Dan Phiffer builds websites, makes art, and teaches in NYC
I’ve been making good progress with my pirate wifi project, Occupy.here. This is how my current prototype looks, built from a TP-Link TL-WR703N. This is the Chinese-language version of a similar router, the TL-MR3020, it’s just slightly cheaper. Once you install OpenWrt on them, the two models are essentially identical. It’s powered using a portable battery that provides a 5V charge over USB.
Note: Amazon links will result in me getting a small kickback
How long will the WiFi router last connected to the portable battery? (I can't find specifications on the portable router that detail common power usage.)
I still don't have very much experience with the battery performance but my first impression has been good. It seems pretty similar to my iPhone 4 during extended use of the wifi radio. I used it on my ~50 min subway commute to and from work for 3 days and then accidentally left it running overnight and that killed the remaining charge. On the next charge I'll try to log the usage more accurately.
I just ran another test from a full battery. I was able to run the wifi router continuously, with minimal use, for about 25.5 hours.