UPS battery backup for projector power failure

bluescape · 03-05-2005, 06:24

I'm wondering if anyone is using a UPS (uninterupted power supply) for backup of their home projector (protection of damage to the bulb) in case of power failure?

I've got a holiday home in Spain where my home theatre is set-up, and have frequent power cuts. I want a UPS to protect damage to the bulb (to give me enough time to shut the projector down and run the cooling fans).

I've been looking at (American Power Conversion) APC's UPS's, but note that PC software installation is required to run these UPS's. Since I'm not using the UPS for PC backup, and only for a projector, this could be an issue.

I've contacted APC's techncial department, and awaiting a reply.

But I wonder if anyone has come accross a similiar problem, and what UPS manufacturer, make and model you used to solve this problem.

My Sanyo Z2 projector runs at 210 watts, 300 VA, and I was considering buying a APC Model BH500INET (500 VA).

Any ideas?

Many thanks in advance

bluescape

clockworks999 · 03-05-2005, 07:37

APC UPS software allows the PC to be shut down in a controlled manner during a prolonged power failure. It monitors the amount of charge left in the batteries, and closes any applications, alerts users, etc, before they go flat.

Without the software, an APC UPS will still provide battery backup, but the user will have to switch off manually.

With a projector, this is not a problem, since you will be in the room. The software is only really needed for unattended PCs. I don't have the APC software loaded, and my SmartUPS 700 works fine.

David (2) · 03-05-2005, 11:18

Would a UPS box be a good idea for a PVR too? We had a thunderstorm a few nights ago, but the power didnt go out. Usually, it would. This cant be a good thing with a PVR has the hardware has to keep starting up. My machine also starts up in a sort of Rescue mode whereby the the light flashes and all the fans kick in (I guess the disc also spins up). What would happen if the power failed again during its Rescue startup? Can you still buy plug in UPS machines without needing a PC? How long does the backup power last?

Dave

bluescape · 03-05-2005, 12:06

Thanks for the advice clockworks999

I think I'll invest in a APC UPS.

bluescape

chrisjr · 03-05-2005, 13:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by David (2)

Would a UPS box be a good idea for a PVR too? We had a thunderstorm a few nights ago, but the power didnt go out. Usually, it would. This cant be a good thing with a PVR has the hardware has to keep starting up. My machine also starts up in a sort of Rescue mode whereby the the light flashes and all the fans kick in (I guess the disc also spins up). What would happen if the power failed again during its Rescue startup? Can you still buy plug in UPS machines without needing a PC? How long does the backup power last?

Dave

No UPS actually needs a PC to work. I have a dozen or so sat in various racks behind me right now none of which has any connection to a PC, some are not even powering a single PC anyway.

The PC connections you see on UPS's are mainly for control and monitoring, but are in no way essential. For most APC UPS's (as the make I use most) the PC connection is just used for a series of pretty bargraphs that show a selection of parameters, eg battery voltage, load, run time etc.

The other function of the PC link is to send a signal back to the PC when the UPS is close to giving up the ghost so that the PC can shut itself down in a controlled manner.

So if you don't have a PC you can still use a UPS without losing very much real functionality.

As for run time. That depends on the rating of the UPS, in particular it's battery capacity, and the load it has to support. For something like a PVR a simple 300VA or 500VA unit should suffice.

A small unit like this will run for only a few minutes though at full load. The APC website has a useful chart for it's models that shows the run time for a variety of models for a variety of loads. For example this one for it's small size range that is probably best suited to domestic use. the model numbers quoted refer to the capacity of the UPS.

There are other devices on the APC website, including some that look like rather obese mains four way blocks, that might be an alternative.

David (2) · 03-05-2005, 15:00

I guess to backup non-pc's (like a UK based pvr), you need a UPS box with UK spec 13amp socket(s).

Dave

clockworks999 · 03-05-2005, 19:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by David (2)

I guess to backup non-pc's (like a UK based pvr), you need a UPS box with UK spec 13amp socket(s).

Dave

Good point!

You could make your own lead using a PC to monitor cable and an extension socket.

mjk79 · 03-05-2005, 20:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by clockworks999

Good point!

You could make your own lead using a PC to monitor cable and an extension socket.

