[JithinR]

Creating this thread to get some advice on how to create an UPS for a router.

I can see that we have a thread for UPS on Team-BHP(https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/gadge...3-ups-buy.html (Which UPS to buy ?)). However, I could not find one that looks into the possibility of making one's own mini-UPS for a router.

I live in an Apartment in Bengaluru which has pretty good backup capabilities. Our Backup kicks in a minute or so after the power cuts out and carries us through most of the day when required.

However, until the COVID-19 lockdown made me WFH, I never realized how many times in a day the power cuts out. I am not sure why the BESCOM guys have not tried to reduced the frequency of Power cuts (if they did try to do something then they seemed to have failed) even when they know that many people are working from home these days.

With Apartments that have Backups, the need for a full fledged UPS does not arise. However, it is becoming increasingly annoying when the power cuts out during a conference call with my team mates and my router has to restart with the backup power. The few seconds that this takes makes my VPN application scramble to make another connection and then the connection in Microsoft Teams/Skype/Web-ex has to be re-established.

TLDR; Few seconds that it takes the Backup power to kick in, makes me miss at least 30s to 1min of the conference call dialog.

I have checked if Amazon has a solution for this and it seems they do:https://www.amazon.in/Resonate-Route.../dp/B011UPEL4O.

It seems to be Out of Stock right now but I remember the cost to be something around Rs2000. That is more than my stupid router costs!

I am thinking of creating my own router UPS (not a true UPS) and it seems Youtube has some helpful guides:

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlEnEn7ptmc&t=686s

2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sHNYwB6kok&t=15s

Instructables link for the second video (for members who like to read): https://www.instructables.com/id/DIY...-Router-Modem/.

I like the first video much more since it's more detailed and he seems to care more about safety. The schematic diagram linked to that video: https://imgur.com/a/35cMeDv

From what I can see, I would need the following:

1. Li-Ion Batteries:https://robu.in/product/18650-li-ion...d-battery-pack
2. Li-Po Batteries:https://www.electronicscomp.com/3.7v...odel-ultrafire
3. Plastic Enclosure Box: https://www.electronicscomp.com/6x6x...arch=enclosure
4. 2S BMS Board: https://robu.in/product/2s-8a-18650-...tection-board/
5. DC-DC Step Up Boost Converter: https://www.electronicscomp.com/xl60...r-module-india
6. Female Charging Plug connecter: https://www.electronicscomp.com/dc-p...female-adaptor
7. SPST On-Off Switch: https://www.electronicscomp.com/spst...=SPST%20switch
8. Male connector lead: https://www.electronicscomp.com/dc-p...male-connector
9. Digital Voltmeter: https://robu.in/product/dc-3-6-28v-2...ltmeter-panel/
10. 9v adapter: https://robu.in/product/orange-9v-2a...caAig1EALw_wcB
11. Heat Sink: https://www.electronicscomp.com/heat...ch=heat%20sink
12. Glass fuses: https://www.electronicscomp.com/1-am...lass-fuse-20mm

I have only some of the stuff that I need for this project so I am listing all the ones I can think of below (in case it helps others in the future):

1. Soldering rod: https://www.electronicscomp.com/25-w...arch=soldering
2. Solder wire: https://robu.in/product/solder-wire-1-00mm-50gm/
3. Electrical insulating tape: https://www.electronicscomp.com/elec...or?search=tape
4. Double sided tape: https://www.electronicscomp.com/doub...er?search=tape
5. Multimeter: https://www.electronicscomp.com/mast...rch=multimeter
6. Hot Glue Gun: https://robu.in/product/standard-tem...rded-glue-gun/

Please note that I have tried to list the components required from Indian websites even though the first video links to aliexpress because I am not sure if customs will allow packages promptly (they used to take month+ before COVID-19).

If there are better India based websites that are reliable and carry most of this stuff, please let me know.

