Specs for Apex backup power supply?

[therman]

Anyone know how many mA the 12V power supply needs to power the Apex? I just got mine and realized it wasn't included. I'm sure I have one around here somewhere that would work.

(seriously for $450 they can't include a wall wart?)

Thanks,
Tim

 

[swearint]

I don't remember off the top of my head, but Alan's Unofficial Users Guide at the top of the forum has the info. I got one of the RadioShack universal adapters and it works fine.

Todd

 

[RussM]

12VDC, 500mA, 2.1mm tip, center positive.

The Apex base normally gets power from the EB8 and EB4 modules. Each additional EBx adds a redundant power source. Many owners have more than one EBx, so a wall-wart is not needed in many case. So, it's purely an option for those who want it.

 

[therman]

That's cool...so they'll transmit power through an unpowered EBx to everything linked by aquabus?

Main reason I want the 12v is so that if my whole house loses power I'll be notified via the router and backup power on a UPS.

Thanks for the info!

 

[aquamanic]

so they'll transmit power through an unpowered EBx to everything linked by aquabus?

The only thing that gets powered by the AB are the modules themselves. Outlets on an EB8 need local power for that EB8. One EB8 won't power the outlets on a different EB8. Your idea of the UPS and the 12v supplemental power is perfect, just remember that your router and modem must be on the UPS as well if you want to get email alerts.

 

[therman]

The only thing that gets powered by the AB are the modules themselves. Outlets on an EB8 need local power for that EB8. One EB8 won't power the outlets on a different EB8. Your idea of the UPS and the 12v supplemental power is perfect, just remember that your router and modem must be on the UPS as well if you want to get email alerts.

Yes I realize this. But say you have multiple modules and Energy Bars connected:

EB(1)------PM1-----EB(2)------Apex

If EB(2) loses power, does the Apex still get powered by EB(1)?

 

[aquamanic]

Yes, as long as EB(1) has power.

 

[Lukel]

so realistically if i picked up a computer backup power source... plug my apex in with a appropiate 12 volt adapter, my router, and cable modem, and perhaps a air pump and or power head..... and have a little peice of mind, knowing that the apex will fire off an email, and let me know....

 

[aquamanic]

Exactly correct. And your cable modem might even have a battery backup already.

 

[Lukel]

you are correct.... my cable modem has it's own batt backup, so the router, and apex base unit (for lack of a better word) and a power head.... i should be good for quite a few hours as well..

 

[bvoss]

Before you get too fancy, go to EBay and search for "Belkin 12v UPS". You will find dozens of vendors that will ship a surplus unit to you for about $20. They are plug and play backups for the Apex. The plug fits and everything. They will drive a big Apex system fior at least 24 hours. If your router and cable modem are already plugged into a conventional UPS, they are all you need.

 

[bepece]

Second on the Belkin units. I have them on both apex units, my wireless adapters, and the original use I bought them for, battery backup for my vortech pumps - you can get the plug from ecotech for about $2 if I remember. With this setup and backup to my cable modem and router, it has been very reliable.

 

[charlesgage]

I don't mean to ressurect a thread from 4 years ago but if you have a netgear router around you aren't using most of their plugs are the right size. You can go higher in the mA, but ensure the voltage is dead on and the center post is positive. My EB 8 blew up its circuit breaker and this has kept me monitoring PH and temperature until the new breaker from mouser arrives.