Every year or two, I mention the importance of having a UPS (battery backup power supply for your computer and/or other electronic units). Consider it like having car or home insurance. A good UPS also prevents your electronics when the electrical supply dips or spikes (voltage does down or up). It also comes with a cable and program you install on your computer to help you monitor your UPS. I have been a user of these UPS unites for about 2 decades, and have trusted one company APC. The model I highly recommend is
APC 1500VA, BX1500M. You never know when you might experience a power failure or what task your computer will be doing when it happens. Having and using this device is essential to safely close your work during extended power outages. I hope that at least one individual who reads this post will get themselves this protection. Amazon is where I also purchase them, Mindblower!
"For the needy, not the greedy"
Hi MB!
I have model Back-UPS ES 600M1. Have had it for maybe a year now. Every time I boot up the computer, I get a popup telling me that the connection can't be found and that I should check the USB connection. It is always fine.
Also, if I try to update or check firmware, I get a message telling me there is no internet connection. The APC forums say to get the latest software and re-install. This has not helped.
Other than dealing with these bugs and oversights, I am happy with the UPS.
If you know of any solutions to the above problems, please pass them along.
Thanks,
Richard
What I know about UPSs could be written on the back of a postage stamp... in other words, very little. I couldn't find either of those models available here in Australia.
A run down on what to look for in a UPS for everyday home PC use would make for a terrific article/guide- What To Look For in a UPS For Home Use. 🙂
It would certainly help me, for one.
Okay, following a little research I think I'll stick with my high-end surge protector.
Firstly, I have two PCs to protect so require a minimum of 4 x battery+surge outlets - 2 for the PCs and 2 for the monitors. Less expensive models seem mainly to be limited to 3 x battery+surge outlets. So, cheapest price I can find for what I need is around $320au. That's not a problem but.....
Secondly, replacement batteries for those models cost $200+au. Sheesh, may as well throw out the old UPS and buy a new one.
Richard. Truly sorry to hear those problems you are experiencing. I use PowerChure Personal Edition 3.1.0. Are you able to click the icon and view your status? Let me know, Mindblower!
"For the needy, not the greedy"
I have the same version of the software. Everything works except I can't check for or update firmware due to the "no internet connection" bug"
Jim. My current model sells for just over $200.00 CDN (taxes included) from Amazon, and much cheaper than from APC, as the shipping cost is an added extra.
Pity that Australia does not have a larger selection of UPS's. Yes, replacement batteries are costly, for me under $100.00 CDN (taxes in), about 50% of a new unit. Have been extremely lucky, as my batteries last 5 plus years (as to the given 3 to 5).
The price difference of the unit is important, but I want the most amount of time available.
As for the outlets, I also use a non surge protection power bar since I require additional slots for power adapters. There is no problem using power bars in the battery backup slots. According to the tech dept at APC, only using power bars with surge protection is not recommended.
Should mention, I have one UPS several feet from my desk, and prefer not to have the UPS on the floor, so I use a heavy-duty extension cord, Mindblower!
"For the needy, not the greedy"
Richard, I found the same error when trying to do the software update from within PowerChute after playing around installing and reinstalling. The fix is to download from their website, doing a search for PowerChute. They seem to do a poor job of updating their sites and links.
Another problem fixer, is when one installs the new program, the software might not see the UPS. Unplugging and re-plugging the cable at the UPS resets the connection. Strange as in the past, this set was not required.
I had excellent dealing with APC years ago, when I required assistance. Have no knowledge what their customer service is now, Mindblower!
"For the needy, not the greedy"
I have no problem with the software. It is the firmware that I want to check and update if needed.
I've done the plug/unplug USB cable thing many times. There is nothing wrong with the cable or the connection. That is a software (or firmware) bug.
Sorry for the delay Richard. APC totally messed things up with their message concerning software and firmware updates. The software upgrade to 3.1.0 must be to resolve bugs found by some users. I noticed no problems. As for firmware there is a mention that one should have NET frame version 4.0. All this does is make sure Energy Usage works, and is automatedly flagged if not installed. Rather sloppy for them, Mindblower!
"For the needy, not the greedy"
Hey Guys,
After some research I've decided a CyberPower UPS is best for me- 4 x battery+surge outlets and 4 x surge only outlets. I've boiled it down to two models. Specs are pretty much the same but the second one - the BR850ELCD - is a slightly better model.
Bearing in mind that I want to connect 2 PCs and 2 monitors, which do you think would be best:
CyberPower BR700ELCD 700VA / 420W UPS
CyberPower BR850ELCD 850VA / 510W UPS
@MB I received your email message re writing an article about UPSs MB, sorry I haven't got back to you yet, a lot going on here at the moment. I will get back to you soon. Again, apologies.
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