Now for my doubts (please excuse the amateur level questions...i suck at electronics):

1. Is there any way to make the output switch between the usual Power adapter (its a 12V 1.5A) and this battery back-up. The current setup these video's talk about seem to employ the DC-DC converter throughout which might unnecessarily cause some heat build (hence the heat sink) and reduce the efficiency of the whole thing. I don't want to end up consuming more electricity. If i go this route, will it make the whole setup more complex?
2. Should i use Li-Ion batteries or Li-Po ones? I think the Li-on carry a fire risk and since my backup does kick-in I guess I don't need to be concerned about the energy density.
3. Are there Step Up DC-DC converter that are suitable for my requirement that have the inbuilt voltmeter? There seem to be some models of this type but they look like they are overkill for my usage: https://robu.in/product/lm2577-3a-dc...verter-module/
4. Can't I avoid the Female Charging Plug connector by using a BMS board that allows for usb charging like this one: https://robu.in/product/micro-usb-5v...harger-module/. I think I would need a 2S board with the USB input which I am not able to find. If I do, then just need to get the appropriate DC adapter along with this right?
5. I can see that there are Li-Ion Battery packs with integrated BMS board like this one https://robu.in/product/18650-li-ion...-battery-pack/. Can i simply use one of these instead of the BMS board and the batteries?

Finally, I am not sure how much I have missed in this setup. If there is something else that I need to take a look at then I am all ears!

[Traveler]

I explored a similar option too but in the end I just bought an IBall Nirantar 622 UPS for Rs. 1650 from Amazon. It is excellent and powers my 43 Inch LED TV, Wifi Router and Cordless Phone.

I found this to be a more convenient way.

[black12rr]

https://www.amazon.in/xcluma-Power-A.../dp/B073DDR3HH

Does this work ?

[ecosport rules]

Originally Posted by JithinR

Finally, I am not sure how much I have missed in this setup. If there is something else that I need to take a look at then I am all ears!

There is a company called resonate, available on Amazon. In
Are you looking to build something like that ?
Sharing

https://www.amazon.in/dp/B017NC2IPM/..._I.a2EbN222354

[srini1785]

Originally Posted by JithinR

[*]Is there any way to make the output switch between the usual Power adapter (its a 12V 1.5A) and this battery back-up.

Probably a simple relay with a 230V AC coil and 2 CO base might help. Connect the power adaptor to the NO contact and the backup to the NC contact. When power fails, the contacts toggle and battery is connected to the modem.

Just for my understanding, what is the terminal voltage of the modem?. I am trying to understand why a DC - DC converter is needed.

[libranof1987]

Originally Posted by JithinR

I have checked if Amazon has a solution for this and it seems they do

I have the Resonate RouterUPS at parents' and my place; works like a charm. Got it for 24xx; one supports the modem+router and the other one has a splitter cable to support the separate modem and router. I get about an hour or more of backup but don't need more than 5sec.

Also, I bought it directly from them; look their website up.

[JithinR]

Originally Posted by Traveler

I explored a similar option too but in the end I just bought an IBall Nirantar 622 UPS for Rs. 1650 from Amazon. It is excellent and powers my 43 Inch LED TV, Wifi Router and Cordless Phone.

I found this to be a more convenient way.

Thanks sir. I am not really sure of the quality of some of the UPS systems. I did visit the UPS thread and it seems members like APC here but even the customers reviews of the lower end APC unit I could find on Amazon had a lot of complaints on quality and tampered products being delivered.

I have started looking at this approach in more detail though. Thanks. I will let you know if I decided to go ahead with a UPS.

Originally Posted by black12rr

https://www.amazon.in/xcluma-Power-A.../dp/B073DDR3HH

Does this work ?

Attachment 2013220

Attachment 2013221

Wow. Thanks!

I didn't know that such an connection existed. But most Powerbanks I have seen provide only 5V as output right. My router is rated for 12V 1.5A.

I have heard that under volting is not a bad thing in some gaming pc build videos but I am not sure if that would apply in the case of a router.

