Flint 2 - max power consumption?

kedan · 2025-02-02T00:58:29.078Z

Hi all,

I'm thinking about powering my Flint 2 using a 30W USB-PD charger, and a USB-C (12V/3A) to DC5521 barrel cable. This should theoretically provide the router with 30W to draw from.

The Flint 2 product page claims that its power draw is less than 20W, however the power adapter provided with it can supply up to 48W.

Does anyone know:

Is there a scenario where the Flint 2 actually consumes more than 30W during its operation? What is its max power consumption?
Will my USB-PD charger + cable setup provide enough power for the Flint 2 to function properly, or does It actually need the 48W charger to function without issues?

Thank you for your help and comments.

mortneff · 2025-02-02T16:53:31.963Z

Guess one could put killawatt meter on adapter. The hard part is the adapter losses calculation. The wall wart on 60hz is terrible I'd guess.

Another way might be to use AGM battery to run it. Then guess recharge amount.

Ideally you'd put an volt amp probe on DC and take measurements on graph.
Unless you have graphing type.

Happi · 2025-02-03T07:56:46.030Z

I have no experience of the Flint 2 but if it helps, I've powered a Spitx AX3000, Collie and Spiitz X750v2 off a 20W (1.6A @ 12V) PD power adapter and never had a problem with any of them.

kedan · 2025-02-04T00:05:25.334Z

Thank you.
That actually adds to my suspicion that the power supply units included with GL.iNet's routers are somewhat of an overkill power-wise, just to be on the safe side.

I'll be testing the Flint 2 in the coming weeks and update this thread with my results.
I think working with a small 30W GAN charger is way more elegant than using the power brick the Flint 2 comes with.

chansearrington · 2025-03-03T17:36:50.680Z

@kedan Did this work for you? I'm looking to do something similar with a POE splitter.

kedan · 2025-03-03T22:52:19.789Z

Yes, it did
I've been testing it for a few days now and I wanted to give it some more time before I updated this thread with my findings. So far (1.5 weeks of operation), the router seems to be working fine and is quite stable.

Let me summarize what I did:

I bought a tiny 30W GaN charger (VOLTME Revo from AliExpress).
Also bought a USB-C PD to 5.5x2.1 power connector cable (12V, 98cm length, also AliExpress).
Plugged the USB-C side to the GaN charger and the DC5521 side to my Flint 2.
Everything works!

Some key takeaways:

The GaN charger is significantly smaller than the GL.iNet provided one. No idea why GL.iNet didn't go with a GaN charger and a USB-PD port on this device.
The GaN charger provides 12V@2.5A (max 30W) and it has no issues powering the Flint 2, which means GL.iNet's charger is definitely an overkill.
You can use any GaN charger that provides 12V@3A\4A\xA etc., as long as x >= 2.5.
I'm not running anything other than 2 WiFi networks + Adguard on my Flint 2.
I don't think running VPN/Tailscale/etc. or other services will significantly increase its power draw, but people wanting to connect a USB drive on a regular basis should perhaps consider using chargers that provide 12V@3A or more.
This GaN charger + USB-C cable setup also works flawlessly on the Flint 1 model.

Enjoy

chansearrington · 2025-03-04T16:46:01.494Z

Thank you for this detailed info!

I plan to use a POE to DC splitter at the same 12V@2A

I know this is under the 2.5A you mentioned, but I'm assuming that since the Flint 2 spec sheet says it draws less than 20W, I might be able to get away with this.

I'll try to remember to report back for others.

kedan · 2025-03-04T20:14:33.008Z

I'm pretty sure it'll work. Best of luck!

ste · 2025-05-16T10:47:30.787Z

Did you manage to get this to work? I had the idea of trying one of these
https://amzn.eu/d/1sSfTSP to provide backup power in the event of a power cut, maybie using a DC 'Y' cable to combine the two 12V@2A into 12V@4A to power it, but if 2Amp's are enough this should work out the box.

Renato · 2025-05-16T12:36:49.026Z

ste:

maybie using a DC 'Y' cable to combine the two 12V@2A into 12V@4A to power

Don't do that!
If this is something that it can do, the manufacturer will say "12Vdc / 4A when operating with a single port"

Paying a little bit more you can buy a proper 850VA UPS

mortneff · 2025-05-17T13:44:31.250Z

Not sure we know max power draw. No one has posted numbers while used 100% possible from router. I turned down WiFi power and use 1/10 load.