Powered hub needed for Pi 4 and LimeSDR Mini?

Discussion about this major DATV Project. See https://wiki.batc.org.uk/The_Portsdown_Transmitter
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M0DHP
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Joined: Sun Sep 24, 2017 3:25 pm

Powered hub needed for Pi 4 and LimeSDR Mini?

Post by M0DHP » Tue Oct 19, 2021 1:01 pm

I have a question about the text below from the wiki (https://wiki.batc.org.uk/Using_LimeSDR_with_Portsdown).

Does the last sentence mean that a LimeSDR Mini can be directly connected to the USB 3 ports on a Pi 4 without needing a powered hub?
Whilst the LimeSDR could be plugged directly in to the RPi, both the Mini and the USB versions have a greater power consumption than the RPi can comfortably power from its USB Port. Therefore, it is recommended that a powered USB 2 Hub be connected to the RPi, and the LimeSDR be plugged into one of the ports on the hub. Note that some narrow-band applications of the LimeSDR might require USB 3, but USB 3 ports have enough power to supply a LimeSDR Mini, so do not require a hub.
Thanks and 73
Ray M0DHP

radiogareth
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Joined: Wed Jan 06, 2016 9:46 am

Re: Powered hub needed for Pi 4 and LimeSDR Mini?

Post by radiogareth » Tue Oct 19, 2021 1:06 pm

Personally I run my Lime mini directly from the USB on the RPI, or via a short (under 500mm) quality extension lead. So long as your RPi (I assume you are talking about a RPI4) is powered from a robust source, ideally directly to the GPIO power pins, it should be fine. I did try a hub (12V in), it failed and fried my Lime Mini. It would have been cheaper to buy another RPI and screen.....
Gareth

M0DHP
Posts: 92
Joined: Sun Sep 24, 2017 3:25 pm

Re: Powered hub needed for Pi 4 and LimeSDR Mini?

Post by M0DHP » Tue Oct 19, 2021 1:48 pm

Thanks, Gareth. Yes I'm looking at a Pi 4 with power via GPIO header.

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