Computers in Fiji getting fried. Which UPS/ power conditioner to use with a generator??

[John P]

My wife's cousin spends a lot of time in Fiji and runs several computers there for personal use and for educating kids in the village. The only power is from portable generators as I understand it. What should she be putting between the computers and the generator??

 

[Z_Amon]

I've always had good luck with APC UPS systems. I'm sure that they could spec something out for you using their UPS selection system, although I find that they often over spec for my use. I've used everything from the low end office units to the big server power setups and I've always been pleased. I also used Tripp Lite and CyberPower, mostly because of price- I got great deals on them and they're fine for use in my apartment where the power rarely goes out and where minor line conditioning problems are more of the normal problem.

At the very least, you need something that can handle the surges and fluctuations, and if you have several computers, you might want to get one of the heavier units that really can handle some nasty stuff.

Z.

 

[The Stigenator]

it might be more cost effective to get a larger UPS cum line conditioners running inline from the generator. That way several machines are on one UPS.. Otherwise individual ones are good.
I personally perfer APC, but I have used CyberPower/Triplite,Belkin/Memorex/unknown brands they all are good when the power is present and do its job well when machines are put on teh side of the Battery backup.. however when the power gets turned off that is when they show their real stuff..

Go with APC or Triplite, if I am right they are the same company.. if you talk to APC.. you will find them pretty helpful.

 

[subman]

Just a question.... do portable generators give out pure sine wave power ?? Is this anything to be concerned about ??

 

[John P]

Can you guys be more specific?? Neither I or my wife's cousin know much about UPS's. What exactly would you buy if you wanted to run 2-3 computers off a gas powered generator?? Links would be nice. Once I get an answer I am going to e-mail this thread to Fiji.

 

[Eli]

I'm interested too. I've often wondered how practical it was to run a computer off a generator. It's easy to build a generator out of any horizonal shaft small engine, and a auto alternator, I don't know how stable it's power output would be though.

Maybe it would be worth it to look into the specs of the generators they're using? Whether they're recomended for sensitive electronic equipment and the like?

If you're going to be running 2-3 computers + monitor off a UPS, you need to add all the wattage up, and get a UPS of at least that size..

 

[MWink]

Get an APC Back-UPS Pro or Smart-UPS and set it to the LEAST sensitivity. It will condition the power. I got this info from APC.

 

[subman]

John

Check out APC's UPS selector page.... you can feed in data of Computers to be protected and it will suggest the right UPS for the systems.


APC