[mythtv-users] Linux mythtv ups?

[Justin The Cynical]

robbinsck1 at gmail.com wrote:
> Brad DerManouelian wrote:
>> I've always used APC UPS's. They're a little more expensive, but the  
>> open source driver works well in linux and the batteries on the  
>> expensive ones last a long time. I had one that I paid $150 for, but I  
>> keep replacing the battery about once a year. The one I paid $500 for  
>> has been going strong for 2 1/2 years. In the long run, I think it's  
>> going to be cheaper.
> 
> In my experience the packs last three to five years in the APC UPSs I've
> had.  It depends a bit on temperature -- heat kills lead acid batteries
> faster.  Some of the rack mount units run hot inside and tend to cook
> batteries if you don't have good ventilation in your rack.
> 
> 
> Awesome feedback everyone, thanks! I think I'll go with an APC smart ups.  

Another potential reason to go with an APC SmartUPS, or really, any UPS 
that produces a true sine wave over a simulated one, is the power quality.

Granted, most line interactive (a true UPS is a somewhat different beast 
from the line interactive ones) UPS units are designed to keep a machine 
up only long enough for them to shut down properly or for short power 
outages, so they are not making use of the inverter circuitry that much.

That being said, in my case, I've dropped a decent amount of cash and 
time in getting my Myth system up and running, so I opted to be paranoid 
and pick up a APC SmartUPS unit over a less expensive UPS, (I plan on 
replacing the Belkin in the other room as well) partly because I found a 
pair of used units really cheap (just had to replace the batteries), and 
partly because the SmartUPS units generate a true sine wave, which looks 
like the same (if not better) power from the utility.

Check here for some nice scope shots of what a simulated sine wave looks 
like.

http://www.extremeoverclocking.com/reviews/power/Belkin_F6C1500TWRK_UPS_6.html