Dynamix UPS - Battery Replacement

datahawk:
JimmyH: I have a Dynamix UPS1000 which has performed well for over 4 years. Lately, not so well and I suspect the batteries are well overdue for a replacement.

I see replacement batteries (12V 7A) go for about $35 and I would need 2 of them ($70).

Does anyone have any experience of these and know:

1. How easy is it to change these batteries - is it something a novice can do, or would I need an electrician?

Yes, if you are referring to the model with the amber front LCD display it is relatively easy to swap batteries:

Helpful tools, 1/4 inch socket set, screw drivers.

! Avoid touching circuit board components and be aware that there may be current stored in capacitors. You should only need to touch the battery terminals.

1. Turn it off, unplug it, flip it and remove 4 base screws and one at the rear. Take cover off.

2. Remove two top screws holding front panel on. Pull it forward and up slightly to un-clip it. Leave the cable attached and just hold it out of the way.

3. Remove the two front screws holding the circuit board / battery cover to the front steel panel.

4. Remove two nuts from rear of the battery holder (near the transformer)

5. Pull spade terminals from batteries.

6. Lift entire circuit board and battery holder upwards just enough to push batteries out sideways. Bit fiddly but can be done without removing the circuit board.

7. Slide in new batteries, reassemble.

Takes about 5-10 minutes maximum after some practice. I have several of these and they do eat batteries but I have a cheaper trade source and I get 18 months to 2 years out of them before I have to swap batteries.

I use these cheap Dynamics units only to supply 5-10 seconds power outage on all my PC's, AV Equipment and Network gear before my automatic standby genset kicks in.

They will get very hot when a battery is dying so just put your hand on them every month or so to check the batteries are not starting to cook. They have lasted well. I've had them in use for many years.

Thank you for that incredibly helpful reply. That's exactly what I wanted to know. I already have all those tools, so I will source some batteries and should be good to go.

The cheapest I can find is $35, but at $70 for a pair that's relatively cheap peace of mind for the equipment I have connected. Not a business grade setup, just need surge protection and a couple of minutes window to shut everything (PC+NAS) down if the power goes out.

Sideface

JimmyH

floydie

floydie