CTR350 EVDO Router runs for 3.5hrs on 4xAA batteries

GreytWillow

I realize this thread has been dormant for a while... after many months of reading the forums, I finally purchased the CTR-350 to use with my BlackBerry 8830. I've been using a Linksys WRT54G-STv1 with a Novatel S720. I am considering turning it off to save money since I have the PAM plan on the BB. I know it is Rev0, but I am a casual mobile broadband user so the speed will not upset me. I primarily have it for when I travel or when Earthlink cable broadband goes out. I purchased a 12v plug at Radio Shack that allows me to use the WRT54G-ST while in the car.

When 3G store ran the promotion two weeks ago that included the free 12v car power cord, I jumped on the CTR-350. I could not be happier with the product, their internet store and the almost overnight delivery (I ordered it FedEx two day, and it was in my hands less than 36 hrs after I ordered it.) THANK YOU 3G store!!

Getting to the point, I was jealous all of you had found ways to power your CTR-350 by purchasing pre-made battery packs or making your own and modifying/building cables to meet your needs. I wanted to be self contained as well. I was able make my system work with items I had previously purchased. The list includes:

- Xantrex XPower PowerSource Mobile 100. xantrex.com/web/id/233/p/1/pt/30/product.asp
- mini USB cable for the BlackBerry.
- USB to round barrel connector from a portable external DVD drive I have for my Tablet PC.
- External DVD drive case that holds it all. (It is not as pretty as Alex's CradlePoint case, but it was free.)

I hooked it all up and it worked on the first try. I was shocked. I never expected that little barrel connector plug to fit the router. There is even a PS2 plug on their for additional power that I am not even using.

I have sent the 3G store staff two pictures since I cannot figure out how to upload them to the forum. It is not as compact as some of the other battery packs I have seen in this and other threads, but it works and did not cost any extra $$. I am not sure how long the unit will run... it has outlasted me every time I have used it.

Gregg

_________________
Gregg

GreytWillow

I realize this thread has been dormant for a while... after many months of reading the forums, I finally purchased the CTR-350 to use with my BlackBerry 8830. I've been using a Linksys WRT54G-STv1 with a Novatel S720. I am considering turning it off to save money since I have the PAM plan on the BB. I know it is Rev0, but I am a casual mobile broadband user so the speed will not upset me. I primarily have it for when I travel or when Earthlink cable broadband goes out. I purchased a 12v plug at Radio Shack that allows me to use the WRT54G-ST while in the car.

When 3G store ran the promotion two weeks ago that included the free 12v car power cord, I jumped on the CTR-350. I could not be happier with the product, their internet store and the almost overnight delivery (I ordered it FedEx two day, and it was in my hands less than 36 hrs after I ordered it.) THANK YOU 3G store!!

Getting to the point, I was jealous all of you had found ways to power your CTR-350 by purchasing pre-made battery packs or making your own and modifying/building cables to meet your needs. I wanted to be self contained as well. I was able make my system work with items I had previously purchased. The list includes:

- Xantrex XPower PowerSource Mobile 100. www.xantrex.com/web/id/233/p/1/pt/30/product.asp
- mini USB cable for the BlackBerry.
- USB to round barrel connector from a portable external DVD drive I have for my Tablet PC.
- External DVD drive case that holds it all. (It is not as pretty as Alex's CradlePoint case, but it was free.)

I hooked it all up and it worked on the first try. I was shocked. I never expected that little barrel connector plug to fit the router. There is even a PS2 plug on their for additional power that I am not even using.

I have sent the 3G store staff two pictures since I cannot figure out how to upload them to the forum. It is not as compact as some of the other battery packs I have seen in this and other threads, but it works and did not cost any extra $$. I am not sure how long the unit will run... it has outlasted me every time I have used it.

Gregg
_________________
Gregg

Alex

grndslm · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 18 Jul 2006 Posts: 12

HELLO!!

Thanks for this thread. I bought a CTR500 and eventually the 4xAA battery pack from RadioShack. I already had some old power adapters that I wasn't using, and luckily, one of the connectors was just the right fit.

I actually had everything working fine for my first set of batteries, but recently I've started having some trouble. After the first set started to die, the "phone LED" on the CTR stopped lighting up... no orange... no green... nothing. I have replaced these alkalines with some fully charged rechargeables, and it looks like it wants to start connecting the phone to the router... but the phone LED just cuts off in about 5 seconds after turning green. Sad

The router works just fine when plugged into the wall, however... so I think it's the batteries. Should I just stick with alkalines or look for higher voltage rechargeables?? I despise buying alkalines, so if anybody has experienced something like this... please let me know my options.

Thanks in advance!