Help! My Pfsense box died?
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Hey,
Earlier today the lights on my pcengines router box (pre alix version) stopped blinking, I had to go out so didn't have time to look at it (tried remoting from my cell incase it came back on but nothing..)
When I push and prod on the adaptor (KTEC 18v output) it came back on for a while and everything was ok, but then it died again. Could it be I need a new adaptor? Or is the box likely dead? Tried on a different power board at a different outlet and same deal. It has always been a flawless unit!Thanks! :)
EDIT: Sorry to clarify, it's the pcengines WRAP box with a KTEC input = 0.4A, output = 18v - 1.0A adaptor
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Could be a number of things.
You should check power supply using a voltmeter. However you've tried two. I have had routers where the power supply measured fine off load but couldn't boot the router. The maximum load is usually during boot so if it does boot it's probably not that.
You say it boots for a while then crashes. Sounds like maybe a heat issue. Do you have a heatsink that's come unstuck? Could be a connection problem that is aggravated as components warm up. Try reseating everything you can.
Steve
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Hey thanks,
It doesn't boot anymore, if I jiggle the adaptor a bit the lights might flash but that's all.
The unit that I have is this one: http://pcengines.ch/wrap.htm
Bought from that Swiss gentleman directly and has served me well for many years :) -
Hey thanks,
It doesn't boot anymore, if I jiggle the adaptor a bit the lights might flash but that's all.
The unit that I have is this one: http://pcengines.ch/wrap.htm
Bought from that Swiss gentleman directly and has served me well for many years :)Perhaps there is a short on the PCB. You might can just use a little solder and get it working again.
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Hey thanks,
It doesn't boot anymore, if I jiggle the adaptor a bit the lights might flash but that's all.
The unit that I have is this one: http://pcengines.ch/wrap.htm
Bought from that Swiss gentleman directly and has served me well for many years :)Perhaps there is a short on the PCB. You might can just use a little solder and get it working again.
By "jiggle the adaptor" do you mean the power plug at the router? Maybe try applying light pressure on the plug for several seconds in various directions. My point is maybe the power socket has a cold solder joint or some other kind of intermittent.
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Yes I agree if you are only getting very intermitent power when you jiggle the connector I would suspect the power supply socket on the PCB. It is the part that gets the most stress every time it's connected or if it was sent to you with the PSU still plugged in. You'll have to open it up to find out.
As Suggested try applying a small force in different directions.Steve
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Hey - thanks guys,
Yeah I have tried applying pressure at both ends, socket connected to wrap box and at adaptor connected to power board.
I have found another adaptor rated: input = 240V ~ 50Hz 90ma. output = 9v - 800ma. Can I try this?
Pcengines recommends: WRAP is designed for a input voltage of 7V to 18V DC. Power can be supplied through a DC jack (2.1 mm, center positive, sleeve negative)Next step will be to open the box, which unfortunately has been basically glued (with some strong putty) to the side of my wall for some years :)
Actually yes, it seems inevitable, something has blown probably in the box :( << yep.. seems that way.. other adaptor didnt work, first one doesnt work anymore either.. grr this sucksThanks!
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Hey,
Just an update incase this helps someone else or if anyone is interested :)
Turns out it was the adaptor. Went to an electronics shop and the closest to 18V 1A I could find was 15V 2.0A. Everything has been working perfectly so far!
Just wondering, I have a few days still to return the adaptor if I want, should I attempt to get an 18V 1A or is the one I have ok? A retailer I emailed has 18V 0.6A but not 1A.PCengines recommends:
"WRAP is designed for a input voltage of 7V to 18V DC. Power can be supplied through a DC jack (2.1 mm, center positive, sleeve negative)"Thanks! :)
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Hey,
Just an update incase this helps someone else or if anyone is interested :)
Turns out it was the adaptor. Went to an electronics shop and the closest to 18V 1A I could find was 15V 2.0A. Everything has been working perfectly so far!
Just wondering, I have a few days still to return the adaptor if I want, should I attempt to get an 18V 1A or is the one I have ok? A retailer I emailed has 18V 0.6A but not 1A.PCengines recommends:
"WRAP is designed for a input voltage of 7V to 18V DC. Power can be supplied through a DC jack (2.1 mm, center positive, sleeve negative)"Thanks! :)
Your current power supply is more powerful than the other one the seller is handing out. i would keep this 15V version.
P = U * I
15V * 2A = 30W
18V * 0.6A = 10,8W -
Since the WRAP boards only require 5W you could use either. However I would stick with the 15V adapter you have already. As Metu69salemi pointed out it's far more powerful, so it will probably run cooler and cope with power spikes better. Also 18V is the maximum voltage the board can take so if the new adapter is of lesser quality it may output a higher voltage in some circumstances, potentially damaging the board.
Steve
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Thanks guys!
Will hang to the 15V. Figured out the wattage was significantly higher on the 15 over the 18, just wasn't sure if it was too high or if voltage was high enough.
Thanks for clearing it up :)