Backup Power / UPS

Devices & Integrations
1

I’m in the process of setting up SmartThings for a ski cabin in an area that has frequent power outages. I couldn’t find the specs on the SmartThings unit itself, but I’m curious if other users are running an UPS? If so, which make/model and any other advice you may have.

Basically I want to hook up the SmartThings and DSL Modem to the UPS, so that I can still monitor things like (front door opening, motion, moisture, indoor temps, etc…) ** assuming the DSL isn’t down as well…

Which brings up another question… does SmartThings detect my presence (cell phone) by the internet connection and my phone’s location -OR- by my phone connecting to the same wifi/network that SmartThings is on?

2

I have one of these running my cable modem, wireless router, and SmartThings hub. I caught it on sale at Best Buy for like $30.

2 Likes
3

As far as a UPS is concerned, I would state my life on the APC UPS products. I live in the NYC and have gone through multiple East Coast blackouts and have had my important devices alway connected. As recent as “Sandy” , when the water came in and the power went down, I was still watching my TV from Verizon box and had my laptop getting a wifi signal for about 30 minutes after the power went out.
http://www.amazon.com/APC-BR24BPG-Back-UPS-External-Battery/dp/B0047E5B90/ref=sr_1_17?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1417804259&sr=1-17&keywords=APC+UPS

2 Likes
4

ST uses Geo Location setup in your hub to sence when your phone is in the area of your hubs location.

5

@lmosenko & @allison - Thank you both!

@lmosenko - Excellent to know. Ironically APC BR1500G was one of the UPS’ on my list because it allows you add an external battery pack (BR24BPG) for extended run time.

If I can get 1 to 2 hours run time (ST hub + DSL router) then I’ll be happy.

1 Like
6

You should be thrilled then… I get about 5 hours from a BR1000G powering my low voltage board (which consists of a Moto SB6141, AEBS, Obi TA, a small ethernet switch, a cordless phone base, and the hub).

1 Like
7

Even better!!! Thank you @scottinpollock. Ordering the BR1500G now! :slight_smile:

8

If you are looking for some serious backup time connect your hub to Anker® 2nd Gen Astro Pro2 20000mAh

It it not a traditional UPS but you will have a much longer run time as well as being more energy efficient. I ran a test by connecting my hub and a WiMax modem and it ran for more than two days on a single charge.

9

Now that is a great idea.