SatSig topic:

Mains power useage for a VSAT terminal ?

(Read 4103 times)

Mar 10^th, 2007 at 10:56am

Hi !

Does anyone know how much wattsx of power
a satellite internet modem needs ?
I don`t mean the comnputer, just the modem. I don`t have hydro, just solarpower and wonder how much
I will need . Thanks !

Mar 10^th, 2007 at 12:36pm

I know you were looking for a specific answer, but the truth is - it varies. Power draw is dependent upon multiple factors, to include cable length, number of connectors, size of transmitter, and ratio of transmit bursts to receive. Best answer I can give you is to look at the modem's power adapter. It's typically an inline AC/DC power transformer between the wall socket and the indoor unit (IDU). Because if you were previously unaware, the IDU provides power to the outdoor unit (ODU) via the coaxial cabling.

Mine power adapter for example, is rated at a max pull of 2.37A @ 19.5v which would consume ~46w. But that's not a constant 46w, since the transmitter isn't typically energized full time. I'm going to speculate that my own adapter may average ~16w. I'm pretty sure however, that you should use safely size your AC power source based upon max requirements rather than upon averages.

//greg//

Mar 12^th, 2007 at 12:16pm

Thank you very much !
At the time I don`t have a systems yet, so I can`t
look on themodem itself. But from what I gather from your response
I donot have to accept a use more than 100 watts ?

Mar 14^th, 2007 at 4:06am

If you get a mass marketed consumer grade system like HughesNet or Wildblue, you'll never come close to 100w. Pretty sure the newer Hughes systems are using up to a 64w power adapter now.

Can't give you a specific number on the Wildblue total consumption. but the transmitter has a peak usage figure of 50w.

//greg//