BT HomeHub 6 power supply

[Bonky]

Hi, Just upgraded my router to the Bt Halo. It comes, as usual with a switching PS.

My questions are: 1. Would I notice a difference in upgrading to a Linear PS? (From what I've read - the answer is 'yes').

and

2. Which cheapie LPS would anyone advise? (I'd be using it with a Rpi/Allo combination - and Apple airport express). I have some of the Ebay/Chinese LPS driving other units and found them OK) but wondered about 'benefits-for-bucks'. Are there units that can smooth the 12V SMPS output? (I realise that these may not not stop the dirty noise being fed back into the mains).

Thanks,

r

[cyclopse]

I have done this on the HomeHub 6. It requires a 12 volt supply. I went for the SBooster and there are benefits from feeding it with a cleaner and quieter supply.

[eisenach]

I have done this on the HomeHub 6. It requires a 12 volt supply. I went for the SBooster and there are benefits from feeding it with a cleaner and quieter supply.

What are the benefits ? (Serious question.)

[Stratmangler]

Hi, Just upgraded my router to the Bt Halo. It comes, as usual with a switching PS.

My questions are: 1. Would I notice a difference in upgrading to a Linear PS? (From what I've read - the answer is 'yes').

and

2. Which cheapie LPS would anyone advise? (I'd be using it with a Rpi/Allo combination - and Apple airport express). I have some of the Ebay/Chinese LPS driving other units and found them OK) but wondered about 'benefits-for-bucks'. Are there units that can smooth the 12V SMPS output? (I realise that these may not not stop the dirty noise being fed back into the mains).

Thanks,

r

Are your devices connected by ethernet or WiFi?
If it's the latter then probably not.

Almost everything else in your home has SMPS powering it, so unless you make steps to lessen the crap they all kick out onto the mains it's pretty pointless just changing out one of them.

[cyclopse]

Are your devices connected by ethernet or WiFi?
If it's the latter then probably not.

Most everything else in your home has SMPS powering it, so unless you make steps to lessen the crap they all kick out onto the mains it's pretty pointless just changing out one of them.

The Raspberry Pi has a Paul Hynes hard wired onto the GPIO pins to avoid the usb input. I believe its about reducing noise going into the router by refining the 12 volt supply.

[Stratmangler]

The Raspberry Pi has a Paul Hynes hard wired onto the GPIO pins to avoid the usb input. I believe its about reducing noise going into the router by refining the 12 volt supply.

Connection by ethernet or WiFi?

[Bonky]

Hi, OP here.

The router is connected via ethernet.

Thanks,

R

[Stratmangler]

Hi, OP here.

The router is connected via ethernet.

Thanks,

R

A LPSU would probably make an audible difference.
Just make sure that the PSU can deliver the current your router requires.

[Bonky]

12V @ 1500mA...but always nice to have a little more 'headroom'.

Thanks again.

R

[Firebottle]

Most of the SMPS adapters supplied with the routers are 'generic' off the shelf, the ratings are over the top usually for the current needed.

An easy way to tell, does the SMPS get warm? If it is running anywhere near its rating it will definitely get warm.
In an instance like this I will always measure the actual current the router takes to size an LPSU closer to actual requirement.

[Bonky]

Most of the SMPS adapters supplied with the routers are 'generic' off the shelf, the ratings are over the top usually for the current needed.

An easy way to tell, does the SMPS get warm? If it is running anywhere near its rating it will definitely get warm.
In an instance like this I will always measure the actual current the router takes to size an LPSU closer to actual requirement.

Yes, good point.

The SMPS is only slightly warm.

BTW. I see BT call this HomeHub2

[Bencat]

Just a word of caution make 100% sure that any LPSU you get is at least 230 v (240 V would be better) as many of the China made ones while they will claim they are 230 v they are almost always 220 V . Now if you are powering a DAC or Pi or other item this may not matter as you switch the item on and use it then switch it off . However things like Routers tend to be left on 24/7 and those 220 v units will not only run hot but very likely fail after a few weeks continued use. You need to have a really good quality unit that will not have problems being on all the time and sadly that often means costly .

[cyclopse]

Connection by ethernet or WiFi?

It is a Pi 2 so ethernet only.

[rep]

I have looked into replacing this device on my BT Home Hub 2 , beware the DC plug is a non standard size not supplied in the iFi power switches.

FYI

DC Right Angle Connector
Inside Diameter 3.0mm
Outside Diameter 5.50mm
Input 230V 0.3A
Output 12.0V 1.5A

I would be interested if anyone else has replaced one of these.

[rep]

bump

[Stratmangler]

bump

Have you tried inline DC sockets and plugs?
Cut the connector off the SMPS with a workable cable length, and attach a socket to the cut end.

[rep]

Final solution was to replace the router with a TP-Link TL-Link Archer VR400 V3 AC1200 and iFi power supply.

This has solved the original issue and enabled (so far) a more stable internet, I was getting quite regular drop outs with the Home Hub 2.
I guess like most ISP's BT provide the cheapest hardware they can get away with.