A recent topic caused me to add the following script to my toolbox.
The script is configurable and uses an interval and lower/upper threshold for battery.
The script utilizes libnotify to send a system message when outside the limits - thus ensuring you don't forget to plug or unplug your laptop charger.
Create the local bin folder
mkdir ~/.local/binCreate a new file and make it executable
touch ~/.local/bin/charge-notify.sh && chmod +x ~/.local/bin/charge-notify.shEdit the file with kate or another editor
xdg-open ~/.local/bin/charge-notify.shPaste below content and save
#! /bin/bash
#
# Script to notify when battery is outside levels - time to plug charger.
#
# This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
# it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
# the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
# (at your option) any later version.
#
# This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
# but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
# MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. See the
# GNU General Public License for more details.
#
# You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
# along with this program. If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.#
#
# Source: https://linoxide.com/remind-unplug-charging-laptop-arch-linux
#
# @linux-aarhus - root.nix.dk
#
# 2021-11-27
# 2021-11-28 revised - checks not updating
# - fix variable check on all levels
# 2023-03-14 - added sound option
### SETTINGS
# check interval (seconds)
INTERVAL=30
# example battery levels
# these levels are not based on scientific evidence
# you are required to adjust as appropriate for your device and research
MIN_BAT=10 # low water mark
MAX_BAT=60 # high water mark
POWER_UNPLUG=/usr/share/sounds/freedesktop/stereo/power-unplug.oga
POWER_PLUG=/usr/share/sounds/freedesktop/stereo/power-plug.oga
### /END SETTINGS
set -eu
# dependency check
if ! [[ "$(which notify-send)" =~ (notify-send) ]]; then
echo "Please install libnotify to use this script.\n"
echo " sudo pacman -S libnotify"
exit 1
fi
if ! [[ "$(which acpi)" =~ (acpi) ]]; then
echo "Please install acpi to use this script.\n"
echo " sudo pacman -S acpi"
exit 1
fi
get_plugged_state(){
echo $(cat /sys/bus/acpi/drivers/battery/*/power_supply/BAT?/status)
}
get_bat_percent(){
echo $(acpi|grep -Po "[0-9]+(?=%)")
}
notify_sound(){
if [[ -n $1 ]]; then
paplay ${1}
fi
}
# primary loop
while true ; do
if [ $(get_bat_percent) -le ${MIN_BAT} ]; then # Battery under low limit
if [[ $(get_plugged_state) = "Discharging" ]]; then # plugged
notify-send "Battery below ${MIN_BAT}. Time to plug adapter"
notify_sound $POWER_PLUG
fi
fi
if [ $(get_bat_percent) -ge ${MAX_BAT} ]; then # Battery over high limit
if [[ $(get_plugged_state) = "Charging" ]]; then # plugged
notify-send "Battery above ${MAX_BAT}. Time to unplug adapter"
notify_sound $POWER_UNPLUG
fi
fi
sleep ${INTERVAL} # Repeat every $INTERVAL seconds
doneThe battery levels are example levels. Edit the battery levels according to your system and preference.
If in doubt please see below comments and do your own research.
Create the folder ~/.config/systemd/user
mkdir ~/.config/systemd/userCreate a service unit using your favorite editor
xdg-open ~/.config/systemd/user/charge-notify.servicePaste below content and save the file
[Unit]
Description=Charger notify service
[Service]
Type=simple
ExecStartPre=/bin/sleep 30
ExecStart=/home/%u/.local/bin/charge-notify.sh
[Install]
WantedBy=default.targetEnable and start the service
systemctl --user enable --now charge.notify.serviceEnjoy :slight_smile: