Portsdown/Pluto powering related questions

[g4eml]

The Pluto is known to be very touchy about power supply and grounding arrangements. There doesn't seem to be one solution that works for everyone. Hence all the 'Folklore'. All that can really be said is that you may need to experiment with different power supply arrangements until you find one that works with your system.

In theory you should not need to cut the red lead on the main USB lead if you are using the extra power socket. The supply is internally switched between the two and you can safely have power available on both ports.

Colin G4EML

[g0mjw]

I don't think it is a good idea to cut the 5v line. I would power it via that with maybe a series diode. Not using the second port. You can use the second port but I think cutting the wire might cause it to not be recognised as plugged in.

Mike

[Rishtonite]

In theory you should not need to cut the red lead on the main USB lead if you are using the extra power socket. The supply is internally switched between the two and you can safely have power available on both ports.
Colin G4EML

Thanks. I read about cutting the red wire on another post. I've reconnected it. So I'm just wondering is there any advantage to powering the Pluto with a separate power lead, rather than through the USB data lead from the RPi?
Barry G4IAT

[Rishtonite]

I don't think it is a good idea to cut the 5v line. I would power it via that with maybe a series diode. Not using the second port. You can use the second port but I think cutting the wire might cause it to not be recognised as plugged in.
Mike

Thanks. That does seem to be the case (separate power, red wire cut) - Pluto not found.
I suppose I should have followed the usual adice - if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
I'm not using a RPi power unit, but a Chinese adjustable regulator module. 13 volt in, 4.9 to 5.1 v out and everything works within that voltage range
Barry G4IAT