Uninterruptable Power Supply for UFB available: Constant Vigil Sentry Lite UFB DC UPS

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timmmay

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#173718 3-Jun-2015 10:07

Constant Vigiil has developed a DC UPS for UFB installs. Just what I've been looking for! Computerworld story.

Their website here. This page suggests the Snap/Orcon versions output 9V, though their specifications say 12V, which is a bit puzzling.

Specifications
Weight: 20g
Dimensions: 108x55x26mm Electrical
Input Voltage: 9-25VDC (+18V wall-mounted supply provided)*1
Charging Voltage/Current: 14VDC±0.2V, 350mA Max.*2 Output#1:
Voltage/Current: 12VDC±0.25V, 4A Maximum*3 Output#2:
Voltage/Current: 12VDC±0.25V, 4A Maximum*3

I've sent them two questions:
- Does it come with appropriate cables to power a Fritzbox and the ONT?
- Why is the Snap version 9V? I've checked the Fritz and the ONT, both use 12V power adapters.

NB: for background on the DC UPS idea please read this thread before commenting.

Their diagram inline below (hopefully)

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#1316675 3-Jun-2015 10:49

Just a note on this - the Chorus ONT requires you to use the power supply provided with the ONT.
If you want to use a UPS with the Chorus ONT, it must be 230V supplied to the ONT's power supply...

The Chorus contractors will not connect an ONT to a 12V UPS.
If you use an uncertified 12V UPS (I haven’t seen any UPS manufacturers gain certification from our ONT vendor for the ONTs we use), then you run the risk of paying for a new ONT, etc, if it fails due to the UPS.

timmmay

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#1316678 3-Jun-2015 10:51

BMarquis: Just a note on this - the Chorus ONT requires you to use the power supply provided with the ONT.
If you want to use a UPS with the Chorus ONT, it must be 230V supplied to the ONT's power supply...

The Chorus contractors will not connect an ONT to a 12V UPS.
If you use an uncertified 12V UPS (I haven’t seen any UPS manufacturers gain certification from our ONT vendor for the ONTs we use), then you run the risk of paying for a new ONT, etc, if it fails due to the UPS.

That's good to point out and a factor for people to consider. I've considered it and I'm happy to take on the relatively low risk, especially since it's been tested by the manufacturer. I would hope that they have or get authorisation from Chorus to use their device.

BMarquis

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#1316694 3-Jun-2015 11:10

timmmay:
That's good to point out and a factor for people to consider. I've considered it and I'm happy to take on the relatively low risk, especially since it's been tested by the manufacturer. I would hope that they have or get authorisation from Chorus to use their device.

Not that I can see, no they haven't.
I'm chasing it up now though.....

The wording is a bit strange:
"Sentry Lite models tested with standard residential ONT/Router equipment from a number of separate ISPs"

There isn't much talk about Chorus and the LFC's who are an integral part of the picture :)

I'll come back when/if I find out more info within Chorus.

sbiddle

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#1316752 3-Jun-2015 12:20

I'm not sure how you'd even hook it up to an ALU ONT - the Sentry only has 2.5mm DC connectors. Unless they're supplying a cable with the unit to go from that to the ONT connector you've got no way to connect it.

timmmay

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#1316756 3-Jun-2015 12:33

Their website says "All cables and replacement power pack are provided within the kit.". They haven't replied to email, and their business number's a cellphone, so maybe it's just one guy.

timmmay

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#1316763 3-Jun-2015 13:12

I gave the guy a call. He's working with the telcos, but no approval quite yet. Answers to my questions and extra info:
- It's definitely 12V out, that's a website error
- It comes with all the correct cables. In the initial demo version there are hand made, but the production version will have proper moulded plugs
- I can take any reasonable DC voltage in, 9V, 18V, and give a nice 12V out
- It's made to take solar panel input, as it'll be used in South Africa where there are lots of power outages but plenty of sun
- It's available now, but there's a new version coming out with reverse voltage protection.

He's going to ship me a demo unit, I'll be able to post a full review maybe next week :)

eXDee

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#1316793 3-Jun-2015 13:30

I emailed them and they confirmed its been extensively tested with the Huawei ONTs that Enable and UFF use.

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chevrolux

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#1316857 3-Jun-2015 15:32

eXDee: I emailed them and they confirmed its been extensively tested with the Huawei ONTs that Enable and UFF use.

Haha thats good. Only 70% of the ONT's to test now seeing as that is how much of the network Chorus are building.

Jarno

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#1316902 3-Jun-2015 17:17

How long will the roadside cabinet typically last during a power outage? It wouldn't make much sense to attach a battery to the ONT that lasts much longer than that.

timmmay

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#1316903 3-Jun-2015 17:19

Jarno: How long will the roadside cabinet typically last during a power outage? It wouldn't make much sense to attach a battery to the ONT that lasts much longer than that.

As I understand it roadside cabinets are passive. The active stuff is back in the exchange, which I guess has generators. There's quite a lot of background in this thread.

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#1316960 3-Jun-2015 19:53

chevrolux:
eXDee: I emailed them and they confirmed its been extensively tested with the Huawei ONTs that Enable and UFF use.

Haha thats good. Only 70% of the ONT's to test now seeing as that is how much of the network Chorus are building.

Northpower use Ericsson gear and am not sure if the ONT has a standard 2.5mm connector running at 12v. Don't they make up 5% or something like that?? ;)

But I agree that not involving Chorus is rather silly. And the non standard connector the Alcatel ONT has I suspect the project is due to fail. If anyone would know what's going on with Chorus it would be BMarquis...

Behodar

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#1316967 3-Jun-2015 20:05

It's certainly cheaper than the Fuelcube that Spark is promoting so it'll be interesting to see how they compare.

sbiddle

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#1316988 3-Jun-2015 21:05

I think the concept and product looks great - but to not involve Chorus and have basic errors on the website is really just crazy.

timmmay

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#1317049 3-Jun-2015 21:42

The guy was great on the phone, but so far hasn't answered either the contact form I sent early today or the email I sent 4pm. He did say he was working with ISPs, but I don't recall if he mentioned Chorus. He did say working with big telcos was very, very slow.

BarTender

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#1317114 4-Jun-2015 06:42

timmmay: The guy was great on the phone, but so far hasn't answered either the contact form I sent early today or the email I sent 4pm. He did say he was working with ISPs, but I don't recall if he mentioned Chorus. He did say working with big telcos was very, very slow.

Working with the big telcos will be slow if he doesn't engage with them first.

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