Battery Management

MuleCube includes a built-in UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) that provides 10-15 hours of battery runtime. This guide covers charging, monitoring, and maximizing battery life.

Battery Specifications

Understanding Battery Status

Dashboard Indicators

The stats bar shows real-time battery status:

Battery States

Charging (charging)

• USB-C power connected
• Battery level increasing
• Safe to use indefinitely

Full (- 100%)

• Battery fully charged
• Float charging (trickle charge to maintain)
• Optimal for stationary use

Discharging (battery)

• Running on battery
• Battery level decreasing
• Check remaining time estimate

Low Battery (- < 20%)

• Yellow warning on dashboard
• Consider connecting power
• Reduce intensive tasks

Critical (- < 10%)

• Red warning on dashboard
• Connect power immediately
• Auto-shutdown at 5% to protect data

Charging Best Practices

Initial Charge

When you first receive your MuleCube:

1. Connect the included USB-C power adapter
2. Let it charge fully to 100% (3-4 hours)
3. This calibrates the battery gauge

Daily Use

For best battery longevity:

• Keep between 20-80% when possible
• Avoid deep discharges (below 10%)
• Don’t leave at 100% for weeks at a time
• Charge at room temperature (15-25°C ideal)

Optimal Storage

If storing MuleCube for extended periods:

1. Charge to approximately 50-60%
2. Power off completely
3. Store in cool, dry place
4. Recharge every 3 months to prevent over-discharge

Maximizing Runtime

Typical Usage Patterns

Power Saving Tips

Reduce AI Usage

• AI models are the biggest power consumers
• Use Phi-3 (smaller model) for simple tasks
• Batch your AI queries rather than continuous use

Limit Simultaneous Users

• Each connected device adds load
• Fewer users = longer runtime

Stop Unused Services

• Use Dockge to stop services you’re not using
• Jellyfin, LibreTranslate use significant resources

Reduce Screen Brightness (on connected devices)

• Your phone/laptop screen affects your battery, not MuleCube
• But fewer requests = less MuleCube processing

Service Power Consumption

Hot-Swapping Batteries

MuleCube supports hot-swapping battery cells for unlimited runtime in the field.

Requirements

• Spare Samsung 18650 cells (or equivalent)
• Cells should be pre-charged
• Swap one cell at a time

Swap Procedure

Note: Warning: Only swap batteries if your MuleCube model supports hot-swap. Check your specific hardware configuration.

1. Check current status

   • Ensure at least 3 cells remain above 20%
   • Don’t swap if only one cell is healthy

2. Remove depleted cell

   • Open the battery compartment
   • Identify the depleted cell (if marked)
   • Gently remove it

3. Insert fresh cell

   • Observe correct polarity (+/-)
   • Slide in the fresh cell
   • Close compartment

4. Verify

   • Check dashboard shows charging
   • Battery percentage should increase

Cell Rotation

For field expeditions:

1. Carry spare charged cells
2. Rotate depleted cells for charging
3. Use solar charger for cell recharging
4. Label cells to track charge cycles

Battery Health

Monitoring Health

Check battery health in the Control Panel:

1. Open Diagnostics (from dashboard)
2. View “Battery Health” section
3. Check:
   • Cycle count
   • Capacity vs. design
   • Cell voltages

Signs of Battery Degradation

Calibration Cycle

If the battery gauge seems inaccurate:

1. Charge to 100%
2. Use until auto-shutdown (5%)
3. Charge to 100% without interruption
4. This recalibrates the fuel gauge

Perform calibration every 3-6 months or when gauge seems off.

Charging Options

Standard Charging (Included Adapter)

• Adapter: 5V/5A USB-C (25W)
• Charge time: 3-4 hours
• Recommended for: Home/office use

Fast Charging (USB-C PD)

MuleCube supports USB-C Power Delivery:

• Up to 45W charging supported
• Charge time: 1.5-2 hours
• Requirements: USB-C PD charger with 9V/3A or higher

Solar Charging

For off-grid use:

• Requirements:

  • 50W+ solar panel (100W recommended)
  • USB-C output or solar charge controller
  • Direct sunlight for best results

• Expected charge rate:

  • Full sun: 3-5 hours to full charge
  • Cloudy: May only maintain charge, not increase

• Tips:

  • Use MPPT charge controller for efficiency
  • Angle panel toward sun
  • Clean panel surface regularly

Vehicle Charging

• 12V DC adapter: Use USB-C car charger (15W minimum)
• Charge time: 4-6 hours from vehicle power
• Note: Don’t drain your vehicle battery!

USB Power Output

MuleCube doubles as a power bank with 2× USB-A 5V output ports on the side of the case.

Specifications

Use Cases

• Charge your phone while using MuleCube
• Power USB accessories like lights, fans, or small devices
• Emergency power bank when grid power is unavailable
• Keep devices topped up during expeditions

Notes

• USB output works whether MuleCube is running or powered off
• Heavy USB output reduces MuleCube runtime proportionally
• Prioritize MuleCube operation over charging if battery is low
• Each port can fast-charge most modern smartphones

Safety Information

Do’s

✓ Use the included charger or quality USB-C PD chargers ✓ Charge in ventilated area ✓ Store at room temperature ✓ Use genuine Samsung 18650 cells for replacements

Don’ts

✗ Don’t expose to extreme heat (>45°C / 113°F) ✗ Don’t leave in direct sunlight for extended periods ✗ Don’t use damaged or swollen batteries ✗ Don’t charge unattended if cells are damaged ✗ Don’t short-circuit battery terminals ✗ Don’t dispose of batteries in regular trash

Emergency Procedures

If battery is swelling or very hot:

1. Disconnect power immediately
2. Move to ventilated area
3. Do not attempt to use
4. Let cool naturally (don’t use water)
5. Contact support for replacement

If battery won’t charge:

1. Try different USB-C cable
2. Try different power adapter
3. Check for debris in USB-C port
4. Perform calibration cycle
5. Contact support if issue persists

Specifications by Model

*Cube 16 may have slightly lower runtime due to higher RAM power consumption.