Choice of UPS
-
I use n APC smart 650 power supply, I don't protect against a lengthy outage. it will run my pfSense box, modem and backbone switch for several minutes.
-
Hi all,
Thanks for the guide. Here are some answers:
1. The utility voltage where the box is installed is 230VAC.
2. The power outages in the area where the server is installed usually lasts around 5 minutes.
3. I would like the box to be online until the electricity comes back. So I'm guessing around 5 minutes :) (Max 10 minutes).Despite the fact that my power supply is 120W, I'm pretty sure I'm using around 60-80 W, since my CPU load is between 10-20% in loaded mode and I don't have HDD, but I'm using S-ATA DOM. Only one FAN 12 cm, so overall I think the system consumption is below 120 W.
Regarding e-bay, I don't have any problems replacing the batteries by myself, but honestly I prefer not to risk, since the problem could be more serious if I buy one form e-bay. If the server was not so important, I would go for e-bay option, but in my situation, I'm not at the same place, where the server is located, therefore I prefer to buy a new one.
Regarding the batteries, yes I'm aware that in couple of years I will have to change the main batteries. Any suggestions how much a battery replacement will cost? Is it possible to use non-genuine (not APC) batteries or each UPS has a unique form factor?
The question is: how bad is the off-line technology and is it worth it to buy one with USB monitoring and control function or not?
I saw couple of line-interactive UPS devices without USB, the price is very good, but I can't decide whether the USB is essential or not. (http://www.amazon.co.uk/APC-Back-500VA-Power-Supply/dp/B00IG2P92I/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1414048855&sr=8-3&keywords=APC+UPS)
Also I saw couple of off-line UPS devices with USB option for a very good price. (http://www.amazon.co.uk/APC-BK500EI-Interface-Desktop-Back-UPS/dp/B00006BBIL/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1414049199&sr=8-1&keywords=APC+BK500EI)
So it's kind a trade-off.
Regards,
Nikolay -
There's no way you're using close to 80W with that system. Your 12V power brick is only 60W! I would estimate 20-30W.
There are big efficiency gains to be made by running from DC. However, as mentioned, your board requires a range of different voltages thus you need a dc-dc power supply. You already have one. It may appear that you could run directly from a 12V battery but in reality you probably can't. As a battery is charged/discharged its voltage varies, say between 10-15V, but your psu expects exactly 12V. Wide input dc-dc psus are available to cope with this.
Steve
-
Hi stephenw10,
You're absolutely right! I was speaking nonsense! My power adapter is 60W of course (12x5) :), so that makes my estimated runtime on UPS even more.
However, I would prefer to buy a complete ready to use equipment, rather than making one. Thanks for the suggestion.
Regards,
Nick -
I understand, I was just pointing out why you can't run from a battery directly as someone suggested it.
There are ready built 'direct battery' style UPSs available, for example:
http://www.mini-box.com/micro-UPS-load-sharingSteve
-
Hi all,
@stephenw10 - thanks for the link, that's quite interesting.
However I'm thinking of going for this UPS:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/APC-330W-Master-Control-Back/dp/B002RL0CKI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1414070518&sr=8-1&keywords=BR550GI
What's your opinion?
Regards,
Nick -
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16842301357
-
I'm using an APC BR-800i with my Intel Atom-powered pfSense connected via USB, and I'm using NUT package for monitoring. Works great.
I was lucky enough to catch a used SUA1500RMI2U without batteries for about 140USD also. All it needed was to reset its internal battery age counter via a serial cable hack, in order to properly charge the new batteries. -
Hi Nick,
1. The utility voltage where the box is installed is 230VAC.
2. The power outages in the area where the server is installed usually lasts around 5 minutes.
3. I would like the box to be online until the electricity comes back. So I'm guessing around 5 minutes :) (Max 10 minutes).Right, so you are just looking to bridge a short gap in the power and not to stay online during a hurricane/blizzard/the apocalypse. I would take your load estimate, add 25% for good measure, and see what the APC online guide recommends for that length of time.
Regarding e-bay, I don't have any problems replacing the batteries by myself, but honestly I prefer not to risk, since the problem could be more serious if I buy one form e-bay. If the server was not so important, I would go for e-bay option, but in my situation, I'm not at the same place, where the server is located, therefore I prefer to buy a new one.
I understand the concern, but your budget does limit your choices for new units. I make that statement with an assumption that you are either in the UK or Western Europe, or will purchase the unit from an establishment located in that region. If you are located in the UK, your budget of ~100 GBP will probably have to cover VAT, shipping, and import duties if you ship the equipment outside of the trade zone. In other words, once you have paid the Crown, there is not much left to spend on the UPS.
Regarding the batteries, yes I'm aware that in couple of years I will have to change the main batteries. Any suggestions how much a battery replacement will cost? Is it possible to use non-genuine (not APC) batteries or each UPS has a unique form factor?
That completely depends on the type of UPS and the number of batteries required. I have spent under 100 USD on replacement batteries for a 1500VA unit, and I have spent over 100 USD on replacement batteries for a 1000VA unit because it required 2 batteries. It is possible to use third-party batteries in an APC UPS (in fact, none of mine have had a genuine APC battery since 2007) but you must be very careful when choosing a vendor. I have had good success with Power-Sonic batteries myself.
The question is: how bad is the off-line technology and is it worth it to buy one with USB monitoring and control function or not?
There is nothing inherently "bad" with the off-line/standby topology if implemented properly, but it would not be my first or second choice. Just like there is nothing "bad" about driving a Skoda instead of a Mercedes. However, just as a Mercedes should give you a smoother ride, a line-interactive or online (double conversion) UPS will be less "bumpy" for your equipment than an off-line UPS.
I consider monitoring essential for any piece of equipment I have to rely on. The USB or serial connection will also signal apcupsd to gently shut down the server when the battery is drained, instead of abruptly cutting the power.
The way I see it, your buying choices are limited by your budget. Some people can only afford to buy a Skoda, and that's okay. Some people can afford to buy a Mercedes but choose to buy an Opel, and that's okay too.
Hope that helps..
-
Hi blinkenlights,
Sorry for my late reply, but I was away for a week. Thank you for your time and complete reply. I decided to go for this UPS:
https://www.apc.com/products/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=BR550GI
It's line-interactive topology, has USB and it will support my equipment long enough to overcome any power problems. The price tag is also within my budget.
If anyone is using this UPS device, can you share how is apcupsd behaving with this device?
Which software package will be more stable for this device: apcupsd or NUT package?
I'm looking forward to hearing from you guys!
Regards,
Nick
