ASAIR USB Port Power

johnpd

I saw a discussion on the ZWO Facebook page about powering a TP-Link Travel router (TL-WR902AC) from one of the ASIAIR USB 2.0 ports. It mentioned that you should not do it that way as the router can require up to 2 amps, but the ASIAIR ports seem to be limited to 1.2 amps. I am currently powering my TP-Link from a USB 2.0 port on my ASI533MC camera. I don't know what the power output of those are. I am not having any issues at this point , but I wonder if powering the TP-Link that way could give me problems in the future. I tried powering the router from one of the USB 2.0 ports on my iOptron CEM40 mount, but that did not work at all. Would not connect. Otherwise I would need an external USB 2.0 power battery of some sort.

JohnD

AstroDude42

johnpd Otherwise I would need an external USB 2.0 power battery of some sort

Unfortunately, i can’t answer your question as i don’t know the answer. But as external solution, i use the Pegasus Pocket PowerBox Micro to power my mount, ASIAir (Pro/Plus) and TP-Link router. It even controls my dew straps in regards to measuring outside temperature and adjusting the dew straps’ temperature. Of course it will cost some bucks, but for me it’s totally worth it.

Olli

w7ay

johnpd I tried powering the router from one of the USB 2.0 ports on my iOptron CEM40 mount, but that did not work at all.

If you are not handy enough to wire up a 5V buck converter to a female USB Type A connector, and assuming that you are powering most things from a 12 volt supply, you can use one of these turn-key solutions to get 5 volt output on a female USB connector:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SS6XTZY
https://powerwerx.com/usbbuddy-powerpole-usb-converter-device-charger
https://shop.deepskydad.com/product/dc-hub-2/

One is rated at 2.4A and the other two are rated at 3A. One uses a PowerPole connector for 12V, while two use a barrel connector. DeepSkyDad's include self healing fuses, and extra 12V ports.

Personally, I have been using these buck converters (including to power 5V dew heaters):

https://www.amazon.com/Regulator-DROK-Converter-Step-Down-Transformer/dp/B0758ZTS61/

According to Pavle, he uses the same ubiquitous converter inside his box. Less than $2 each if you know how to use a soldering iron.

Chen

johnpd

@w7ay
I was hoping you would chime in. So if I understand this correctly, I could take one of the ASIAIR 12v power cables, plug one end into an unused ASIAIR 12v power port (I have 2 available) and plug the other end into the Drok converter power port. The Drok looks like the best and simplest device, plus it seems to have a 5.5x2.1mm center positive power port. Then I can plug my TP-Link into one of the Drok USB ports and I should be good to go?

JohnD

w7ay

johnpd I could take one of the ASIAIR 12v power cables,

I personally would not take power for anything sensitive off of the ASIAIR power outlets. Who knows what the PWM does when set to 100%. Just power the 12V-5V converters directly from your power source.

Chen

johnpd

My primary power source is the iOptron CEM40 mount AC brick. I power the ASIAIR from a 12v 3 amp DC port on the mount's saddle. Fortunately there are two of these so I could connect the Drok converter to that instead of the ASIAIR. Otherwise I would have to stick a battery in the mix somewhere or a splitter of some sort from the main power cable. Unfortunately the USB ports on the saddle do not work properly. The router will not connect if I use them.

JohnD