Nice Apex Power Backup Opportunity

[bvoss]

Just wanted to point out that Ebay seems to be flooded with these used backups. They are incredibly cheap and are almost custom made for the Apex. You don't even have to change the plug.

Belkin Battery Backup Unit BU3DC000-12V Power Supply

http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af103/bvoss57/BpqLmwWkKGrHqEH-DEEuVETHe5eBLsTOjzYw_35.jpg

[IAReefer]

Nice find! I bought two of them!

[bvoss]

You got me thinking....

The battery is 7 amp/hour. That is a quarter the size of a Vortech backup, but I bet it would still run an MP40 for a few hours. For about $20.

I may need to order a couple more.

[apjohnson]

This was posted back in September too.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1907964

Note that they are quite large, but for what they do, they are a good value. Remember that this won't do anything for alerting you if you're alerting over your home network over the Internet as in the case of a power outage, your router, modem and probably the cable/phone providers equipment in the area that would take the alert to the Internet would also be down. It would still keep stats on temp, pH, switch status, etc.

In any case, thanks for reminding people about these as like I said, they do seem to be a good value.

--AJ

[aleonn]

Looks like a good value, thanks for the heads up. A lot cheaper than getting an IceCap battery backup for my MP40s!

[iriejp1]

This was posted back in September too.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1907964
Remember that this won't do anything for alerting you if you're alerting over your home network over the Internet as in the case of a power outage, your router, modem and probably the cable/phone providers equipment in the area that would take the alert to the Internet would also be down. It would still keep stats on temp, pH, switch status, etc.


Ya know...thats a good point! So simple yet I also forgot about that. I kept thinking I needed to get my controller on some sort of battery backup so it would have enough juice to alert me via email. But hell...if the power is out..so is the internet connection. How's it gonna alert you?? Duh! Lol.

Thanks for reminding me. :beer:

[Oblivionis]

These things usually have a certin life expectancy and since they are used you don't really know how much of that is left but for $12 it's worth a try.

[CJO]

FYI, there's a newer version, the BU3DC001 that is also on ebay for comparable prices. I ordered two that should be here today. I probably won't have a chance to play with them until this weekend.

CJ

[bvoss]

I just hooked one up to an MP40W. I ran a test on it and was going strong at 4 hours.

I also have another one connected to my Apex. The power went out and it worked fine.

New batteries are available for $20 to $25. I finally found something cheap that works on my tank!

[CJO]

I just hooked one up to an MP40W. I ran a test on it and was going strong at 4 hours.

Does it need any sort of adapter? I assume that it runs at half speed?

Thanks,
CJ

[bvoss]

I just used an extra cable I ordered from Vortech. I cut the old connector off and soldered the new one on. I still have an official Ice Cap backup hooked up to one of my 3 MP40s for a longer-term outage. But if I can back up my other two for 20-$30 a piece, and it lasts over 4 hours, then what the heck. They do run at 50%.

I think these power supplies would probably run the Apex for at least a day, even with an old battery.

[CJO]

Thanks- was just trying to find out if I had to order cables for Vortech or not.

CJ

[Oblivionis]

New batteries are available for $20 to $25. I finally found something cheap that works on my tank!

The batteries on those are swappable?

[Jackie Blue]

Yup you can swap the battery out for a new one.

[Oblivionis]

Cool.

So these are pretty much plug-and-play? The polarity of the plug is correct?

[bvoss]

Totally plug and play for the Apex. Plug and polarity are just right.

[jrpark22000]

Thank you all, Just got 4 of the rev b series shipped for under $30.

[hilde123]

Maybe Im missing something but, what is the point of having just the APEX on a battery backup that lasts 24 hrs. If the power is out your equipment wont be running and if you dont have your network equipment (WGA, router, cable modem) on battery backup your not going to be able to access the apex. I think using a 120V (computer type) UPS for all network equip and APEX does give a benefit in that you can still access view the tank data remotely even though your power is out. If you are using a 120V UPS why not just plug the standard power adapter in (it draws little power and want reduce the run time of the UPS battery).

