[SEL] Totally "Off Topic" question.

[Jerry Evans]

Hi all you Guys and Gals out there,

         The lists are pretty quiet at the moment so I do not feel too bad 
about posting the following "Off Topic" question to the "Assembled 
Knowledge Base" out there (that's all of you). (Delete key is bottom right 
on most keyboards).

         I've recently being getting my office in order (this happens every 
10 years or so - clean out the ashtrays - tidy the desk - get the filing 
sorted out - wash the floor etc. I'm sure you know the drill).

         My whole computer system is powered by a really big old UPS 
(Interruptible Power Supply). Nothing like these nice modern shoebox size 
UPS units. This one was bought on an auction about 18 years ago and used to 
power ICL's complete PABX telephone system. It is big - footprint of 300 x 
350 mm and stands 660 mm high.

         Without looking at all the specs. It is basically a battery 
charger which charges 4 small motorcycle sized batteries (12 volt each = 
total 48 volts) and an inverter that takes this 48 volts from the batteries 
and supplies 220 volts to my computer. (There is a P.C. board inside it 
which does all of this).

         My problem at the moment is that the batteries need replacing and 
the unit is causing a "buzz" on my telephone which can get pretty annoying.

         The main purpose of a UPS is to be give the user a chance to 
backup his work and switch the computer off - I still have this, the UPS 
will still power the computer for at least 15 minutes (previously it was 
about 45 minutes) in case of a power failure.

         I had the same problem about 6 or 7 years ago and put new 
batteries into the UPS and this sorted out the "Buzz" on my phone.(This 
"buzz" is not only audible on my phone handset, the person on the other end 
of the call can also hear it).

         O.K. the above is the explanation so here are my questions:

         i) Right now, I cannot afford to replace the batteries in the UPS 
so my first question is: "Will it help if I move the UPS further away?" I 
could move it up to about 40' to 45' away and run a heavy extension cable 
to the computer.

         ii) The UPS supplies the power to my computer as well as my "DSL 
Router" (to which my telephone and computer is/are also connected). The 
"DSL Router" could be supplied with (dirty) power from another circuit in 
my workshop by means of an extension cable. This would be a different 
"Phase" of my 3 Phase power supply and the "DSL Router" does have a "filter 
and surge protector" between it and the power source.

         O.K. that's about all the info I can give you experts right now. 
(if needs be I could take the UPS apart and find other specs. but maybe 
I've given you enough info for now :-))


         Apologies to list members to whom these questions mean nothing but 
I do know that there are members out there who can answer them - the lists 
are quiet at the moment so "what the heck".

Thanks guys 'n gals for the help I always receive from these two very 
special lists.

Keep the revs up (or down)
Jerry Evans
Near Johannesburg in Sunny South Africa.

P.S. I'm totally STUPID when it comes to electronics - does it show ?????