Belkin 7230 Router problem (yes, another one!)

rajbali · 20-04-2006, 18:06

I too have been having problems with my cable modem (ntl 200) and my Belkin 7230 router.

I've only had it about a month and, up until the beginning of this week, it was working flawlessly (1 wired computer, 1 wireless laptop) - loved it to bits.

For no apparent reason, the router suddenly dropped the connection - driving me nuts. I see from other postings on here that I am not the only one with this issued. Brief info as follows:

1. Once the router drops the connection, I get an ORANGE light on the router (on the No 1 wired computer light) - all other lights are off.

2. If I restart everything, it works for 5-10 minutes, then router cuts out again.

3. If I connect my wired computer directly to the cable modem, all is well - no problems at all.

4. If I use the Belkin interface to look at the router (192.168.2.1), I can do so until it sees fit to die on me again.

5. I have tried to reset settings, flash firmware etc using the interface.

6. I tried Belkin support and did the "paper clip to reset" thing - yeah, like that was going to work

What is annoying me is that it worked SO WELL - why has it suddenly decided to give me problems? Driving me mad...

The only thing I can think of is that NTL are slowly upgrading to 10Mb in my area (Coventry)? Although perhaps not...ok, so I am clutching at straws.

So, over to you - any thoughts welcome!

Thanks

Neil · 20-04-2006, 18:36

Have you tried updating the router to the latest firmware (assuming you don;t already have it?)

DocDutch · 20-04-2006, 18:47

mate, I've heard of this before and a mate of mine came up with a solution that worked for him as his was nearly the same as yours....the psu on the unit is the issue here, so perhaps get a new 1 with the same specs its a linear psu thats supplied with it and thats giving too high a voltage on the unit, so get yourself 1 of these psu which is a switching psu and you'll be fine. you need to have it at 4.5

Marge · 20-04-2006, 18:51

My friends husband has a Belkin that was continously dropping the connection, after trying different things to make it work with no joy I changed the channel number from 7 (default) to 11 and to date he's had no problem at all and is chuffed to bits (eventually)

DocDutch · 20-04-2006, 19:04

Marge that was only because there was interference on the wlan

nothing to do with the posters problem

rajbali · 20-04-2006, 19:55

Thanks to all for the replies - PSU problem? Hadn't thought of that - will try.

Shall also try the channel thing as well.

Thanks

DocDutch · 20-04-2006, 21:24

Raj, trust me its the psu...if only 1 light goes on the router on the port where you are connected to and that turns orange/yellow its the psu.

btw I do the tech support at belkin but not the UK lines

rajbali · 20-04-2006, 23:11

Thanks - I shall try to dig out a PSU unit which will fit (at 4.5V).
Not UK Belkin support then? Hmmmm, this might just do the trick then!

vaiolator · 21-04-2006, 19:38

Don't Belkin come with a life time warranty?

DocDutch · 21-04-2006, 20:06

viaolator yeah they do.

rajbali · 21-04-2006, 20:15

Hi again, yes I know about the warranty but, looking at other threads, it seems to be a constant problem.

A follow up observation to docdutch's PSU suggestion: I have plugged in my router to the power supply (with the original PSU - not had time to get another one yet) and the router does not cut out at all. Does plugging in RJ45s trigger power cycles (peaks and troughs) in the adapter or something?

DocDutch · 21-04-2006, 20:41

dont know as the problem also happens when just wireless. it is something with the psu and the UK voltage and the linear psu thats supplied.

rajbali · 29-04-2006, 10:43

OK, thought I would update you all on how I finally solved the problem.

Originally, I went tothe Belkin UK support site, filled out my details in order to find out the 0800 number for technical support (I gave my real details, rather than making up a fake address - something I am always tempted to do).

Having spoken to technical support, they gave me a number in the UK to call - as this was not an 0800 number, I was not happy - their product does not work, why should I pay even for support.

The day after this, a letter arrived from Belkin UK saying that they have posted out a NEW router and that there was no need to return the old router to them.

Lo and behold, the day after, a new router from Belkin arrived. It is NOT a 7230-4 though, but a 7235-4 which is a bit bigger...but at least works

Thanks to DocDutch for the PSU advice - admittedly I did not follow this - I would rather take the thing back for a refund than spend more money on it. Their fault, their problem (forgive the militancy)

If anyone has a similar problem, make sure you have given your real details to Belkin and make sure you write somewhere (or tell them on the phone) that the ORANGE light comes on - hopefully, you will receive the same service I did.

So, all is well with the world once more and my faith in Belkin is restored...knew the lifetime warranty would come in handy...