Beware cheap micro USB leads - can't hack the current!

[markflip]

Long story short, got raspi working perfectly using a lead and 1000mA power source originally supplied to recharge a smartphone. However, when I moved it to its 'remote' home in the loft I used the same power source but a cheap micro-USB lead from 'a popular online auction site' and it failed to power up the ethernet?? It wasn't hooked up to a monitor now so I couldn't see what was happening, this caused me to scratch my head for a while, but realising it had to be a power issue, I replaced the power lead and it cured the problem.

Hoping others can learn from my experience

[computerpie]

Great info Mark thanks for posting.
I was just curious, did you notice anything differences between the two cords? One fatter, skinnier, shorter, longer ? Any visible differences?

Thanks again

[stevech]

I've had that problem with USB cables for disk drives. Many have too-small wire gauge. The bozos in China pay no attention to the USB spec of 500mA, and Ohm's law.

[Joe Schmoe]

The laws are very different in China. For example, it is well known that they don't accept copyright law the way western countries do.

So, it is not surprising that they don't care much about this Ohm guy and his laws either.