Paul Hartman <paul.hartman+gentoo <at> gmail.com> writes:
> > I bought this router the other day. I notice something that is a little > > weird. > It seems like more of the computer and electronics problems I have (or > that people bring to me) are related to power supply failures than any > other reason. Shot in the dark: Make sure the router is on a UPS. Often you do not have power failures, but power "glitches" such as low voltage, particularly if the temperature has "spiked cold" in your area. Of if the local power companies is a slacker, like most of them are. Some areas are frequently "swung" from one substation to another substation, as the power grid managers try to minimize the operational costs and balance the distribution network. This sort of activity will kill UPS and batteries, prematurely. All UPS need to be tested to ensure the batteries are good every few months. If you can wire in addition jel-cel batteries in parallel so as to extend capacity and ease the drain-charge cycles on your UPS equipment. Best thing to do, is hook up a 100 watt (150) incadescent bulb and fixture and just pull the power cord. If the light flickers or goes brown or out too soon, your UPS may need either a new battery or if your UPS power circuitry is of poor quality or old, just replace the UPS. Power quality is a big problem, the world over and often the detection requires subtle interrogation, or a purchase to fix it. A "Leroy fix" is to plug a smaller capacity UPS into a larger UPS that is connected to the wall outlet, to prevent voltages sags due to old or poor quality electronics of the UPS(es). If you need batteries, I know of a good (cheap) supplier for Lead_acid batteries, in the US..... so just drop me a line. Another idea, find out what voltage (DC?) your router uses, if it has an external power supply; it will be marked on the power supply. If you are lucky it uses 12VDC or 5-6 VDC and you can splice in Jel-Cell batteries of the appropriate voltage, for extra energy storage or to limit voltage sag. Just some random ideas and watch out for neighbors running too many christmas lights or a welder in the neighborhood. Power quality issues usually magnify during periods of peak demand. hth, James
