uConsole Charging Issue with Motherboard Noise

uConsole
1

Normally, when my uConsole is powered on, the screen may flicker momentarily when connecting an external Type-C power supply (Raspberry Pi 5 official adapter), but overall functionality remains normal.

Yesterday, I connected a MacBook Pro 2018 Type-C power supply to the uConsole and encountered a black screen and system crash. After restarting, I found that the Type-C charging function had failed, and there was noticeable electrical noise coming from the motherboard. I then conducted a series of tests and observed the following issues.
(The power adapter used is the official Raspberry Pi 5 adapter, and the recording device is a Sony PCM-M10.)

Without a battery, using Type-C for power supply:

  • When booting, the motherboard continuously emits a high-pitched “squealing” sound (confirmed not from the speaker).

  • After shutdown, the motherboard continuously emits a medium-pitched “beeping” sound, which stops immediately upon disconnecting the power.

With battery power:

  • The motherboard operates with relatively little noise during boot.

  • When an external Type-C power supply is connected, the charging indicator does not light up, and no charging occurs.

  • With an external Type-C power supply connected, removing the battery causes the system to shut down.

If booted with Type-C power first, then installing the battery:

  • The battery charging indicator lights up, and the system indicates that charging is in progress.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBp_mfOfe78

2

the uconsole type C does not use usb power delivery, it needs 5v, the macbook charger likely doesn’t provide that much current on 5v since that’s not it’s intended use case. Some part likely overloaded.

4

Macbookpro adapte Output

20.2V 4.3A (USB PD)-or/或 9V 3A(USBPD)or/或 5.2V 2.4A

Raspberry Pi 5 official adapter Output :

5.1V 5.0A

9.0V 3.0A

12.0V 2.25A

15.0V 1.8A

5

something on the uConsole board might have died. i have used normal USB-C with PD to charge my uconsole and everything is fine. PD is supposed to only send > 5V is it is negotiated for. by default, it would send 5V for a start. the MacBookPro power adapter would also do the same. i suggest you reaching out to Clockwork. but from the whining on the motherboard, it seems like something might have broken down.

6

Alright, thank you. I’ve already contacted the official customer service.

7

also make sure your battery board contacts are fully mounted into the motherboard

8

The battery contacts are confirmed to be securely installed. I have disassembled all components and reinstalled them, but the issue persists. During this process, I found that without installing the CM5 core, there is no current noise when powering on, but in this case, battery charging cannot be enabled either.

I tried a fresh system installation, and the problem remains. (The device can boot using battery power alone or with Type-C power alone. However, it seems Type-C cannot charge the battery.)

9

I have a similar issue, I am also using a CM5.

Once I get down to ~50% battery, The squealing is pretty overwhelming.

How ever, my biggest problem is that even after doing the battery calibration I cannot get the uConsole to boot once it has shut down.

The lights on the battery board are lit, as is the power button (It is bright after the 2 second press, but dim otherwise.

The squealing reminds me of my ex Mother in-law….. So like her daughter… it needs to go too.