Originally Posted by ecosport rules

There is a company called resonate, available on Amazon. In
Are you looking to build something like that ?
Sharing

https://www.amazon.in/dp/B017NC2IPM/..._I.a2EbN222354

Yep. This product is the one I had quoted at the beginning portion of my thread. Unfortunately, it's not available now.

Also, the thing costs more than my old router so I am not able to understand why it has (what looks like) a high markup in price.

Originally Posted by srini1785

Probably a simple relay with a 230V AC coil and 2 CO base might help. Connect the power adaptor to the NO contact and the backup to the NC contact. When power fails, the contacts toggle and battery is connected to the modem.

Just for my understanding, what is the terminal voltage of the modem?. I am trying to understand why a DC - DC converter is needed.

I did see a youtube video that also mentioned using a relay. I have used one before on my bike to ensure no one is able to switch on my auxiliary lights when it's parked. I am afraid that I am not able to understand how this would work.

We would need the power supply to both charge the batteries and power the router when BESCOM decides I am worthy of their power supply. But when it cuts out the battery pack has to take over. I was looking for an approach using the BMS board itself and it seems I was inattentive to the instructable I had linked in my opening post. It seems to have an approach using the BMS board. For your relay idea, I am afraid that my knowledge at this time is inadequate.

It's probably the 2CO base thing you have mentioned. I will read up on that.

Thank you sir!

Edit: Sorry, forgot this one. My router is rated for 12V and 1.5A.

[blackwasp]

Originally Posted by JithinR

Creating this thread to get some advice on how to create an UPS for a router.

I had created a similar device using a power bank and a DC-DC boost converter. You need to strip the USB cable and connect the +5V and Gnd wires to the input of the converter and the output you will get ~12V 1A which can power the router. I used a 10,000 mAh power bank for this. And the power bank was plugged in at all times so it didn't discharge. The power bank should support simultaneous charging and discharging too.

However, I'm not sure if you will get 1.5A, as my requirements were 1A. But this should not be impossible IMHO.

Another idea is to just get a motorcycle battery and connect it to the router using some protection device (fuse, etc.). However, this will give you about 1.5-2.5 hours of backup on a router - assuming 1-1.5A range. You will also need a trickle charger for charging back the battery.

[srini1785]

Originally Posted by JithinR

It's probably the 2CO base thing you have mentioned. I will read up on that.

A crash course on relays : The pic above is the classic relay. The top part (plexiglass) is the coil and the bottom ( black) is the base. The coil and base are separable. The base usually has 2/3/4CO contacts. By CO i mean change over. You can further read up and understand. In the pic you can see 3 channels in the bottom part plus one connection for the coil.

Originally Posted by JithinR

Edit: Sorry, forgot this one. My router is rated for 12V and 1.5A.

If the terminal voltages are the same, IMO, you don't need a DC-DC converter. A DC -DC converter is needed if ,say, you want 15V from a 12 V battery. Its just that a DC - DC converter provides galvanic isolation and Short protection. So i guess it is OK to use it in your case. A simple 2.2Ah battery should give you atleast 40mins backup.

[Rocketscience]

Originally Posted by JithinR

Wow. Thanks!

I didn't know that such an connection existed. But most Powerbanks I have seen provide only 5V as output right. My router is rated for 12V 1.5A.

My mi power bank from 3 years ago supports 5V, 9V and 12V, power output is max 15w so that should cover it, even i was planning to buy a regular UPS for my router but this cable seems to be the best solution by far.

My only concern is since power banks these days are "smart" and only output the current requested by the mobile device and feature auto cut off and what not, they first need to handshake with the device, the router i think does not have any of these mechanisms, it just takes 12v power directly from the adaptor, whether that would prevent it from working with the power bank needs to be tested.

P.S : This powerbank solution still won't work in your case since that process is far from seamless and automatic and would have to be done manually, unless ofcourse you directly connect it to powerbank and connect the power bank to the power line, i don't know how practical or safe it will be.