[jrpark22000]

I agree it's over kill if you are only feeding an Apex. I'll be feeding everything in my cabinet; Apex, PX100, AC3 and ethernet switch. Then a seperate one for the mp40. Then drop another on my u-verse router. This way, I'll now know when power goes out and have mp40 backup for under $30. It's a nice peice of mind until I get a proper DC UPS built.

Why use DC and not 120VAC? You get a lose in power during the AC to DC conversion, and cheap rectifiers can lose 30%. A DC output UPS simply gives you'll have more running time, assuming you keep your cable runs short and over size your wire.

[bvoss]

Your right about the rest of the equipment needing to be connected. I run my Apex on the 12v backup and then have my router and cable modem plugged into a normal 110V UPS that drives them for at least 6 hours. Even a small UPS goes a long time if you don't try to drive a computer with them.

That setup gives me plenty of time to watch my system go cold.

[reggiepe]

I just picked up two of these for my Vortechs. Does anyone know the size of the connector that I will need to attach to the battery backup in order to plug them directly into the vortechs?

[CJO]

You can buy the proper cable directly from EcoTech Marine:
http://ecotechmarine.com/parts-store/fused-vortech-battery-backup-cable/

You will, however, have to also splice it into the cable that comes with the backup power supply.

CJ

[reggiepe]

that'll do it...thanks CJ

[bvoss]

You can cut it in half and do it twice! Though it is probably a better idea to use the fuse for $1.50.

[blakers82]

bvoss,

Are you saying I could splice the proper AC3 backup battery connector end AND the MP40 backup connector end from the single Belkin cord???

What do you mean when you say "use the fuse for $1.50" ?? Fuse for what?

[bvoss]

I am just saying if you cut a connector from Eco-Tech in half you get two male connectors to splice on two Belkins (which ain't a bad deal for a buck and a half).

There is a fuse on the new Eco-Tech cables for added safety. You would only have one of the power supplies fused if you did that.

[Oblivionis]

Would you know what size connector and polarity is the EcoTech plug? Or where I could find one cheap? Thanks.

[bvoss]

Would you know what size connector and polarity is the EcoTech plug? Or where I could find one cheap? Thanks.

You can get them straight from the Eco-Tech Website for $1.50. The center is positive. I don't know the size.

[Oblivionis]

Yes, but they're charging over $7 for shipping.

[reggiepe]

Yeah, I sent them an email but haven't gotten a response yet. It is over 9.00 for me and I am right here in PA.

[nickman]

awesome, thanks for the idea! just ordered 2 with free shipping. 2 left at that price, go get'em.

[reggiepe]

Just ordered 2 cables from the Ecotech store. I had to call them to get the shipping reduced.

[nickman]

heres the link to the auction in case someone wanted them

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160536730632&ssPageName=ADME:L:OU:US:1123

now to order cables, ill have to try asking for reduced shipping too ;)

-nick

[hilde123]

I would not recommend a Belkin to anyone I like, they are horrible. If you want something reliable stick with an APC. In fact, Belkin is no longer in the business of UPS's, winder why?

[Creetin]

Funny i took one to a recycle center. The one i had came from Att uverse. When you cancel service they dont want them back. LOL

[Oblivionis]

Yeah, I sent them an email but haven't gotten a response yet. It is over 9.00 for me and I am right here in PA.

I called them and they are sending me a cable. The guy I talked to on the phone also said that if anybody else is having a problem ordering the cable with the $3 shipping to email service@ecotech.com

[jrpark22000]

No problems with any of the 4 I now have running. 2 for the routers, 1 for mp40, 1 for Apex, AC3 and Wireless bridge. I had to build a 5/12 volt regulator distro box combo for the apex, ac3 and wireless bridge but everything works like a champ. I have tested 4 hours of running time with more in reserve.

With replacement batteries cheap for these, It is a great option.

Thank you BVOSS!!

[fickle1]

No problems with any of the 4 I now have running. 2 for the routers, 1 for mp40, 1 for Apex, AC3 and Wireless bridge. I had to build a 5/12 volt regulator distro box combo for the apex, ac3 and wireless bridge but everything works like a champ. I have tested 4 hours of running time with more in reserve.

