Advice for a low runtime indication for new ups pro 1300

[Anonymous user]

Hello. I just purchased a new backups pro 1300 and am a little curious about the reported runtime both on the lcd and using powerchute 3. They both agree nearly on power usage with the lcd at 152 watts and the software at 148. I assume that's no big deal. They both agree that I have 26 minutes of runtime. I think that's fairly low. The apc charts report that I ought to be seeing around 36 or more. Before I go further, I might add the lcd and software report the battery is fully charged and I did let it sit unattached to any devices over night even though the lcd immediately reported a full battery after I opened the box. Anyway, I did do a forum search on runtimes, and calibrations and so forth and wondered if I needed to unplug the unit, load it and let it shut down to "calibrate" the runtime calculation. I'd appreciate if someone could clarify whether I have an issue or this is normal, and if so what's the ideal way to calibrate this battery. Sorry if this seems odd to me as I wouldn't think that this is something that would need to be done. Wouldn't it be in the manual as a "you might need to...."? Again, I appreciate any advice the experienced users may provide.....

OK, so I just found some info in the APC faqs that may explain this a little. I should have realized that it's like many other batteries where the peak performance is reached after a few cycles. Also the algorithms on the site are less accurate for light loads so I guess I'm looking at a combination of these. I think I'll turn off the computer tonight and load up the battery with some lights to let it drain and charge back up.

Message was edited by: jpr

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

This is a little odd, even with the explanations from APC regarding loads and usages. I did drain the battery down last night, not to "empty", with approximately 200 watts of incandescent lighting. I then charged it for 18 hours. I'm using the latest powerchute program and with equipment attached (24" monitor, KVM, tower 1 on, tower 2 off) I'm told I'm using 148 watts on idle and have 25 minutes of runtime (chart says theoretically I ought to have near 50). What's odd is it seems little low and odder still, my old bx900r reported 188 watts usage with the exact same equipment attached and running with 41 minutes of runtime. This reported discrepancy between the two units isn't such a big deal as I use only the new one now anyway.

I think life was better when I didn't have a unit that reported how much time I had on an lcd or used software that told me what I had (as opposed to what I should have). Forgive me if I'm missing something basic and simple but am I missing something?