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Unread 06/25/2010, 01:05 PM   #1
Easily Distracted
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Need help -UPS or other battery backup for APEX

I am going out of town soon for a little while and really want to back up my APEX controller since the clock resets when the power goes out. I was told that the simplest way to do it is by plugging the unit into a UPS. So, does anyone have:
-a UPS I can borrow for a short while
-a very reasonably priced UPS they are willing to part with
Or
-instructions for a DIY NiCad or similar backup.

Also, I haven't had the time to do proper research on the A/C port on the unit but it's my understanding that it's only helpful for detecting power loss. Is this correct? Any education on the power scheme or UPS requirements on the apex is appreciated.


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Unread 06/27/2010, 08:35 AM   #2
Easily Distracted
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Really, all I'm looking to do is keep the clock from resetting to some random time in 2029. We just had the slightest power interruption a little while ago and it reset again. I read that there is a Belkin UPS that people use for their ATT Uverse that plugs right in to the AC input. It looks like I'm not going to have time to order that before I go away, though. It's been a while since I set up my APEX, but I believe the controller and display are drawing their power from the apex power strip (forgetting the proper name at the moment). If I had a regular UPS would I plug the power strip into the UPS? Wouldn't the APEX not detect the power outtage and keep running all my hardware and drain the UPS quickly? I have pre-apex DC8 plugged in to the controller also, could it detect the power loss that way? Can it be programmed to detect a power loss and run in emergency mode with either no hardware or just a small powerhead running? WHY does this thing not come with a simple button battery backup for the clock!


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Unread 06/27/2010, 02:14 PM   #3
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After some further research it appears that there is an internal battery that is supposed to be backing up the clock. I got my unit with the first round that went out and it looks like I was lucky enough to be one of the people that got a bad battery. What I think I'm going to need to do to get through this trip is to put together a power supply for the a/c input and plug that into a UPS. I am still in need of a small UPS for about a week, though.


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Unread 06/28/2010, 08:46 AM   #4
Rennsport
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This is a frustrating aspect of my Apex as well -- any power interuption yields a jump into the future, too, in 2029

I would really like to know if there is supposed to be a feature of a internal battery that at least keeps the time set in the event of a power outage, like last night for example.


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Unread 06/28/2010, 09:20 AM   #5
Easily Distracted
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rennsport View Post
This is a frustrating aspect of my Apex as well -- any power interuption yields a jump into the future, too, in 2029

I would really like to know if there is supposed to be a feature of a internal battery that at least keeps the time set in the event of a power outage, like last night for example.
There is the possibility that we have stumbled across a time portal. It could be an Apex time machine. : )

I did find a thread where there appeared to be a bad batch of batteries, but it is my undeerstanding that it is supposed to have one. Unfortunately not user serviceable, though. I will be contacting Curt from Neptune about this and possibly an issue with my display but will have to deal with it after I get back. I'll update here.


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Unread 06/28/2010, 09:50 AM   #6
RokleM
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I can tell you that my Apex definately does NOT loose it's memory (including time and programing) when I reboot it or power it off. That does indeed sound like a side issue. Remind me when you swing by tonight to discuss and show you a couple UPS options. I actually bought one of those Belkin's for ATT off ebay for something like 1 dollar plus shipping.


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