X1203

X1203 V1.0 Interface Schematic

X1203 battery connection

How to Power X1203

Battery Type

X1203 Front View

X1203 Rear View

X1203+X708-A1

spacer & screw specifications

Safety Instructions & Warnings

• The charging current is set to 2.3-3.2A and charge cut-off voltage is 4.23V. Before connecting your battery to the UPS board, Please carefully confirm the maximum charging current and voltage, exceeding the upper limit of the charging specification that the battery can withstand will not only cause adverse reactions, but may also cause irreversible damage.
• 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.
• Please watch Main Video and Tutorial Video regarding 18650 batteries at: https://www.staysafebattery.com/en/
• Battery Recommend for Geekworm UPS board, please refer to: File:NCR18650B.pdf

Overview

X1203 is an innovative uninterruptible power supply (UPS) expansion board designed specifically for the Raspberry Pi 5B. With its advanced features and robust power backup capabilities, the X1203 is perfect for even the most demanding Raspberry Pi setups.

Model	Compatible with	Position	Battery Holders	How to Charge	Note	Matching Case
X1200	Raspberry Pi 5	Bottom	2-Cell	5Vdc 5A via USB Type-C of X1200	-	X1200-C1
X1201	Raspberry Pi 5	Bottom	2-Cell	5Vdc 5A via USB Type-C of X1201	Ultra-thin	X1201-C1
X1202	Raspberry Pi 5	Bottom	4-Cell	5Vdc 5A via USB Type-C of X1202; or 6-18Vdc, ≥3A via DC 5521 power jack of X1202	-	X1202-C1
X1203	Raspberry Pi 5	Bottom	without battery holder	5Vdc 5A via USB Type-C of X1203; or 6-18Vdc, ≥3A via DC 5521 power jack of X1203	-	-

Reliable Power Backup: The X1203 provides a stable 5.1V 5000mA power backup, ensuring uninterrupted operation of your Raspberry Pi. Whether you are running resource-intensive applications or powering multiple peripherals, the X1203 delivers reliable and consistent power supply.

Enhanced Power Management: One of the standout features of the X1203 is its enhanced power management system. It intelligently monitors the power status of the Raspberry Pi and automatically cuts off power when the Pi is shut down. This helps optimize battery life by entering an ultra-low standby power consumption mode. It ensures efficient operation and maximizes the lifespan of the UPS battery.

Seamless Power Switching: Equipped with AC power loss and power adapter failure detection, the X1203 seamlessly switches to backup power in the event of a power outage or power adapter failure. This feature guarantees that your Raspberry Pi remains operational and protected from unexpected power disruptions.

Convenient Features: The X1203 offers convenient features such as auto power-on, enabling your Raspberry Pi to automatically boot up when power is restored. It also supports full power-off from software, allowing you to safely shut down your Raspberry Pi without manual intervention.

Fast Charging: With fast charging capabilities of up to 3000mA, the X1203 ensures quick recharging of the UPS, making it ready to provide backup power whenever needed.

Flexible charging: You can use either type-c or DC5521 to charge the battery. When using type-c you can use the PD27W power supply that powers the Raspberry Pi 5, when you use the DC5521 you can use a variety of power adapters in the 6-18V range.

Versatile Design: The X1203 is designed to be attached on bottom and don't use the 40-pin header, enabling easy stacking with other Raspberry Pi accessory boards. This versatility allows you to expand the functionality of your Raspberry Pi and create enhanced applications tailored to your specific needs.

Seamless Data Backup: The X1203 is compatible with our range of storage products, providing seamless integration for safe and reliable data backup. Your valuable data remains protected, even in the event of a power failure.

Enhance the reliability and performance of your Raspberry Pi 5B with the X1203 UPS expansion board. Experience peace of mind with its advanced features and robust power backup capabilities. Trust the X1203 to ensure uninterrupted operation and safeguard your valuable data.

