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powercom SMK-2000A UPS

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#1 ·
powercom SMK-2000A UPS

Description:
The Powercom SMART KING SMK-2000A is a microprocessor controlled line-interactive UPS designed to provide high-performance power protection for mission critical environment equipment such as file servers, internet servers, network back-up drives, hubs, and telecommunication systems. Under normal conditions, the line-interactive circuit adjusts and filters power fluctuations continuously and automatically, ensuring that all connected devices are operating with constancy and stability. In the event of power failure, the UPS seamlessly transfers to battery power without interruption. The maintenance-free sealed Lead-Acid battery enables the UPS to run for 120 minutes, so you have time to close files and protect data. It also protects your data lines against surges, spikes, lightning, and other power disturbances. The included UPSMON power management software automatically saves and closes open files and shutdowns the PC in an intelligent and orderly fashion, with audible and visual alarms. It also tests all internal components, including the battery, so your UPS is always ready when you need it. Count on the SMK-2000A and Powercom to keep your valuable equipment and data safe! Input Voltage Range: (+/-) 25% at line input Input Frequency: 50 or 60 Hz+/-5% (auto sensing) Output Voltage: 120V Outlets: 6 Battery Run Time: Battery Backup Time Full Load: 5 min. Battery Backup Time Half Load: 12 min. Battery Recharge Time: 4 hours (to 90% of full capacity) Alarms: Battery Backup: Slow beeping sound (about 0.25 Hz) Battery Low: Rapid beeping sound (about 1.00Hz) Overload: Continue beeping sound Interface Port: RS-232
 

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#2 ·
Powerful, clean output, low price, but noisy, heavy, and unsightly.

review by zero4549

There is one more con than mentioned, and it is the reason why I have owned two, instead of just one. The stock batteries have the potential to swell up to the point that they physically cannot be removed from the unit without drilling/sawing into it, which is obviously dangerous with lead acid batteries, will void any warranty, and may damage or even kill your unit. The steel construction of the unit is solid, but the plastic casings on the stock batteries aren't!

Granted, the batteries went through several years of very extremely heavy use (short power outages at least once a day, substantial voltage boosting for probably half of it's total life, etc) , and the unit caught a few small power surges, before I bothered checking them for replacement (I noticed that the unit was no longer able to sustain backup power for more than about 90 seconds).

I really should have replaced them sooner. It takes 4 rather large cells, and high quality (superior to stock) lead acid replacements cost me about 70 bucks (total) at a local store. Also of note, you could replace the lead-acid cells with lithium iron phosphate cells for improved lifespan, reduced weight, and longer run time! In fact, I suggest it if you aren't in a pinch like I was as despite their higher up front cost, they tend to be more cost effective in the long run and give you other benefits to boot.

Oh... and I was able to cut out my swollen stock batteries, but the unit was just so mangled at that point that I wasn't comfortable using it for any period of time and ended up buying a replacement. So... yeah that's my stupid story.

As for the lack of modern features I mention, I refer to lack of a LCD screen like new APC, CyberPower, etc units. Lower efficiency than modern units. Etc.

Also to clarify, the fan spins up whenever any load at all is applied to the unit. It stays on the whole time there is load, and continues for at LEAST 20 min after the load is removed. Even if the unit is unplugged, everything is unplugged from it, and you press the "off" button, it will continue to run the fan until it runs out of juice or decides it is safe to shut it off.

Ok, with all that out of the way, heres the real good point. You simply will not find a comparably powerful, true pure sine wave UPS for anywhere near this price. Comparable units often cost $1000 or more. For the most part, those units tend to be superior in one way or another, and would be preferable if money isn't an consideration, but we here on OCN tend to be hobbyists, not enterprise server operators, and money IS going to be a consideration.

If you have a system that consumes over 900W, and live in an area that needs line conditioning and backup power (or are just doing sensitive work/have sensitive equipment and want the assurance of a UPS), you have probably found yourself looking at $800+ rack mount units and wondering if that is really necessary. No, not it isn't. Pick up one of these ugly loud bastards and enjoy. Just be aware of the compromises it makes in order to achieve the power and performance at such a discounted price.

ProsCons
Powerful, clean output, low price, good support (despite their poor website), solid all steel construction, user replaceable batteries.Huge, ugly, extremely heavy with no good way to lift it, lack of modern features, has a very loud cooling fan whenever loaded and continues for 20 min

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Overall4
 
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