Power Outage Notification . . .

[BigAl2007]

Ok I'm trying to figure out how I could have my controller (hopefully soon to be a Profilux) alert me during a power outage situation. Here are my thoughts but please feel free to jump in and correct/amend them...

Internet
I'd have a battery back-up (UPS) on my Route/DSL(Wireless built-in) so it stays UP (at least for a little while) during a power outage.

Controller
I'd have another (UPS) for the controller itself so that during power outage it would still be able to function and communicate with the router/network.

Trigger
My road-block is what would be the "Trigger/Indicator" for the controller to send the POWER OUT Alert? I mean if I'm giving the controller UPS power how would it know this and know to alert me?

The reason I ask this is because we currently live in a VERY old house (rental house) and during the summer time there are occasions when the power will kick a breaker during the day when no one is home because of an A/C (or something else.. who knows). It could be as simple as the A/C and the compressor on the Freezer coming on about the same time... or the alignment of the planets.. I don't know and I can't come up with the common combination to make it happen all the time. I do know we can't run the MH's, the A/C, the Toaster and the Microwave at the same time LOL! Anyway I want to be able to KNOW when this is happening so I can run home (I live less than a mile from my office) and rectify the problem.

Ideas? Suggestions?

Oh and having the power/electrical re-done isn't an option. It IS what it IS until we build the new house and move out.

 

[AQD_ottawa]

Hi

The only power outage alert would come from the SMS unit as it is a stand alone unit that can monitor power outages.

 

[BigAl2007]

Sounds like we're IN BUSINESS then one more "POINT" for the ProfiLux team

 

[GDominy]

I can offer up a suggestion here too.

If you are already considering a UPS to keep things running (I have one doing this personally) you can use a higher end model from APC that has "Smart" features. These often have the ability to send an email notifying power outages as well. Simply send the email to your cel phone (or to your carries Email to SMS conversion server) and you can have it send you an alert.

The GHL SMS unit is a sweet device though, and having it send you alerts is really snappy. The only thing you need to consider is that you need to buy a SIM card for it, and make sure that Sim card is registered with a Cel network. I am going to be using a Prepaid card for this as I dont expect my computer to be sending me too many messages (optimally!).

 

[GDominy]

Another note about UPS use with aquariums:

It is EXTREMELY important that any magnetic driven pump (most powerheads or utility pumps) is connected to a UPS that can produce a Sine wave output. Square wave output UPS models (usually cheaper or lower end models) can actually damage pumps after extended use because the power curve being put it out is too hard on them.

 

[BigAl2007]

I am going to be using a Prepaid card for this as I dont expect my computer to be sending me too many messages (optimally!).

That's a GREAT idea!! (Makes a note)

Another note about UPS use with aquariums:

It is EXTREMELY important that any magnetic driven pump (most powerheads or utility pumps) is connected to a UPS that can produce a Sine wave output. Square wave output UPS models (usually cheaper or lower end models) can actually damage pumps after extended use because the power curve being put it out is too hard on them.

I'm only using them to keep the controller and Router running for communication but I had heard something about that before but could NOT remember why it was a short-term fix.


Thank you

 

[boboxx]

I have a APC Smart UPS that is network connected and I use it to monitor the power, it's keeps the profilux and a Tunze 6055 running. My plan is to connect it with the ADIN card in the near futur.

 

[GDominy]

What would you have the UPS do using the Adin card? I'm just curious as I was going to pick up an ADIN myself in the near future.

 

[GDominy]

Here is the wiring diagram for the APC pinouts..

and some wiring ideas for the ADIN...

I suppose you could have one of the analog lines monitoring for a signal on the AC fail pins...?

 

[GDominy]

Just a thought... if you did have the profilux wired to an APC UPS via an ADIN module you could probably configure the ADIN module to trigger a "Maintenance Mode" even to turn off non-essential devices (Lights, skimmer, etc) and just keep some pumps running with a heater...

Something to think about!

 

[BigAl2007]

Invoke like a "Limp Home" mode in a car computer.

 

[boboxx]

I dont think we can use the serial, I think there is some sort of communication.... but we could connect to the led or the beeper

 

[GDominy]

I am pretty sure that the ups simply sends a low voltage signal on pin 2 to indicate a low power event. For the "Shutdown" it simply sends another low voltage signal to pin 1. This is why you aren't supposed to plug these cables in to your computer while it is running, as any static that arcs on those pins sends a false signal to the PC that is interpreted as a power event.

The computer simply "listens" for these signals on the appropriate pins.

I think it will be worth a phone call to APC to find out for sure... I used to sell APC product so I'll see if I can find some more technical info from my old materials.

For the Profilux I'm just not 100% sure what pins would be best suited for connecting to the adin module.

 

[AQD_ottawa]

I am not sure any of this would work, the basic fact is when the power goes off the profiLux is dead it cant do anything, you can however create a "power restored alarm" this is simply done with email settings.

However the SMS unit is totally independant from the GHL and so can send messages when the power goes of and when it comes back on.

 

[boboxx]

not if it's connected to the UPS

 

[GDominy]

I am not sure any of this would work, the basic fact is when the power goes off the profiLux is dead it cant do anything, you can however create a "power restored alarm" this is simply done with email settings.

However the SMS unit is totally independant from the GHL and so can send messages when the power goes of and when it comes back on.

If the profilux is connected to the UPS then it would still be operating. The purpose of this would be to trigger the profilux to turn off non essential equipment to prolong battery life.

The SMS unit is great to send notification that power is out totally for sure.. and combined with a smart UPS like this would be even better. You could have the UPS handle short outages and then the SMS unit could send notification that the power is off totally.