OSX UPS support in Energy Saver prefs (no other software required)

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OSX UPS support in Energy Saver prefs (no other software required)

I want to buy a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) that will shut down my Mac automatically. I cannot find a list anywhere of what UPS models are supported by OSX as is (without needing additional software). So can those of you with a UPS that is connected to the Mac (and successful at shutting it down without extra software) please tell me what make and model UPS you are using and how much it cost? I am especially interested in those other than APC (since Apple sells this brand and I suspect that all their recent models are supported). Please also note if the communication cable came with the UPS or had to be bought separately.

Thanks.

PowerMac G4, Mac OS X (10.4)

Posted on Jun 16, 2006 3:42 PM

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Answer 1

Dr. Smoke

Level 9

56,586 points

Jun 17, 2006 4:13 AM in response to poushag

Hi, poushag. Welcome to the Discussions.

1. Any APC model with a USB plug should work with that feature of Mac OS X. It must have a USB plug on the UPS: USB-to-Serial adapters generally don't work, so don't by a UPS that has only a serial connector.

2. I would not buy anything other than an APC UPS. Their quality and service are superb.

The model I have is no longer available: they last forever. 😉

In their current catalog, the model that is roughly equivalent to mine is their Smart-UPS 1500VA (model SUA 1500). I bought a server-class UPS as I have a requirement for a potentially long run on battery, e.g. 20+ minutes.

3. You need to size your UPS to match your requirements. Use APC's UPS Selectors page to configure a UPS to match your requirements.

What one person has (model) may not work for you as each person's requirements are different, e.g. gear attached, how much time you want to run on battery, etc. When sizing your UPS, include your computer, display, and any external hard drives. Do not include your printer in the estimate: printers should not be run off a UPS.

4. When you decide on a model of UPS, the sales literature should tell you whether or not it includes the cable. USB cables are inexpensive. The model I noted above includes the USB cable.

Note that some of the information above is from the "P{rotecting Against Power Problems" chapter of my book, Troubleshooting Mac® OS X, Tiger Edition.

Good luck!

😉 Dr. Smoke
Author: Troubleshooting Mac® OS X

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I may receive some form of compensation, financial or otherwise, from my recommendation or link.

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Answer 2

Jul 11, 2006 6:34 AM in response to poushag

I'd second Dr. Smoke's reply,

I've just tried a new APC Samrt-UPS 750XL without any additional software installed, and the Energy Saver panel under UPS, now shows the Model, Firmware and Battery Level.

Three levels of shutdown when on battery are offered, after xx mins on UPS, xx mins of UPS power left and when % of UPS power left.

Test all settings and Mac shuts downs gracefully.

Also the icon in the Menu bar will change to show when the unit's on battery (with % of power or time remaining if selected ) This is not that accurate as it can't work out the power consumption of the Mac. So if you've added extra batteries for longer runtime, don't rely on the % and instead work the power consumption out, then use number of mins on batt as your shutdown option.

Mike

Mac OS X (10.4.7)

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