With replacement batteries cheap for these, It is a great option.

Thank you BVOSS!!

Do you have any more info on the regulator distro box? I am looking at running my apex and gaming adapter (NETGEAR WNCE2001) off one of these batteries and am curious how it is done.

[drdoolittle]

Do you have any more info on the regulator distro box? I am looking at running my apex and gaming adapter (NETGEAR WNCE2001) off one of these batteries and am curious how it is done.

good idea, But if you have a black out and have power to your Apex and gaming adaptor. would you still need power into your router in order to transmit into your network? just a thought..

[fickle1]

good idea, But if you have a black out and have power to your Apex and gaming adaptor. would you still need power into your router in order to transmit into your network? just a thought..

Ahh yeah I forgot to mention that my Cable modem and wireless router are on a separate UPS in a different room.

[drdoolittle]

gotcha..just have to ensure that your internet provider will be running during the black out.

I just ordered two of these power supply... one apex and the other for my Aquacontroller III pro.

[jrpark22000]

Yes, that is key, hence the need for 4 of these for me. The large routers/switches I use will only last a short time but for average users, these will allow you to watch your tank go cold.

l need to build a DIY forum thread for detailed documentation on this build. But for those who want to do their own research... here you go.

My Cisco 5 port switch/ethernet bridge will draw a maximum of 2A at 5v. So I needed to go to my local Fry's Electronics (google them for shipping) and get an NTE 5 volt voltage regulator. Part # NTE1934. Then I needed a simple 47microfarad capacitor and I added a diode for polararity insurance. Finally a project box with pcb and some dc power jacks. Total spent was about $40, a lot incomparision to the 4 ups I got off ebay for $40 shipped.

If you google nte1934 there is a design .pdf document which nte puts out. It has a wiring diagram to give you what you need, but again here is a simple verison.


On the pcb install the regulator, pin 1(left looking at identification marks) is +5 VDC out. Pin 2(center) is +12 VDC input. Pin 3 is ground(right looking at identification marks.)

Wiring the capacitor across across 1 to 3 minding polarity and the diode across 1 to 2 minding polarity you are almost there.

I drilled a few 1/2" holes in the sides of the project box and installed the DC power jacks. A single 12VDC(input) on one side and a 12VDC(output) and 5VDC(output) on the other.

Connect all the gournds, connect VDC in and out and viola.

I'm traveling for a while, but drop me a pm for questions. Please if you have no idea how to proceed, be patient and wait for a DIY forum post.

[jrpark22000]

gotcha..just have to ensure that your internet provider will be running during the black out.

I just ordered two of these power supply... one apex and the other for my Aquacontroller III pro.

If you are in the USA, there was a standard for 8 hours of battery backup for lan line offices(they usually lasted up to 4 hours.)

This lan line battery or generator backup will usually give you enought time, to match your UPS backup for you to get a MAYDAY message to your email to let you get home ASAP. Meanwhile your other UPS is keeping your powerheads going.

If more than your local lan office has a power outage, I'd imagine it would be in the news or you would know as this would be a very large outage.

Good luck, but by no means is this fool proof to power outages. Get a sugar momma/daddy to beat a power outage....

[drdoolittle]

If you are in the USA, there was a standard for 8 hours of battery backup for lan line offices(they usually lasted up to 4 hours.)

This lan line battery or generator backup will usually give you enought time, to match your UPS backup for you to get a MAYDAY message to your email to let you get home ASAP. Meanwhile your other UPS is keeping your powerheads going.

Good luck, but by no means is this fool proof to power outages. Get a sugar momma/daddy to beat a power outage....

does that standard 8 hours apply for residential lines?

[jrpark22000]

OT:One last tidbit;

***Don't use a cable comany to provide phone or internet service***

They are even worse than lan line companies, almost no battery backup in power outage events. You'll be S.O.L.

[jrpark22000]

does that standard 8 hours apply for residential lines?

It did. Resendtial telephone lines provided by the origianl 7 Bell Company; ATT, southwest bell, uswest, and others companies all had the same standards. They still usually have some battery backup.