APC Serial On/Off Switch power control unit

Advantages: Performance, Problem Free, Great Reporting
Disadvantages: None as yet

...The APC Smart-UPS 420 is a small surge protection & battery backup device. It will protect your Server, PC, Network Switch or Router from power failure or even a power surge. Many users of mission-critical applications need to be sure that if the power goes down for a few minuets, they have time to save their open files and shutdown cleanly. In fact many want to run their system on battery until the mains comes back on-line. The award winning APC Smart-UPS Range offers just that! Buying a 420 = There are many companies selling 420’s. Personally, I would do a quick search around to find the best prices. Online ordering seems to be the best way of getting these, and also the cheapest! The going price from the big names is about £95 +VAT. Don’t be put off by this though as there are cheaper firms out there. Ok so I... Read review

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Advantages: 'Insurance policy' against power outages
Disadvantages: Too expensive for domestic use - businesses only!

.... On the front are several LEDs indicating normal and abnormal power characteristics, and a bar graph showing the battery capacity. A couple of push buttons allow you to switch it on and off, as well as testing the battery. On the back are four sockets and a power plug, one goes to a 13 amp power lead, the others provide IEC sockets to your servers. Don’t make the mistake of using this to plug in laser printers or even kettles (yes I’ve seen this done!) it’s for the absolute minimum amount of kit you can get away with – processor, small monitor, modem etc. The software supplied with the UPS is installed on your server, it monitors the serial port connected to the back of the UPS – set the ‘window’ time and you know in the event of your supply being cut, everything will go to bed nicely! A couple of things to remember Like a smoke alarm, a UPS... Read review

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Advantages: Can keep server up during power cut and surge supression
Disadvantages: Not much apart from weight..Ealier versions of the management software caused server crashes

...Don't get me wrong this a gret product with excellent support. Thje one thing that let it down was the management software.. the software shipped with the Ups (uninteruptible power supply) had a glitch which caused servers running windows 2000/2003 to crash for no apparent reason. This issue was quickly fixed and updates for the powerchute management software is available from APC's website. The product itself is designed to keep server up and running for as long as possible during a power cut. This verision and some of the earlier version of the smartups ups have built in surge management to filter high and low mains power. Conections The smartups 1500 has USB and serial connections for the management software.The USB connection is for windows based software. The serial connection is for software that doesn't support usd I.E. SCo... Read review

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