Far more ideal might be the APC Cyberfort (http://www.****************/novatech/s...tml?APC-716127) which simply looks like a chunky 4-way power strip with regular UK outlets.

David (2) · 04-05-2005, 14:19

That looks more like it. As long as it can keep the drive powered while the mains flickers on/off. If the drive goes off and stays off for say 15mins, thats not as bad. Am I right in thinking that if you plug more than 1 device in (maybe my Freeview pvr + Sky Satellite box), the backup time would be less? I am also guessing that things like large tv's and other "large draw" equipment is not really ideal for such a small UPS?

Dave

kev · 06-05-2005, 22:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by David (2)

That looks more like it. As long as it can keep the drive powered while the mains flickers on/off. If the drive goes off and stays off for say 15mins, thats not as bad. Am I right in thinking that if you plug more than 1 device in (maybe my Freeview pvr + Sky Satellite box), the backup time would be less? I am also guessing that things like large tv's and other "large draw" equipment is not really ideal for such a small UPS?

Dave

Don't plug CRTs into them, they flatten the battery in no time (as we found out at work today - having to SSH into all the machines from a different room wasn't fun!)

kev · 06-05-2005, 22:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by David (2)

I guess to backup non-pc's (like a UK based pvr), you need a UPS box with UK spec 13amp socket(s).

You can buy IEC Plugs that plug into the back of the UPS. With these you just get a 4gang extension and remove the plug then wire the IEC Plug up instead. (One of these came with the APC UPSes we have at work)

If you do that take care to ensure you don't exceed the maximum wattage and don't plug anything else into the UPS.

The devices will still have there own fuses to protect them.

(Or you could wire an IEC Plug onto the two-pin figure of 8 cables but these would not be protected by a fuse, although as they wouldn't be in Europe anyway this shouldn't be an issue)

03-05-2005, 06:24	#1
bluescape Forum Member Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 31	UPS battery backup for projector power failure I'm wondering if anyone is using a UPS (uninterupted power supply) for backup of their home projector (protection of damage to the bulb) in case of power failure? I've got a holiday home in Spain where my home theatre is set-up, and have frequent power cuts. I want a UPS to protect damage to the bulb (to give me enough time to shut the projector down and run the cooling fans). I've been looking at (American Power Conversion) APC's UPS's, but note that PC software installation is required to run these UPS's. Since I'm not using the UPS for PC backup, and only for a projector, this could be an issue. I've contacted APC's techncial department, and awaiting a reply. But I wonder if anyone has come accross a similiar problem, and what UPS manufacturer, make and model you used to solve this problem. My Sanyo Z2 projector runs at 210 watts, 300 VA, and I was considering buying a APC Model BH500INET (500 VA). Any ideas? Many thanks in advance bluescape Last edited by bluescape : 03-05-2005 at 07:12.

03-05-2005, 07:37	#2
clockworks999 Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Cornwall, UK Posts: 2,014	APC UPS software allows the PC to be shut down in a controlled manner during a prolonged power failure. It monitors the amount of charge left in the batteries, and closes any applications, alerts users, etc, before they go flat. Without the software, an APC UPS will still provide battery backup, but the user will have to switch off manually. With a projector, this is not a problem, since you will be in the room. The software is only really needed for unattended PCs. I don't have the APC software loaded, and my SmartUPS 700 works fine.

03-05-2005, 11:18	#3
David (2) Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: S.West England. Posts: 18,037	Would a UPS box be a good idea for a PVR too? We had a thunderstorm a few nights ago, but the power didnt go out. Usually, it would. This cant be a good thing with a PVR has the hardware has to keep starting up. My machine also starts up in a sort of Rescue mode whereby the the light flashes and all the fans kick in (I guess the disc also spins up). What would happen if the power failed again during its Rescue startup? Can you still buy plug in UPS machines without needing a PC? How long does the backup power last? Dave

03-05-2005, 12:06	#4
bluescape Forum Member Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 31	Thanks for the advice clockworks999 I think I'll invest in a APC UPS. bluescape

