UPS Backup

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I’ve been using an APC power backup model Back-UPS 500 for 6 years on my Dell Dimension 4100. I recently upgraded to Dell Studio 9000 XPS and found that although I had purchased a new battery for the UPS, that it didn’t function when the power went off. After much correspondence with APC and with Dell Computers, I found that my old power backup won’t work with the new technology – something about “sine wave” etc. etc. (see attached email). The problem is that the UPS model which is required to function with my new computer costs almost five times the amount of my APC Backup-UPS 500! Anyone out there have suggestions?

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Unfortunately, new tecknology is not cheap initially, but often comes down after a while. You should also check on the wattage requirements of your new PC. I would suspect they are considerably higher than the old PC, and that this is a part of the added cost. A Google search shows lots of options for shopping and reviews.

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……….
After much correspondence with APC and with Dell Computers, I found that my old power backup won’t work with the new technology – something about “sine wave” etc. etc. (see attached email). The problem is that the UPS model which is required to function with my new computer costs almost five times the amount of my APC Backup-UPS 500! Anyone out there have suggestions?
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Hi Tayloga – There is no email attachment to your post. The email info could be helpful to assist you.

Which UPS model are you being told is required? What is the cost?

Is your current UPS not working because you are using Power Chute? Were you also using the RS-232 serial port features?

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I’ve been using an APC power backup model Back-UPS 500 for 6 years on my Dell Dimension 4100. I recently upgraded to Dell Studio 9000 XPS and found that although I had purchased a new battery for the UPS, that it didn’t function when the power went off. After much correspondence with APC and with Dell Computers, I found that my old power backup won’t work with the new technology – something about “sine wave”

tayloga,
Hello… I also use “APC” backup and it was purchased around 2007… It still is working on my Windows 7 64 …32 and Vista OS’s (original battery) If your unit isn’t switching during power outages..i can’t see how it would have anything to do with “sine wave” technology.. I am also using the oldest “parachute” software that came with the unit…and won’t update, as all is working… I suggest that you have a “look see” at the connections to and from your battery and make sure that all is correct…Run a self test with the APC unit.:cheers: Regards Fred

PS: Try to connect something else to the “UPS” (120 volt type at a few amps) and then “pull the plug” and see if the unit will switch to backup power.

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Six years is a long long time in the tech industry.
If you seriously rely on a UPS devices for power failures then you may very well have to fork out for updated equipment.
…Like a device that will sense when a power failure has occurred and automatically shut the computer down cleanly while on the battery backup.

Personally, I stopped using them years ago in favor of a decent surge protector.
Meticulous data backup solutions and a means to restore is potentially a cheaper option.

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I’m beginning to think like you Clint…
I have plenty of dead APC’s and they only seem to last about as long as their warranty..
The batteries are expensive to replace and replavcing a a APc with a new one is pretty expensive…

I don’t think APC makes that good a unit and if I decide to keep using a APC I will switch to another brand..

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Hi Guys,

Just thought I’d add my 2 cents worth. If you live in a rural area like me a UPS is essential! The power fluctuates constantly setting off the UPSes alarm {yes I have adjusted the sensitivity settings}. I’ve had a pretty good experience with APC UPSes. I’m currently using 4 of them, a 600 on the TV/VCR {Purchased last month}, a 1500 {Purchased 10/2005} on my desktop setup, a 1250 { Purchased 1/2006} on my secondary desktop XP/UBUNTU dual boot machine, a 350 for my NAS, Cable Modem, Router, and a 750 on my wife’s machine. The last 2 were purchased before 7/2005 as I couldn’t find them in Money and that is how far back the records go. YMMV.:cheers:

May the Forces of good computing be with you!

RG

PowerShell & VBA Rule!
Computer Specs

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The UPS you describe appears to have a capacity of about 300 watts and your computer is capable of drawing over 400 watts, plus the monitor and anything else you have connected. In this scenario the UPS will fail to run the computer if the power fails.

If you only connect the PC, no monitor or peripherals, you need a 750VA/450w UPS. If you want to run everything if the power fails, you will need a 1000VA/600w UPS.

cheers, Paul

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