Does the Apex need to be on a battery backup to utilize this feature in the event of a power outage. I know that you can monitor the power status of the individual power modules and even use them to send email alerts but wouldn't the base unit need to be on UPS to make this work? I only ask because I noticed during the power outage this past week that even though my router is on UPS, the Apex was completely dead. I would have had no idea the power was out unless I had been home at the time. My Apex is powered via the USB connection from the EB8 modules. There is a separate power input that I am not using that I assume can be provided by a DC transformer for just this reason. If so, I would like to connect that to my UPS so that I could at least get notification in the event of an outage.
That is correct, Josh. There's actually a 12v input on your Apex that you can use an adapter (or one of
these) to keep it powered up when power goes out. You can then set an email alarm to email you when your EB8 loses power. However, I've heard there's a but that prevents this from happening at the moment. What I'm thinking of doing is getting one of those Belkin 12v backups and using that to power my Apex, but stick a normally closed relay plugged into a project box so that when the power goes out, it can trip one of my switch inputs and I will get an email from my Apex.
BTW, those little Belkin 12v units will also work with Vortechs if you guy the cable from EcoTech. They don't last as long as EcoTech's big backups, but they CERTAINLY don't cost as much at $11 shipped, either!
And also, you will have to have all of your internet stuffs on a backup, otherwise your email will obviously never get to you.
I'm fortunate that my tank is at work and just about everyone and every thing has a battery backup. Just replaced the battery in mine, actually.
I believe Bill is right about being able to program your Apex to not turn it back on. I'd have to look at the advanced programming a bit more to be sure, though. There would be some min time or defer statements in there... you wouldn't want it shutting down if the power just turned off for 5 minutes and then came back on.
Brandon
