[phargo#1018]

For what it's worth, I did some checking.

The VRM is specified to operate down to 5 Volts. It is also specified to provide between 11.93 and 12.49 Volts, reference CTR's web site.

I thought it might be wise to contact the radio supplier, Open-Mesh. First off, a giant thank-you to Open-Mesh for talking. OM's standard Voltage range is 12 to 24 Volts at 1 Amp. The contact I had at OM indicated that he believes that the radio will operate properly down to 11.8 Volts. He also indicated that the radio should operate properly down to 11 or 11.5 Volts if the output power were reduced.

I will confess, I do not know what setting FRC is using for these devices; I am assuming that they are using the default power. Does anyone know?

I agree with the posts about the barrel connectors, ferrules too!!

If you find your radio is re-setting, you might check the output Voltage on your VRM. Is it less than 12 Volts? If so your device meets the specification requirements, but you might want to use some caution. You should be okay down to 11.8 Volts.

The 11.8 Volts applies at the receiving end after all IR drops are considered.
What wire are you using between the VRM and the radio, 20 AWG, 22 AWG? How long are your wires?

Suppose that you are producing 11.93 Volts at the VRM and you have 3 feet of 22 AWG wire (18 inches out and 18 inches back) and the radio is drawing 1 Amp. 22 AWG wire will account for an 0.050 Volt drop (0.030 @ 20 AWG, 0.077 @ 24 AWG). Any additional resistance due to wire termination at either end will increase this drop.

Bottom line, two suggestions:
1) Know what Voltage your VRM is providing, and
2) Keep the VRM and the radio close to each other!

Hope this helps, I am interested in follow up information!

Thanks for reading!