03-05-2005, 13:06	#5
chrisjr Forum Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Reading Posts: 27,916	Quote: Originally Posted by David (2) Would a UPS box be a good idea for a PVR too? We had a thunderstorm a few nights ago, but the power didnt go out. Usually, it would. This cant be a good thing with a PVR has the hardware has to keep starting up. My machine also starts up in a sort of Rescue mode whereby the the light flashes and all the fans kick in (I guess the disc also spins up). What would happen if the power failed again during its Rescue startup? Can you still buy plug in UPS machines without needing a PC? How long does the backup power last? Dave No UPS actually needs a PC to work. I have a dozen or so sat in various racks behind me right now none of which has any connection to a PC, some are not even powering a single PC anyway. The PC connections you see on UPS's are mainly for control and monitoring, but are in no way essential. For most APC UPS's (as the make I use most) the PC connection is just used for a series of pretty bargraphs that show a selection of parameters, eg battery voltage, load, run time etc. The other function of the PC link is to send a signal back to the PC when the UPS is close to giving up the ghost so that the PC can shut itself down in a controlled manner. So if you don't have a PC you can still use a UPS without losing very much real functionality. As for run time. That depends on the rating of the UPS, in particular it's battery capacity, and the load it has to support. For something like a PVR a simple 300VA or 500VA unit should suffice. A small unit like this will run for only a few minutes though at full load. The APC website has a useful chart for it's models that shows the run time for a variety of models for a variety of loads. For example this one for it's small size range that is probably best suited to domestic use. the model numbers quoted refer to the capacity of the UPS. There are other devices on the APC website, including some that look like rather obese mains four way blocks, that might be an alternative.

03-05-2005, 15:00	#6
David (2) Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: S.West England. Posts: 18,037	I guess to backup non-pc's (like a UK based pvr), you need a UPS box with UK spec 13amp socket(s). Dave

03-05-2005, 19:19	#7
clockworks999 Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Cornwall, UK Posts: 2,014	Quote: Originally Posted by David (2) I guess to backup non-pc's (like a UK based pvr), you need a UPS box with UK spec 13amp socket(s). Dave Good point! You could make your own lead using a PC to monitor cable and an extension socket.

03-05-2005, 20:12	#8
mjk79 Forum Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Central London Posts: 6,845	Quote: Originally Posted by clockworks999 Good point! You could make your own lead using a PC to monitor cable and an extension socket. Far more ideal might be the APC Cyberfort (http://www.****************/novatech/s...tml?APC-716127) which simply looks like a chunky 4-way power strip with regular UK outlets.

04-05-2005, 14:19	#9
David (2) Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: S.West England. Posts: 18,037	That looks more like it. As long as it can keep the drive powered while the mains flickers on/off. If the drive goes off and stays off for say 15mins, thats not as bad. Am I right in thinking that if you plug more than 1 device in (maybe my Freeview pvr + Sky Satellite box), the backup time would be less? I am also guessing that things like large tv's and other "large draw" equipment is not really ideal for such a small UPS? Dave

06-05-2005, 22:03	#10
kev Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: South Notts (Waltham TV TX) Posts: 20,200	Quote: Originally Posted by David (2) That looks more like it. As long as it can keep the drive powered while the mains flickers on/off. If the drive goes off and stays off for say 15mins, thats not as bad. Am I right in thinking that if you plug more than 1 device in (maybe my Freeview pvr + Sky Satellite box), the backup time would be less? I am also guessing that things like large tv's and other "large draw" equipment is not really ideal for such a small UPS? Dave Don't plug CRTs into them, they flatten the battery in no time (as we found out at work today - having to SSH into all the machines from a different room wasn't fun!)

06-05-2005, 22:15	#11
kev Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: South Notts (Waltham TV TX) Posts: 20,200	Quote: Originally Posted by David (2) I guess to backup non-pc's (like a UK based pvr), you need a UPS box with UK spec 13amp socket(s). You can buy IEC Plugs that plug into the back of the UPS. With these you just get a 4gang extension and remove the plug then wire the IEC Plug up instead. (One of these came with the APC UPSes we have at work) If you do that take care to ensure you don't exceed the maximum wattage and don't plug anything else into the UPS. The devices will still have there own fuses to protect them. (Or you could wire an IEC Plug onto the two-pin figure of 8 cables but these would not be protected by a fuse, although as they wouldn't be in Europe anyway this shouldn't be an issue)

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UPS battery backup for projector power failure