Features

For use with	Raspberry Pi 5 Model B
Key Features	UPS Output Provides continuous operation for up to 10 hours (duration depends on battery type and applications) Supports a maximum current output of 5.1V 5000mA, suitable for most Raspberry Pi applications Integrated Advanced Power MOSFET with an equivalent of 7mΩ RDS(ON) to minimize power loss Convenient pogo pin connection for powering the Pi, eliminating the need for cabling and soldering Equipped with XH2.54 connectors for 5V power output Battery Charging Supports fast battery charging with a capacity of 3000mA Battery charging control can be managed via GPIO Provides protection against battery overcurrent and overvoltage Built-in protection against reverse connection of battery cells Integrated Maxim's fuel-gauge systems for reading battery voltage and percentage over i2c On-board LEDs indicate battery charging and discharging levels of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% Features two XH2.54 battery connectors Power Input Integrated high-efficiency step-down DC-DC converter Wide operating input range of 6V to 18V Up to 95% efficiency for optimal power conversion Provides up to 5.5A output current, enabling 3A fast charging while powering the system Allows power input from various sources such as a car, solder panel, and more Common power input jack size of 5.5x2.1mm Compatible with Raspberry Pi USB-C Power Supply Enhanced Power Management Seamless power switching between backup power and power adapter On-board push button performs the same actions as the Pi's power button Automatically cuts off power when the Pi is shut down On-board LED indicates power status and Pi detection AC power loss and power adapter failure detection via GPIO Auto power-on when power is applied or restored Automatic safe shutdown when battery voltage is low (programmable) Ultra-low standby power consumption to maximize battery life Advanced system power-path management to minimize frequent charging and discharging of batteries Miscellaneous Connects to the Pi via convenient pogo pins, eliminating the need for additional cabling Designed to be attached on the bottom, allowing the use of favorite HATs alongside it XH2.54 connector available for adding your own power button
Spec	Power input: 6-18Vdc via DC5521 power jack of X1203 (12Vdc 3A power adapter recommended), OR 5Vdc ±5%, ≥5A via USB-C socket of X1203 UPS output: 5.1V ±5% Max 5A Battery charging current: 2.3-3.2A --IMPORTANT !!-- Please confirm before connecting your battery. Terminal Battery Voltage: 4.23V --IMPORTANT !!-- Please confirm before connecting your battery. Battery Recharge Threshold: 4.1V Battery: 3.7V Lithium Battery --IMPORTANT !!-- Only parallel connection is supported, please check polarity of battery's connector to make sure "+" to "+" and "-" to "-". Ports & Connectors: DC power jack - 5.5x2.1mm to charge Type C socket to charge XH2.54 battery connector x2 5V Power output connector x2 - XH2.54 2-pin External power button connector x1 - XH2.54-2P PCB Size: 85mm x 68mm
Important Notes:	Do not apply power to your Raspberry Pi via the Type-C USB socket. Do not use 18650 battery with built-in protection circuit.

Packing List

• X1203 V1.0 UPS shield x 1
• Screw pack x 1

User Manual

• Dimensions source file (DXF): File:X1203-pcb.dxf - You can view it with Autodesk Viewer online
• Hardware Installation: X1203 Hardware
• How to get x1203 works:X1203 Software

FAQ

Q: Why does the message "This power supply is not capable of supplying 5A" appear??

X120X series UPS shield can provide enough 5A power supply capacity;

Please set as follows:

Open the Teminal window based on Raspberry Pi OS and execute the following command:

sudo rpi-eeprom-config -e

Add PSU_MAX_CURRENT=5000 at the end of the file that reads like this:

Press Ctrl-O, then enter, to write the change to the file.

Press Ctrl-X to exit nano (the editor).

Reboot your Raspberry Pi 5 to make the change take effect.

Note: If you are using other OS like Ubuntu, please flash Raspberry Pi OS first, and then re-flash other OS such as Ubuntu etc after completing the above settings.

Q: How to disable auto power on feature on X1200?

A: When you connect an external power supply, the UPS board will automatically power on the Pi 5 motherboard while it starts charging, this feature is called auto power on, considering that some customers need to disable this feature, so we have also disclosed the following solution to disable it: please use a soldering iron to remove the resistor indicated by the arrow in the illustration.

PS: We don't think you need to remove the resistor to disable 'AUTO ON' function. Since there is an onboard switch, if you don't want AUTO ON, just press the switch to completely cut off the power.

WARNING: Please consider the following risks before removing this resistor:

• Do not operate if you are not a professional user
• The removal operation may damage the MCU, so please be careful with the operation.
• Once you remove this resistor by yourself, you will lose the warranty of this product. We no longer offer any warranty for this product.
• Once you remove this resistor, you can only turn on the power output by pressing the on-board switch.

Q: How to disable auto power on feature on X1201?

A: When you connect an external power supply, the UPS board will automatically power on the Pi 5 motherboard while it starts charging, this feature is called auto power on, considering that some customers need to disable this feature, so we have also disclosed the following solution to disable it: please use a soldering iron to remove the resistor indicated by the arrow in the illustration.

PS: We don't think you need to remove the resistor to disable 'AUTO ON' function. Since there is an onboard switch, if you don't want AUTO ON, just press the switch to completely cut off the power.

