# Power warning for my Notecard

**URL:** <https://discuss.blues.com/t/power-warning-for-my-notecard/1256>\
**Category:** Hardware\
**Created:** [February 11, 2023, 8:49pm UTC](https://discuss.blues.com/t/power-warning-for-my-notecard/1256 "2023-02-11T20:49:21Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![adriatic](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/user_avatar/discuss.blues.com/adriatic/32/640_2.png) [@adriatic](https://discuss.blues.com/u/adriatic)\
**Post date:** [February 11, 2023, 8:49pm UTC](https://discuss.blues.com/t/power-warning-for-my-notecard/1256/1 "2023-02-11T20:49:21Z")

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The [power information document](https://dev.blues.io/hardware/notecarrier-datasheet/notecarrier-f/#power-information) states:

`Typical USB ports may only be capable of supplying 500 mA of current, which might not be enough to power Notecard during a cellular connection.`

I am using the cellular “notecard-3.5.2.15620” embedded in the Notecarrier F, powered by the USB connection to my desktop. This indicates that the above warning applies to me and my question is “what behavior can I expect from my Notecard”?

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**Author:** ![RobLauer](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/user_avatar/discuss.blues.com/roblauer/32/1567_2.png) [@RobLauer](https://discuss.blues.com/u/RobLauer)\
**Post date:** [February 12, 2023, 5:20pm UTC](https://discuss.blues.com/t/power-warning-for-my-notecard/1256/2 "2023-02-12T17:20:52Z")

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Hi @adriatic,

Great question. 500 mA will be fine for the vast majority of users. It’s only when connecting to a GSM network will you need to be prepared for a potential 2 amp spike. In those cases, it’s helpful to have an external LiPo battery hooked up to your Notecarrier as well.

Thanks,  
Rob

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**Author:** ![adriatic](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/user_avatar/discuss.blues.com/adriatic/32/640_2.png) [@adriatic](https://discuss.blues.com/u/adriatic)\
**Post date:** [February 12, 2023, 6:05pm UTC](https://discuss.blues.com/t/power-warning-for-my-notecard/1256/3 "2023-02-12T18:05:21Z")

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Would’nt this imply to always have external LiPo batter attached, since I am not able to control which network to connect?

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**Author:** ![RobLauer](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/user_avatar/discuss.blues.com/roblauer/32/1567_2.png) [@RobLauer](https://discuss.blues.com/u/RobLauer)\
**Post date:** [February 13, 2023, 3:05pm UTC](https://discuss.blues.com/t/power-warning-for-my-notecard/1256/4 "2023-02-13T15:05:30Z")

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Hi @adriatic,

Logically speaking, it’s a good best practice. However, for most people, the likelihood of having to fall back on GSM while USB-powered at your desk is unlikely. Remote/rural deployments that rely on GSM are a different story, and those are generally not going to be USB-powered anyway.

Rob