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Electronics Repair (sci.electronics.repair) Discussion of repairing electronic equipment. Topics include requests for assistance, where to obtain servicing information and parts, techniques for diagnosis and repair, and annecdotes about success, failures and problems. |
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#1
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Using a UPS with non-computer equipment
Can anyone suggest suitable modifications for using an old APC UPS (Back-UPS 500, BK500MC) with non-computer equipment? I am finding that the UPS apparently thinks it is connected to a computer that has shut down, so it shuts down too, and I have to press the alarm-off button to restart it. (This behavior is not documented in the UPS's instruction sheet.) How can I get this UPS to work reliably with equipment that draws only a light load or an intermittent load?
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#2
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Using a UPS with non-computer equipment
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#3
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Using a UPS with non-computer equipment
It certainly sounds like the UPS is defective. People routinely turn
off their computers without their UPS's complaining. Sorry but I have no fix short of plugging in the smallest light bulb or appliance that will fix the problem. On 7/21/2014 7:00 AM, wrote: Can anyone suggest suitable modifications for using an old APC UPS (Back-UPS 500, BK500MC) with non-computer equipment? I am finding that the UPS apparently thinks it is connected to a computer that has shut down, so it shuts down too, and I have to press the alarm-off button to restart it. (This behavior is not documented in the UPS's instruction sheet.) How can I get this UPS to work reliably with equipment that draws only a light load or an intermittent load? |
#4
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Using a UPS with non-computer equipment
On Monday, July 21, 2014 10:12:15 AM UTC-4, N_Cook wrote:
Easy but wasteful work-around is wire in a filament lamp in parallel Curiously, my first attempt at that (with an LED lamp, about 13 watts) didn't succeed. The UPS still shuts down. Maybe it's not a heavy enough load. I'll continue experimenting. |
#5
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Using a UPS with non-computer equipment
I am thinking these may be the symptoms of a weak battery -- the UPS wants to shut down but can be induced to try again by pressing the test button. I'm going to continue checking. Another one of the same model does not seem to have the same quirk.
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#6
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Using a UPS with non-computer equipment
On Mon, 21 Jul 2014 07:00:03 -0700 (PDT), "
wrote: Can anyone suggest suitable modifications for using an old APC UPS (Back-UPS 500, BK500MC) with non-computer equipment? I am finding that the UPS apparently thinks it is connected to a computer that has shut down, so it shuts down too, and I have to press the alarm-off button to restart it. (This behavior is not documented in the UPS's instruction sheet.) How can I get this UPS to work reliably with equipment that draws only a light load or an intermittent load? I have one of those in the office. http://cdn3.volusion.com/olthw.fyqav/v/vspfiles/photos/BK500MC-4.jpg I haven't observed any similar symptoms but can conduct a test if necessary. Incidentally, that model was first produced in about 2000, and has historically required a new battery every 6 years. I can't tell what's happening from here, but my guess(tm) is that your battery is not fully charged. Check with a voltmeter. I've seen the charging circuitry die in such low end Back-UPS's. If the battery is old, you might try testing it with a 12v 60 w headlight to see how long it will run. A 12v 7A-hr battery will deliver about 60 watt-hrs before it becomes dangerously discharged. Therefore, the 12v headlight should run for about an hour with a new battery. (Numbers are approximate). Beyond that, I need specifics: - How light a load are you presenting, in watts or VA? - What are you measuring across the battery in DC volts when in standby and when powering the light load? - What happens to these numbers when you use a light bulb as a load? - What is the buzzer doing? - What is the fault light doing? - How do you have the switches set? Also, you might get a better answer from the APC forums: http://forums.apc.com http://forums.apc.com/community/general_discussions/products_general My experience there hasn't been good, but perhaps you might get better responses. Nothing found specific to the BK500MC, probably because it's so old: http://forums.apc.com/community/general_discussions/products_general/content?itemView=detail&query=BK500MC -- Jeff Liebermann 150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558 |
#7
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Using a UPS with non-computer equipment
Thanks; I'll investigate further.
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#8
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Using a UPS with non-computer equipment
wrote in message ... Thanks; I'll investigate further. I once took my UPS on a camping holiday so I could charge my phone and camera batteries every so often, but like yours it would not stay on with such a light load. Gareth. |
#9
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Using a UPS with non-computer equipment
I need to look back in QST Magazine. About 5 years ago there was a lot there about modifying UPSes to use with ham gear. That included bringing out the 12-volt battery terminals so you could use it as a 12-volt source, and also so you could charge the battery from a separate source.
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#10
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Using a UPS with non-computer equipment
On 7/23/2014 10:22 AM, Gareth Magennis wrote:
wrote in message ... Thanks; I'll investigate further. I once took my UPS on a camping holiday so I could charge my phone and camera batteries every so often, but like yours it would not stay on with such a light load. They're disappointing for that use, because the battery has to supply the magnetizing current for the transformer, so the lifetime isn't very long. You'd be much better off with an LM317 running right off the gel cells, or (if you're feeling fancy) a $2 eBay SMPS module. Cheers Phil Hobbs -- Dr Philip C D Hobbs Principal Consultant ElectroOptical Innovations LLC Optics, Electro-optics, Photonics, Analog Electronics 160 North State Road #203 Briarcliff Manor NY 10510 hobbs at electrooptical dot net http://electrooptical.net |
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