Computer newbies: Do you have to use the UPS for computer
Do you have to use the UPS for computer
by gwingee - 8/19/08 6:53 AMor is there something else. I have the Belkin UPS and it is starting to give me problems..my friend said she just uses a regular surge protector and I wanted to know what I should get? The one thing I hate about the UPS is when the power goes out it beeps and beeps and beeps and beeps
if I am not here it will drive my cats crazy...isn't that something else?
For me, the laptops have...
by R. Proffitt
- 8/19/08 7:26 AM
In reply to: Do you have to use the UPS for computer by gwingee
Laptops have their own native UPS so I don't bother with such on the laptops.
About your Belkin. 1. How old? I run into owners that find these only last a few years. 2. Do you get a lot of power outages?
A UPS is worth it, in my opinion
by Steven Haninger - 8/19/08 9:02 AM In reply to: Do you have to use the UPS for computer by gwingeeSurge protectors might offer some help but, did you know they lose their effectiveness without telling you about it? They can absorb some surges but at the expense of slowly deteriorating to a point where they're of little or no value. A UPS does more in that it can absorb those complete momentary outages that cause sudden PC shutdowns or resets that can be damaging or cause data loss. The beeping is a minor irritation, IMO.
If you need one, good
by Willy - 8/19/08 12:59 PM In reply to: Do you have to use the UPS for computer by gwingeeThe UPS is simple and cheap insurance in case your system is "spiked or outside grid" problems. It helps more than you think as it quiet most of the time. The beeping is calling for some action. If old, replacement time, if not be sure your have a capable UPS for your needs. I think, once a serious problem happens you'll realize the benefit of a UPS. As for beeping, get a new model that's some LED warning instead or simply clip the beeper wire or route a toggle sw. to cut out the beeper if possible.
tada -----Willy 
Amen....if you want to keep your system up
by VAPCMD - 8/19/08 7:02 PM In reply to: If you need one, good by Willyrunning and safe...a UPS is a 'must have' piece of PC equipment for any PC enthusiast.
VAPCMD
Do you need a UPS? Only if. . .
by Coryphaeus - 8/19/08 2:46 PM In reply to: Do you have to use the UPS for computer by gwingeeyou want to prevent a damaging HD crash right in the middle of a power failure. My setup is a Belkin high end Surge Protector in front of my Belkin 900 VA UPS.
And a properly placed screwdriver will stop that annoying beep. Open the case, find the Pizo speaker, and adjust it with the screwdriver, (there is no "switch" for the audible alarm). It drives my mini-Schnauzers crazy too. Adjust as in pry it off the circuit board.
thanks all
by gwingee - 8/20/08 12:04 PM In reply to: Do you need a UPS? Only if. . . by Coryphaeuscan someone tell how me to stop the annoying beep???
How often does it beep?
by Steven Haninger - 8/20/08 5:25 PM In reply to: thanks all by gwingeeThis should normally only happen during a power outage or short period when it's "on battery". An overload condition might cause this too but generally justs shuts it down. Too much beeping without any reason might mean a defective UPS. How old is it, what capacity and how much stuff is plugged in? Make sure a laser printer is never plugged into a PC grade UPS. But, to disable the beeper, you'll need to open it up and find the critter that makes the noise. Usually it will be a round plastic cylinder about dime or nickel size and maybe 1/4 to 1/3 inch tall that appears to have a small silver mirror in the center. It's usually soldered to a circuit board. You can often quiet them some just by putting duct tape over the top of them. But, to get to it, you'll need tools and need to follow a few precautions as this isn't recommened by the manufacturer. You'll need to unplug the UPS and remove the battery. You'll need to locate the screws that hold the pieces together (can't help you there) and remove them. There could be snap tabs or other means of keeping you out. It's a hide and seek adventure if you want to try it. Did I say unplug the UPS and remove the battery? That should be bolded. Don't forget to unplug the UPS and remove the battery. The reason for battery removal is that when the battery is connected, the UPS has the ability to produce severe shock or even lethal amounts of current.
ha ha Steve
by gwingee - 8/20/08 7:16 PM In reply to: How often does it beep? by Steven Haningerthanks much.. I will leave it alone...it only does it when the power goes out but it just goes on and on..how long is it supposed to beep once the power is out..the while 15 min battery life????
