectable via a jumper (J4). Batteries are not included. Users can either install one or two 18650 batteries in the onboard holders or connect an external battery via solder points using JST, terminal blocks, or direct soldering. It's crucial to ensure proper polarity when installing batteries to avoid damage.
Power input for the Pi-UpTime UPS 2.0 is via a USB-C (recommended) or micro-USB connector. Only one connector should be used at a time for power. A 3.5A power supply is recommended for optimal performance, especially when charging batteries and powering connected devices. The UPS output provides 5V at 2.5A (via the 40-pin header or micro-USB out port) and 3.3V at 0.7A (via a terminal block J2), making it suitable for external sensors, IoT devices, and other electronics. The maximum current for the overall system is 2.5A, with charging current limited to 1.2A.
A key feature is the onboard 12-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) which monitors input voltage (Vin), output voltage (Vout), battery voltage, and temperature via I²C. This allows for accurate information on operating conditions. The device supports up to three I²C addresses (0x48, 0x49, 0x4B, with 0x49 as default) to avoid conflicts with other I²C devices. Sample Python code is provided for monitoring system parameters and initiating a shutdown when power fails or battery levels are low. External I²C connections are available via solder points, allowing integration with external sensors or micro-controllers.
The Pi-UpTime UPS 2.0 includes a full Battery Management System (BMS) that handles CC-CV (Constant Current-Constant Voltage) charging. It charges depleted batteries slowly initially to allow them to recover gracefully before initiating the main CC-CV charge. Charging is disabled if the battery temperature is outside the 0°C to 50°C range. The system also features onboard circuitry to prevent overcharging and deep discharging, and it automatically shuts down when battery voltage falls below 2.6V to protect the batteries. A PTC fuse is included to prevent battery current loops.
Users can add an on/off switch to Jumper J3 to turn off all power to the Pi and external power sources, with battery charging continuing even when the switch is off. All LEDs can be turned off by removing a shunt on J5. LED indicators provide status: Green for charging (off when charged), Blue for UPS operational, Red for fault, and Yellow for low input voltage (below 4.8V).
The Pi-UpTime UPS 2.0 has the same dimensions as a Raspberry Pi 4 and can be securely mounted using 20mm spacers for a compact connection. It measures 83mm x 35mm x 70mm (3.3" x 2.2" x 1.4") and weighs approximately 50g without batteries. The board color is black with white text.
Compared to the older Pi-UpTime UPS, version 2.0 offers several improvements:
The device is RoHS 2 compliant, and a CE Compliance certificate is available upon request. A 90-day limited warranty is provided, which is voided by improper use or settings.
General