USB Power Supply

Timbo

Hi -

Is it possible to get a USB Power Lead to run my NR5101 router? We live on a boat and it would be better for us to run it off the 12v power.

mMontana

I'd suggest you to not use USB.

According to this picture

https://community.zyxel.com/en/discussion/12701/how-to-register-a-nebula-nr5101-mobile-router-onto-nebula-control-center-ncc

it requires 24w peak, and... asks 12v.

USB Power Delivery allows to deliver even more, but the profiles have to been matched between the power deliverer and the power user. So... currently the router expect the voltage. Maybe can handle a bit more (up to 15 more or less) without hassle.

Zyxel_HsinBo

Hi, @Timbo

We regret to tell you that NR5101 does not support USB Power Delivery.

Furthermore, as @mMontana mentioned, NR5101 requires 12V and at least 2A power (Peak consumption 24W), please ensure the power supply is sufficient for stable usage.

Thank you.

mMontana

@Zyxel_HsinBo if the router is direcly connected to a lead-acid battery like one used on cars, could have any problem about the amperage/voltage delivered to the device?

Is there a maximum voltage allowed?

The stabilization and regulation of the energy to the device is made from the power adapter or inside the router?

Zyxel_HsinBo

Hi, @mMontana

Since our devices do not handle the stabilization and regulation of the energy,

To avoid spikes and unstable voltage impacting the usage and even breaking the precision IC on the device, we're always not recommending and not guaranteeing this usage scenario.

Please use the adapter with quality certification for stable usage.

Thank you.

AndersHauge

It's been a while since these posts. Have anyone actually tried out connecting it to a unregulated battery from a boat or other wehicle (11,5 - 14v) without problems?

StefanZ

Generally a boat battery without any inbetween electronics surely is a TERRIBLE powersource for something like an access point! It will swing in voltage due to load and may also be subject to overvoltage due to motor ripple / EMF feedback. So since the APs only offer minimal ripple- and noise electronics (as in: the expensive parts), your powersource must perform nicely, to make the marvel of WiFi6 work well :-)

If you must, use some sort of filter/converter to make it stable and pin it at 12V sharp. That would be a buck/boost converter. I am sure stuff like that is being sold.

As for USB – there are cables that house a boost converter. Thanks Aliexpress (I guess)!
So those are USB input that boosts up to 12V and have a barrel plug just like an AP needs.
Not sure if there are models with sufficient output power tho. APs need a bit of juice once in a while.

rnoxhahomame

1. Check the power requirements: Ensure that the NR5101 router can be powered through USB. Most routers require a higher voltage input than what USB typically provides (which is around 5V). If your router has a separate power input port and does not support USB power, you will need to use an alternative method, such as a voltage converter or an inverter to step up the voltage.
2. Use a USB to DC power cable: If your NR5101 router supports USB power input, you can find USB to DC power cables or adapters that are specifically designed to connect devices with DC power input to USB ports. These cables usually have a USB connector on one end and a DC connector on the other end, which you can plug into the power input port of your router.
3. Connect to a 12V power source: Since you want to run the router off 12V power, you'll need to find a suitable 12V power source on your boat. This could be a 12V power socket or a 12V battery. Plug the USB end of the USB to DC power cable into the power source, and the DC end into the router's power input port.

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