CTR350 EVDO Router runs for 3.5hrs on 4xAA batteries

tbhausen · EVDO Junkie Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 158

I'm going to use the 270-409 enclosed 4-cell AA holder. It has on on/off switch which would be quite handy. The other required parts would be:

273-1743 Adaptaplug Socket
273-1717 Adaptaplug "N" (I think... or the "L")

The 273-1818 High Power 12 Adapter would work well, but I'm expecting something smaller/cheaper from Cradlepoint, so I'm waiting on that.

Todd/Indy

chasp044 · EVDO Newbie Joined: 09 Oct 2007 Posts: 2

We live in a RV full time with limited space. Yesterday I started up the above mentioned. Even though Cradlepoint has a couple of negatives, it is what met our criteria/needs.

Tonight we are having severe T Storms, TV dish out, but I am still connected to broadband! Verizon.

Will post more as I learn more. Im kinda of a hacker!

Thanks 3G Store, for the fast delivery and service! Smile

_________________
Charlie P

Alex · Posted: Sat Oct 13, 2007 6:35 pm Post subject:

for those of you interested in more powerful battery packs...
a customer of ours got his CTR350 working with a Tekkeon.

click on following link to see a nice flickr photo set:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rodfather/sets/72157602405385133/show/

jackrodgers · EVDO Addict Joined: 23 Mar 2006 Posts: 1131

Pelican has many nice cases which can be adapted to carry the Cradlepoint.

I have been using the 1490 for about 8 years. This one has an upper folder insert, a molded side area for misc and a molded two area with foam inserts. I sized them to hold two LaCie Pocket Drives on one side and CDs on the other. They now serve to carry other equipment but would hold the Cradlepoint and batteries nicely. All in a briefcase.

It is quite rugged and will protect the laptop or 15" MacBook Pro quite nicely. I have dropped it several times. It floats and is watertight, great for rainy days.

A different case might be used for the Cradlepoint and hold several battery packs. Sounds like a great an inexpensive mobile wifi point.

gmcnutt · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 08 Oct 2007 Posts: 14

kocoman · EVDO User Joined: 07 Jun 2007 Posts: 54

Can this broadcast the Novatel GPS signal via bluetooth ?

Michael · Posted: Sat Oct 20, 2007 9:47 pm Post subject:

JGriggs · Posted: Sun Nov 18, 2007 11:49 am Post subject:

I ran across something that may or may not work in this application.
There are some unknowns.
Also the cost of entry is a little high....

Black and Decker is replacing their old versa pack system with a new system called VPX. This a battery pack that carries two of A123 nano-phosphate (read as almost completely safe - no lithium battery fires) cells in the package. The cells (each) are rated for 2.3 Ahr and 3.3 volts, which works out to about 15 watts in the package. (The 4 AA batteries would yield roughly 12 watts).

The item that makes this system interesting is a tiny (in power) inverter / USB module. While I first considered it a novelty, there may be application here.
VPX inverter
The battery goes inside of this and provides 5 volt power through a USB port or 8 watts continuous (10 watts surge) 120 VAC through an inverter.
The target market is to be able to take these "power tool" batteries along and charge cellphones, razors, and other low power devices.

However, if 8 watts (continuous) with a 10 watt surge is enough to get the CTR350 going, this would be a complete system for the non-technical person who wanted rechargeable portability. Due to the double conversion loss (DC -> AC -> DC), I have no idea what the runtime would be. Remember that this all makes the assumption that it will power up off this inverter.

The more interesting method would be though the USB port. Purchase a cheap USB cable, cut the end off, and solder on one of the barrel plugs mentioned above. This would plug nicely into the USB port of the VPX system and would be regulated 5 volts (assumed or they would be blowing up lots of products). The only problem here is that they don't define the available power on the USB port output.

Assuming that one didn't have anything in this system, it looks like the entry point is about ~$55. One battery and charger seem to be $35. The power module is another $20. Batteries alone are $20 (for expansion of runtime).

Basically, there may be an option for turnkey battery power, but there would need to be some testing done first.

jackrodgers · EVDO Addict Joined: 23 Mar 2006 Posts: 1131

ACP has an interesting line of battery packs and surge protectors, etc.

Surge protection might be an issue with automobiles but someone else with more expertise in this matter needs to fill in the gaps.

rr0123 · EVDO User Joined: 08 Nov 2005 Posts: 32

I have used the Cradlepoint with the small $40 APC battery pack and U727, and it works fine. Didn't do a drain down to see for how long.

Also works with the Xantrex Mobile Mini. Does NOT work with the small Lenmar $40 pack you can get at Fry's, not enough juice.

macinfosys · Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2007 1:11 am Post subject:

I personally have been using a solution that another user here had also tested and I have been very happy with it. Matter of fact a few of our clients have already purchased similar setup after seeing our configuration. The footprint is very portable and fairly light weight and the battery life is amazing. I am averaging about 2-3 days of normal usage before the battery has gotten down to the point of needing to be charged.

Not only that, this battery pack can also handle powering another USB device at the same time it is powering the CRT350. It also has the ability to power basically anything else up to 19v and 5 amps as long as you get the proper tip for it.

Here are a few photo's of the final setup.
http://gallery.mac.com/babacks#100020

I put it inside a PSP carry case from Water Field
http://www.sfbags.com/products/psp/psp.htm

And the battery manufacturer: Tekkeon
http://www.tekkeon.com/site/products-mypowerall.php

Also it takes very little time to charge the battery pack when partially drained and can even be charged with a DC adapter that they offer.

Enjoy.

http://www.macinfosys.com

Alex · Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2007 7:16 am Post subject:

macinfosys · Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2007 9:42 am Post subject:

visortgw · Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2007 2:48 pm Post subject:

macinfosys · Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2007 2:55 pm Post subject:

it comes with I think about 7 or 8 tips (sorry don't have the bag handy to count all of them). The one that fits has a yellow color end to it. The battery pack defaults to 5 volts when powered on which is what the CTR350 requires. Plug the power cord to the battery first (turns on the battery pack) and then connect the cable with the tip attached to the router and you have power to the router immediately.

Like I said earlier, you can even attach a USB cable to the battery pack (at the same time) and it will power what ever device is on the ether end of the USB cable.

www.macinfosys.com