The WeBob Blog

Northern Lights catch you coming down

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 05:50:00 +0000

A good vacation, can open you to new ideas and experiences that in retrospect should have been obvious.

For me, I finally listened to the group Ladytron and fell in love with their early hit Playgirl. I was turned off by Ladytron because it was categorized as electro-clash, which left me with a bad feeling. But at 228, 229, 230... plays according to Itunes... I cant imagine living it without them.

The same can be true for UPS brands you are not familiar with. Powerware and Tripplite used to make some dumpy looking UPSes. When compared to APC, they just seemed boring & cheaper knock offs. Yet today they are better looking and performing products.

While they cant play digitally edited analogue electronic sound shapes with a haunting voice, it might be time to look at these other UPS brands again

Powerware 3000

Tripplite 3000va

New APC Line

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 05:11:00 +0000

Our friends at APC have launched the next generation of SmartUPS units featuring green energy efficient technology.

Their press releases tout these advantages

Increased intelligence that makes management and monitoring easier
Increased efficiency that saves on utility costs
Increased control with ability to configure locally or via software and switched receptacle groups
Increased resilience with better diagnostic capabilities and improved warranty

Obviously, 1 and 3 have been desperately needed for awhile now, but 2 and 4 are a bit optimistic.

Increased efficiency alledged comes from the better handling of voltage regulation without using the energy intensive transformers. Even APC admits this might only save 1-4%. Hardly a “green” product.

As for resilience and batter warranty. I don’t know about all units, but increasing from 2 to 3 years is still just the industry standard and not really that notable. Further, with this new “Smart” LCD screen telling you how many days you have left before you need to change the battery, it sounds like a good racket to make you buy batteries before you need them

Anyway, we cant wait for the 5^th generation of SmartUPS units to be fully rolled out. APC needed this new launch to counter the dramatic improvements that Powerware and Tripplite have made in the last few years.

For more info here is their Youtube peppy video

And their press thingy

Happy 2010 - back from a much deserved vacation

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 04:45:00 +0000

The Bob in WeBobUPS is back after enjoying a nice holiday break. Like many of you, no matter where I went it was cold. Fortunately, roaring fires and aged whiskey kept me alive.

So many great things to talk about in 2010... so lets get started...

480volt UPS Solutions

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:25:00 +0000

Last month we talked about people using their home's 240volt power to operate 208volt UPS systems. In that case customers could choose a 240volt UPS or buy a buck transformer to lower voltage to 208v.

In the case of 277/480volt power, the problem is the same, the solution a bit different.

Taking the 277volt line and powering a 208volt UPS with it will cause the UPS to immediately start shedding the power. Yes the specs say it can take 189-294volts, but it is not designed to do this continuously.

Option 1 is to transform the entire load from 3phase 277/480volt down to 120/208. This is expensive and requires a 300lb transformer (assuming a 10kva ups). With the transformer, freight, and electrical work, this can cost over $3000.

Our recommendation, is to use a buck transformer and step down from 277 to 240volt. Since, you cant simply buck all the way down to 208volt, you need a 240volt UPS. This smaller transformer fits in a 3U rack cabinet and costs under $400. Call us for the exact price based on your size

Either way, these are much cheaper solutions than trying to buy a 480volt UPS.

Fun fact... go to the APC Selector by load and ask for a 5000va UPS with 277/480volt power, put in 10mins and 10% expansion... and the selector spits out a $99,600 UPS solution

We're Savy with Zavee

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 02:24:00 +0000

GreenlightUPS and Wesworth Electric, Inc have joined the Zavee Social Network Merchant group.

As a local business startup, Zavee promises to make shopping.. simple, local and social. In practice, Zavee offers businesses an opportunity to create an automatic loyalty program, pay per transaction sales leads, and seamless purchase processing. Learn more about about Zavee at their site.

Now that we are part of Zavee, Zavee members get automatic rewards by buying with us. Look for GreenlightUPS, in the computer services category for our offers.

November WrapUp

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 04:46:00 +0000

Heavy month for blogging...

We learned the limits of high voltage systems and surge protection. We gave you advice on types of 3phase UPSes, home network upses, and whether to repair or replace smaller units. Finally, we announced our partnership with nuBarter.

Mea Culpa Dixi - Slow shipping

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 12:16:00 +0000

A new series begins... Mea Culpa Dixi (My faults spoken and settled)
In this occasional blog, I will address a complaint or disappointment that has come up and explain my position.

Complaint #1 - Slow Shipping
Your order a unit, but may not arrive for 14 days.

Absolutely true and I am truly sorry for the delay. but here are the facts.

When we receive an order it goes through these steps.

