1. Product Overview
The Geekworm X306 is a single-cell 18650 UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) shield specifically designed for the Raspberry Pi Zero 2W. It provides reliable power backup and advanced power management features for your Raspberry Pi projects.
Recent Updates:
- X306 V1.5 (Updated Sep 18th, 2025): Features an improved 18650 battery holder for easier battery installation and removal, offering enhanced robustness.
- X306 V1.3 (Updated May 28th, 2024): This version is only compatible with Raspberry Pi Zero 2W. It removed 3 standard USB-A 2.0 ports and the 4-pin header for external power switch and always-on power option.
2. Safety Instructions & Warnings
It is essential to read and understand these safety instructions and warnings before charging your batteries.
- Lithium Polymer and Li-ion batteries are volatile. Failure to read and follow the instructions below may result in fire, personal injury, and damage to property if charged or used improperly.
- Never make a wrong polarity connection when charging or discharging battery packs. Always double-check the polarity of the battery's connector to ensure that "+" is connected to "+" and "-" is connected to "-".
- Do not mix and use old batteries with new batteries, or batteries with different brand names.
- Lithium batteries have a limited cycle life. Please replace old batteries with new ones when they reach their service life or when they are two years old, whichever comes first.
- When charging the Battery Pack, please place the battery in a fireproof container.
- Do not leave the UPS shield on wood material or carpet unattended.
- Keep the UPS shield away from children to ensure their safety.
- Ensure your fingers do not touch the solder pads when inserting the battery into the battery holder, as this could cause a short circuit!
- Make sure to insert the battery before turning on the UPS.
- Do not use 18650 battery with built-in protection circuit.
3. Features
- Ideal Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) solution for Raspberry Pi Zero 2W.
- Max 5.1V 4000mA Power Backup for even the most demanding Raspberry Pi setups.
- 18650 single cell battery holder.
- Up to 1000mA charging current.
- Integrated battery reverse polarity protection circuit.
- Integrated over current protection and over voltage protection.
- Intelligent automatic charging and discharging.
- 4 blue LEDs indicate battery charging and discharging levels of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%.
- Red & green LEDs show the status of power on/off and charging status.
- On-board push button to control power on/off (Press-ON, Hold the button pressed at least 3s for OFF).
- Ultra-low standby power consumption of μA to maximize battery life.
- Integrated IN-to-SYS pass-through path to pass the input voltage to the system.
- Advanced system power path management avoids frequent charging and extends battery life.
- Connects to the Raspberry Pi via Pogo Pins - no wiring & soldering required.
4. Specifications
Electrical Specifications:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Input Supply Voltage | 5.1Vdc +/-5% |
| Input Supply Current | ≥3A |
| Charging Current | 900~1050mA |
| Trickle Charge Current | 130~140mA |
| Predetermined Charge Voltage | 4.2V +/-1.5% |
| Output Voltage | 5.1V +/-5% |
| Max Output Current | 4000mA |
Physical Specifications:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 12 cm |
| Width | 8 cm |
| Height | 3 cm |
| Weight | 0.08 kg |
5. Setup & Installation
This section provides detailed instructions for assembling your X306 UPS Shield with a Raspberry Pi Zero 2W and, optionally, the X306-C1 case and C296 heatsink.
5.1 X306 Board Assembly
- Mount Raspberry Pi Zero 2W: Place the Raspberry Pi Zero 2W onto the X306 board, ensuring the pogo pins align correctly.
- Secure the Pi: Fix the Raspberry Pi Zero 2W to the X306 board using four CM2.5x5mm screws.
- Install 18650 Battery: Insert a 3.7V 18650 battery into the battery holder. Crucially, ensure correct polarity: match the '+' on the battery to the '+' on the holder, and '-' to '-'.
5.2 Optional C296 Heatsink Installation
If you have the C296 heatsink, you can install it for improved thermal management:
- After mounting the Raspberry Pi Zero 2W to the X306 board, place the C296 heatsink on top of the Raspberry Pi Zero 2W.
- Secure the heatsink using four PM2.5x8mm screws. These screws typically come with the C296 heatsink.
