Hacker mods an M1 Mac mini to receive power over Ethernet instead of AC

Post by markild » Wed, Aug 02, 2023, 9:57 AM UTC

linsomniac wrote: post #81

mmastrac wrote: post #12

I use PoE extractors to power a few different devices in my house, including RPis and some non-PoE switches. It's ridiculously easy to use them, but you generally need to know the voltage you want ahead of time.

I got some POE adapters for my Google WiFi points so I can place them around the house and not mess with an extra power cable. Works great. You can get them on Amazon with various outputs (USB, USB-C, barrel connectors of various types).

Post by lvncelot » Wed, Aug 02, 2023, 11:02 AM UTC

datapolitical wrote: post #124

chrisweekly wrote: post #91

Earlier quoted context omitted.

heh, I understood what you meant by "spicy pillow" from context but it's a new phrase for me, I like it

Can you explain

Post by pcdoodle » Wed, Aug 02, 2023, 11:07 AM UTC

parentheses wrote: post #98

ravetcofx wrote: post #6

" the M1 Mac mini was the perfect hardware to test out PoE, as on idle, the device only consumes 6W. When some load is applied to the internals, that power draw can go up to 40W. After some thorough research, we found out that the maximum throughput of Power over Ethernet was 15.4W " They'll have to bump it up to 802.3bt (Poe ++) which can support 60W. Cool Project though, I've been wanting to mod my Mac Mini m1 to r…

This change/mod involving one of the most locked-down devices seems pointless. What do you like about the project? Or is it that the additional cable is so irksome? I have my own "must-do" projects that from outside perspective is seen as pointless. So, this is more about understanding than poking holes.

Post by wongarsu » Wed, Aug 02, 2023, 11:32 AM UTC

Animats wrote: post #120

crote wrote: post #99

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Office equipment doesn't really have "transformers" anymore, everything uses switched-mode power supplies. The way they work, is that they have an output buffer (a capacitor or inductor) and rapidly turn a switch on and off to keep that output buffer at the right level: if the output buffer is below the target voltage, the switch closes and the voltage will start to rise. Once the output buffer rises above the target…

Yes, that's the tradeoff. High voltage for the long haul, low voltage locally is common. There are computer equipment racks where distribution within the rack is at 12 VDC. These often have big busbars in the back, and a power supply in the base. Facebook's OpenRack started at 12VDC, but a later rev is at 48 VDC. That's just within the rack; there's a power supply in the rack base running off something like 3-phase 2…

Post by Cthulhu_ » Wed, Aug 02, 2023, 12:17 PM UTC

forgotusername6 wrote: post #126

skinkestek wrote: post #93

I've been wondering more than once if we couldn't improve (larger) offices a lot by distributing power pre-transformed so every computer and every screen wouldn't have to include a transformer. I also sometimes wonder why these days, when every new lamp is led, why we don't replace most of the dangerous 230V outlets in new houses with 12V and use 230V only for dishwashers, laundry machines, dryers and that kind of st…

Plenty of domestic applications still require higher voltage (well actually power but I presume you aren't suggesting 12V with high current). Vacuum cleaners, hair dryers, anything portable that produces heat. Building houses with low voltage sockets would be really frustrating for people living there. Is the danger of 230V actually significant in this day and age? I wonder how many fires/injuries are caused by 230V…