[JithinR]

Originally Posted by Rocketscience

My mi power bank from 3 years ago supports 5V, 9V and 12V, power output is max 15w so that should cover it, even i was planning to buy a regular UPS for my ....unless ofcourse you directly connect it to powerbank and connect the power bank to the power line, i don't know how practical or safe it will be.

Thank you sir. I didn't know that Powerbanks with 12v outputs were there at this price range. I searched for the MI powerbank right after I saw your post: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B07VWK9DXF/..._RN02EbHP99GMB

From the product description:

18W Fast Charging: The new Mi Power Bank 2i comes with a never heard before 18W Fast Charging. It supports 5V/2A, 9V/ 2A and 12V/1.5A charging outputs that ensures efficient and quick charging for your devices

it does seem that it can supply the requisite power for my router.

Yes, unless I have some sort of switching circuit I would have to leave the Powerbank plugged in and online all the time. I am not sure if this is safe since I don't think they are designed for this purpose.

A fellow member had suggested looking into relays in the previous post but I have seen comments online from people who tried it that the relay is not able to switch fast enough and the router powers down. I need to look at a circuit with diodes perhaps.

[Thermodynamics]

Thanks for the DIY, timing is so right. Would appreciate if you can show your DIY setup in pictures.

The timing is so right when the only product in market is not available (Resonate went out of stock in no time). Either buy a proper UPS or do this DIY. I guess, UPS makers were taken by a surprise with sudden surge in demand they never anticipated.

I watched these videos when I was trying to make a jugaad using a power bank but stopped because of risk associated with overcharging. What surprises me is the router makers never had a product with built in power backup. That would be the most ideal thing.

May be they are banking on projections when 5G connectivity comes up, Sim card based wifi routers with Lithium ion back up would eventually take over conventional opticfibre modem/router combination.

[PrashantPahwa]

I dug out my old pc ups from my college days and got the battery changed for 700 rs. It's big and heavy but that's the best I could do because resonate ups is unavailable online since 2 months.
That is still the cheapest and more versatile solution as it has multiple ports.

[whitewing]

Originally Posted by Thermodynamics

.........
I watched these videos when I was trying to make a jugaad using a power bank but stopped because of risk associated with overcharging. What surprises me is the router makers never had a product with built in power backup. That would be the most ideal thing.

I have also been thinking of trying out this, for some years actually, but inertia and doubts on safety had the thoughts parked in a dusty corner of my mind, @JithinR's thread made me look closer into the topic.

Originally Posted by JithinR

Creating this thread to get some advice on how to create an UPS for a router.
..................
Please note that I have tried to list the components required from Indian websites even though the first video links to aliexpress because I am not sure if customs will allow packages promptly (they used to take month+ before COVID-19).
.................
Finally, I am not sure how much I have missed in this setup. If there is something else that I need to take a look at then I am all ears!

Option 1:

Originally Posted by srini1785

Probably a simple relay with a 230V AC coil and 2 CO base might help.

The relay option suggested by @srini1785 seem promising and very cost effective, just needs a relay an some splicing of wires, however, it still means that the battery lifecycle has to be managed i.e monitor/recharge the battery regularly. But given the use case of just bridging a short (minute or two down time of the wall power) outage, may not be such a hassle.


Option 2: Buy a low power UPS board+battery overcharge protection+18650 battery
https://www.amazon.in/CentIoT-DD05CVSA-Charger-Discharger-Converter/dp/B078R8GYGY/
The cost would be comparable to a commercial option.

Option 3: Purchase off the shelf https://www.amazon.in/dp/B07S6NP7L5/, again the reviews are mixed.

[bhp_maniac]

I was in the same dilemma few months back and ended up buying something called "cuzor" router backup from Amazon. It was around 1800 Rs. I considered my old PC UPS, but the thing is that my TV rack where router is placed can't withstand the weight. They claim around 4 hours of backup, never got to test it as its only used during the time between the grid power going off and the apartment backup kicks in.