UPS or Sentry Lite for powering up my gear

Forums › New Zealand Broadband › UPS or Sentry Lite for powering up my gear

gcorgnet

1096 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 273

ID Verified

#251455 26-Jun-2019 06:54

Hi,

I have my ONT, Router, NAS and Arlo Base station (as well as a Switch and a couple other things) sitting in a cupboard. I also have a security camera in that cupboard so that someone who opens it would be on tape (uploaded straight to the cloud)

This is all powered off a big multi plug thing that's plugged to the wall, outside of the cupboard. It's way to easy to flick the power off and I lose my security system (Arlo Cameras) and means of uploading footage to the Cloud (ONT + Router)

I would like to put something in that cabinet so that even by flicking off the power at the wall, the security cameras still work for a bit. UPS don't seem to get much love around here so I looked at the Sentry Lite which is quite promising. Problem is it only has 2 output and I'm gonna need to power up at least 3 items (Fritzbox, ONT and Arlo base).

Can I use more than one device per output on the Sentry Lite? Am I better off with a UPS?

Thanks

SirHumphreyAppleby

2939 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1860

#2264743 26-Jun-2019 07:54

I think you are giving your potential foe more credit than they are due.

Provided the power output from the Sentry Lite (just over 3A) is sufficient, there is no reason you can't just use that. Constant Vigil were very helpful and even customised a Sentry Lite for my specific requirements and may be able to provide a solution for you. Otherwise, a Y splitter cable (2.1/2.5mm are comon) from AliExpress or eBay will probably get the job done if you don't want to go making cables yourself.

gcorgnet

1096 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 273

ID Verified

#2264746 26-Jun-2019 07:57

I hope you're right... But you never know..

So I guess I need to run the numbers. Do you just add up the Amps from the multiple devices you want to plug in on each output? I could do 2x 1.5A, for example?

Thanks

timmmay

20858 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 5350

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2264751 26-Jun-2019 08:07

Yes, amps add like that. Contact the makers of the Sentry, I found them very helpful.

SirHumphreyAppleby

2939 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1860

#2264752 26-Jun-2019 08:07

gcorgnet:

So I guess I need to run the numbers. Do you just add up the Amps from the multiple devices you want to plug in on each output? I could do 2x 1.5A, for example?

Essentially, yes. If you add up the values from the wall adaptors, the number you arrive at will be greater than is required as these should be rated higher than the individual devices require.

I am assuming the devices will all accept 12V and have compatible pins (usually centre positive). If not, you would need to do additional work. I believe Constant Vigil can provide power cables for the ONT which will have a different type of connector.

gcorgnet

1096 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 273

ID Verified

#2264754 26-Jun-2019 08:10

Thanks for that. Sounds promising and a better option than a UPS as I'm not too fussed about keeping my computer and NAS running in that case. I mean, it would be great but can't have it all.

What about the stuff that's running off 5V (thinking of a Security Camera that has a micro-USB type power supply)? Could I put that on the Sentry Lite, somehow?

SirHumphreyAppleby

2939 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1860

#2264756 26-Jun-2019 08:15

gcorgnet:

What about the stuff that's running off 5V (thinking of a Security Camera that has a micro-USB type power supply)? Could I put that on the Sentry Lite, somehow?

You can use a voltage regulator to reduce 12V to 5V. I believe I've seen a few online with USB outputs, so you could connect a USB standard cable.

When I've required 5V in the past, I've typically used 'SBEC' modules designed for model aircraft. They are quite efficient and can handle a wide voltage range. No USB connectors though.

Dyson

Shop now for Dyson appliances (affiliate link).

timmmay

20858 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 5350

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2264757 26-Jun-2019 08:16

Some sentry models do have multiple voltage outputs, but not 5V AFAIK. They might be able to make you a custom one, but that could be expensive.

I'm somewhat lazy. With the variety of things you need I might just use a standard UPS, even though it's less efficient and possibly more expensive.

gcorgnet

1096 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 273

ID Verified

#2264758 26-Jun-2019 08:18

Thanks Tim. Regarding UPS, what's a good choice? Dynamix? Then size it according to how much load I want to put on there?

SirHumphreyAppleby

2939 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1860

#2264774 26-Jun-2019 08:46

You should size the UPS based on both load and desired runtime. I'm not sure what they are like now, but in the past cheap UPSs have been worse than none. We had some at work and the only machines which survived a minor power interruption were those which weren't on a UPS at all. APC is a good brand. In all cases, even with APC, don't assume the battery is good if tests pass. Plan to replace them every few years regardless.

gcorgnet

1096 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 273

ID Verified

#2264776 26-Jun-2019 08:48

Yeah fair, enough. I'm not looking at running a lot of machines off of it. Just a Fritzbox, an ONT and an Arlo base station + a 5V micro USB 1A Security Cam