APC Back-UPS ES 550

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Level 1

148 points

APC Back-UPS ES 550

I recently bought a battery backup (APC Back-UPS ES 550). It seems to be operating normally. Only the larger green light is lit (this light is unlabeled). The other two lights (green and red) are not lit. For some reason I am getting a battery icon in my menu bar on my PowerMac with a charging symbol. Sometimes I will get the same icon with a lightning bolt. I didn't install the APC software, just using what is built in with Leopard. Clicking the icon tells me "Unknown time remaining" and "Power Source: Power Adapter". Is it normal for this icon to show?

PowerMac G5 1.8GHz 1.25GB RAM, MacBook 2.0GHz C2D 120GB HD 2GB RAM, iPhone 4GB, Mac OS X (10.5)

Posted on Jul 13, 2008 12:10 AM

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Answer 1

Jul 13, 2008 4:03 AM in response to Rick Friele

Hi Rick Friele-

Yes it is normal for that symbol to appear simply be having the UPS connected via USB to the Mac. You can adjust the settings via System Preferences.

I can tell you that your UPS is underrated for your Mac. Have you tried pulling the cord and see how much up time that you have?

Luck-

-DP

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Answer 2

Rick Friele Author

Level 1

148 points

Jul 13, 2008 11:01 AM in response to DaddyPaycheck

Thanks for the reply. I get a few minutes of battery power. Enough to save what I am doing if need be. I just never noticed the icon in the menu bar before and was wondering if it was normal or not. What do the 2 icons signify? One icon is an upright rectangle with a charging symbol in it. The other is the rectangle with a lightning bolt.

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Answer 3

Jul 13, 2008 3:12 PM in response to Rick Friele

The one with the lightening bolt means that you are plugged in and powered via AC.

The charging symbol means that the UPS is charging.

I think that because that UPS is slightly underrated it may never fully charge, thus the charging symbol.

Luck-

-DP

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Answer 4

Rick Friele Author

Level 1

148 points

Jul 13, 2008 6:29 PM in response to DaddyPaycheck

Thanks for the help. I am going to sell this battery backup and get something a bit more powerful. Any suggestions? I will eventually be replacing my G5 with a newer Mac mini.

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Answer 5

Jul 14, 2008 2:47 AM in response to Rick Friele

That unit is most likely the correct size for the Mini.

I use a 1200 kVa model for my 2.7DP G5.

Luck-

-Dp

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