
PRODUCT DETAILS
Extension Board
› HARDWARE OVERVIEW
- The X1201 delivers a stable 5.1V at 5A output via two 18650 lithium batteries, ensuring continuous operation during power cuts—vital for robotics where a sudden shutdown could disrupt navigation, sensor data, or motor control. It’s built to power the Pi 5 and peripherals like servos or cameras, common in robotic setups.
- Unlike the X1200 (which stacks batteries vertically), the X1201 places its two 18650 holders horizontally beside the Pi 5, bottom-mounted via pogo pins. This “thinnest effect” design is a big draw for “compact power for robotics”—think flat rovers or wall-mounted bots where height is a constraint. It also leaves GPIO free for HAT stacking (e.g., motor drivers), enhancing versatility.
- It offers auto power-on after outages, safe software shutdown, and ultra-low standby mode when the Pi powers off—critical for robotics in remote or mobile scenarios where battery life and reliability matter. It detects power loss or adapter failure, switching seamlessly to battery backup.
- With 5A capacity, it supports the Pi 5 (~1-1.5A) plus robotics extras (e.g., 2-3A for motors), and its 3A fast-charging via USB-C minimizes downtime—handy for iterative testing or fieldwork. Runtime could hit 6-8 hours with quality 3400mAh 18650s (not included).
- offering a tailored UPS solution for space-tight, power-sensitive projects—less bulky than four-cell options like the X1202, yet robust enough for small-to-medium robotic builds.
› APPLICATIONS
This UPS board is ideal for high-reliability Raspberry Pi projects, including remote sensor stations, outdoor robotics, and IoT devices that require constant power. Its auto power-on feature ensures that projects like weather stations or wildlife monitoring cameras can continue running without manual intervention after a power loss. The board's compatibility with 18650 batteries offers a customizable approach to power management, allowing users to select batteries based on capacity requirements. Enthusiasts can explore projects that demand higher uptime or are located in environments where power is inconsistent. It also opens the door for portable Raspberry Pi applications, such as mobile computing platforms or drones, where power efficiency and reliability are critical.
› DOCUMENTATION
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