Customer Reviews

OPTI-UPS VS575C Standby Series 6-Outlet Uninterruptible Power Supply (345W, 575VA, Beige)

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Communicates with a computer via a DB9 Serial cable (included). Does not communicate with your computer's Control Panel "Power Options" as to the battery status, with or without the software. The outside of the box says that you can use a Serial-to-USB converter adapter, but I doubt that claim. I tried a Serial-to-USB 2.0 converter adapter cable, which failed to allow the software to communicate with the UPS.

In order to change how the backup battery operates, you must install the software. It has to create a server with a web address that you must then access with a user name/password, in order to monitor and change the functions and settings. The default user name and password are buried deep in the software CD-ROM documentation, and not given in the owner's manual.

When installing the software, your computer's firewall will not like it, and will throw up all kinds of caution or warning flags.

You cannot plug a laser printer into this UPS like I can with a competitor's UPS.

A teacher in electronics engineering who took this off my hands, wrote this in an email: "After a bit of head-scratching, I got it up and running. I think the biggest deficiency in this system is the documentation, which reads like a poor translation from the original Chinese. The system itself is great."

I apologize for the poor rating, but I'm a Plug-N-Play guy. I don't like complicated. Setting up and operating this UPS is complicated. It has a lot of unnecessary features and is not user friendly.

I bought this because it supports 50/60HZ and a wider range of voltages--it does a good job for duty in the US and Japan.

On the downside, when the load drops below 20W, it will automatically shut off after 20 minutes so it's not suitable for backing up your internet router and cable modem.

As a UPS for a desktop computer system, this no-frills, "value-class" UPS leaves a lot to be desired. For basic "un-managed" UPS protection, these Opti-UPS units are as good as other brands, but don't expected great software or management features.

Where this particular model shines is in its size. It's diminutive measurements make it a perfect fit for use in a structured wiring panel. In fact, it is only one of a few that can actually fit. Tripp Lite makes another that, while better constructed and more feature-filled, cost three times as much.

So, if you are looking for a UPS for your wiring panel, or even your DVR, then this one will work. But, if you need a managed solution to connect to a computer - keep looking.