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The Road to Raspberry Pi4B/ PoE Hat RoadTest Review (power supply)

colporteur

After I received notice that my application was accepted, I confirmed the requirement for additional parts that would be needed in order to complete the RoadTest. A PoE power supply is not provided as part of the RoadTest. I do not have a PoE capable networking device. It was my assumption when I submitted the application I would need to purchase such a device if awarded the review. Now that I have confirmation it is off to Newark to make a purchase.

I don’t have the PoE Hat unit to determine if has any power specification I need to adhere to. Enclosed is a screen shot of two power supplies I am considering. I like the convenience and price of the PRO ELEC unit but think maybe the L-COM is more robust. I hate when I don’t know, what I don’t know.

 

I’m going to park the power supply order in a holding pattern for a few days before making a decision on what unit. There is a local distributor of cable products, I worked with when I worked for living.. The company was very good at developing niche cable products. I have sent them an email asking about possible PoE power supply technology. I’m hoping if they have a product they might agree to a demo unit at no cost in return for them being included in the review. That saves a little coin. I wait for response to my email.

 

Power over Ethernet (PoE) - B&B Electronics

 

Here are some interesting details.

 

The PoE power source is referred to as Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) and the device that is drawing power is labelled the Powered Device (Pd). I will start using those acronyms for future posts.

 

There are two methods of delivery power over the an Ethernet cable. PSE’s with power delivered through the existing data pairs are referred to as endspan PSE and the units that employ additional pairs for power are called midspan PSE's.

 

Never thought of this but power supply protection is not a bad idea: short circuit protection & over current protection are some considerations I need to make.

  • No response from local vendor. That is understandable. I'm not even confident they are open. It is unfortunate, I was hoping to work with them again.

    After some review I have purchased an L-Com unit. I found the information provided in their documentation superior in comparison to the other product. I also figured it provides more flexibility in location because it is not a wall wart. The unit is costing me more coin. Shipping costs in it is costing me $80. I don't have a use for a second PoE power supply. I would of like to test the cheaper P.S. unit also.