WARNING: Please consider the following risks before removing this resistor:

• Do not operate if you are not a professional user
• The removal operation may damage the MCU, so please be careful with the operation.
• Once you remove this resistor by yourself, you will lose the warranty of this product. We no longer offer any warranty for this product.
• Once you remove this resistor, you can only turn on the power output by pressing the on-board switch.

Q: How to disable auto power on feature on X1202?

A: When you connect an external power supply, the UPS board will automatically power on the Pi 5 motherboard while it starts charging, this feature is called auto power on, considering that some customers need to disable this feature, so we have also disclosed the following solution to disable it: please use a soldering iron to remove the resistor indicated by the arrow in the illustration.

PS: We don't think you need to remove the resistor to disable 'AUTO ON' function. Since there is an onboard switch, if you don't want AUTO ON, just press the switch to completely cut off the power.

WARNING: Please consider the following risks before removing this resistor:

• Do not operate if you are not a professional user
• The removal operation may damage the MCU, so please be careful with the operation.
• Once you remove this resistor by yourself, you will lose the warranty of this product. We no longer offer any warranty for this product.
• Once you remove this resistor, you can only turn on the power output by pressing the on-board switch or external power switch.

Q: How to disable auto power on feature on X1203?

A: When you connect an external power supply, the UPS board will automatically power on the Pi 5 motherboard while it starts charging, this feature is called auto power on, considering that some customers need to disable this feature, so we have also disclosed the following solution to disable it: please use a soldering iron to remove the resistor indicated by the arrow in the illustration.

PS: We don't think you need to remove the resistor to disable 'AUTO ON' function. Since there is an onboard switch, if you don't want AUTO ON, just press the switch to completely cut off the power.

WARNING: Please consider the following risks before removing this resistor:

• Do not operate if you are not a professional user
• The removal operation may damage the MCU, so please be careful with the operation.
• Once you remove this resistor by yourself, you will lose the warranty of this product. We no longer offer any warranty for this product.
• Once you remove this resistor, you can only turn on the power output by pressing the on-board switch or external power switch.

Q: Why does the UPS shield continue to output power when PI 5 is turned off via press the on-board button?

A: The UPS shield provides enhanced power management features that intelligently monitor the power status of the Raspberry Pi 5 and automatically cut off power when the Pi is powered off. This helps optimize battery life by entering an ultra-low standby power consumption mode. It ensures efficient operation and maximizes the lifespan of the UPS battery.

To get the above features, check that the following settings are complete

Q: What battery is recommended for this ups shield

A: Please use high quality batteries from Samsung 35E 18650 lithium battery, Panasonic NCR18650B, Toshiba, etc. Do not use the battery with built-in protection circuit because it will limit the discharge current.

For the X1203 shield:

If using a lithium battery, the required voltage is 3.7V;

if using a battery pack, please make sure it is a parallel battery pack.

There are 2 XH2.54-2P battery connectors on board, it is recommended to use the same type of battery.

Q: Run sudo i2cdetect -y 1, can't find I2C address 0x36?

A:

1. Make sure you enable i2c interface, refer to How to enable I2C

2. The UPS connects to the Pi GPIO via pogo pins, If the I2C address (0x36) is not detected, Please clear the leads of pin 3 and pin 5 on the GPIO header from the bottom of the Raspberry Pi PCB and install again, and also check if the pogo pin of ups shield is in close contact with the pad position of PI 5(you can adjust the [pogo pin] position).

There won't be any other problems, it's this poor contact that's causing it.

Q. How do you disable the X1202 auto-shutdown when you use it standalone (not installed on a RPi5)?

A:

Q. X1203 UPS voltage drops / low voltage warning appears?

A:

1.Powering the X1203 via Type C connector with / without the batteries，Pls check if you still have the issue.

2.Please clear the test pad on the Pi's PCB bottom which is used for connecting the X1203 for 5V power delivery.

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Anonymous user #10

16 hours 16 minutes ago

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I can confirm that it will work with a 12 volt outlet in a car. I am typing this comment on my RPI5 8GB with the X1203 while plugged into a 12 volt outlet (13.8 volts). I first tested this on my 12 volt power supply (13.8 volt) that I use to power my 2 meter ham radio. Work Well!

MJ

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Anonymous user #9

one month ago

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Are two 3.7V batteries required to power the full 5A output?

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Lisa

one month ago

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This depends on the battery capacity you use and the load requirements.

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Anonymous user #8

one month ago

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With the 6-20V input on the DC jack, is it safe to operate this directly from vehicle/car power or do you recommend using an external regulator in between? Thanks!

