alcarp Posted September 6, 2012 Posted September 6, 2012 Recently, I have been experiencing frequent interruptions in power supply, lasting under 3 minutes and sometimes less than a second. Is a UPS the solution to this problem? The intent is to get enough time to shut down the system (computer, DAC, amp etc) gracefully. If a UPS would be suitable, I'm looking for recommendations on a suitable unit and advice on how to calculate total power requirements. Thanks.
cheekyboy Posted September 6, 2012 Posted September 6, 2012 Hi alcarp, I picked up a UPS from Jaycar which wasn't too expensive to run my miniDSP with, because I did not want it powering down while the power amps where still on. Cheers, Keith
Sir Triode Posted September 6, 2012 Posted September 6, 2012 Generally, the computer UPS units introduce a lot of noise into the power line. Thus they are not really suitable for audio use.
cheekyboy Posted September 6, 2012 Posted September 6, 2012 Hi triode............absolutely zero in that regard with the unit I'm using. Maybe I just got lucky! Cheers, Keith
DoggieHowser Posted September 6, 2012 Posted September 6, 2012 You can get a PurePower APS if you want an audiophile grade UPS. Their website has an FAQ on what they do differently. They also recreate AC from DC so they also fix overly high voltages we get here.
alcarp Posted September 6, 2012 Author Posted September 6, 2012 You can get a PurePower APS if you want an audiophile grade UPS. Their website has an FAQ on what they do differently. They also recreate AC from DC so they also fix overly high voltages we get here. Is this product available from an Aussie retailer?
Makka Posted September 6, 2012 Posted September 6, 2012 Generally, the computer UPS units introduce a lot of noise into the power line. Thus they are not really suitable for audio use. How does one hear this in the sound produced? I have a UPS (A$350) which my system runs from and I don't hear any noises at all, except music of course. 1
DoggieHowser Posted September 6, 2012 Posted September 6, 2012 Is this product available from an Aussie retailer? Looks like there isn't one at the moment.
cheekyboy Posted September 6, 2012 Posted September 6, 2012 How does one hear this in the sound produced? I have a UPS (A$350) which my system runs from and I don't hear any noises at all, except music of course. That was my point precisely Makka, although I didn't pay as much as you did for mine, but we have both obviously ended up with the Audiophile grade units...............in my case it was pure luck though. Cheers, Keith
LogicprObe Posted September 6, 2012 Posted September 6, 2012 The early inverters were all noisy......as were all switchmode PSU's in computers. Things have changed a lot in the last 10 years.
Gruffnutz Posted September 6, 2012 Posted September 6, 2012 They also recreate AC from DC so they also fix overly high voltages we get here. As do all UPS.
alcarp Posted September 6, 2012 Author Posted September 6, 2012 That was my point precisely Makka, although I didn't pay as much as you did for mine, but we have both obviously ended up with the Audiophile grade units...............in my case it was pure luck though. Cheers, Keith Can you provide details of the Jaycar UPS - model etc. Thanks
LogicprObe Posted September 6, 2012 Posted September 6, 2012 Can you provide details of the Jaycar UPS - model etc. Thanks The one Keith got may not be enough to hold all your gear for over 3 minutes. You might want a larger unit for smoother sailing.
DoggieHowser Posted September 6, 2012 Posted September 6, 2012 As do all UPS. Most UPS do not create a sine AC signal and they don't always do voltage regulation either. Some of the newer pricier ones do prevent brownouts as well these days but the cheaper ones don't.
DoggieHowser Posted September 6, 2012 Posted September 6, 2012 I remember reading that most UPS just pass the AC straight in but there's a momentary lapse in power when the power is out and the battery kicks in, and that output is usually a square wave rather than a sine wave. Not sure how this affects the audio chain.
Makka Posted September 6, 2012 Posted September 6, 2012 (edited) Here's the one I got from my local Apple store. It looks/sounds good to me. Edited September 6, 2012 by Makka
cheekyboy Posted September 6, 2012 Posted September 6, 2012 Can you provide details of the Jaycar UPS - model etc. Thanks Hi alcarp, mine is a Power Tech Plus 650VA 350W [MP5200] Cheers, Keith
alcarp Posted September 7, 2012 Author Posted September 7, 2012 Is this product available from an Aussie retailer? Company is willing to sell direct to Australian customers but WOW!!! - costs $3500.
bertdoozer Posted September 18, 2012 Posted September 18, 2012 Hi, Im an Engineer & use a multitude of UPS, Have a look at Eaton & APS, both reliable units about $100. http://powerquality.eaton.com/Products-services/Backup-Power-UPS/e-series-NV-UPS.aspx?cx=22 Stu
andyr Posted September 18, 2012 Posted September 18, 2012 (edited) As do all UPS. Weeeell, sort of, Nutz. AIUI, there is a difference between a "computer-style UPS" which simply has a battery-pack which will keep AC power flowing for 'X' minutes when the mains cuts out (via conversion - and BTW, there are 2 styles of these - 1 of which is not good for hifi) ... and a "power regeneration" device which has AC mains feeding a battery pack which then regenerates AC. This gives a smooth AC supply but I'm not sure how good they are at weathering "brownouts". Regards, Andy Edited September 18, 2012 by andyr
Guest AV Domain Posted September 20, 2012 Posted September 20, 2012 Hi, Im an Engineer & use a multitude of UPS, Have a look at Eaton & APS, both reliable units about $100. http://powerquality....-UPS.aspx?cx=22 Stu I'll second Eaton, used a few in my day and they are a pretty solid unit
alcarp Posted September 20, 2012 Author Posted September 20, 2012 Hi, Im an Engineer & use a multitude of UPS, Have a look at Eaton & APS, both reliable units about $100. http://powerquality....-UPS.aspx?cx=22 Stu These seem to be designed to protect computer equipment. Are they suitable for hi-fi gear that needs voltage spike protection as well as uninterrupted power supply?
bertdoozer Posted September 25, 2012 Posted September 25, 2012 What sort of engineer? Electronic Engineer, but work in Major infastructure projects, running teams of sparkies, procuring UPS among other electrical equipment.
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