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APC Smart UPS 750 and 1500 rack mount type

T

TVJunkie12

Anybody else have trouble with these units not working with generators? The very poor instruction manual says to adjust the sensitivity either via a switch in back of the unit (which there is no switch, only a hole where the switch is supposed to be inside of but isn't) or by software (which doesn't have anyplace to change the sensitivity even though I installed all the software and went over it repeatedly looking for the adjustment). I can 'talk' to the units via the USB port and get readings but I can't make any changes to the configuration.

Anybody have any ideas?
 
I've always found that little button you push on the back, etc. Could it be that APC is getting so sloppy in manufacturing that somehow they got the allignment of the hole to access that button off a bit? I'd try to put some light on the subject and see if it's just hiding behind the plate. A word of warning about most APC UPS units for you. They are great for keeping power TO your device, but if you have something that's sensitive it'll let little bumps and glitches right the hell though. On a lot of broadcast stuff these days the best move would be to get a ups that runs all the time instead of a switcher. Powerware has several units that do just that. AC changes to DC and goes to the batt.. The inverter runs of the batt. You never get any messy power because it just can't get through to your equipment. :)
 
Indeed, most of the UPSes people buy are line-interactive or stand-by type that only kick-in when the voltage is over or below the predetermined threshold. The best UPSes however are double-conversion or on-line type, where the power supplied is always converted from the battery and there's full isolation from the mains.


Regards,
Goran Tomas
 
From what I understand the HD junk is pretty sensitive and almost requires a on-line all the time UPS to not end up with problems.
 
I'm not sure about running an UPS off a generator, but I have tried running various APC UPS off an inverter.
When the power goes down in my office, the UPS kicks in (1200VA). This gives me around 3 hours of power, so I tried powering up my 2500VA inverter off my truck, then running the output into the back of the UPS.
The UPS refused to recognise that there was 230V coming into the back of it - and this is obviously due to the fact that my inverter is a modified-sine inverter and the UPS doesn't like the non-sinusoidal waveform.
 
RE APC: I'm not a fan of their software as you have to load 3 different programs just to monitor & change settings. One part is a "server" service that requires an e-mail address entry to finish install. APC suggested deleting the e-mail address after install or disabling that feature later. You can monitor 5 UPSs on one PC with that "server" but I just loaded it on a laptop and wander the halls doing configurations.
 
Amen to their software being a real pain to use. And I still don't where to change the sensitivity. I was considering one of those Monster power conditioners that BSW sells to try to rectify the problem. Does anyone have any experience with those units?
 
I've recently played with two big (30KW) Best on-line UPSes, and in both instances it was necessary to speak with the gurus at Best to get them to recognize the generator power. They had a series of steps which each loosened the 'window' wherein the box thinks what's being applied is viable electricity. It took two and three steps down the ladder respectively to see a Cummins/Onan 300KVA machine. There's likely a way to get the little ones to see the generator, but the makers aren't very open about what their boxes do. Good luck.
 
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