Vortech DIY Battery Backup

[bugs713]

Would this work??

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DC-Power-Sp...ables_Adapters_Connectors&hash=item27c397a9df

I ordered some of these a few days ago and will post results.
I really like the idea of plug & play cables with no splicing. I don't have any problem cutting, splicing and soldering, but others do. Also, ready made cables are always better than DIY!

 

[bugs713]

Update:
To connect two Belkin's together to greatly extend the power outage run time,
With the input/research form several people in this thread, I ordered an all female splitter (one to two), a 6'male/male extension and an adapter plug, all plug and play, no splicing, no dicing and it works perfect!

The Parts:

Total cost:$14.72**********************************************************************************************
*Adapter - 3.5x1.35mm Male to 5.5x2.1mm Female
(This single adapter can be used to connect one Belkin cord to the Vortech without any other adapters or cables)
eBay: 5 @ $4.98 shipped.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/5pcs-DC-3-5...ables_Adapters_Connectors&hash=item20d5871aa7

******************************************************************************************

*Splitter Cable - 5.5x2.1mm 1 to 2 Female Adapter:
(For connecting two Belkins to one Vortech. There are other splitters available to connect 3, 4, 6, 8 plus Belkins together, but this parts list is for two)
eBay: 1 @ $3.25 shipped.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/DC-Power-Sp...ables_Adapters_Connectors&hash=item27c397a9df

***************************************************************************************

*6 foot Extension - 2.1mm Male to Male Plug Adapter:
For extension connection between the Y splitter and the adapter
eBay: 1 @ $6.49 shipped.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/6-Male-2-1m...ables_Adapters_Connectors&hash=item519c872b7a

*****************************************************************************

Some of these parts are shipped from China, but shipping was rather fast and all are top rates sellers.
Other options for this would be a multi-spliter, as mentioned above, to add more Belkins for extended use, or to connect a multi-splitter to use one Belkin to apply back up power to 2 or more Vortech's.

In the next few days, I will run some power outage tests using two Belkins, powering one MP40WES, will also do the same test using an MP10ES. I will post the total hours and voltage so we have a good idea on how long these will help to keep our tanks alive in a real outage.

Extra Info on the adapter plugs:

 

[Weyrman]

In the next few days, I will run some power outage tests using two Belkins, powering one MP40WES, will also do the same test using an MP10ES. I will post the total hours and voltage so we have a good idea on how long these will help to keep our tanks alive in a real outage.

I'll be interested in your findings! I've been tagging on all along. I have a mixture of Hydor and Vortech circulation pumps. I have them hooked up to a single UPS backup system. I haven't done an actual test yet for duration. I think I'll do that this weekend too.

I could, in the alternative, make your setup for the Vortechs and include a power inverter and plug the Hydors into that. It might be interesting to see what the results are.

I have several different battery options sitting around the place too. From an Exide sealed lead acid 1234W to a deep cycle marine monster I keep charged and ready for my boat.

I also expect to use the UPC for the cooling fans. Since, if the power goes out it's not just the flow that becomes a concern. The A/C becomes a consideration after a few hours when the inside temperatures begin to climb.

So I may try to come up with something that incorporates both the pumps and the fans.

I currently use two fans and have a third for backup. Maybe a fourth would be a good idea for a power outage situation... Reminds me of back in the late 50's and early 60's when talk was about bomb shelters...

 

[bugs713]

^^I remember bomb drills in 1st grade and the whole school being led into the bomb shelter in the basement. Then later I seen on TV the destruction an Atom bomb would do and wondered what good will a shelter do or hiding under my desk for God's sake! haha

 

[larcomak11]

i haven't done a duration test yet using this on my mp10, but it works great...the day mine came in the mail i wired it up, plugged it in for a half hour to charge and then duke energy came and had to shut our electric off for 30 mins to wire some "smart meter" up and it work flawlessly, thanks for the idea and the detailed write up!

 

[bugs713]

^^Your very welcome!

When you can save 80% AND have a much better product, you just gotta love it!

 

[Chris2223]

This is an awesome DIY that's now plug an play... Can't beat that!! I just ordered the belkin, going to get the cables now. How far away can you put the battery from the belkin unit?

Thanks for this awesome thread!
Chris

Edit: Could you link say a marine deep cell battery in series with the unit? So 2 batteries run off 1 belkin unit?? Just a thought...

 

[bugs713]

Cool man!
I run two my five Belkins in a closet with a good 14' extension. I would think you could go 25' plus??

I don't know about using a deep cycle battery, but is should be possible. If you come up with anything that works, post it here. Everyone's input in this thread is what has made this successful!

