MakerHawk Raspberry Pi UPS Power Supply User Manual

1. Product Overview and Features

The MakerHawk Raspberry Pi UPS Power Supply is designed to provide uninterruptible power to your Raspberry Pi 4B, 3B+, or 3B. This expansion board integrates power management, battery charging, and multiple protection features to ensure stable operation of your Raspberry Pi, even during power fluctuations or when operating in mobile environments. It supports 18650 batteries (not included) and offers convenient power output options.

Key Features:

• Intelligent power path management with side-loading support.
• Load high current line compensation function.
• Extended Type-C and two USB-A port power outputs.
• Tap to boot, long press to shut down functionality.
• Support for charge and discharge power display via LED indicators.
• Synchronous switch charge and discharge.
• Replaceable 18650 battery solution (batteries not included).
• Low power consumption design.
• Multiple protection mechanisms for high reliability.

Figure 1: MakerHawk UPS HAT connected to Raspberry Pi, highlighting key components.

2. Package Contents

Please verify that all items listed below are included in your package. If any components are missing or damaged, please contact customer support.

• 1x UPS for Raspberry Pi 4B / 3B+ / 3B
• 4x M2.5* Copper Sticks
• 4x M2.5 Screws
• 4x M2.5* Long Copper Sticks
• 4x M2.5 Nuts
• 1x Acrylic Shield
• 1x Instructions Manual (this document)

Figure 2: Included components in the package.

3. Setup and Installation

Follow these steps carefully to install the UPS HAT onto your Raspberry Pi. Ensure the Raspberry Pi is powered off before beginning installation.

1. Insert 18650 Batteries: Carefully insert the 18650 batteries into the battery holder on the UPS board. Ensure correct polarity as indicated on the board (+ and - symbols). Warning: Reversing battery polarity will directly burn the power management chip of the device.
2. Attach Acrylic Shield: Fix the acrylic shield to the back of the UPS board using the M2.5* copper sticks and M2.5 screws. This provides insulation and protection.
3. Mount UPS to Raspberry Pi: Use the 4 short M2.5 copper sticks to fix the UPS board to your Raspberry Pi.
4. Secure Connection: Secure the Raspberry Pi and UPS together using the M2.5 nuts. Ensure that the pogo pins are properly aligned and making contact with the Raspberry Pi's GPIO pins.

Figure 3: Step-by-step installation guide.

Figure 4: UPS HAT with batteries installed and connected to Raspberry Pi.

4. Operation

Once installed, the UPS provides continuous power to your Raspberry Pi. It can be powered via its charging port (Micro USB) or the Type-C output port. The system supports simultaneous charging and discharging.

• Power On: Tap the power button to turn on the UPS and power the Raspberry Pi.
• Power Off: Long press the power button to shut down the UPS.
• Charging: Connect a 5V power adapter to the Micro USB charging port on the UPS board. The LED indicators will show charging status and remaining battery power.
• Power Output: The UPS provides power to the Raspberry Pi via the GPIO pins. Additionally, it offers two USB-A output ports and one Type-C output port for powering other devices or the Raspberry Pi itself.

5. LED Power Display

The UPS features LED indicators to quickly display the remaining battery power. This allows you to monitor the power status at a glance.

Figure 5: LED power display interpretation.

6. Safety and Protection

The MakerHawk UPS is equipped with multiple protection features to ensure safe and reliable operation of your Raspberry Pi and the UPS itself.

• Output Protection: Includes overcurrent, overvoltage, and short circuit protection for the power output.
• Input Protection: Features input overvoltage, overcharge, overdischarge, and overcurrent discharge protection for the battery and charging circuit.
• Thermal Protection: Built-in machine over-temperature protection to prevent overheating.

Figure 6: MakerHawk UPS board highlighting safety features.

7. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your MakerHawk UPS, please refer to the following common troubleshooting tips:

• Device Not Powering On:
  • Ensure batteries are inserted with correct polarity. Incorrect insertion can damage the device.
  • Verify that the batteries are charged. Connect the UPS to a power source and check LED indicators.
  • Confirm that the pogo pins are properly aligned and making contact with the Raspberry Pi's GPIO pins.
• Charging Issues:
  • Ensure the Micro USB charging cable and power adapter are functional and providing sufficient 5V power.
  • Check if the charging LED indicators are behaving as expected (refer to Section 5).
• Unexpected Shutdowns:
  • This may indicate low battery power. Recharge the batteries.
  • Ensure the Raspberry Pi's power consumption does not exceed the UPS's output capabilities, especially under heavy load.
• LED Indicators Inaccurate:
  • While the LEDs provide a general indication, precise battery monitoring may require external tools or software if available for your Raspberry Pi setup.

For further assistance, please refer to the support information in Section 9.

8. Specifications

Figure 7: Top and bottom view of the UPS board.

9. Warranty and Support

MakerHawk is committed to customer satisfaction. If you have any questions, concerns, or require technical assistance with your UPS Power Supply, please do not hesitate to contact us.

• Customer Support: For any inquiries, please contact MakerHawk-US directly through the platform where you purchased the product. Look for the "Ask a question" option on the seller's page.
• Warranty: We offer a 100% Satisfaction Warranty. If you are unsatisfied with our product for any reason, please contact support for exchange or refund.