Hi all,

The battery in my UPS has died and every time the power blips my pc shuts down.

I can't source a replacement battery locally so could I use a 12v motorbike battery instead?

Ok it might not fit inside the ups case but so what? free-standing under the desk would be fine.

Presumably the higher AH rating would extend battery backup/downtime?

Good or stupid idea?

SL.

Where are you? Replacements are readily available here in Chiang Mai. As a matter of fact, I have put a UPS battery in my motorcycle. Works great.

Hi!! Yep you can do as you suggest providing the voltage is the same

Replacement batteries to fit in the case but higher AH are readilly available in BKK& Pattaya but assume you are out in the country.

A point though - I recently replaced my batteries cz I had the same problem only to find that it did not fix the UPS as there was a problem with the electronic boards so still had to get new UPS!!!

Cheers & Good Luck

Thanks guys.

I'm incapacitated at the moment and can't get out so I was going to send the wife to the bike shop for me (bless her).

Also a cheaper alternative - the replacement batts I've seen before where B800, I can get a m/c battery for half that.

SL.

Sure can, Ive even wired in a gel cell car battery into one (battery sat external), that sucker used to power my PC for ages !!!

An ordinary lead-acid motorcycle or car battery will get you by in a pinch until you get a real replacement.

The problem with these "starter"-type batteries is that they don't handle deep discharge/recharge cycles well, and will only last a short time. They may fail the first time they are left completely discharged (during the first power failure).

So by all means use one for now, no harm done, but don't expect it to last.

Agreed.

You really need to find a battery designed for deep discharge/recharge cycles.

Sure can, Ive even wired in a gel cell car battery into one (battery sat external), that sucker used to power my PC for ages !!!

Another issue that may arise with using such a large battery is if the UPS's charging circuit can handle charging such a large capacity battery when it is drained significantly.

Sure can, Ive even wired in a gel cell car battery into one (battery sat external), that sucker used to power my PC for ages !!!

Another issue that may arise with using such a large battery is if the UPS's charging circuit can handle charging such a large capacity battery when it is drained significantly.

It should just take longer time to charge. It is the circuitry that controls the current during charging. Heat can build up during a longer time, so check this... add a fan?

On the other hand... with a price of an "ok" UPS of 3000 baht why don't people just buy a new one?

I suppose you have one computer per UPS and you just need time to save your work and shut it down. For that you don't need anything fancy.

If you have a server park running 24x7, it is another story. Truck batteries enough for a few hours of full activity and diesel generator for longer power failure... If that's the case you can save huge cash by playing with "homemade" solutions provided you know your stuff.

Martin

I had the ups/car battery setup going for nearly 3 years, nothing ever over heated.

On the other hand... with a price of an "ok" UPS of 3000 baht why don't people just buy a new one?

Because replacement batteries can be had for a fraction of that. Have a look at Amorn.

Batteries intended for the small computer UPS should be no more than 1000baht, probably less.

On the other hand... with a price of an "ok" UPS of 3000 baht why don't people just buy a new one?

Because replacement batteries can be had for a fraction of that. Have a look at Amorn.

Managed to get into Zeer Rangsit the other day and picked one up at Amorn for B365.

Identical to the old one.

Back up and running ok.