What if My USB Port Can't Power the Network Hub?
If your PC's USB-C port doesn't conform to the USB-C power spec and can't power the basic power loads, or if you are adding power loads in excess of the basic loads, you can supply power to the Network Hub via its DC-In jack. This is a standard 2.1mm barrel jack with +V on the center pin.
If power is supplied via DC-In, then the USB-C port will draw only a miniscule amount of power from the PC. This will increase the PC battery life.
Typical alternative power sources for DC in are:
12V, 1 amp "wall wart" AC to DC power supply with 2.1mm barrel connection. These are widely available all over the world. This is one example.
Standard 14.8V 4S lithium-ion battery pack with XT60 or XT90 connectors, using a XT60- or XT90-to-2.1mm Barrel adapter. We recommend lithium-ion (Li-Ion) instead of lithium-polymer (LiPo) because the power drain profile is better suited to lithium-ion battery chemistry. This is one example of a battery. And, this is one example of an adapter.
Rechargeable 12V power bank like this example. Power banks with 12V outputs are often used for heated apparel such as socks, gloves, or jackets.
Cigarette lighter 12V power from your boat's accessory circuits. This is one example.
DC in voltage must be between 10 volts and 18 volts.
Warning! The RJ-45 jacks can be set for Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) OUTPUT. They CANNOT be used for PoE input, i.e., the network hub cannot be powered as a PoE client.
Poor Man's Solution to Weak USB-C Ports
The Network Hub and the ROVLe/Omnitrack both have substantial filter capacitors as is required in a mobile application. The inrush current to charge the filters is what causes the PC's USB-C port to shut down.
You can often get the system to start up by unplugging the Omnitrack or ROVLe or Wi-FI radio, then plugging the Network Hub into the USB-C port. The filter caps in the Network hub charge up within 2 seconds. You can then re-plug the Omnitrack/ROVLe/Wi-Fi radio, and the Network Hub's filters will help the USB-C get the system started.
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