What's a good UPS for keeping VOIP active in a power outage?

Posts: 104 · Vonage Forum Senior Joined: Jan 31, 2004 Posts: 104

Ensure your UPS can support outlets with transformers

I had made the original posting regarding UPS and the ability to power the relative low current drain (cable modem, router, MTA) devices for a considerable period of time.

However, you should make sure that the UPS you purchase has adequate outlets AND spacing to support any of your devices that utilize a transformer.

Most lower end UPS systems have typically 3 "powered" outlets. Some, however, will accomodate only 1 transformer type plug. Failing that you'll have to utilize a power strip.

Thus while not impossible to accomodate the transformer plugs, it adds to wiring clutter.[/b]

Posts: 50 · Full Forum Member Joined: Mar 10, 2004 Posts: 50

Good point ckoehncke. He will need at least 2 transfomer outlets. maybe a power strip is in order.

Posts: 183 · Vonage Forum Master Joined: May 05, 2004 Posts: 183

Gee, Office Max just had a clearance sale on APC 500 VA UPS'. Cost me all of $40 and now I'm trying to figure out how to use its USB interface with my Smoothwall router.

Posts: 50 · Full Forum Member Joined: Mar 10, 2004 Posts: 50

GEE I guess I missed that one or I would have picked up a couple of them

Posts: 13 · Vonage Forum Associate Joined: May 03, 2004 Posts: 13

I use an APC XS1000. I used to have it connected to my desktop system but recently switched to a laptop, so it was freed up for my new VoIP setup. I am in an area that's prone to frequent, prolonged power outages (Mechanicsville, VA) and the XS1000 works nicely.

My setup includes the Linksys WRT54G wireless router, Comcast/Scientific Atlanta cable modem, and the Motorola VT1005V ATA. In a test run (simply unplugged the fully-charged UPS) I got exactly six and a half hours of runtime.

In a recent power outage, however, I discovered one weak link: Comcast has a whole-house signal amplifier on my house, and the power injector was downstairs, out of the reach of the UPS. So, a little rewiring (there's a specific coax line going into the amp that needs to be carrying the power from the power injector) and now the amp is powered off my UPS, too. I am not expecting it to significantly decrease the runtime; probably still around 6 hours.

The XS1000 can be had at Best Buy and a few other places for generally around $100. I have seen it as low as $70 online. It has four (six?) battery-backed-up outlets and two surge-only outlets, all with generous spacing. Highly recommended if you need long runtimes.

For those who are less interested in long runtimes, at RadioShack a lot of our stores are sitting on some semi-generic (Minuteman) 300VA UPS units. I do believe the price just dropped to around $20 on these. Might wanna check with your local store and see if you can round one up. For short outages, something this size could be great, especially at that price.

Steve

Posts: 50 · Full Forum Member Joined: Mar 10, 2004 Posts: 50

I usually run the larger units but I did pickup a Belkin 500 Va for $50 the other day at newegg. I keep one of these around for a power strip.

Posts: 29 · Vonage Forum Junior Joined: May 28, 2004 Posts: 29

Quote:

In a recent power outage, however, I discovered one weak link: Comcast has a whole-house signal amplifier on my house, and the power injector was downstairs, out of the reach of the UPS. So, a little rewiring (there's a specific coax line going into the amp that needs to be carrying the power from the power injector) and now the amp is powered off my UPS, too. I am not expecting it to significantly decrease the runtime; probably still around 6 hours.

Woah! Thank. I never would've thought about that. But now I'm confused.
How do you powe the amp through the UPS? Mine uses a coax wire carrying DC in the the amp to give it power. How do you connect that to the UPS?

Quote:

The XS1000 can be had at Best Buy and a few other places for generally around $100. I have seen it as low as $70 online. It has four (six?) battery-backed-up outlets and two surge-only outlets, all with generous spacing. Highly recommended if you need long runtimes.

I've looked for this model you mentioned but cant find it anywhere. Not even on APCs site. Do you have a link where I can buy it?

Posts: 29 · Vonage Forum Junior Joined: May 28, 2004 Posts: 29

OK!! I think I figured out both of my problems.

1. The XS1000 is also the BX1000, correct? I still cant find it on their site though. was this line discontinued or something?

2. The coax wire going into the DC input on the AMP is plugged into the wall on the other end. I would have to run a long cable between the plug and the amp (around 75 feet) to connect it to the UPS. Is this just standard TV cable? Will any old coax cable work?

Will the length cause problems? I dont know if anything can go wrong with such a long cable run.

Posts: 13 · Vonage Forum Associate Joined: May 03, 2004 Posts: 13

XS1000 may be the same as BX1000, but I don't know. The XS1000 seems to still be a current product, but there's never been any mention of it on APC's web site.

The length of the run shouldn't be a problem as long as you're using a good grade of cable (RG-6/QS).

Steve

Posts: 183 · Vonage Forum Master Joined: May 05, 2004 Posts: 183

This week's Comp USA ad has an APC 325 VA UPS for $14.99 after rebate. I might pick one up to grab the battery and put it in parallel with the one in my 500 VA unit.