thanks for the info Paul...
Paul Haddon <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> On Wed, Dec 15, 1999 at 02:31:54PM +1100, Dave Fitch wrote:
> > Next question is regarding those Centralion "backup power
> > supplies" Jaycar sell. They're cheaper at $399 for the 800VA
> > model (what does VA mean anyway?)
>
> Volt-Amps
>
> I'm sure someone who actually knows what they're talking about
> will correct me, but my rule of thumb is
>
> Watts / Volts = Amps
yep I remembered that bit from physics, P=V*A
but what does "Volt-Amps" really mean? it should be
the same as power (watts) shouldn't it?
ok ignore that, just got the reply from DavidZ, so it
is the same then.
> So for a 250W power supply, its maximum draw is near as dammit to
> 1Amp.
>
> The problem with all this is that the power comes in Volts, the
> back of PCs shows Watts, and the UPSs are sold in Volt-Amps (VA Ratings)
> So for mere mortals, working out which one to buy is always a
> fun task ;)
>
> Another factor is that you've got startup spikes in the power
> consumption. So turning all of your gear on at the one time might
> not work, whereas if you turn them on one at a time it operates
> correctly.
should be ok, these will all be on all the time. I guess
the only thing turning on/off will be the monitor going
in/out of power-saving mode.
> Keep in mind its always better to under-utilise a UPS than
> to load it up to the maximum.
yep (like anything), problem is I don't want to waste
money on capacity that's not really needed. This is
just my home system, not "mission critical" or anything.
[useful info snipped, thanks!]
> > There's also the question of automatic shutdown, support in
> > linux and solaris unknown (by me at least!). It just says
> > it's supplied with software for DOS, and lose-3.1/95/98.
>
> Sola are associated with Best Power (www.bestpower.com) who have
> software for Unix on their site.
yep but I was referring to the Jaycar Centralion ones in
that paragraph above.
> > And lastly, do these type of UPSs do phone line protection too?
> > (to reduce the chance of my modem, cordless phone etc dying)
>
> Some do. The better units won't. They leave that stuff to the
> throw-away market.
>
> To work out how much power to budget for, try going to the various
> USP maker web pages. I know that APC has a power calculator up,
> and I think most other UPS makers do as well.
yep I went through the Sola one (www.solaaust.com.au) and it
reckoned I needed the 520-1425 model which is $1200-$1500,
and there's no chance at all of me spending that much.
So I was hoping the manufacturers "calculator" things were
rather biased on the "under utilised" side.
Dave.
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