More dumb 12v questions!!

[Taff015]

Hi all, I threw this up on a FB forum earlier. I figured I may as well ask here too as I may well understand the answers easier!!


Hi all, I am after some advice please?
I have a Huawei CBE router that I am going to use in my van. It comes with a 230v switching power supply to a 12v 2a output into the unit.
Is it possible to simply wire the unit directly to a 12v supply in the van and have it running on the move as well? I have an inverter so could use that but I suspect it would drain less power wired in directly?
Strangely, I don’t have any 12v sockets in the van. I suppose I could add one?
If its possible, can anyone recommend a cable I can buy and use? Or a 12v socket and cable I could wire in?
Many thanks
Paul

 

[Odd-no-more]

I don't know, but the van's 12 volt system will much higher than 12 volts when on EHU or even with solar due to the battery charger, so you may need a regulated 12 volt supply lead

 

[Dave100456]

Don't see why you can't connect it via a fuse (3 Amp) to the engine or habitation battery. The charging voltage will rise to 14 or so when on EHU but I can't see why the router wouldn't cope with that range. Best check with Huawei

 

[pappajohn]

Because of the increased voltage on hook up and while driving I would advise a regulated 12v power supply to keep the voltage stable which is what the existing power 'brick' in the 230v lead does.
Plenty on ebay/amazon..
Without it the higher voltage may blow the router.
As for a suitable plug.... Only way is try to match it online.

 

[Bobby-gg]

I'd look at changing your router to a USB powered one rather than mains

Put in either a 12v cigarette outlet and a USB adapter, or a USB power outlet and run it from there

Alternatively, a big USB power pack, charge whilst driving then use on the router overnight

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[Taff015]

I can run a cigarette lighter thing to the unit whilst driving or use the inverter i suppose?

Or say balls to it and let everyone use their mobile data whilst moving!

I've gone with this router as it has aerial outputs for an external antenna.. Its also the same one that motorhome wifi use in their setups.

5G Pro Flex - Motorhome WiFi

5G Ready Antenna & 5G Pro Router – Futureproof 5G Antenna 5G Pro Router 5G Speeds of up to 1.65Gbps 64 wireless devices 2 wired devices Greater WiFi range LTE-A with carrier aggregation

www.motorhomewifi.com

If I could find the bracket they are using and the power cable it will be easy!!

 

[slowcoach65]

So I am just about to do the same think with an Apple TV. I have taken out the transformer from the Apple TV and used a step-down module to reduce an input of 12v to 3.4v as needed by the device. Now all I need to do is use the 12v output from my MH 12v supply (not the cab 12v supply).

 

[Taff015]

Or i just have a spare 12v battery sat on the van floor with some wire attached to the terminals?

 

[TheBig1]

don't just wire it to a cigar plug and plug in, you WIll fry the internal board on the router. You need either a voltage stabilised supply or use a buck/boost converter that will give a constant 12v out from anything from 9v to 34v in. £5 - £7 on ebay and some have the advantage of a protected 5v usb output as well

 

[funflair]

Doesn't it come with 12v power adapter,

Both 12v and 240v power adapters are included and an additional building antenna is available, just contact us for more information.

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[Taff015]

don't just wire it to a cigar plug and plug in, you WIll fry the internal board on the router. You need either a voltage stabilised supply or use a buck/boost converter that will give a constant 12v out from anything from 9v to 34v in. £5 - £7 on ebay and some have the advantage of a protected 5v usb output as well

So I cant just pinch the feed from the van 12v supply then..... ok. Ill rethink it all. was just hoping to fire it onto the tv 12v line coming out of the TV/scart thing that the current tv is bodged into!!

I can use my inverter though with the OEM plug can i not? or a cigarette socket inverter that I've just remembered i have!!!

 

[Jev88]

What do you need a router for if you don't mind me asking?
You want a central point for people to access internet?
I use a Buzzard2. Plugged in 12v socket permanently.

