Battery issue



  • @kaotiklabs

    Hi. Have you tried a powered USB port ? That is, a USB port with a transformer connected to it providing direct power. USB 2 or 3. * Ideally without other devices connected to it. * This last point can be important.

    With a transformer and with no other devices connected, you should then get 5 volts which is the recommended power input for the M5Stack. It may be OK with a low power device also connected to the USB like a USB stick, but not a mechanical keyboard with RGB lighting or similar higher power device like a gaming mouse.

    For me, this solution has worked very well with no more flattening of the battery while connected to the USB and loading sketches.



  • @vvs551Battery issue 中说:

    I have the same problem, I think.
    There is absent +5V at the bottom board.
    But, when I press the bottom to main board with a great force, this problem is out.
    As for me, there is a bad contact on the connector between mainboard and bottom.
    And I don't know how to fix it ((

    I have similar obeservations...
    Solved this by a little deflection all header pins on bottom board
    but it looks like it's a base plate female header problem, not bottom male header,
    because when I got battery board then problem back and in this board I also had little move header pins
    something like this: from IIIII to IIIII



  • @JimiT I have also tried with a powered USB port with a transformer. No way.

    Is there any way to read from code if the battery is charging? any GPIO reading?
    I'm trying to press the bottom to main board but don't know if it's working. It doesn't seem to be charging anything.

    I will try to move pins but I'm afraid of breaking something. I have paid 60$ for this core module :( Not cheap and by the moment faulty.



  • @kaotiklabs
    I've tested quite a few units and I haven't had any problem with the base connecting - so I can't comment on that. Looks like reaper7 had some success with that.....

    I haven't seen any code for M5Stack that shows battery charge level - there may be some out there from another device that could be adapted, but that won't help you now.

    So, to step back, M5Stack works connected to the USB port which has a power transformer & no other devices connected to it. After leaving it connected for a few minutes, when you disconnect the M5Stack from USB power the M5 screen shuts off immediately? Is that right? Or does it take some time before it shuts off ?

    If it's off immediately then yes seems the battery is not charging. If it stays on, its charging.



  • Yes, @JimiT. It goes off immediately after being connected for more than 30 minutes. Not charging at all.
    As some of you stated before, must be a pin header problem.



  • @kaotiklabs

    Hi, had no answer earlier.... if the pins don't look bent and if the modules fit together without issue and they are properly pushed together (no great force should be needed), then it's possible the problem might lay elsewhere. The battery itself or it's connection.....

    I just found one of my units - an earlier model [not PSRAM model] - has this issue too. I connected the optional battery module and it works fine with that connected and no USB power connected. If the above is true for you, then my suggested solution is to shell out for the battery module. I know this means more $$$ but if you are to use it regularly you'd probably want it anyway. Is a great addition.

    Have you seen Tom's menu system for the M5....? With the direction this thing is going in, IMO it's worth the pain of the extra $$$. It's getting more powerful by the day. (Will inspect my bottom module when I have a chance....).

    http://forum.m5stack.com/topic/78/m5stack-simple-applications-menu-some-apps



  • I have tried to inspect my bottom module but don't have a tester right now. At first view it seems ok but who knows.

    Yes, it's a promising device. I'm also working on integrating it with my domotic light system and I'm having good results!



  • @kaotiklabs Try to connect the device to the charger and then put the device to sleep mode (the SimpleApplicationMenu example can do that) and wait for one hour. Did it improve the charging ?



  • As per my other post, I too have battery charging issues. My M5Stack will only work consistently with the bottom off. And yes, I tried different USB power sources which I monitored via a USB power meter. All were solid. I will try the SAM sleep mode just for kicks.



  • @kaotiklabs did you test with a battery connected directly to the connector on the main board?



  • @DoNcK I have tried charging while in sleep mode without results.

    @pkourany wich connector do you refer? I will try to test that.



  • @kaotiklabs, I tried charging while sleeping and no go, the battery does not charge and The M5Stack runs seconds before shutting down.

    I have the latest PS-RAM unit and there is a battery connector on the on the motherboard.
    However, I haven't been able to tell which side of the connector is + and which is -.

    0_1519008958068_WIN_20180218_21_50_54_Pro.jpg



  • @bin @pkourany @kaotiklabs

    Hi, off hand I'm not sure which is + and -.

    I believe the connector on that is a JST SH with 1.0 pin pitch with side not top mounting. But you will be doing well to have one of those on hand !! They can be purchased though.



  • The positive pin is on the side of the 2x15 connector, the negative one is on the side of the SD slot.
    I also presumed the size is JST SH and order a battery, but I cannot confirm yet.



  • I have a proto module and will connect a known good 3.7v LiPo to the BATT terminals and try charging and using it. If that dosen't work, I will test battery via JST SH on main board. I have a strong suspicion the charger may not be working.



  • I tested with a battery connected to the VBAT and GND terminals of the proto module. I now realize the issue is with the charger chip:

    • A fully charged battery will boot the unit and it will run for a few seconds and then turn off
    • Without any battery, the M5Stack often will not power up when USB is plugged. I need to press the power button several times to get it to power up. Often, that won't even work. The same applies when powered by battery only or battery + USB power.

    I now believe I have a defective M5Stack unit. How do I go about getting a replacement?



  • @m5stack @bin @pkourany
    Hi, probably depends whether you purchased from a reseller or from M5Stack.



  • Purchased from official store on AliExpress.



  • @pkourany Hi, there is a link on their store page - "Contact Now". Just go to one of the product pages.



  • Done!