No charging on motorcycle

No Charging on Motorcycle

Note: If your CI Pad battery does not drop below 50% during normal operation, charging performance is sufficient and no intervention is required.

Initial Diagnostic Steps

If your CI Pad charges normally via a standard USB cable but does not charge via the pogo-pin cradle or M8 power connector, the issue is typically caused by power delivery from the motorcycle.

Power Source Identification & Behavior

• LED Status: The Carpe Iter power supply is equipped with an integrated LED indicator. A lit green LED indicates the unit is receiving adequate input voltage.
• BLACK Power Source (Voltage-Sensing Switch): Activates (green LED on) only when input voltage exceeds 13.5V (typically when the engine is running). It shuts off automatically when voltage drops below this threshold.
• RED Power Source (Direct / Switched 12V): Requires a minimum of 10V to operate and remains active regardless of motorcycle charging voltage fluctuations.

Voltage & Load Testing

• Idle vs. Rev Voltage: Some motorcycles do not maintain >13.5V at idle. If the green LED on the BLACK power source goes dark at idle but illuminates when engine RPM increases, this is normal operation.
• Measure Voltage Under Load: Always measure battery/circuit voltage while the CI Pad is docked and drawing power. An unloaded circuit may show 12V–13V, but drop significantly under load due to thin wiring, poor grounding, or a weak battery.
• Low Voltage Threshold (RED Source): If the input voltage drops below 10V at idle with the RED power source, the motorcycle's electrical charging system requires mechanical inspection.

Advanced Electrical Troubleshooting

If the power source displays a solid green LED but charging remains intermittent or absent, there may be AC ripple voltage or interference caused by a failing rectifier/regulator or alternator. Have the motorcycle electrical system inspected with an oscilloscope.

Further Support

If you have verified input voltage under load and charging issues persist, please submit a support ticket with details of your voltage measurements.