Beth is a Bit Scarce

[beth]

My computer has hardware difficulties so I will be a bit scarce around here for awhile.
If you can't get something answered, do try the Search Feature. Just about any and every thing has been covered here at one time or another.
Keep fishes healthy in the meantime!

 

[melbournefl]

akkkkk the doctor is out! Hmmmm if it continues much longer the loss of fishy's might justify us all pitching in for a new puter for Beth Hurry back miss beth!
Later,
Paul

 

[beth]

Well, I certainly wouldn't mind that!

 

[slothy]

what did ya break ? or is breaking ?

 

[beth]

Well, an electrical fluxuation burned my MB and power unit. Have not tested everything yet to see what else might be fried. Mind you, this is a new computer which I had built to order with top of the line componets just a few mos ago.

 

[jarre]

Beth - This is just a suggestion, but I build computers. Get a really good UPS when you get your problem fixed. You will be better served getting one a bit stronger than what you think you need too. Better safe than sorry IMO.
Good luck!

 

[beth]

Jarre: Believe me, I've learned my lesson big time! Can you suggest a very good UPS. I'm looking on the web.
I know the UPSs allows your computer to stay on with the battery long enough so you can shut down, save, etc. I really don't care about saving. We get brownouts and power outages, spikes, lows/highs here all the time. I need something that will just shut down the computer when I 'm not around. Will UPS do that on its own? I also have a fax and a TV cable runing thru my computer.
Any expert advise is appreciated.
I was looking at APC's UPS LS 700VA 120v - USB.
Thanks!

 

[jarre]

UPS's are the best answer to brownouts!! They will provide steady power to the system. A UPS will shut down the computer if you have it set up to do so when you loss power. You don't want to plug a printer or fax into a UPS. They aren't designed to handle it properly, so save the juice for the system.
In order to give you a better opinion on the UPS I'd need to know the spec of the computer. CPU, RAM, HD size, etc.
Oh, not to many people do this, but my tank is on a UPS! I make sure the PH's and PS have power!!

 

[beth]

If you don't mind giving me suggestions on the UPS, then I'll give you my specs:
P4 [P4T533-C]
512 Rambus
120 G HD WD 10,000rpm
Nvida 4600
Audigy
Asus MB
XP Pro
Plextor 40/12/40
Sony 21"
Dialup modem
TV tuner connected to cable.
Basically, have 3 sources of power surge entry. Telephone line, power line and cable line.
As for the printer/scanner, its a HP multifunction. This is always off anyway, unless I am using it. Thus, can I still have it plugged in?
My computer station has electrical connections with switches to turn off whatever I want to turn off. Its actually the desk station that gets "plugged in to the surge protection. I also use modem, which is connected to my printer, then the printer connects to the computer [scanner/fax]. So, as long as I leave the printer off, this should be ok, right?
BTW: I was also thinking about using the UPS for backup for my tank, but I live in hurricane zone. A backup won't last a wk wo power. Though the electrical draw will only be the PH's and maybe the skimmer.

 

[jarre]

Since you have the possibility of extended down time I'll recommend a strong UPS then what others may suggest. Yes, it will be more expensive. But the cost of the reef would be even more expensive in the long run.
Try the APC Back-UPS Pro 1400VA
Part Number : BP1400
It will give you several hours for the tank after shutting down the computer!

 

[beth]

That model has a $700 price tag! I can get a generator for that much money.
What did you think of the model I suggested for the PC?

 

[jarre]

The one you mentioned will do alright. I was just looking at the possiblity of an extended outage.

 

[mikegronholz]

Beth,
If you need/want something solely for the 'puter, go with an APC SmartUPS 1400. For the best prices, go to ---- !!! You can pick them up for like $175 with NEW batteries. Make sure you get a unit that has been tested and has a guarantee. After that, you are set. The only thing that really goes wrong with any UPS is the batteries !!! If you buy used with new batteries, you save a fortune !!!
Check this one out ... http://cgi.----.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=2070972669

 

[beth]

Well, I already bought the one I mentioned for the puter, so its on its way. As for batteries, I will program the UPS to shut down the puter as soon as there is an outage, I don't need to run it, I just need to prevent this disaster from happening again.
The battery recharges, right? I believe the one I have has a low battery indicator, so that's good. What is the life expectancy of a UPS battery?
As for the tank, with hurricane blackouts, I could be wo electric for a wk, so the UPS probably is not the correct choice. I need to get a generator, but keep procrastinging....due to lack of funds to gget all things needed at once.

 

[mikegronholz]

Batteries can/will last different lengths depending on their use (just like AA betteries). The more you use them, the faster their cells could get damaged. Also, if you never use them, they could get overcharged (there is always a trickle to them) and cells can be damaged. My suggestion is to yank the plug out of the wall every month or so and let the UPS run on betteries for a little while, not to the point of being dead. Always monitor the charge lights. From time to time, pull the plug with the 'puter off to see if the UPS is keeping the charge it has.
As a general rule, you will replace the batteries every 5-7 years (at least the ones we have used in the past. The more $$$ you spend on the UPS, the less likely you are to change batteries. The 220v one I borrowed from an office has been running for 8 years without battery death, but it cost $2700 new back then.
Hope that helps.

 

[fshhub]

for a ups, definitely get either an APC or a Belking(both are good) and yo do not need one for extended outages, 10 min IMO is fine, if you set up the soft ware to shut it down properly in the event it is needed. ANd it still halts the surge. To get one that big is redundant for most home users, we don't neeed it to stay on for hours or days, just to stabilize and enough time for the system to shut itself down(so get one for the 30 minute give/take) range
just my opinions, for what they are worth

 

[beth]

Well, its a done deal now. This is the one I got:
http://apc.com/resource/include/curr...rnet/index.adp