 

[DBK]

If you are happy to take the risk it should run on a typical MH 12v supply even though this could see over 14v at times. The reason is I doubt the electronics run on 12v, typical chips run on say 5v or 3.3v which means there will be (should be!) an internal voltage regulator. One way to check would be to look at your mains adaptor and if it says the input voltage can be 110v-240v then you should be safe.

I would be tempted to cut the connector off the adaptor otherwise look for something similar but ensure you get the polarity correct. The supply needs a small fuse of 3A or less.

 

[Taff015]

Doesn't it come with 12v power adapter,

Both 12v and 240v power adapters are included and an additional building antenna is available, just contact us for more information.

only a 230 doofer in the box? I've also just realise its the mark 2 version so doesn't have the external antenna sockets. Good job i realised that before drilling a 20mm hole in the van to fit the antenna i no longer need!!!

However, I have tested the router in the house.

my sky fibre broadband scored 65mb/15mb down/up and the Huawei scored 99mb/25mb down/up, which made me happy and pissed off at the same time!!!

 

[TheBig1]

So I cant just pinch the feed from the van 12v supply then..... ok. Ill rethink it all. was just hoping to fire it onto the tv 12v line coming out of the TV/scart thing that the current tv is bodged into!!

I can use my inverter though with the OEM plug can i not? or a cigarette socket inverter that I've just remembered i have!!!

any inverter is going to draw more power than it puts out, so better to find a 12vdc solution. Have heard of 3 different people kill one of these routers as they are very fussy about supply voltage

you can buy a stabilised 12v supply, but in essence it is only a cheap buck/boost converter inside a moulded plastic brick. People buy them to power TVs in the motorhome etc, but they are overkill

If as Martin suggests it comes with a dedicated 12v lead, use that and fit an extra socket or 3

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[Taff015]

What do you need a router for if you don't mind me asking?
You want a central point for people to access internet?
I use a Buzzard2. Plugged in 12v socket permanently.

View attachment 434915

Because I'm sad basically and have an OCD thing with internet access!! I tried one of those (think I still have it somewhere) and it was dog pump so it got turfed.

I'm looking for a central hub basically and as the sim has unlimited data, it saves my Mrs and eldest burning their phone data

 

[Taff015]

any inverter is going to draw more power than it puts out, so better to find a 12vdc solution. Have heard of 3 different people kill one of these routers as they are very fussy about supply voltage

you can buy a stabilised 12v supply, but in essence it is only a cheap buck/boost converter inside a moulded plastic brick. People buy them to power TVs in the motorhome etc, but they are overkill

If as Martin suggests it comes with a dedicated 12v lead, use that and fit an extra socket or 3

Sadly, it only has the 3 pin plug. At the end of the day, its not a drama, they can use their phone data whilst moving. The amount of times I've wild camped is basically 0 so I will generally have a 230v hook up

 

[Jev88]

Because I'm sad basically and have an OCD thing with internet access!! I tried one of those (think I still have it somewhere) and it was dog pump so it got turfed.

I'm looking for a central hub basically and as the sim has unlimited data, it saves my Mrs and eldest burning their phone data

As I said. 12 months and no problem with my Buzzard2. I use a Giffgaff simm and I can load unlimited for a month for £20 or not pay for three months if I don't want to use it.

 

[Taff015]

As I said. 12 months and no problem with my Buzzard2. I use a Giffgaff simm and I can load unlimited for a month for £20 or not pay for three months if I don't want to use it.

If this thing stays as fast as it was this morning. I will be dumping my house broadband and using this router and then coming with me when we go away with the van

 

[DBK]

A MiFi with two external antenna connections such as the Huawei 5577 will do what you want. I've recently changed from one of these to a Teltonika router but only because I wanted to run it 24/365 which can cause issues with the battery of a MiFi. There is no difference between the performance of either although the router has a slightly stronger WiFi signal.

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[Taff015]

A MiFi with two external antenna connections such as the Huawei 5577 will do what you want. I've recently changed from one of these to a Teltonika router but only because I wanted to run it 24/365 which can cause issues with the battery of a MiFi. There is no difference between the performance of either although the router has a slightly stronger WiFi signal.

