Product: SVR-2
From: Luxtron Inc.
241 Winter St.
Haverhill, MA 01830
Price: $17.50
Power Life: 30 min. (16K) with
alkaline batteries
---------------------------------
Product: UPS-1
From: UPSystems
PO Box 501901
Houston, TX 77250
Price: $16.95
Power Life: Not stated
Sudden fluctuations in the AC power line voltage (called “transients”) can cause your computer to malfunction or crash. Both SVR-2 and UPS-1 prevent power loss from transients or total power failure.
These products contain many similarities in design, price and performance, and both offer an inexpensive way to guard against power irregularities or outages. A small black plastic box about 5x3x2″ high houses each unit. You plug the cord from your AC power supply into the unit, and then connect the unit and 9V DC computer jack with the second cord included with purchase. A single on/off switch controls the power to your computer. In the event of an AC power failure, the battery activates to maintain power supply.
I tested each unit by turning the power switch on, LOADing a program and then unplugging the AC power supply. The program remained intact, and I could SAVE it. Remember to keep extra tape deck batteries in case of power failure.
SVR-2 sports three features that make it preferable to UPS-1. First, SVR-2 provides a visual cue via an on/off light near the switch to indicate whether the computer receives power, while UPS-1 carries no such indicator. Second, SVR-2 provides a longer cord than UPS-1 (5 ft. vs. 23″). Finally, SVR-2’s button switch operates easier than UPS-1’s toggle switch.
Another plus for SVR-2: It arrived within three weeks of my order. My UPS-1 required waiting over three months and sending several letters to the manufacturer.
Drawbacks to SVR-2: My ZX printer operates very slowly with the SVR-2, although printout remains the same. Also, Luxtron does not warranty the SVR-2, while UPS-1 comes with a written, 90-day, limited warranty.
Bill Slusher of Luxtron suggests using a larger power supply to prevent printer slowdown. Slusher adds he will warranty SVR-2 for 30 days. Luxtron also sells SVR-1 using rechargeable Ni-Cad batteries for $49.00 including built-in battery charger and batteries. We could not contact UPSystems.–LFV