UPS recommendations for 1 PC + router

[squirrel]

Hello guys,

So it's time to get on the UPS train with all this loadshedding. I'm looking at something relatively cheap like the APC Back-UPS BX500ci. I will be connecting 1 PC just to shutdown safely, and more importantly I have my ADSL modem and Wifi router I want to keep on (DSL-2500U and a DIR-615). How would I connect the modem and router? Any reason not to get this model of UPS?

 

[DrJohnZoidberg]

I wouldn't recommend that model as it's a "dumb" UPS. Which means that you're going to always have to be around to shut things down manually.

Rather look at this model: http://www.wootware.co.za/apc-bx650ci-za-back-ups-650-va-230-v-with-avr.html it has a USB interface and software so you can automate this stuff.

 

[CriticalConsumer]

I wouldn't recommend that model as it's a "dumb" UPS. Which means that you're going to always have to be around to shut things down manually.

Rather look at this model: http://www.wootware.co.za/apc-bx650ci-za-back-ups-650-va-230-v-with-avr.html it has a USB interface and software so you can automate this stuff.

Agreed!

 

[catman37]

Hi All.

Do these accept generator power as well ?

 

[DrJohnZoidberg]

Hi All.

Do these accept generator power as well ?

Yes. It is highly recommended to use a UPS (line interactive or online UPS) when using a generator to power computer equipment. Most UPSes have AVR which will regulate the voltage to these devices, without it you run the very high risk of damaging sensitive equipment.

 

[Bryn]

I wouldn't recommend that model as it's a "dumb" UPS. Which means that you're going to always have to be around to shut things down manually.

Rather look at this model: http://www.wootware.co.za/apc-bx650ci-za-back-ups-650-va-230-v-with-avr.html it has a USB interface and software so you can automate this stuff.

So I should probably set up my RCT 2000VA UPS properly then? I don't leave my PC on if it's not in use though, so when the power cuts I'm either at my PC or near it, and can just close everything manually and shut it down.

 

[CriticalConsumer]

Here is the manufacturer link to the UPS referred to above:

http://www.apc.com/products/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=BX650CI-ZA&total_watts=200

It does not explicitly say that it accepts generator power...however feeding it generator power and connecting your devices to the UPS should not be a problem.

Just don't connect everything directly to the generator.

 

[CriticalConsumer]

So I should probably set up my RCT 2000VA UPS properly then? I don't leave my PC on if it's not in use though, so when the power cuts I'm either at my PC or near it, and can just close everything manually and shut it down.

You should if you plan on working on your PC during a blackout...

 

[Bryn]

You should if you plan on working on your PC during a blackout...

My PC has a 700W PSU, a number of external hard drives, a 27" monitor, external DAC and some other peripherals. Somehow I don't think it will last long during load shedding. I just use my UPS to protect my stuff and to avoid losing anything I'm working on.

How would setting my UPS up with a USB cable help it last longer though? I could leave my PC on until the UPS dies as things stand.

 

[DrJohnZoidberg]

So I should probably set up my RCT 2000VA UPS properly then? I don't leave my PC on if it's not in use though, so when the power cuts I'm either at my PC or near it, and can just close everything manually and shut it down.

It's really up to the end user though. I wouldn't recommend it myself as a UPS without automation to me is very limited. I specifically bought a UPS as I can't be there to switch everything off the whole time.

 

[CriticalConsumer]

My PC has a 700W PSU, a number of external hard drives, a 27" monitor, external DAC and some other peripherals. Somehow I don't think it will last long during load shedding. I just use my UPS to protect my stuff and to avoid losing anything I'm working on.

How would setting my UPS up with a USB cable help it last longer though? I could leave my PC on until the UPS dies as things stand.

It won't help it last longer, it would give you / the UPS the ability to shutdown the PC using the UPS management software that comes with your UPS which is connected to your PC using the supplied USB cable. This cable is used to communicate between PC and UPS.

However this would be of no use to you if your PC if off most of the time...

 

[Bryn]

It won't help it last longer, it would give you / the UPS the ability to shutdown the PC using the UPS management software that comes with your UPS which is connected to your PC using the supplied USB cable. This cable is used to communicate between PC and UPS.

However this would be of no use to you if your PC if off most of the time...

Oh it's on much of the time lol. I just don't leave it on if I'm not going to be near it.

 

[CriticalConsumer]

Oh it's on much of the time lol. I just don't leave it on if I'm not going to be near it.

LOL ok then if your uPS has a USB port and cable for connection to a PC, use it! Download the software for it and install it on the PC...configure the software and voila you are protected!

 

[CriticalConsumer]

It's really up to the end user though. I wouldn't recommend it myself as a UPS without automation to me is very limited. I specifically bought a UPS as I can't be there to switch everything off the whole time.

+1

 

[squirrel]

Thanks for the info guys. I will look at some UPS models. However the more important part is linking up the ADSL modem. I have a Wifi-only Nexus 7 and terrible signal on my phone, so would like to be able to use Wifi more than the computer. I need a cable like this, anyone know where to get one in Cape Town?

View attachment 173913

 

[akescpt]

Thanks for the info guys. I will look at some UPS models. However the more important part is linking up the ADSL modem. I have a Wifi-only Nexus 7 and terrible signal on my phone, so would like to be able to use Wifi more than the computer. I need a cable like this, anyone know where to get one in Cape Town?

View attachment 173913

that would be awesome. then the router can like stay on. then keeping the telly on is also possible?

 

[CriticalConsumer]

Thanks for the info guys. I will look at some UPS models. However the more important part is linking up the ADSL modem. I have a Wifi-only Nexus 7 and terrible signal on my phone, so would like to be able to use Wifi more than the computer. I need a cable like this, anyone know where to get one in Cape Town?

View attachment 173913

You can make one up yourself...if you have an electrical hardware store close by they can supply the male kettle cord type plug in that picture and you can wire it yourself to a multiplug bar.

 

[Compton_effect]

Thanks for the info guys. I will look at some UPS models. However the more important part is linking up the ADSL modem. I have a Wifi-only Nexus 7 and terrible signal on my phone, so would like to be able to use Wifi more than the computer. I need a cable like this, anyone know where to get one in Cape Town?

View attachment 173913

Yes. Go to a electrical shop, but the fitting and rewire it yourself - took me about 5 minutes to do mine. But my 600kva UPS only lasts 3 1/2 hours when powering my router, modem and cordless phone. and the blackouts in my area seem to last about 4 1/2 hours.

 

[CriticalConsumer]

Yes. Go to a electrical shop, but the fitting and rewire it yourself - took me about 5 minutes to do mine. But my 600kva UPS only lasts 3 1/2 hours when powering my router, modem and cordless phone. and the blackouts in my area seem to last about 4 1/2 hours.

Sad thing is the situation is going to get worse by the looks of things and hooking up a generator to the UPS might end up being a necessity.

 

[DrJohnZoidberg]

Thanks for the info guys. I will look at some UPS models. However the more important part is linking up the ADSL modem. I have a Wifi-only Nexus 7 and terrible signal on my phone, so would like to be able to use Wifi more than the computer. I need a cable like this, anyone know where to get one in Cape Town?

View attachment 173913

Make some yourself. Take a male/female kettle plug cut off the one connector and connect it to a plug socket (you can get these at any hardware store).