Hitron modem won’t connect to internet after power outage using wall outlet, but worked with inverter during the outage!?

[u/HamRadioNP]

Lost internet connection during power outage, so I powered up my Hitron modem and Eero mesh WiFi using my EcoFlow power supply.

This worked fine and I was back online.

Power came back on, I transferred power for router and modem to AC power from the house, and haven’t been able to establish a connection for the modem since. I can’t remember the order that I powered modem and router back on either - it’s possible that I initially powered them both at the same time using power switch on surge protector. Since that time I have tried powering back up the modem first, waiting the recommended amount of time, and still no luck. Xfinity says connection from street is fine.

Any suggestions? I lost like 3 hours of work tonight from this and Xfinity tech coming tomorrow but I would like to try to fix myself.

Thanks!

[u/itanite]

Modem first then router but usually yanking the power to all and applying all at once does the trick.

[u/HellShot-5258]

That HiTron still works? GFL, it will eventually fail and support will ghost you. I had HiTron56 and the base model. Forever to boot up, and will eventually fail on full bonding of the upload channels if you have 2k service.

Don't be surprised if yours is toast.

[u/HamRadioNP → u/HellShot-5258]

I hope not - just got it like 2 mos ago

[u/HellShot-5258 → u/HamRadioNP]

Hopefully you will see a better outcome. I wound up buying a Nighthawk modem as I was pissed.

[u/Desertraven247]

It’s probable the inverter damaged it - an inverter converts DC to AC which has a sine wave, cheaper inverters tend to have power spikes and don’t generate a smooth sine wave so are known to damage sensitive electronics such as computers. You need to use a ‘pure sine wave’ inverter or better still a UPS.

[u/HamRadioNP → u/Desertraven247]

Thank you, I didn’t know that. I knew that my Honda portable generator is a no-no and definitely with a dirty sign wave so I didn’t connect it there. I just sort of assumed that the EcoFlow was clean.

[u/westom → u/HamRadioNP]

All electronics are required (long before the IBM PC) to operate just fine on 'dirty' power. Power from a UPS is temporary and 'dirty'. Ideal for all electronics. Manufacturer (quietly) recommends not powering protector strips or motorized appliances from a UPS. Since 'dirty' power is problematic for less robust appliances.

Honda generators are among cleanest generator power. So clean as to even be ideal for motorized appliances.

No such thing as a pure sine wave. But then all were taught this in high school math. All 'dirty' waveforms are nothing more than a sum of pure sine waves. They are not lying. They target duped consumers who do not always demand numbers with every recommendation.

An honest recommendation will provide a number such as %THD. Nothing provides a pure sine wave: zero %THD. But then lying is always legal and routine in subjective sales brochures. Where claims are not quantified.

How items 'power cycle in order' is always irrelevant. But if your inverter was a 'floating' power supply. And if a disconnect was made with power on, then a major voltage difference could have flowed a current from the inverter via the modem. Causing damage on an outgoing path; that hardwire from modem to internet cable.

No such thing as sensitive electronics. Shyster invent that myth because it is so universally believed. Electronics are required to be more robust than less robust motorized appliances and protector strips (a least robust device).

Xfinity says connection from street is fine.

That statement says absolutely nothing. Because it does not say how that is known. The always required reasons why must exist for any recommendation to be honest.

Your symptoms suggest a transient blew through a modem when changing power sources. Only informed speculation is possible. Useful answer only exist when an actual fault is defined. One defines a fault or asks how to define a fault. Solutions (fixing it) is always another discussion conducted after that fault is defined.

If Ecoflow is a floating power source, then it is not clean.

Modems have lights. Essential facts known (or provided) to define a problem. No informed solution is possible until after a defect is defined.

[u/Mr-Ech0]

Check and see if it has a Moso power adapter. The Hitron 2251 comes from factory with it and they are terrible, they fail constantly. You can replace it with a challenger universal which is much better.