The Conservative Cave

The Help Desk => Computer Related Discussions & Questions => Topic started by: CG6468 on July 10, 2012, 11:37:47 AM

Title: UPS backup
Post by: CG6468 on July 10, 2012, 11:37:47 AM
Does anyone have experience with a UPS (Uninterruptal Power Supply) for when the power goes out for their computer, printer, etc. setup?

If so, any recommendations or criticisms?
Title: Re: UPS backup
Post by: Chris_ on July 10, 2012, 11:42:58 AM
I don't deal with UPS here since we have generators, but I would look for a watt/hour rating and a cycle count (how many times it can be discharged and recharged to its full capacity before it begins to degrade).  Our current computer lease is nearly over and I'm seeing degraded batteries that were originally designed for a 58 Wh capacity declining 75-80%, some as low as 15 Wh. 

The battery in my laptop right now was originally designed for 58 Wh and has degraded to a full-charge capacity of 37.16 Wh (the battery has a manufacture date of April 2010).  I used to get a 3-1/2 hour charge and am down to 2 hours.
Title: Re: UPS backup
Post by: EagleKeeper on July 10, 2012, 11:47:17 AM
Im fond of APC.

Here is link to their website, this page is to home/home office.

At the bottom of the page is a listing of the different models with runtime sorted by power draw.

At the top left are links to heftier models.

http://www.apc.com/products/family/index.cfm?id=29&tab=models
Title: Re: UPS backup
Post by: Eupher on July 10, 2012, 11:54:10 AM
Thor (if you can wake his goat-smelling ass up) is big on UPS gizmos.
Title: Re: UPS backup
Post by: thundley4 on July 10, 2012, 12:21:35 PM
Does anyone have experience with a UPS (Uninterruptal Power Supply) for when the power goes out for their computer, printer, etc. setup?

If so, any recommendations or criticisms?

Yes.  We use them for the computers, monitors and TV, but not printers.  We only use them to allow the electronics to be shut down, but they also power a couple of small lights.
Title: Re: UPS backup
Post by: CG6468 on July 11, 2012, 08:30:00 AM
Thanks everyone. I have an APC 600 now, and its battery is shot and no longer holds a charge.

I'm weak in determining how large a capacity to get. Generally speaking, what kind of power draw should I look for to give me time to shut down: My desktop computer; the Epson WorkForce 630 all-in-one, and a sound system (basic, no high end stuff for sound), and my Seagate separate hard disk for my file backup?
Title: Re: UPS backup
Post by: Chris_ on July 11, 2012, 08:35:15 AM
I wouldn't put a printer and stereo system on a UPS, only the computer and hard drive.  If you lose power, you're not going to be concerned about audio and printing.
Title: Re: UPS backup
Post by: CG6468 on July 11, 2012, 11:56:00 AM
I wouldn't put a printer and stereo system on a UPS, only the computer and hard drive.  If you lose power, you're not going to be concerned about audio and printing.

Point taken!
Title: Re: UPS backup
Post by: LC EFA on July 11, 2012, 05:48:24 PM
With some UPS brands it's actually cheaper to pull the whole thing apart and replace the battery yourself. The batteries are often a standard form factor 12V motorcycle battery.
Title: Re: UPS backup
Post by: CG6468 on July 11, 2012, 07:56:53 PM
With some UPS brands it's actually cheaper to pull the whole thing apart and replace the battery yourself. The batteries are often a standard form factor 12V motorcycle battery.

I was wondering about that.
Title: Re: UPS backup
Post by: LC EFA on July 11, 2012, 09:33:48 PM
I was wondering about that.

Should you choose this path - make sure you get the sealed no-maintenance gel type battery and not a wet cell for reasons that should be immediately obvious.
Title: Re: UPS backup
Post by: CG6468 on July 12, 2012, 09:25:55 AM
My current unit is over 6 years old. I think I'll get a new one.
Title: Re: UPS backup
Post by: Thor on July 13, 2012, 01:49:10 PM
I have the APS NX 1250. It costs around $150. I have my stereo, my tv, my cable modem, my router, my PC, my monitor & printer all connected. I heartily endorse APC. They have a three year warranty, too, which I have had to use because I didn't shut everything down and drained the battery dead. I just had to pay for shipping it back to APC. I got mine from Sam's Club.
Title: Re: UPS backup
Post by: Eupher on July 16, 2012, 09:31:18 PM
I have the APS NX 1250. It costs around $150. I have my stereo, my tv, my cable modem, my router, my PC, my monitor & printer all connected. I heartily endorse APC. They have a three year warranty, too, which I have had to use because I didn't shut everything down and drained the battery dead. I just had to pay for shipping it back to APC. I got mine from Sam's Club.

Kinda figured you'd surface one of these days weeks months.   :-)
Title: Re: UPS backup
Post by: Chris_ on July 16, 2012, 09:34:10 PM
Kinda figured you'd surface one of these days weeks months.   :-)
His reaction time isn't what it used to be. :old:
Title: Re: UPS backup
Post by: Eupher on July 16, 2012, 09:43:47 PM
His reaction time isn't what it used to be. :old:

Yeah, it's gettin' pretty bad when you gotta wake him up to tell him to go to sleep.  :rotf:
Title: Re: UPS backup
Post by: Thor on July 21, 2012, 02:37:56 PM
His reaction time isn't what it used to be. :old:
Yeah, it's gettin' pretty bad when you gotta wake him up to tell him to go to sleep.  :rotf:
Kinda figured you'd surface one of these days weeks months.   :-)

Hey??  **** all y'all!!    :tongue: