AC66u - Use the stand or not?

[Deleted member 28741]

Quick question:-

Should I use the unit:-

• in the horizontal position or
• Attach the stand and use it vertically

NB I have the unit on a shelf above head height but the shelf isn't high enough to allow the middle antenna to stand vertically.

What are the pro's and con's performance wise (apart from aesthetics)?

 

[cmillar6]

The AC66u runs a little warm, you want to use the vertical stand to improve air flow. I know its properly engineered to sit horizontally and still maintain sufficient cooling but the stand does make a difference. The AC68u doesn't even offer the option to sit flat, that tells you something.

 

[jim769]

I noticed when I used my N66U that it had a much better signal output when using the stand also as stated it will run much cooler. Something to consider.

 

[Deleted member 28741]

The AC66u runs a little warm, you want to use the vertical stand to improve air flow. I know its properly engineered to sit horizontally and still maintain sufficient cooling but the stand does make a difference. The AC68u doesn't even offer the option to sit flat, that tells you something.

Thanks very much. I thought it was optional but I had noticed it got a bit warm so have taken your advice and put it on the stand. Ambient temp in that room can reach 30c / 90f so I was rather concerned.

The middle antenna won't go fully perpendicular / vertical probably 70 or 75 degrees rather than 90. Will that make a massive difference?

 

[Deleted member 28741]

I noticed when I used my N66U that it had a much better signal output when using the stand also as stated it will run much cooler. Something to consider.

Thanks very much for your helpful advice.

How much better was the signal? On 5ghz the signal is much weaker 10ft away from the router than the 2.4ghz signal.

I reduced the power of 2.4 to 60 but upped the 5 to 90.

 

[jim769]

Thanks very much for your helpful advice.

How much better was the signal? On 5ghz the signal is much weaker 10ft away from the router than the 2.4ghz signal.

I reduced the power of 2.4 to 60 but upped the 5 to 90.

My signal tests were not scientific just used a laptop about 25 feet from the router with no stand it only had 4 bars with the stand it instantly went to 5 bars and stayed there. I can't give much feedback with 2.4 Ghz because I don't use that band everything here runs on the 5 Ghz band because to many other routers in the neighborhood.

 

[Deleted member 28741]

Thanks Jim

On 5ghz, I get 5 bars on the mobile devices plus -45 to -55 dbm from the wifi analyser app

2.4ghz was always off the scale so I wound down the transmit power on 2.4ghz channel hoping to keep the router a bit cooler.

I know I shouldn't ask this question as it may be painful for my bank balance and serenity… but do you like your AC68 and why did you change?

 

[jim769]

Thanks Jim

On 5ghz, I get 5 bars on the mobile devices plus -45 to -55 dbm from the wifi analyser app

2.4ghz was always off the scale so I wound down the transmit power on 2.4ghz channel hoping to keep the router a bit cooler.

I know I shouldn't ask this question as it may be painful for my bank balance and serenity… but do you like your AC68 and why did you change?

I had no issues with my N66U in fact it's on the shelf should I ever need to use it again. That said I purchased the AC68U because I could not help myself I guess I am a sucker and like to play with new stuff. And yes I like it a lot best router I have ever owned paired with Merlin's new 42 firmware release it works like a champ.

 

[Deleted member 28741]

Oh dear…

Then I really need to stay clear of the computer shops… Unfortunately there is a 3 storey shopping centre full of them opposite my office I am like a kid going into a candy store!

 

[jim769]

Oh dear…

Then I really need to stay clear of the computer shops… Unfortunately there is a 3 storey shopping centre full of them opposite my office I am like a kid going into a candy store!

I hear you its hard to resist all this new tech stuff. But for me at least right now I am going to keep my wallet in my pocket for awhile. (I hope)

 

[Deleted member 28741]

I hear you its hard to resist all this new tech stuff. But for me at least right now I am going to keep my wallet in my pocket for awhile. (I hope)

Can I ask you if you had any problems with the AC66U?

And why did you change to the AC68U?

 

[jim769]

Can I ask you if you had any problems with the AC66U?

And why did you change to the AC68U?

Never owned the AC66U owned the N66U for almost a year and as stated last night the only real reason I bought the AC68U is because I wanted a new toy to play with and I liked the idea the cords plugged in the back and not on the top like the N66.

 

[Deleted member 28741]

Never owned the AC66U owned the N66U for almost a year and as stated last night the only real reason I bought the AC68U is because I wanted a new toy to play with and I liked the idea the cords plugged in the back and not on the top like the N66.

Thank you

One of the reasons I went for the AC66 over the AC68 because I thought I could mount it horizontally and therefore the cables wouldn't show. The other was that the 68 would be overkill as I don't have any 3 stream AC devices (actually no 3 stream devices of any kind).

However, after taking your advice to use the stand to avoid overheating then the AC66 still got rather warm and its not the height of summer yet. It also really looked a mess..

Past tense…?

I went and exchanged the AC66 for the AC68 this morning in the hope that the new one won't overheat… It does feel cooler... But it also looks better

Hopefully this will be the last of the router saga and it will serve me well for a couple of years.