Invoices & work ticket printed
Shipping arrangements researched & booked
Unit is pulled from inventory
Batteries are loaded, unit is charged
Unit is tested, Unit is cleaned, Unit is recharged
Unit is packed on a palleted and freight company is contacted
Freight is picked up and shipped to a local freight terminal
Freight company delivers freight

While sometimes this process can take 3 days, it more often takes close to 10 days. Yet, several problems during the process including a non commercial address on order (during step 2), low inventory of batteries (in step 4), unit fails testing (step 5); or the shipper doesn't have a phone number for delivery (in step 8) can add many days to the process.

We wish we were a large outfit that had Amazon.com efficiency, but we aren't. One of our goals in 2010 is to streamline the process and get orders out faster.

For those that have been disappointed with the fulfillment times, we are sorry... mea culpa, Dixi

-Bob

TVSS, SPD, SAD, UL 3rd Edition and other muck

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:19:00 +0000

In addition to UPS devices, GreenlightUPS is increasingly selling panel mount surge suppressors.

Or so we thought....

Actually, those strange science monks at Underwriter's Laboratory have renamed our gadgets and they are no longer called Surge Suppressors, or Transient Voltage Surge Suppressors, but Surge Protection Devices.
Plus as an added bonus, UL and ANSI have changed many of the requirements and guidelines for SPDs.

What does this mean to the rest of us that put our pants on 1 leg at a time?

All panel mount surge gizmos are going to cost alot more.

Our lines of UL 2nd Edition Eaton Protectors(R), Sycom's SP, and CHSP Micro surge gizmos are no longer approved for new installations. They obviously still work fine and you dont need to rip out your old ones. And unless you or your company keeps up with ISO900x, ROHS, ANSI/IEEE, GLBA 501(b), or the 2007/2 EC INSPIRE directives.... these less expensive models are fine.

But if you do need the latest, we still have our premium quality 3rd Ed Eaton Protector starting at $800 for a simple home mount.

I dont really understand whats better in the 3rd edition anyway.

UPSes for your home theatre

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:36:00 +0000

I get many requests for UPSes for home theatre systems. And while normally, i dont like to turn away business, most UPSes I have arent designed for that application.

APC actually makes a special UPS for home theatres. The APC AV collection is impressive, but is very similar to an APC SmartUPS 1500.

Both AV & SmartUPS have:

power conditioning features
battery backup
IEEE EMI filtering
True sine wave power

However, they differ on 2 points.

Surge protection (3360 joules versus 500) [but these are both too low to act as real protection IMHO]
Noise (AV has a silent fan, the APC Smartups have a fan)

So in summary, to me the fan is not that big of an issue. But if you have a $10k sound system and nano sound attenuated seat cushions, then splurge on the AV for the extra $150, if not feal free to buy mine

Why do you sell mostly APC brand UPS?

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:03:00 +0000

Nearly 90% of our inventory is APC. Not russian brand armored personal carriers... but APC - American Power Conversion
Why? 3 reasons:
1) In the 1kva to 5kva market,(where GreenlightUPS specializes) it has a well over a 50% market share*.
2) It has the greatest brand recognition among consumers and small businesses
and 3) It has poor service & support* meaning many units are scrapped because of minor issues and end up at my door to be restored instead of being repaired.

For my business and for my customers, this arrangement is fine. You pay a reduced price for a product you are familiar with.

There is no S.U.R.G.E in a UPS

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:24:00 +0000

Well actually, there is a little, but its not worth trusting your expensive IT equipment to it.

A cheap power strip selling for $7 offers nearly the same amount of surge arresting protection as the $1700 APC Smart UPS 3000va UPS.

versus

In the mickey mouse world of plug in surge suppressors, the strip has 770 joules and APC ups has 880 joules. While you'll learn what all that means here, to me the main point is that whether you can trust your plug in strip for serious protection. If you dont then why would trust your UPS for surge protection.

If you are like me, a surge strip is an extension cord, and i wouldn't trust for anything critical or expensive.

Your solution... buy a hardwired, panel mount surge suppressor. We have good ones here at our store.

UPSes for home base servers using standard outlets

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 10:09:00 +0000

If you are operating a home based business, and nned a business grade UPS for your server at home it is important to remember the 3 characteristics of UPS in choosing the right one.

First is voltage. Do NOT use anything other than 120volt UPSes. Yes, there are ways to use high voltage in your home, but the costs are alot more.

Second is VA or volt amps. As previously mentioned this is the Power Capacity of the UPS or how much stuff you can plug into it. UPSes come in a range of VAs: 1500va, 2200, 3000, 5000, etc. Since if you only have a standard 15amp household plug, your maximum VA will be 1800 (120v x 15a), no matter if you buy a larger rated UPS.

So why buy anything larger than a 1800va? Because of the Third feature... Battery capacity
Battery Capacity, expressed in VAH is the amount of battery juice that allows the ups to run without power. Typically, the larger the UPS's VA the larger the VAH. So while your UPS may be limited to 1800va, you can still get the benefits of the units, larger VAH.

