Power outage backup... how should I do it?

[NeveSSL]

Hi all,

I am beginning to try to get together a plan for a power outage with my Apex.

My tank is at work, and all of our networking equipment/my computer/our servers/etc. are all on UPSes. So network connectivity is covered. I've even recently tested this a couple of times when the lady I share an office with had a heater going and our controller tried to print something and tripped the breaker.

So, what I'm wanting to do is two things: I want my Apex to email me when the power goes out and I want my MP10 to go into power safe mode, so to speak.

My thoughts are to have the battery backup plugged into the 12v in port on the base module and simply have the Apex powered from that and send me an email when the power is lost on the EB8.

If I'm not mistaken, I think the MP10 will automatically go into low power mode if power is lost on its main power supply and a battery backup is plugged in.

So, all I should need to do is program the email alert based on the EB8 power, correct?

I know that was a lot of typing for such a simple question, but I'm just running through it.

Thanks,

Brandon

 

[swearint]

In theory yes, that is how it should work. However, I have reported an issue with my Apex where it does not recognize power loss on either of two EB8s when 12VDC power is available. Curt telneted in and verified the issue, but I have not heard anything back yet. Since I have two EB8s, I altered my strategy. I power one of the EB8s, and therefore the Aquabus, from my UPS. I rely on the other EB8 to detect loss of power. I also supply power to my main pump from the UPS, independent of the Apex.

Todd

 

[NeveSSL]

Thanks for the heads-up, Todd. That sucks to hear of the bug. I was hoping to not have to buy a UPS, but I suppose I will need to. I'm going to try to find a used one with a bad battery for cheap and then pickup a new battery, or something similar to that.

How long ago was it that you submitted this to Curt?

Brandon

 

[swearint]

It has been about a month. Since I have changed my strategy, it is not a big deal and I have not pushed the issue. Previously I had just one EB8, so I had to rely on the 12VDC adapter plugged into the UPS for backup power. I don't know if the issue is wide spread or just my particular unit. I just wanted to give you a heads-up if you found that you could not get the Apex to recognize a power loss.

Todd

 

[NeveSSL]

I'll have to give it a shot. I've only got one EB8, too. Hmmm...

Thanks again.

Brandon

 

[NeveSSL]

Ok, so I'd like to test this before I send an email in. How could I program this to test it? Maybe just for an email for now. Would an email alert be something like this:

If Power MainEB8 = Off Then On

Thanks,

Brandon

 

[swearint]

Yes, as long as you have alternate power to the base unit. Your syntax is a bit off:

If Power MainEB8 OFF 000 Then ON

If you don't have alternate power, using 001 rather than 000 will notify you for up to a minute after power is restored.

Todd

 

[NeveSSL]

Ahh... gotcha. Thanks for the reply, Todd. I do have a backup on the base unit. I picked up one of those Belkin 12v backups on eBay.

Brandon

 

[Jfannin]

Hold up a sec. I thought that the Apex had a small battery built in so that it could send out a text or emai if a power failure was to happen and to also keep my programing. Is this not the case?

 

[swearint]

Not quite. It does have an internal battery, but that is to keep the clock working. I am not sure about the programming and settings. It will not be able to send email without power. Also, unless you have battery backup on your router and modem, it would not matter if it did.

Todd

 

[NeveSSL]

That battery also keeps your programming. It just doesn't run the unit in any way, shape, or form. It only holds the settings.

Brandon

 

[Jfannin]

So in order to recive text alerts of a power loss I would need a backup unit for my Belkin wireless router and one for my cable net router? Oh plus backup power for the apex?

Wow that just added alot of $ to my want / need list. Crap

 

[swearint]

As long as you are not trying to run any of the outlets, a single, reasonably sized UPS could power the Apex, modem, and router long enough to send an email. That's assuming they are in close proximity.

Todd

 

[beanejar]

Power for everything in backup

Power for everything in backup

In addition to your router, cable modem etc, there's additional points of possible failure. When I was on Comcast for internet, even though I have UPS's everywhere and a backup generator after a minute, the message still wouldn't get out in a failure. Since switching to Uverse - and not changing anything in the house - the message gets through. In the setting of a neighborhood outage, something else must have been loosing power between here and there.

 

[NeveSSL]

No worries on the modems and other items... I work in IT and this tank is at our office. EVERYthing is on a UPS.

Brandon

 

[NeveSSL]

Good news: Power went out on my EB8 this morning and I tested this and it works! I received an email notification that the power to my "EB8Main" was out.

Bad news: I'm out of town. I'm going home tomorrow, and I think everything should be ok, but I'm worried. We'll see.

Brandon