5.3 X306-C1 Case Assembly
The X306-C1 metal case is compatible with X306 V1.3 and V1.5 versions only. It does not support X306 V1.1.
- Remove Battery: Before installing into the case, remove the 18650 battery from the X306 board.
- Replace Screws: Replace the 4pcs CM2.5x5mm screws (used to fix the Pi to the X306) with 4pcs KM2.5x5mm screws (which come with the X306-C1 accessories).
- Add Spacers: Fix 4pcs M2.5x6+3mm spacers onto the bottom of the X306 board.
- Insert into Case: Push the assembled X306 kit (with Raspberry Pi Zero 2W) into the X306-C1 case, aligning it with the bottom mounting holes.
- Secure Bottom: Fix the kit to the bottom of the case using 4pcs KM2.5x5mm screws.
- Attach Top Cover: Place the top cover of the X306-C1 case and fix it with 4pcs KM2.5x5mm screws.
- Apply Rubber Pads: Stick the 4pcs rubber pads to the bottom of the X306-C1 case.
- Re-install Battery: Re-insert the 18650 battery, ensuring correct polarity.
5.4 Installation Video Guide
6. Operation
6.1 Power Input
The X306 UPS Shield requires a power input of 5.1Vdc +/-5% and ≥3A. Power should be supplied via the USB-C port on the X306 board itself, NOT through the Raspberry Pi Zero 2W's power input.
6.2 Power Button
The X306 features an on-board push button for power control:
- Press: Turns the device ON.
- Hold (at least 3 seconds): Turns the device OFF.
6.3 LED Indicators
- Blue LEDs (4): Indicate the battery charging and discharging levels (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%).
- Red & Green LEDs: Show the status of power (on/off) and charging status.
7. Maintenance
- Battery Replacement: Lithium batteries have a limited cycle life. Replace old batteries when they reach their service life or after two years, whichever comes first, to ensure optimal performance and safety.
- Cleaning: Keep the board and case free from dust and debris. Use a soft, dry cloth for cleaning.
- Storage: If storing the device for an extended period, ensure the battery is partially charged (around 50%) and stored in a cool, dry place.
- Safety: Always handle the device with care. Keep it away from liquids, extreme temperatures, and direct sunlight.
8. Troubleshooting
- Device Not Powering On:
- Check if the 18650 battery is correctly installed with the right polarity.
- Ensure the battery is charged. Check the blue LED indicators.
- Verify that the power input to the X306 USB-C port meets the 5.1Vdc, ≥3A requirement. - Battery Not Charging:
- Confirm the power input is connected to the X306 USB-C port and meets specifications.
- Check the charging status LEDs.
- Ensure the 18650 battery is not faulty or at the end of its life cycle. - WiFi Signal Attenuation (with X306-C1 metal case):
- The metal case can cause some WiFi signal attenuation. The farther the device is from the router, the greater the attenuation.
- Consider relocating the device closer to the WiFi source or using an external WiFi antenna if possible with your Raspberry Pi Zero 2W setup. - Short Circuit During Battery Installation:
- Always ensure your fingers do not touch the solder pads when inserting the battery to prevent accidental short circuits. - Incorrect Battery Type:
- Do not use 18650 batteries with a built-in protection circuit, as this can interfere with the UPS shield's internal protection mechanisms.
9. User Tips
- UPS Functionality: The X306 UPS Shield is designed to provide continuous power. When main power is cut, it will seamlessly switch to battery power. Depending on your Raspberry Pi configuration, it can be set up to safely shut down the Pi when battery power is low and power it up again when main power is restored, without user intervention.
- Compatibility: This UPS Shield is specifically designed for the Raspberry Pi Zero 2W. It is not compatible with other Raspberry Pi models or Orange Pi Zero 2W.
- Battery Polarity: Always double-check the battery polarity (+ to + and - to -) during installation to prevent damage to the device and battery.
- Power Button Usage: A quick press turns the device ON. To turn it OFF, hold the power button for at least 3 seconds.
10. Warranty & Support
For further technical support, detailed documentation, or warranty information, please refer to the official Geekworm Wiki page for the X306 UPS Shield:
https://wiki.geekworm.com/X306
You may also find additional resources and community support through the Geekworm official channels.