Suggestions
by Willy - 8/20/08 7:39 PM In reply to: ha ha Steve by gwingeeThe beeping is a obvious warning to shutdown the system, if it only comes on when "power-OFF" or electricity is removed. Many newer and better UPS tend to auto-shutdown the system, does yours do this. If not, then a manual intervention is required on your part. If you shut-OFF power somehow to the room or AC ckt. the UPS is on, then yeah it's an annoyance but its doing its job. The only other reason I can think of, is the batteries are getting weak and need replacement as they're not fully charged or capable of their status level. If you're causing the problem by removing power, then I suggested earlier route a sw. to the beeper. -OR- as someone offered, tear it out(if capable), disable maybe more proper wording.
tada -----Willy
Can someone tell me how to stop the annoying beep? ... Maybe
by Watzman - 8/22/08 6:37 PM In reply to: thanks all by gwingeeStop the beeping?
The beeping means either that the UPS is running on batteries (and your computer will soon die as the batteries run out .... anywhere from a minute or two to the full run time of the UPS (for consumer products, usually 5 to 20 minutes) .... OR that the battery is bad.
SOME UPS' have a way to either shut off the beeping or prevent it from occuring at all. SOME .... not all. There may be a switch to turn it off or alter it's behavior, or it may be software programmable via a USB or RS-232 (serial port) connection. On some UPS', however, the manufacturer provides no way to alter it's [sometimes annoying] behavior. If you are technically inclined, that still leaves one option (which I admit to having resorted to on some occasions): Open up the UPS and remove the speaker, buzzer or whatever other element makes the beeping sound.
Do you HAVE to use a UPS ????? ..... No, you don't HAVE to
by Watzman - 8/22/08 6:33 PM In reply to: Do you have to use the UPS for computer by gwingeeNo, you don't HAVE to use a UPS.
But it is a VERY good idea. A UPS is much better than a surge supressor, which, in my opinion, is NOT needed (but UPS' do that also, and do it better than stand alone surge supressors). [The disucssion as to why "just" surge supressors are in my view not necessary (and a waste of money) is beyond the scope of this reply, but I an a degeed Electrical Engineer with over 40 years of computer experience and a college instructor, not just some hobbyist.]
The biggest problem people have with UPS' is that UPS' have batteries that have a limited life (typically about 3 to maybe 5 years, but it does vary). Most of these in consumer UPS' are very standard 12 volt 7 amp-hour batteries that cost about $10 to $20 (but will cost as much to ship as they cost to buy). However, most people don't replace the batteries, they just replace the entire UPS. The UPS makers do nothing to discourage this, indeed in some cases they make the batteries difficult to replace and don't tell you how to do it (in other cases, it isn't difficult and the UPS makers do tell you how). Some UPS' have tiny batteries, what I call "toy batteries", these are usually 12v 3ah, and they are a joke (they are found mostly in 300VA and 350VA UPS').
But the bottom line is that as far as power conditioning is concerned, especially for consumer applications, a UPS is the bet option you can get.
I always have
by guiri_too - 8/22/08 6:46 PM In reply to: Do you have to use the UPS for computer by gwingeeI like the option of NOT losing data when the power goes out.
I love when I lose power to the whole house and my puter just keeps on trucking and, I love that it'll take a power surge much better than a regular surge protector.
I have been using UPS's for the last 9 years or so.
Also, I have a much better ups than you can generally buy in the store but I got it on stinkbay at a much better price. It used to be a 2000 dollar unit.
Bottom line is YES. If the beep bothers you, remove the speaker or just stick it in another room with an extension cord.
George
My Belkin UPS Units Have a Button
by tonyny77 - 8/22/08 10:40 PM In reply to: Do you have to use the UPS for computer by gwingeeI'm using two slightly different Belkin UPS models, but both of them have the same type of recessed button on the front of the unit. The button — which is used to manually shutdown the UPS — is recessed to prevent accidental/unintended shutdown. Does your unit have this button? On my UPS units, the button is silver-colored and it's just ¼ inch wide and 1¾ inches long.
If you use the Belkin-provided UPS status/monitor software, you'll see there's a myriad of control options. But if you don't use the status/monitor software or if your system is already off when an outage occurs, your UPS will just beep to signal there's an outage ... and it will CONTINUE to beep until other devices attached to the UPS drain its reserve power or the power is restored, whichever occurs first.
Since you made no mention of using the UPS status/monitor software, I'll assume you don't use it. The next time the power fails, just manually shutdown your system(s) BEFORE the UPS is drained, of course. After the system(s) shutdown, just press and hold the button I mentioned earlier and the UPS itself will shutdown and the beep will cease. When power is restored, press and hold the button again to turn your UPS on.
UPS Shutdown
by tonyny77 - 8/23/08 7:19 AM In reply to: My Belkin UPS Units Have a Button by tonyny77Oh, I forgot to mention ... As you press and hold the UPS button to shut it down or start it, you need to hold it for two or three seconds before the UPS will respond.
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