Canadian Broadband → A BIGGG No No

I thought since my GNET modem is loosing sync every 5 min due to the weather, why not try another modem?

So, I tried another modem and that modem held the sync up strong. No lost of synce whatsoever, but then, I read the other modem's power supply information. Gnet's power-supply is 15 W, but the other one is 18 W. So, I tried switching the power-supply, and guess what? Even worst!

It seems like increasing the amount of power inputted into the DSL modem will only shock the modem, and make it behave really weird. Some symptoms include:
- Not syncing at 3008 down and 800 up
- Giving werid stats like 128 db noise margine
- loosing sync every 5 sec.

So... there U have it. More power doesn't translate into stronger connectivity. Nope, modem still fine, and didn't blow up.

You mean V = Volts, not W = Watts. Depending on the quality of the electronics in the modem, mainly the voltage regulator, things can quickly go bad if the input voltage isn't right. If its too high it could fry, if its too low it may not work at all, or work weird.

Some modems like the Efficient 5260 says that a range of 11-18VDC is fine, meaning you can use any adapter within that range, provided it can supply enough current (1A).

Greetings,

Nope, its watts. 18 W vs. 15 W on the Gnet.

Greetings,

Why are you bringing in Watts? Its not like all the modems out there have one universal voltage need. Use some common sense, say the voltage & amp rating instead.

The 15W you saw is most likely on the input side of the transformer, from the wall. Its how many watts the transformer draws from the AC utility power.

This particular adapter is from the SS5200. It can provide 12 Volts DC, at 800mA. The output voltage & current specs are the important ones. And a device cannot use more amps (or milliamps) than it needs. You can have an adapter rated for 12VDC, 2A, but your modem will still draw what it needs, most likely less than 800mA in the case of the SS5200. I could pull out the multimeter and test how much current it actually draws, but I'm much too lazy to do that just to prove a point.

Turns out I'm not so lazy after all. I wanted to see for myself how much current the 5200 draws, as the adapter is rated for 800mA. Turns out, after it fully booted, it barely draws between 300-330mA. It's not sync'd nor there is any data flowing thru it, but I can imagine it might use 50-100mA more tops, while fully operational.

DaJatt and HiVolt are right. It's the voltage and current ratings that differ. If the power supply makes more power (Watts = unit of Power) available on one than the other, it makes no difference, because the extra is not used.

Greetings,

Don't those power go into the modem too? Even though unused...

Greetings,

Ah ha! Finally explains »[Serious] Derivative

said by lawrence171:

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Greetings,

Don't those power go into the modem too? Even though unused...

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It's quite likely that it uses a voltage regulator internally to kick it down to the proper voltage, unless you really overwhelm it.

Power != Potential Difference

I'll shut up now. I'm out of my element.

Greetings,

LOL. I'm such an idoit! LOL

The modem (or any device for that matter) will only use as much current as it needs. The important thing to remember is to have the correct voltage. Too high and you'll fry components inside. Too low and it'll go wacky. And if it's DC be sure to use the correct polarity or you'll let the magic smoke out!!

Also remember that some devices require AC voltage not DC voltage. I friend accidentally plugged in his DC-requiring component into an AC-providing wall wart and destroyed it!