 

[tassod]

This is a great thread. I just purchased 3 Belkin units and waiting on the adapter cables. Question, I'm using one of the Belkin's to power my Apex. Wondering though, in case of a power outage, would i need more belkin units to power cable modem and router so my apex can send me an email? Is it possible to use splitters so the belkin unit can lets say power my apex along with a network switch?

 

[m-six hundred]

I have the Belkin battery split between my Apex and my MP40 and it has lasted over 7 hours on back up power. You will need a battery for your modem so the email alert can be sent. My modem requires 15v and the belkin is only 12.

 

[tassod]

I have the Belkin battery split between my Apex and my MP40 and it has lasted over 7 hours on back up power. You will need a battery for your modem so the email alert can be sent. My modem requires 15v and the belkin is only 12.

What cable or splitter did you use to split them? Can i get that at any local shop?

 

[tassod]

Yes, received this cable and it works perfect to attach the Belkin to the an MP without splicing - great find insomniac2k2!

It is also cheaper, $3 shipped. The only bad thing, it ships from China, but was actually fast for shipping from there. I always try to avoid buying anything direct from China, choosing a USA company whenever possible. I didn't notice this was coming from China when I ordered. Though I'm sure it was made in China... I'd rather pay a bit more and order states side.

I will order some of the splitters that insomniac listed and see if they work properly. Will post when I get them.

I just got those adapters from China, not sure if i'm doing something wrong but they don't fit on my MP40 module. They connect fine on my Belkin unit but i cant connect it to the mp40 controller....am i missing something else?

 

[Chris2223]

I purchased everything in post 42, following the links and finally got my belkin unit last week. I have an mp10 and everything pluged up correctly and it works perfectly. I plan on testing how long it will last here soon and I will post up results.

Thanks everybody for making this such a cheap and easy system!
Chris

 

[tassod]

I haven't ordered any stepdowns yet. I'm still calculating how many 5v devices I want to drive, and what barrel connector size they will need. BUT, Here is a bunch of links that I've been saving as options for extra hardware. Maybe some of them will help you or someone else:


5 pack of Vortech adapters: http://www.ebay.com/itm/390480560910

I ordered these adapters and they do not fit my mp40 units. Can someone tell me how exactly you connected them if it seems to be working for everyone else? These adapters seem to be the same specs as the one is post #42.

 

[bugs713]

Are you talking about the little adapter? http://www.ebay.com/itm/5pcs-DC-3-5...ables_Adapters_Connectors&hash=item20d5871aa7

And you are plugging it into the backup battery plug (12v) on the the MP and the not the main power plug (24v) correct?
I have an old MP20, new MP10's, older MP40's and a new MP40 and these work with all of them. The 24v power cable, on the other hand, is different on the older MP's and will not work with the newer MP's.

Maybe the Chinese sent you the wrong adapters??

 

[tassod]

Are you talking about the little adapter? http://www.ebay.com/itm/5pcs-DC-3-5...ables_Adapters_Connectors&hash=item20d5871aa7

And you are plugging it into the backup battery plug (12v) on the the MP and the not the main power plug (24v) correct?
I have an old MP20, new MP10's, older MP40's and a new MP40 and these work with all of them. The 24v power cable, on the other hand, is different on the older MP's and will not work with the newer MP's.

Maybe the Chinese sent you the wrong adapters??

Thank you for pointing this out, you're right, I was trying to plug it in the main power connector. I plugged it in the backup and worked perfectly, thanks!

 

[bugs713]

:thumbsup:

 

[micaheli]

Okay, slight de-railment of the thread to ask what I think is an important question...

Does the Vortech behave any differently powered by 12v? Does it switch into feed mode or some other low-power mode?

If it was me, I would have it switch to a low-power/feed mode/night mode when the main 24v feed went dead and the 12v remained.

 

[bugs713]

Okay, slight de-railment of the thread to ask what I think is an important question...

Does the Vortech behave any differently powered by 12v? Does it switch into feed mode or some other low-power mode?

If it was me, I would have it switch to a low-power/feed mode/night mode when the main 24v feed went dead and the 12v remained.

Similar to night mode, it automatically goes into a 50% "Constant Speed" mode when 12v takes over. This mode still moves a lot of water!

 

[micaheli]

50% of max? Or 50% of whatever your normally programmed mode is? If it's 50% of max, that doesn't work for me. I'm running 25-30% as my normal speed (dual MP40's in a 75gal), so if it increased the speed when the power goes out, that doesn't really help me.