So what UPSes do I recommend for home based networks using a standard outlet? My first choice is the (215) 220va 5U XL ups. It offers a compact frame that can be put in a A frame rack or turned on its side for a tower. Plus it offers the XL feature, which allows for more runtime. Plus the standard 30amp plug can be changed at no charge to accommodate your 15amp plug. However, any of the 2200va units can work best.

What type of Powersonic Batteries do you use - Gotcha Moment

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 01:59:00 +0000

I got this question last week and it interested me that my customer was curious my thoughts on high rate batteries.

Yes, Powersonic makes two lines of SLA batteries: the regular (PS) and hi rate batteries (PSH). And Yes, WeBob uses the less expensive PS line of batteries, even though the PSH would be better.

However, in my defense, my competitors wouldnt even think of using the high rate batteries. They are much more expensive. My competitors use mostly private label batteries that they would say are specially designed for UPS units. And some even say High Rate.

As a purchasing agent and manufacturer's sourcer in previous lives, I can tell you its about price and competition.

Having a battery manufacturer special make your battery to specs that exceed their own product lines would be very expensive. Having them make them in regular fresh stock cycles would be impossible. However putting your sticker (aka private labeling) on a low cost battery is much more feasible and likely.

APC sells millions of batteries... and they do the sticker trick. Do you really think UPSunitsCheapontheWeb.com makes a special hi rate UPS battery for their units....

Bottomline, we are proud to use Powersonic brand, even if it is their cheaper line. Our distributor gets them fresh, sells them cheap and moves thousands fast.

A Buridan's Ass - Replace Unit or Replace Batts (Small Units)

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 01:05:00 +0000

In many ways, choosing between replacing a small UPS and replacing the batteries can be a Buridan's Ass situation. (It is a real phase... I had never heard of it either til now).

Consider APC's 350va unit. You can buy it new for $37. If you need a replacement battery, its $29 plus shipping. In that case, probably buy the new one.

Another common one is APC's BR900va unit. You can buy it new for $85. The APC replacement battery pack is $79. ElcheapoStore.com sells mystery batteries for $55 delivered. Thats not cut and dry, either... I would probably choose the new one as well.

However, there are a few that wont leave you in that Buridian perplexity... the BE750 sells on the street for $82. When it goes bad, the RBC2 pack costs only $29 to replace.

As I told a customer this weekend, replacing the batteries on small APC upses usually isnt worth it, but there are few exceptions.

While it my hurt my business, check the replacement and total life cycle cost when buying UPSes

And remember, feel free to email me if you are stuck with one of these and staring at those two bushels of hay

Webob's secret alliances... nuBarter

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:35:00 +0000

"A new twist on an old idea" is their tagline. However, nuBarter is more than a trade exchange, payment processor, networking group, and community... its now a noticeable part of WeBob's sales.

As a member for several months, GreenlightUPS, has been doing work for members like Dental Excellence, South Florida Computer Specialists, and Gold Coast T Shirts on 100% or 50% barter. In exchange, yours truly has been bartering back at restaurants, like Oceans234, and Saba Sushi.

Since the "barter bucks" that are traded can be spent anywhere in the network, your barter opportunities are nearly unlimited.

Nubarter isnt everywhere yet, but it may be coming to your corner of the world soon.

As a skeptic, stingy, anti social, curmudgeon... i strongly support it... and thats as good as a referrals go.

157 - 255V voltage range DOES NOT mean its ok for 240volt

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:01:00 +0000

Ok,

Yes the specs on most 208volt 5000va UPSes from APC offer this wide range of inputs.
BUT,unless it says otherwise, its still a 208volt system, and really likes 208volt.

If you get some crazy voltages, the UPS will handle it. But DO NOT hookup up a 208volt UPS to your home's 240volt power.

If you do, the UPS will trim the voltage from 240+ down to 208volt. If its doing this all the time, the batteries, system and everything will fail prematurely.

Then what do I do for home systems that need a 5000va and have 240volt?

Either a 230volt system OR a step down transformer from 240v to 224v.

But the best idea is to stay away from the high voltage and get two 3000va systems... its cheaper

Roll Call of Technical Comments

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:23:00 +0000

In the past I written about some technical points about UPSes.. here is a quick summary of those past posts:

What does Webob think about:
208volt versus 120volt systems
UPS versus generators and again here
XLT high voltage models versus XLI models
Modular versus Non Modular UPSes

A tale of two APC 3 phase UPS systems

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:22:00 +0000

Now that we offer both the APC Symmetra PX and the VT lines of refurbished UPS systems, I need to quickly learn and explain the differences and advantages.

You would think that APC like most businesses would make any differences in product lines clear. Yet, a quick compare between the 20k PX and 20k VT shows only a few differences.