I was heading down that route, then ended up with the RUT 955 and an antenna. Realised that the antenna only had a 25mm spigot so sent it back (sent the router back as only getting 15mb download with the same sim that I'm getting 99mb with on this Huawei)

Ordered the CPE Pro 2 thinking it had the same external antenna sockets that the CPE Pro has......wrong it doesn't have any so i now have a Poynting puck with nowhere to go unless i change the router!

Will try the router as it is next week when I'm away. if it is sketchy, I will reset, send it all back and sulk in the corner.!!

I was toying with the nighthawk M2 but went for the Huawei as I preferred the video!!!

 

[Manic]

You could use the original brick and use a small inverter

 

[Taff015]

I just remembered that I do have this.....

 

[DBK]

I was heading down that route, then ended up with the RUT 955 and an antenna. Realised that the antenna only had a 25mm spigot so sent it back (sent the router back as only getting 15mb download with the same sim that I'm getting 99mb with on this Huawei)

Ordered the CPE Pro 2 thinking it had the same external antenna sockets that the CPE Pro has......wrong it doesn't have any so i now have a Poynting puck with nowhere to go unless i change the router!

Will try the router as it is next week when I'm away. if it is sketchy, I will reset, send it all back and sulk in the corner.!!

I was toying with the nighthawk M2 but went for the Huawei as I preferred the video!!!

Best wishes with your search.

I would be wary of making comparisons unless you can exactly reproduce the test conditions especially if you are doing it indoors. Just a few inches difference in position, time of day and weather conditions can make a huge difference in speeds.

 

[Taff015]

Best wishes with your search.

I would be wary of making comparisons unless you can exactly reproduce the test conditions especially if you are doing it indoors. Just a few inches difference in position, time of day and weather conditions can make a huge difference in speeds.

I was sat at the same desk and everything was within a foot of everything else. I did it a few times and the huawei fluctuated between 74-99 mb and my hard wired pc with fibre max was max 68mb

the rut 955 was tested on a different day so I agree with you there but the max I got from it was 15mb.
I hope it works out. If not amazon will hate me as it will be going back!!

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[MyrtleGuru]

My experience of 12v supplies in the van

We have no inverter and try to make everything native 12v for efficiency.

For the permanently wired-in stuff we use a step-down converter from 12v to 5v (USB) to power the Huawei mifi; we use a step-up converter from 12v to 19v to power an old Windbox set-top PC.

We run an external HD enclosure directly from the van's 12v supply (via a "cigar" socket with a fuse). I know that gets somewhere near 14v on a sunny day, so was a bit worried, but no problems so far.

The amp for the sound system runs directly off the van's 12v supply and you can sometimes tell the supply is "dirty" with interference from other equipment -- so I need to do something to cure that.

 

[Gaston aires]

Hi all, I threw this up on a FB forum earlier. I figured I may as well ask here too as I may well understand the answers easier!!


Hi all, I am after some advice please?
I have a Huawei CBE router that I am going to use in my van. It comes with a 230v switching power supply to a 12v 2a output into the unit.
Is it possible to simply wire the unit directly to a 12v supply in the van and have it running on the move as well? I have an inverter so could use that but I suspect it would drain less power wired in directly?
Strangely, I don’t have any 12v sockets in the van. I suppose I could add one?
If its possible, can anyone recommend a cable I can buy and use? Or a 12v socket and cable I could wire in?
Many thanks
Paul

A few vans ago we had a flair 8000iL It had 3 x 12 volt sockets . Nice well built van, a bit big for our touring requirements.
Phil

 

[Taff015]

A few vans ago we had a flair 8000iL It had 3 x 12 volt sockets . Nice well built van, a bit big for our touring requirements.
Phil

wonder if they were extras or am I just not seeing them?!

 

[Gaston aires]

wonder if they were extras or am I just not seeing them?!

Black, square, round hole in the middle. You need special plugs for them.
Phil

 

[Taff015]

Black, square, round hole in the middle. You need special plugs for them.
Phil

HaHa, yeah I know what they look like, I just cant see any in the van!!!! I either don't have any or they are well hidden!! My Hymer had 3 of the european ones and i found a 4th only when getting it ready to sell!!

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