Current requirement

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NO6B
Posts: 53
Joined: Wed Aug 19, 2020 7:06 am

Current requirement

#1

Unread post by NO6B »

Simon's latest post on the 666/888 makes reference to the SDR requiring a lot of current; I'm wondering just how much? My SDRs reside about 10 ft. away from the PC & I'm using a USB2.0 extension cable with thicker power wires (22 or 24 gauge) to minimize the voltage drop. So I'd like to determine if this approach will still work or if I'll need to locate a powered USB hub near the 888. Thanks.

fei666888
Posts: 18
Joined: Sun Oct 04, 2020 8:54 am

Re: Current requirement

#2

Unread post by fei666888 »

USB3.0 port of PC will be OK ,The USB cable included with RX888 is of good quality

G6PZZ
Posts: 26
Joined: Sun Aug 16, 2020 6:05 am

Re: Current requirement

#3

Unread post by G6PZZ »

My new mobo has USB 2.0, 3.1 and a single 3.2 socketry. I've added a supplementary card with more USB 3.1 and USB-C sockets. The card also connects to the PSU via a SATA power connection. Trying to be as future proof as I can!

Tom G6PZZ

Guy Atkins
Posts: 22
Joined: Wed Aug 19, 2020 5:21 pm

Re: Current requirement

#4

Unread post by Guy Atkins »

fei666888 wrote: Sun Oct 04, 2020 10:19 am USB3.0 port of PC will be OK ,The USB cable included with RX888 is of good quality
Not that it matters much, but my RX-888 from Ebay seller "Shenglongsi" did not include a USB cable, just the SDR and nothing else. I was one of the first purchasers, so maybe the cable is included with more recent orders.

I did already have a good quality USB 3.0 cable with integral RFI choke, and it has worked without problems.

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NO6B
Posts: 53
Joined: Wed Aug 19, 2020 7:06 am

Re: Current requirement

#5

Unread post by NO6B »

Yes a thick USB 3.0 cable came with mine as well. At some point I'll need to extend it about 6 ft., but for now will suffer with bringing the various antenna lines over to the halfway point between the radio bench & PC.

Markolinux
Posts: 1
Joined: Sun Jan 10, 2021 6:05 pm

Re: Current requirement

#6

Unread post by Markolinux »

Has anyone gotten an actual measurement of the current draw of the RX888?

I had it hooked up to a powered USB hub, rated at 1.5A on the charging port I had it plugged into. (It's this one: https://plugable.com/products/usb3-hub7c)

The hub died, and I suspect it's because the RX888 was drawing too much current. I had a couple other devices plugged in as well, like an external HD, and a couple of HF+ Discoveries. Maybe it was all too much for it, but it's been a good workhorse of a hub for me for several years.

G4ZFQ
Posts: 58
Joined: Wed Aug 19, 2020 10:26 am
Location: Cowes Isle of Wight

Re: Current requirement

#7

Unread post by G4ZFQ »

I've not got a USB3 current meter but thought it was about 800mA.
Your extras could well make the total 1.5 Amps, I've never thought it wise to approach the maximum specified for any PSU.
73 Alan.

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