I would like to learn more about large-scale UPS systems, particularly the battery strings used in traditional RBOC/Telco applications. These are the sort of beasts that use huge strings of 6V 220aH deep cycle batteries, or even large numbers of 2V 400aH batteries on very strong earthquake-resistant shelving wired up to create a 48V mega-battery. Can anyone point me to the most definitive reference materials on the subject?
posted by thewalrus on Dec 17, 2009 - 4 answers

How much will BitLocker eat my battery? [more inside]
posted by @homer on Aug 31, 2009 - 3 answers

Looking to power (light) a Himalayan Salt Lamp for about 48 hours, without using an outlet. [more inside]
posted by GJSchaller on Apr 25, 2009 - 12 answers

I have a 850va 425w UPS battery backup with only 2 outlets. There is a small server, speakers, home theater projecter, lcd monitor, and router connected to a power strip. The power strip and a desktop plug into the UPS. Is this setup safe? I am concerned about short 1-second interruptions caused by bad electrical connections rather than power outages.
posted by lpctstr; on Apr 25, 2009 - 8 answers

Dead battery--is there a problem with my car? [more inside]
posted by phoenixy on Sep 13, 2008 - 12 answers

I'm looking for a simple "let's listen to music while we're camping far away from our cars" power solution. [more inside]
posted by Overzealous on Aug 12, 2008 - 19 answers

Will a universal Craftsman charger work with my 15.6V drill? [more inside]
posted by ets960 on Jul 1, 2008 - 2 answers

Can anyone help me figure out what kind of power source I need for my outdoor art project? [more inside]
posted by xo on Jun 5, 2008 - 10 answers

Why does my MP3 player run out of battery power so rapidly when I connect it to an amplifier and speakers as versus when it is connected to my headphones? [more inside]
posted by geos on Oct 24, 2007 - 4 answers

Coincidence, or a problem with a wall outlet in my new apartment? My cell phone and laptop batteries are suddenly holding charges for shorter and shorter periods of time. [more inside]
posted by bassjump on Sep 24, 2007 - 6 answers

My brother is looking for an inverter to use with a deep cycle battery while camping. [more inside]
posted by croutonsupafreak on Aug 12, 2007 - 8 answers

Calling electricians: can I use one of those "battery chargers" they sell at Auto Zone to power a small appliance that needs 12V? [more inside]
posted by hodyoaten on May 26, 2007 - 13 answers

Recommend a portable battery-driven power outlet, ideally suited to plug a cash register into all day at conventions. [more inside]
posted by Kemayo on Jan 29, 2007 - 7 answers

Help me understand/explain anomalous laptop power adapter and/or battery behaviour. Why would it be dead, then fine? Why would the system crash when it should hibernate? [more inside]
posted by tiamat on Oct 27, 2006 - 6 answers

My laptop isn't getting along with it's power supply. I thought it was the power supply, but apparently not. Help please! [more inside]
posted by JonahBlack on Oct 17, 2006 - 11 answers

Another question about NiMH rechargeable batteries: Can I use brand A batteries in a brand B charger? Also, how can I tell a 'smart' charger from the timed version I hear tell of? [more inside]
posted by tiamat on Jun 28, 2006 - 10 answers

WindowsXPFilter: How can I make the power meter icon on my new laptop display the time remaining in addition to the percent of battery power left? [more inside]
posted by richardhay on Jan 28, 2006 - 8 answers

Can you mix rechargeable batteries with different mAh ratings? [more inside]
posted by monsta coty scott on Jan 16, 2006 - 9 answers

Power Inverters for cars - the thing you plug into your cigarette lighter, with a regular wall-plug on the other end. I bought one last night, for use with gadgets on a road trip. Thing is, they offer two types, excuse the B-st B-y links: this one (95W), which I bought, and a stronger one (150W) here - Question is, I went with the smaller cheaper one but I know nothing about power use for things. Should I return it for the larger, or is this sufficient power to charge a laptop, camera, PSP, ipod, etc? Mostly concerned with safety to equipment and car's electrical system. THANKS FOR YOUR ADVICE. [more inside]
posted by Peter H on Dec 16, 2005 - 16 answers

Laptop power management. [more inside]
posted by jimmy on Aug 30, 2005 - 6 answers

Are rechargeable NiMH batteries a good idea? [more inside]
posted by GrumpyMonkey on Aug 29, 2005 - 27 answers

What is "modified sine-wave" power, and what will it do to my electronic devices? I have a portable Xantrex battery, and it came with a warning that certain rechargeable devices may not be compatible with its modified sine wave output. [more inside]
posted by Caviar on Jun 16, 2005 - 9 answers

BatteryFilter: I've got a Dell Latitude C800 that I've been nothing but happy with, until recently. Of late, the power seems to be iffy at best, switching at random between AC power and battery power... [more inside]
posted by yellowcandy on Apr 29, 2005 - 4 answers

I have a Dell laptop with a dead battery and no AC adapter at hand. Can I network the Dell to a Vaio and run the Dell off the Vaio's power supply?
posted by Toolshed on Apr 27, 2005 - 18 answers