USB Power

[jcjefferies]

My new DVB-T2 tuner when used with my HP Microserver is intermittent when recording SD but does not work with HD signal. So my first though that it was a signal level problem. However if I plug it into a PC being used as a NextPVR test server using the same aerial lead it works well. I have a RTL2382/R820 tuner which also does not work in the Microserver but works in the test server PC. The RTL tuner is frequently used for SDR applications instead of TV and is well known for not working in some computers and the solution is to run it plugged into a powered hub.

Using a powered USB hub the RTL tuner takes around 230ma increasing to 320ma when recording SD and the DVB-T2 tuner takes 160ma increasing to 220ma recording SD and 250ma HD. Looking at the USB hubs in Windows Device Manager all ports are specified as 500ma however from the tests I would say that the Microserver has a limit of around 220ma. A possible solution which could remove the need for an external PSU is a USB "Y" lead so the power to the tuner is taken from two USB sockets on the PC.

Chris

[martint123]

I've been running my PCTV290 from a powered hub for quite a while now (year plus ISTR) without a single freeze or lockup.
Prior to this is was locking up about every 10 days needing power cycling unplug/plug) to bring it back.
I have a twin USB3 PCI card in another microserver and one of these days may try it in the pvr/nas/etc box to see if it works in that.

I don't believe the 500ma that windows says ! unless there is noise on it as well.