Twice within the last 3 days, the batteries of my RV ended up depleting. Once I started the generator and power was restored, I would expect my Peplink MAX BR1 Pro 5G to come back online but it didn’t both times. When I checked on the router, this is how the LEDs looked like 10+ minutes after power has been restored:
Status: Solid red
Cellular: Off
WiFi: Off
WAN port: Nothing plugged in, both LEDs solid green.
Temporarily unplugging the router in order to power cycle it fixed the issue. But I don’t think that should be necessary, and if I remember correctly it recovered automatically after batteries ran out in the past.
When the RV batteries deplete, power never entirely cuts but the voltage just keeps dropping, however, this is normal for any vehicle batteries and Peplink devices are specifically designed for use in vehicles.
I recently updated to firmware 8.5.2, maybe this is a regression? Did anyone else experience similar issues?
Hey,
We’ve seen similar behaviour when power is so low (10v and below) and restored. It’ll get stuck in some weird mode where it’s not happy.
Best to install a DC to DC supply to ensure power stays stable.
Like these ones: Orion-Tr DC-DC Converters Isolated - Victron Energy
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What type of max BR1 pro 5G have this problem?
5GN or 5GH? Did you remember? And year old devices?
It is a MAX-BR1-PRO-5GN-T-PRM.
That makes sense. I assume a low voltage disconnect would suffice if all I want is it to automatically recover once power has been restored?
Depends on how the power comes back!
If it trickles up, we have observed on multiple occasions boot failures.
Therefore, if you have a DC to DC converter, the power to the Peplink box will be stable and cause a correct boot sequence.
That is the whole point of a low voltage disconnect, to make sure sensitive equipment is never receiving voltage below the set threshold. This particular module can be set to disconnect at 10.0V, 10.7V, 11.4V or 12.1V and to reconnect at 10.7V, 11.4V, 12.1V or 12.8V.
That DC-to-DC converter is a boost converter that can boost voltages as low as 8V back to 12V as long as it can draw enough amps. This is in my opinion unnecessary unless you really want to make sure that the equipment remains powered as long possible. However, discharging lead acid batteries that deep is really bad for them so I’d rather have power cut in that scenario.
I love Victron gear, but for a cheaper solution you could get a $20 part like this:
It also takes voltage from 8-40V and converts it to a steady 13.8V