Linux-Hams archive - May 1998: Re: Watchdog

Re: Watchdog

Joe Martine (imwndm@relay.tunkki.fi)
Tue, 5 May 1998 21:08:53 -0500 (CDT)


I've been following this thread closely, having basically adopted both the
UPS and big-battery options for my home station. The UPS keeps the Linux
machine alive thru power bumps, and there is a big marine battery that
keeps the radios and such going for much longer. Obviously a bit of a
disparity!

I'm wondering if anyone has taken a look at using a standard UPS - as an
example, I have an APC Back-UPS 420 - and just run wires out to a much
larger battery. I wouldn't think this would cause a problem for the UPS
when _using_ the battery, it just runs longer than is otherwise possible,
with no extra capacity. The only problem I see is the charging circuit,
it might not like having to charge a much larger battery. In that case,
I had thought about isolating the battery from the UPS (say, with a heavy
diode of some sort), keeping it charged thru other means. Of course I
then wind up with basically buying an inverter and a relay that drops out
when the power goes away.

I haven't tried this yet, but do intend to one of these days. Has anyone
else thought about or tried it? The main reason I haven't done anything
yet is that blasted warranty they give me...! :-)

Enjoying the conversation!

Joe Martine, N5USR
yxdvv.vyghgyjms@coffeynet.com