to much noise

[-marty]

I purchased a battery backup for my computer. Name brand. Seems like fine quality. It interfaces with my computer via a usb cable.In the last few days it has gone to battery power over four hundred times because of NOISE. It is at it's lowest setting for sensitivity.

Two questions please,

How can I tell if noise is the problem or if the unit is defective?

Since this is not my area of expertise, could someone please recommend a resource?

Thanks

 

[ron]

Re: to much noise

The cheapest method is to return it and try another one.
Without a good disturbance meter (lots of $$$), you will not be able to figure it out, other than just replacing it.

 

[Guest]

Re: to much noise

What is the brand & model number? What's the list price?

 

[pwhite]

Re: to much noise

marty,
the problem may be in the power quality, not noise. several things come to mind.
1. the power lines are being hit by trees or other objects enough to cause a small power interruption. this was common several years ago before the local utility cleared the tree limbs.
2. is there a large industry that makes steel, chain, metal casting, welding, or similar industry? if so, their equipment may be causing the power to become trashy. you will need an oscilliscope for this and someone that knows how to monitor the power. if this is the problem, the company will need to install power factor correction equipment. a new company that came into the area gave the entire town fits with their large welders for a while.
3. try disconnecting the usb connection cable for a while to see if this helps.

hope this helps.

ps, i use the tripplite brand of battery back ups and they work great until lightning strikes nearby. they then go out and i replace the battery or the entire unit. cheap insurance i guess.

[ October 20, 2003, 05:08 PM: Message edited by: pwhite ]

 

[brian john]

Re: to much noise

marty:

If it is going to battery randomly is there a printer pluged into this circuit also. Check the timing of the switch to battery is it regular?
What is the voltage at the outlet, a Fluke with min max function is inexpensive and will find the LV problem.