Installing
a Fan in Linksys WRT54G
Keep
it Cool
Third
party firmware for Linksys WRT54G series of wireless routers
opened a world of possibilities. Firmware like Open WRT or
DD-WRT allow access to features not available under Linksys
stock firmware.
One of
the unlocked features is Transmitter Power Adjustment. The
chipset in WRT54G has a power output range of 0-250mW. The
factory firmware locks the power to 28mW which limits the
wireless range of the device.
Heat
is an enemy of all electronics. It shortens the life of components.
WRT54G does not come with a built in fan. Boosting the transmission
power theoretically generates more heat. Various online forums
have suggested that if you increase power from the default
28mW you could be slowly cooking the guts of your router.
Personally,
I'm a bit skeptical this is true but I have decided to put
a fan into one of my routers anyway because I use it outdoors
in summer heat.
The
reason I think WTR54G doesn't burn hotter with increased
power is simple. The device is drawing the same amount of
current regardless of the transmitter power setting. On
my WRT54GL I measured 240mA at 12V at all power settings
from 0-250mW.
Tools
Needed:
soldering
iron
philips screwdriver
wire cutters or scissors
wire stripper or a sharp knife
all surface marker (optional)
heat gun (optional)
Materials
Needed:
12V
fan, 1" (2.5cm -- you can use any larger fan as long
as it fits in the housing)
solder
heat shrink tubing or electrical tape
3M double stick pad (the foamy kind with strong glue)
electrical switch rated for 12V DC (optional)
drill, coping saw (if installing a switch)
18-22 AWG wire (just use wire that's as thick as you can reasonably
bend and fit into the housing)
silicon based glue
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