Cradlepoint 170870-000 12V DC Power Supply 2x3 Molex
Overview
The Cradlepoint 170870-000 is a 12V DC power supply built for direct integration with Cradlepoint networking hardware. The compact 2x3 Molex connector design fits standard Cradlepoint device form factors without requiring external adapters or custom wiring. This unit is engineered to handle outdoor and indoor field deployments across thermal extremes — a critical detail if your installation spans climate zones or seasonal temperature swings.
Key Features
- Output Voltage: 12V DC — matches standard Cradlepoint device requirements. No step-down regulators or compatibility layers needed; direct plug-and-go integration.
- Connector Type: 2x3 Molex (small form factor) — ensures a secure, keyed connection to compatible Cradlepoint hardware. Molex connectors are industrial-grade and rated for repeated mating/unmating in field service scenarios.
- Operating Temperature Range: -30°C to 70°C (-22°F to 158°F) — this wide thermal window eliminates the need for heater cabinets or cooled enclosures in most North American and international deployments. Cold-start capability down to -30°C is particularly valuable for unheated outdoor equipment shelters or vehicle-mounted systems.
- Compact Form Factor: The 2x3 Molex connector footprint is significantly smaller than larger power connectors, allowing the 170870-000 to fit into space-constrained equipment racks, trailer-mounted gateways, or pole-mounted enclosures without mechanical interference.
- Field-Ready Design: Intended for both stationary installations and portable deployments where thermal extremes are common — warehouse automation sites, remote cell tower backup power, outdoor surveillance enclosures, and vehicular gateway systems.
Integration & Compatibility
The 170870-000 is engineered as a direct replacement or primary power source for Cradlepoint IP networking equipment that specifies this part number. Before ordering, verify your device documentation or product label for the exact power supply part number — compatibility is strict to the 170870-000 designation. If your Cradlepoint device lists a different power supply model, substitution may damage the device or void the warranty. When evaluating 12V DC power supplies for multi-device deployments, confirm that all units in your fleet carry the same part number to avoid mix-ups during field replacement.
Deployment Considerations
This supply is suitable for both indoor equipment cabinets and outdoor field enclosures. The thermal rating ensures stable operation in unheated shelters during winter months and in ventilated outdoor boxes during peak summer heat. If your deployment includes backup battery systems or uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), coordinate the 170870-000 input requirements with your UPS output specifications to avoid voltage regulation issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the 170870-000 compatible with all Cradlepoint devices?
A: No. This power supply is designed for specific Cradlepoint models that list part number 170870-000 in their documentation. Check your device's power supply specification before purchase to confirm compatibility.
Q: Can the 170870-000 operate in outdoor environments?
A: Yes. The -30°C to 70°C operating range supports outdoor deployment, but ensure the supply itself is housed in a weatherproof enclosure. The connector is Molex, which is weather-resistant but not waterproof without proper housing.
Q: What happens if I use a different 12V power supply with my Cradlepoint device?
A: Using an unauthorized power supply may damage the device or cause intermittent operation. Cradlepoint devices are designed for specific power delivery profiles and connector styles. Stick with the part number listed in your device manual.
Q: Does the 170870-000 include a cable or connector harness?
A: The 170870-000 is a power supply with a 2x3 Molex connector on the output. No additional cable is typically required if the device has a mating Molex input connector. Verify your device connector before purchase.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The Cradlepoint 170870-000 is a straightforward but critical component in any Cradlepoint deployment — the power supply that keeps your gateway or appliance running 24/7. The real value here is the thermal operating window and the connector design, both of which directly impact field reliability.
Technical Highlights:
- -30°C to 70°C Operating Range: This is not a casual spec. Warehouse environments, outdoor equipment shelters, and vehicle-mounted systems routinely experience temperature swings that would trip thermal shutdown on consumer-grade supplies. The 170870-000 is built to stay silent across that entire range — no field service calls due to cold-start failures or summer thermal throttling.
- 2x3 Molex Connector: Molex connectors are keyed and rated for repeated mating in harsh environments. This beats proprietary barrel connectors or custom wiring, which introduce error during field swaps. The small form factor also matters — it won't overstress the mating PCB header on devices with tight enclosure tolerances.
- 12V DC Output: Specific to Cradlepoint's power architecture. This is not a generic 12V supply; it's tuned to the exact voltage and ripple tolerances that Cradlepoint appliances expect. Substitution with an off-brand supply introduces risk of subtle voltage droops under load, leading to intermittent resets or data corruption on SD cards during gateway operation.
Deployment Considerations:
- Verify the 170870-000 part number matches your device's power specification before purchase. Cradlepoint has multiple power supply models; using the wrong one will not work and may damage the device.
- If your installation includes outdoor equipment shelters, ensure the supply itself is housed in a weatherproof enclosure — the Molex connector is weather-resistant, but the PCB and potting are not. This is a common mistake: engineers assume the supply is fully sealed because the connector is industrial-grade.
- For multi-site deployments, maintain a small stock of spare 170870-000 units. Field replacement is plug-and-play once you have the right part on hand; sourcing the wrong model in an emergency costs hours.
Ideal for stationary indoor gateways, outdoor remote office installations, and vehicle-mounted Cradlepoint systems where thermal extremes are guaranteed. Not suitable for applications requiring a different connector or voltage — this is a single-purpose supply, and that specificity is a feature, not a limitation.