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Lisa

one month ago

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Hello，Sorry, we haven't tested it with the car and can't offer advice.

it is recommended to use a case to protect the board and battery if you use it in a car.

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Anonymous user #5

3 months ago

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how to change the Battery voltage level indicators ?

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Lisa

3 months ago

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Hi,do you mean that you want to change the LEDs(On-board LEDs indicate battery charging and discharging levels of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%)？

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Anonymous user #5

3 months ago

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yes.

I want to adjust the voltage settings for the LED indicator lights so that they correspond to 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of the battery charge. Currently, even though the battery voltage is low, the battery indicator is incorrectly showing a higher charge level.

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Lisa

3 months ago

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Hi,LED lights do not support software settings.There is a learning process for the IC to read the power level, please try to fully charge and then discharge it a few times and it will remember the process.

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Anonymous user #7

3 months ago

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UPS X1203 works really well. All I need is for the batteries to start charging when the power is connected. Turn on/off X1203 only when the button is pressed. For example: your laptop doesn't turn on automatically when you decide to charge its battery.

And I agree that the warranty will be cancelled (as you wrote).

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Anonymous user #7

3 months ago

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How to disable auto power on feature on X1203?

On the X1200 board, the arrow points to a different resistor than on the X1201 and X1202 boards. Which resistor should be removed on the X1203 board?

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Harry

3 months ago

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Since there is an onboard switch, you don't have to disable the AUTO ON function. If you don't want AUTO ON, just press the switch to completely cut off the power.

I really want to delete the description of how to disable the AUTO ON function of the other 3 products.

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Anonymous user #6

3 months ago

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Is the amperage of the 5V out xh 2.54 connectors the same 5A? Also, is this 5A only when connected to power? If it is not 5A when only running off of battery, how many amps will it produce from the 5V out connectors on just battery?

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Harry

3 months ago

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The X1203 can provide a maximum output current of 5A. Please note that it has this capability, and the actual output current depends on your load.

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Anonymous user #5

3 months ago

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Can both battery charging locations, each with an xh2.54-2p connector, on this board be used simultaneously?

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Lisa

3 months ago

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Hello，yes you can use them at the same time, but please use batteries of the same type.

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Anonymous user #5

4 months ago

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I recently purchased two X1203 boards and one X1202 board for testing purposes. I'm encountering an issue with the X1203 boards - neither of them is being recognized via I2C. However, the X1202 board I bought is working fine and is detected without any problems.

I've double-checked the connections and tried cleaning the GPIO pins, but the X1203 boards still aren't showing up when I run i2cdetect.

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Lisa

4 months ago

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Hello,please refer to FAQ[Run sudo i2cdetect -y 1, can't find I2C address 0x36?]; Please check the [pogo pin]，you can adjust the [pogo pin] position.

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Anonymous user #5

4 months ago

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Pogo pin position modification fixed the issue. Thanks.

Can you create and distribute a script that automatically shuts down when the power is low, similar to the x708 board?

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Harry

4 months ago

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bat.py is the example you want

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Anonymous user #4

5 months ago

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Is it possible to modify the maximum charge voltage? For safety and longevity of the cells I would like them charged no higher than 3.75v - Is it possible for the user to make this change?

Is it also possible to modify the minimum voltage before automatic shutdown is triggered?

Is it possible to modify the maximum charge current?

Control over all of these settings would not only allow for safer operation and longer battery lifespan but would also allow for the use of LiFePO4 cells which are considerably safer and a better fit for a UPS application.

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Lisa

5 months ago

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Hi,The charging voltage and current cannot be modified.

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Anonymous user #3

5 months ago

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Is the 1203 board compatible with the X708-A1 8-cell 18650 Battery Holder?

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Lisa

5 months ago

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Hi，X1203 compatible with X708-A1 battery holder. But it is not possible to install the X708-A1 under the X1203 because there are no mounting holes on the x1203 board.

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Lisa

3 months ago

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X1203+X708-A1 can be used together，and we have updated the installation pictures of X1203+X708-A1.

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Anonymous user #2

5 months ago

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The spec sheet for the recommended Panasonic batteries NCR18650B says max charging voltage is 4.20v, however the specs here state that the Terminal Battery Voltage = 4.23V. Shouldn't the 1203 cut off charging at 4.20V?

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Lisa

5 months ago

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Hi,Battery Recharge Threshold: 4.1V

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Anonymous user #1

6 months ago

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What flat li-po battery would you recommend (Except 18650)? Does the max li-po have to 3000mah? Is a 3000mah 3.7v lipo good enough?

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Lisa

6 months ago

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There is no limit on the battery capacity, it depends on the voltage, the required voltage is 3.7V

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