On 22 November 2014 at 10:41, James Harper <james@ejbdigital.com.au> wrote:
I've replaced my home router with a little laptop, and it's working great.
Does anyone make an ADSL modem that can be run (and powered) via USB? Most have USB ports but I suspect can't use it as a power source. This would allow my internet connection to stay up during the power outages that get more frequent out here once fire season starts.
All my modems want to draw 1 to 1.5 amps at 9 or 12V, which would correspond to 1.8 to 3.6 amps at 5V, but USB cables aren't rated to anywhere near that amperage. Sounds like you should buy a UPS to me. You can get pretty cheap ones these days, eg $75: http://www.msy.com.au/home/13486-eaton-5e650iusb-au-5e-650va-360w-ups-with-2... You could build your own out of a 12V battery, battery charger, and a 12V regulator, but it'll still come to over $50 and be a mess of wires.. http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=SB2485 http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=MB3523 http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=MP3678