[Leaplist] UPS advice needed

[Fred Moore]

patrick wrote:
> andrei raevsky wrote:
>   
>> Dear friends,
>>
>> I have decided to purchase a UPS for my desktop and, since I never bought an
>> UPS before, I want to ask for your advice.
>>
>> All I need is something to provide enough power for my desktop to shutdown.
>> Though not crucial, it would be nice if it could power down my computer
>> (which runs Ubuntu "Gutsy Gibbon" 7.10) and it would be fantastic if it came
>> with Linux compatible software.
>>
>> I looked on amazon and found the following models:
>>
>>     
> Because 350 VA actually is about 275 WATTS, and the modern computer and
> monitor will probably need about 350 WATTS, you should avoid purchasing
> the first one.  I have twelve units running, but, two have fried and
> smoked in the past 6 months, that were the 350VA models.
>
>   
>> *APC BE350R Back-UPS 350VA for Home/Office Computers (39.98)
>>     
>
>
>   
>> **APC BE550R 550VA Back-UPS ES 8-Outlet Battery Backup System ($59.98)
>>     
> This 550VA unit is actually about 375 WATTS and will do nicely.
>
>   
>> **Cyberpower CP685AVR UPS - 685VA/330W AVR 8-Outlet RJ11/RJ45 Compact Design
>> EMI/RFI USB ($56.99) 
>>     
> I am not familiar with this off brand, it's history, or it's design.
>
>
>   
>> **Belkin F6C550-AVR Battery Backup with Surge Protection (550VA) ($54.99)
>>     
> This is comparable to the APC BE550 units.  If it claims to have surge
> suppression, is there an insurance guarantee attached or in the box?
>
>   
>> *The Cyberpower
>> CP685AVR<http://amazon.com/gp/product/B00095W91O/ref=pd_cp_e_1/103-5206010-1607829>UPS
>> gets very good reviews and though I don't know if it works with Linux,
>> it does work with OSX even though there is no Mac software on the disk Mac
>> has all the needed controls and recognizes the unit.  Any chance that Ubuntu
>> do that also?
>>     
> Yes.
>   
>> Do you think this unit would be a good choice?  Or would you recommend
>> another one?
>>     
>
> Within reason, grab the biggest one you can afford, considering that the
> Sealed Lead Acid battery (ies) will need to be replaced about every 4 to
> 5 years, and sometimes it is just cheaper to buy a whole new unit, with
> new features!  There is the 1000VA (650 WATTs) Tripplite unit for $89 to
> $99 at some stores and outlets.  It has built in graphs, LEDs... But, I
> bought one, and it was DOA, so test it in the store (same thing happened
> to me, with a brand new TV).
>
> I do know that there is Linux software on the Sourceforge to manage the
> APC UPS over RJ45X jack to Serial port, and probably over USB cable.
>       http://sourceforge.net/projects/apcupsd/
> and   there are APC UPS POWER CHUTE Linux programs, because, APC sold
> tons of units for server racks, that run Linux.  I recall the drivers
> being available since at least 1998... perhaps earlier.
>
> Most have been updated to include the latest USB cable control and
> monitoring, complete with record logs, graphs...
>
>
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>
>   
here is a good right up on the watts/va stuff.. as it applies to ups
www.apcmedia.com/salestools/SADE-5TNQYF_R0_EN.pdf

good read.. Fred

-- 
Benjamin Franklin "The man who trades freedom for security does not deserve nor will he ever receive either" 
Benjamin Franklin "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety".
 
Fred/WD8KNI