The PiJuice is a versatile power management solution designed to make the Raspberry Pi self-powered and portable, offering a range of features for both hobbyists and advanced users. It functions as an Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) for the Raspberry Pi, ensuring continuous operation even when external power is lost, and provides robust power management capabilities.
Function Description:
The core function of the PiJuice is to provide reliable and portable power to the Raspberry Pi. It integrates a Real Time Clock (RTC) to keep accurate time, even when the Raspberry Pi is powered off, and offers a full UPS solution to prevent data loss or system corruption during power interruptions. The device includes an intelligent ON/OFF switch for convenient control and a comprehensive power management API that allows the Raspberry Pi OS to monitor battery levels and initiate automatic shutdowns when the battery is low. For ease of use, it features an on-board EEPROM for plug-and-play operation, simplifying setup and configuration. Additionally, the PiJuice includes a programmable multi-colored RGB LED, which can be used to indicate various system states or for custom project feedback.
Important Technical Specifications:
While specific technical specifications like battery capacity or input/output voltages are not explicitly detailed in the provided pages, the manual highlights several key features that imply its technical capabilities:
- Integrated RTC (Real Time Clock): Ensures accurate timekeeping.
- Full UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) solution: Provides continuous power.
- On-board intelligent ON/OFF switch: For power control.
- Full power management API: Allows software control over power functions, including auto shutdown.
- On-board EEPROM: Facilitates plug-and-play operation.
- Programmable multi-colored RGB LED: For visual feedback.
- LiPo battery: The device contains a LiPo battery, which requires careful handling and charging within the PiJuice itself.
- Compatibility: Designed for use with Raspberry Pi.
- Certifications: Bears CE, FC, and RoHS certifications, indicating compliance with European, Federal Communications Commission, and Restriction of Hazardous Substances directives, respectively. It also has a "Pb lead-free" mark.
Usage Features:
The PiJuice is designed for ease of use, emphasizing a "plug and play" experience.
- Simple Setup: The user guide outlines a straightforward five-step process to get started:
- Unpack the PiJuice board with battery, the guide, mounting posts, and screws.
- Prepare the Raspberry Pi and SD card by downloading the PiJuice software from
pisupp.ly/pijuice.
- With the Raspberry Pi turned off, attach the PiJuice to the board and secure it with screws.
- Switch on the PiJuice to begin using it with the Raspberry Pi.
- Explore additional projects and resources at the Pi Supply Maker Zone (
pisupp.ly/make).
- Project Versatility: The PiJuice enables a wide array of projects, transforming the Raspberry Pi into a portable device for various applications. Examples provided include:
- Remote Camera Systems (
pisupp.ly/remote-camera)
- Weather Station (
pisupp.ly/weather-station)
- Compact Robot (
pisupp.ly/robot)
- Portable Pocket Pi (
pisupp.ly/pocket-pi)
- DIY Portable Games Console (
pisupp.ly/games-console)
- Point and Shoot Camera (
pisupp.ly/compact-camera)
- Community Engagement: Users are encouraged to submit their own project ideas and find community-made projects using the hashtag #PiJuiceProjects, fostering a collaborative environment for innovation.
- Support: For assistance, users can reach out to Pi Supply on Twitter via @PiSupply.
Maintenance Features (and important warnings):
The manual provides crucial guidelines for maintaining the PiJuice and ensuring its longevity and safe operation:
- Environmental Conditions:
- Do not expose to water or moisture.
- Do not expose to heat; it is designed for reliable operation at room temperature.
- Avoid using in areas of high temperature or humidity.
- Do not use around flammable gas.
- Do not place on uneven or unstable surfaces.
- Handling:
- Handle carefully to avoid damaging printed circuit boards and components.
- Avoid handling while powered to minimize the risk of electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage.
- Do not hit, shake, or drop the device to prevent damage and injury.
- Do not put pressure on the device, as it may damage the battery or device itself.
- Do not touch the connection port, as static electricity may harm components.
- Cleaning: Do not use alcohol or harsh chemicals to clean the device. If it comes into contact with moisture or dust, turn it off and clean immediately.
- Battery Safety (LiPo):
- The PiJuice contains a dangerous LiPo battery that can cause fires or explosions if used or charged incorrectly.
- Only charge the battery within the PiJuice.
- Do not leave the battery in direct sunlight or expose to excessive heat.
- If any damage, bulging, fluid leakage, or other signs of battery malfunction are observed, discontinue use immediately and contact a local battery disposal outlet.
- Personal injury or product damage from removing the lithium battery cover is explicitly warned against. Working with Lithium polymer cells should only be done by a trained engineer, which is why the battery pack is provided fully assembled and protected.
- Add-ons: All add-ons used with PiJuice must comply with relevant standards for the country of use and be marked accordingly to ensure safety and performance.
- Warranty: The device comes with a 1-year manufacturer's warranty covering manufacturing defects only, not accidental damage or misuse.
- Contact for Doubts: If there is any doubt about the information or device operation, users are advised to cease using PiJuice immediately and contact sales@pi-supply.com.
The PiJuice is presented as a robust and user-friendly solution for making Raspberry Pi projects portable and reliable, backed by clear usage instructions and important safety and maintenance guidelines.
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