Alix.1D - Good?

[AAMFlyer]

So Alix.1D users - are you happy with your decision to go that route..?

Thanks

[pscho]

Since 5 weeks alix 1.d has done his job verry well!

Works fine with usb link to cresta wxr 815.

It delivers data to several weathersites all over the world. ( see wunderground on my website )

No problems with putting on a new version from download section.

Regards,
paul
www.meteolosser.nl

[skyewright]

So Alix.1D users - are you happy with your decision to go that route..?

Very happy, with one proviso.

We have a very poor quality mains supply (we are way out in the countryside, on a very long spur from the main grid).

I have found that the PSU offered with[1] the ALIX 1D is sensitive to even minor power fluctuations and needs a well specified UPS.

Running it attached to an APC Back-UPS I found that the ALIX 1D crashed occasionally. I now have it attached to an APC Smart-UPS and with that it has been running just fine.

In the longer term I'm probably going to get hold of a slightly better PSU, there seem to be many alternatives available.

If you have a decent mains supply this probably isn't an issue (I'm not aware of anyone else experiencing it), but if you do get one and find you get unexplained crashes, then this would be a strong candidate for the explanation.


[1] It's not included in tha man price. It;s an extra, so you are free to choose something else, provided it meets the appropriate spec.

[nikola]

The problem is that pcengines.ch (they make Alix boards) are shipping them with switching PSU-s. As such, switching (electronic) PSU is much more efficient than "standard" - brick PSU, but is also more sensitive to power fluctuations and noise.

I would suggest avoiding UPS and just buying brick-heavy 12V 1-2A PSU (one that is made with iron-core transformer, couple of diodes and capacitors). The thing is, Alix boards have good switching power regulating circuits on it, and can take care of regulating power very efficiently. Alix1d uses about 12V, 0.4A when idle (4.8W), bur can use as much as 15W as http://www.pcengines.ch/pdf/alix1c.pdf suggests.

I am using alix1c, alix1d, alix2c2, alix3c1 and alix3c2 from introduction without any problems. I use them as routers in wireless network (http://www.vallisaurea.net/slike/karta_pz.jpg) but also for temperature measurement (http://www.vallisaurea.net/webcam/temp.html)

[skyewright]

I would suggest avoiding UPS and just buying brick-heavy 12V 1-2A PSU (one that is made with iron-core transformer, couple of diodes and capacitors).

Thanks for your thoughts and additional detail.
A 'brick' is what I had in mind too. The one that I'm thinking of getting is this one.
Does that seem like a reasonable choice?

[AAMFlyer]

I would suggest avoiding UPS and just buying brick-heavy 12V 1-2A PSU (one that is made with iron-core transformer, couple of diodes and capacitors).

Thanks for your thoughts and additional detail.
A 'brick' is what I had in mind too. The one that I'm thinking of getting is this one.
Does that seem like a reasonable choice?

Looks like I can get the same thing here in the US - does this look good...? It looks to be center pin postive too - so that matches...

[binbags]

Hi

A word of caution on "switch mode power supplies"

By there very nature of converting mains supply down to low voltage, they generate a lot of heat.
If they are "not"well ventilated the DC smoothing capacitors in the secondary low voltage section will Dry out and loose the smoothing capabilities, creating a no voltage out situation and sometimes leaking there electrolyte filling.
I work with these units on a daily basis and I have had to replace many of them.

Just make sure you have access to these units to check on there health.

[skyewright]

Looks like I can get the same thing here in the US - does this look good...? It looks to be center pin postive too - so that matches...

You've probably already spotted it, but remember the DC plug size too.

If I order that PSU I'll also order a "2.1x5.5 to 2.5x5.5 Jack" adapter.

[skyewright]

I would suggest avoiding UPS and just buying brick-heavy 12V 1-2A PSU (one that is made with iron-core transformer, couple of diodes and capacitors).

Reviving and slightly re-directing this thread...

Looking at my UPS, powering as it does a number of low power low voltage DC devices each with its own AC=>DC PSU it would maybe make more sense (and be more power efficient?) if there were such a thing as a UPS with a number of direct DC outlets (e.g. 5V, 12V & maybe 18V).

Do such things exist?

[binbags]

[quote]Looking at my UPS, powering as it does a number of low power low voltage DC devices each with its own AC=>DC PSU it would maybe make more sense (and be more power efficient?) if there were such a thing as a UPS with a number of direct DC outlets (e.g. 5V, 12V & maybe 18V).

Do such things exist?

Hi

Google "A UPS designed for powering DC equipment ". I am sure you will find something. I am not sure if it will use DC to DC converters at the last stage or inductors, if it is the later then you have to take into account that "lower voltage equals more current and heat and larger transformers".

If you have an old UPS then you might experiment with care, using DC to DC converters to replace the last stages in the old unit. Not a simple job and maybe a project for next winter or through the summer. Attaching old usb powered devices.

[skyewright]

If you have an old UPS then you might experiment with care, using DC to DC converters to replace the last stages in the old unit.

Thanks. I'd tried google, but your search string was better. :)

Unfortunately most of the equipment that I could find is aimed well outside the "comsumer" end of the market, e.g. for things like military use or for holding up whole 48V based telephone exchanges! :(

I do happen to have an old UPS for which I can't get a replacement battery, so maybe sometime I could try some experiments. I'd already wondered about trying to revive it with a bigger non-standard 12V battery. It may however be a (very long) while before any such experiments happen...

[binbags]

Thanks. I'd tried google, but your search string was better.

Unfortunately most of the equipment that I could find is aimed well outside the "comsumer" end of the market, e.g. for things like military use or for holding up whole 48V based telephone exchanges!

Hi

I only had a quick look at that link that I sent to you, pity that there is nothing commercial for us. Still a least you have an old one to play with. Food for thought. My line manager at work, his father works for Manbat in Manchester, can you let me have the details of the cells that are used in your old UPS, all the data that you can see on the battery. I am in Glossop Derbyshire.:unsure:

I wish I had one to play with, because another idea passed through my mind, and that is to hang a 200/250 watt Pc Psu on the output of the UPS. Not sure how efficient it would be. This would give all the voltage range that you need.

[skyewright]

My line manager at work, his father works for Manbat in Manchester, can you let me have the details of the cells that are used in your old UPS, all the data that you can see on the battery.

It's a Belkin UPS and batteries were supposed to be easy to replace, but though I could find plenty of places selling the full units I couldn't find anywhere doing the batteries when I needed one - so I reverted to APC for my next UPS.
What looks to be the important bit on battery says BB BATTERY HR9-12(12V, 36W/Cell 15 min.).
If you want to contact me 'off forum' I can be found via the contact at the bottom of my weather web site

I am in Glossop Derbyshire.:unsure:

I know it (quite) well. Before moving to Skye ~15 years ago we lived almost 'over the hill' from there in Bradwell, Hope Valley. :)

I wish I had one to play with, because another idea passed through my mind, and that is to hang a 200/250 watt Pc Psu on the output of the UPS. Not sure how efficient it would be. This would give all the voltage range that you need.

One of the things I did notice (but not cheap!) was ITX PC power supplies designed for 12V input.

[binbags]

Quote"One of the things I did notice (but not cheap!) was ITX PC power supplies designed for 12V input.Quote"

Wow

That 12volt unit is on expensive side, I don't think I will be taking that road.

[skyewright]

That 12volt unit is on expensive side, I don't think I will be taking that road.

Nor me!
At that sort of price I guess it must be aimed at some sort of niche market where the advantage of 12V input is enough to justify the price.