Return to BSD News archive
Xref: sserve comp.os.linux.development:19031 comp.os.linux.misc:29240 comp.os.386bsd.questions:14328 comp.os.386bsd.misc:4025 sci.electronics:83627 Path: sserve!newshost.anu.edu.au!munnari.oz.au!news.Hawaii.Edu!ames!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!swiss.ans.net!solaris.cc.vt.edu!news.mathworks.com!usenet.eel.ufl.edu!usenet.cis.ufl.edu!thunder!rgarito From: rgarito@thunder.cis.ufl.edu (Robert David Garito) Newsgroups: comp.os.linux.development,comp.os.linux.misc,comp.os.386bsd.questions,comp.os.386bsd.misc,sci.electronics Subject: Re: APC SmartUPS series serial-port protocol anyone? Date: 31 Oct 94 19:38:40 GMT Organization: University of Florida (Computer Science Department) Lines: 39 Message-ID: <rgarito.783632320@thunder> References: <TAMSKY.94Oct29191638@avarice.ugcs.caltech.edu> <CMETZ.94Oct30051603@itchy.inner.net> <SRA.94Oct30162124@rurha-pente.epilogue.com> <CMETZ.94Oct30192816@itchy.inner.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: thunder.cis.ufl.edu Also in support of Best Power, I have installed SEVERAL of their units at various sites, with perfect success. I've installed both UNIX and Novell systems on their UPSs. Their technical support and product is so good, that my maintenance contracts on mid- to large- sized networks now specifically state that a Best UPS must be installed or the contract covers no service for electrical-related problems. I actually witnessed a Best 2.1 kVA unit take a DIRECT lightning hit (the power line actually lit up, going into the unit). Two AT&T 3B2 minis, 6 terminals, and 3 printers were running at the time. They never even saw a spike! The UPS includes data logging that allows one to look at the actual spike (off the scale) and the output at the same time. This is a STANDARD feature of the UPS, and I will say, a good managerial convincing tactic. The owner of the network was definitely convinced that they made the right choice when seeing the printouts! Actually, after that hit, the battery charger was damaged. Calling Tech Support (24-hour 800 number), they talked me through opening the unit, re-calibrating the charger (done via the RS-232 port) to disable it so that a fire would not be started due to gross overcharging, and shipped overnight a relacement. They also explained how to replace the charger. Now, yes, I'm an electronics-literate person (I design stuff on the side), but they were prepared to explain the procedure to someone who didn't know where the power switch was! So, they convinced me so much that I am now a reseller. The only problem that I have is their equipment is a little expensive (but, you get what you pay for), and I have trouble explaining to clients why they need this equipment because of some "unseen" force that they do not understand. They're in S. Florida, and to them, "I've been here for 10 years and never lost a piece of equipment to a surge or lightning yet. Why spend the money???). They don't want to hear "you've been INCREDIBLY lucky!" -- Robert Garito, President MicroLAN Technologies, Inc rgarito@cis.ufl.edu