Batteries not charging (Super Watchdog HAT with UPS Battery Backup for Raspberry Pi)

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davec25

New member
I recently purchased two Super WD HATs. One is able to charge the batteries while the other doesn't. I've tried switching the power sources for each and the problem follows the board. What are you suggestions for diagnosing this?
 
sequent

sequent

Administrator
Staff member
Did you use the same battery for both boards?
When you power the watchdog, if the battery voltage is under 4.2V, the charger should start.
If you connect a meter on the battery, you should see the voltage creeping up.
If this works, then maybe you have a bad battery.
If you make the test and the voltage does not go up, we need to send you a replacement board.
 
D

davec25

New member
I used the same kind of battery for both. GTL EverFire 18650.
The charge light is on
I see the voltage at 3.8
I checked both batteries and they're at 3.8.
One thing I did notice is that it seems that the battery case might be installed backwards and I put the batteries in accordingly.
But now when I try to flip the batteries, I hear a light high pitched sound. (actually, either way I hear a high pitched sound)
 
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sequent

sequent

Administrator
Staff member
If the battery holders are installed the same way on both cards, they are both right or both wrong.
There is a large + sign on the left side of the board.
If you installed the battery backwards according to the + sign, most likely the board is dead.


1.jpg
 
sequent

sequent

Administrator
Staff member
I do not see the + sign reversed. On both boards, keeping the board with the GPIO connector on top, the + sign is on the left. The two boards are both V7.0, from the same lot, identical. What am I missing? Puzzled.
 
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davec25

New member
sequent said:
I do not see the + sign reversed. On both boards, keeping the board with the GPIO connector on top, the + sign is on the left. The two boards are both V7.0, from the same lot, identical. What am I missing? Puzzled.
Click to expand...
I can clearly see the "+" and "-" in the battery case. I don't see why you cannot.
 
sequent

sequent

Administrator
Staff member
The battery case it's an auxiliary piece of hardware which can be mounted either way.
The sign on the PCB silkscreen is MAJOR. Cannot be removed. It's done when the PCB is designed.
Surely this should be dominant. Anybody can remove the battery socket and reverse it.
Changing the polarity of the battery on the PCB requires total redesign.
Can I ask why did you consider the battery sign dominant and you ignored the PCB silkscreen?
 
D

davec25

New member
Shall I ask you why your QA on manufacturing didn't catch this? Does it happen often?

The mistake on the assembly is a manufacturing defect.
 
sequent

sequent

Administrator
Staff member
You have two identical cards, both V7.0, and you install the battery in 2 different positions just to try it.
And you expect the card not to blow. I am amazed.
If we would ship every card from China to the US for Quality Control, we would have to sell this for $200 and nobody would buy it.
We test the card's functionality. That's all we can do.
Just give me your address and I'll send a free card.
 
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