The PX offers better power factor (100 v 80%), a larger frame, more BTU burned, a louder operation and oddly a better operating elevation. Power capacity, modular flexibility, runtime, extended runtime options, electrical specs are virtually the same.

So for these minor differences why does APC charge almost twice the price ($28.5K versus the VT's 17.1k)?

Looking over the two units... one factor is upgrade-ability. The 20k PX model can be upgraded with the addition of more power suitcases to 40k. Also on the PX, if one of the power suitcases fails, you can configure a N+1 redundancy.

So is that worth $11,000.00?
I dont think so.... but at least if you buy it from us refurbished the difference is only about $5000.

GreenlightUPS - here and everywhere

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:53:00 +0000

Ok so I found a cool webapp that allows me to create custom maps.

A quick export from QBooks and some Excel ifthen and concatenates and presto a map of where I have UPS sales.

Not a bad spread. But why no sales in Wisconson and Missouri? Does the power never go out? Do they have too much money? Is there a cheddar chese web filter that prevents the GreenlightUPS.com for getting through....

Anyway... GET $40 off if you order a UPS for those states not showing up.

WeBobBlog - REDACTED

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 13:41:00 +0000

It was bound to happen, I started dating a woman and she found out about my online business. Almost immediately, she began to scold me for this blog. Being a lawyer she said … I forget the exact phase something like... grave potential for libelous action.

Since I come from a family of lawyers, I know how best to deal with that advice. How's a'bout this:

Bob's is wrong again

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 00:41:00 +0000

I knew I would get it when I made that bold statement about energy savings from a light bulb versus current efficiencies by increasing to 208v. So here is the math.

Given a server room of 8 servers and 2 upses and 2 fluorescent light fixture... the 208volt efficiencies do exceed the savings of turning the lights out.

59watts x 40hrs a week x 52 weeks @ $0.12 kwh x 2 fixtures = ~$30

Low end estimate of APC's current loss savings ($4 per server per year) x 8 units = ~$32

Big whoop.... thanks RW

But... at $100 more per ups, it still doesnt pay to go to 208volt.

120volt versus 208volt

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 23:29:00 +0000

If you can have either, what should it be?

I always recommend 120volt. But....
Choose 208volt for dense server racks that need a lot of power. 208volt provides more Uumph per outlet. (U/o) The main disadvantages are that 208volt units are more money and not all computer equipment can run on 208volt .

However, APC disagrees. Their white paper makes an argument for increased efficiency by going to 208volt . While it is true that units draw less current (amps) when you increased voltage (from 120v to 208) and hence cause less heat... its a paltry amount.

I told a customer recently, that I bet him leaving the light on in the server room causes more heat loss than the savings from 208volt to 120v. I suspect I will get an email from someone shortly proving me wrong.

Two Units or One - balancing your UPS needs

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 23:23:00 +0000

I get this a lot, and I am sure APC says to buy 1 large unit. They always recommend the most expensive option.

APC and other tech people approach it as a technical decision. Yes, one flawless unit that never fails that is supplied by two power inputs like this 30kva unit recently sold is great. One central unit simplifies design, management and looks cool.
But...

I approach the decision as a small business owner and a guy that signs the checks.

Price – Two 5000va units cost $2200. One 10,000va costs $2600. (actually I need to raise that price more to make my point clearer)

Flexibility and Growth – Having two offers more configuration options. Further as you grow, you can upgrade in stages … like buying another 5000va unit.

A dumptruck of batteries OR a generator?

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 23:18:00 +0000

APC has a white paper on everything including the esoteric “Deploying High-Density Zones in a Low-Density Data Center”. But today's discussion is about when to a get a generator versus just keep adding more batteries.

APC says:

the point where a generator begins to have a cost advantage over extended run batteries for a typical 2 kW system is over an hour. When a typical 12 kW system is considered, this point becomes closer to 20 minutes.

When you consider our low prices on UPS battery cabinets and our high prices on electrical service and generators... I would go with the cabinets.

My final point is that one of our Caribbean customers wanted a ups instead of a generator and promptly bought a Symmetra system but then added an array of 32 car batteries.

Preventive Maintenance Contracts and the Nano fiber cloth

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 23:09:00 +0000

Here is another post that I am going to regret.

I dont like PM contracts. Maybe because I am too cheap or too much of a gambler. Ironically, both statements are false... but I still hate PM contracts.

We often get asked to give them in our UPS and electrical business. However, my lack of actuary prowess causes me to way over bid or underbid these ventures.

I think most people can do their own PM. Reading some of the things that PM contractors offer include led to see this gem from one of the big guys.

"The following services are included in our annual service:

<> Clean display with a soft nano fiber cloth”

What the hell is a nano fiber cloth?

Once I learn that and find where to buy one... then we'll start doing PM contracts. Until then use your own shirt sleeve and call me in the morning.