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The Homey Community has been moved to https://community.athom.com.
This forum is now read-only for archive purposes.
Battery backup
Drops
Member
Hi,
one question I didn't found an answer by the search function.
I am converting my smart home System from ZipaBox to Homey and did so far 70% of the way. Still some key devices are not supported by Homey, but this is a different Topic.
At ZipaBox I have the Option to add a battery as well as a GSM stick (security module) in case of the power breaks down and/or the Internet Connection.
Just having an eye on the power problem: Has someone solved this issue by using a power bank between the plug and Homey?
Thanks,
Oliver
Comments
I have at work a power bank which is always connected to mains power (charging all the time) and the 5V USB port connected to a device (not a Homey). That power bank acts as an UPS for that device. The device I am talking about is more sensitive than Homey to a power drop even if that is for a blink of an eye. But the powerbank does a good job and no drop in power if the mains fail. This is the one: https://www.anker.com/products/variant/PowerCore-20100/A1271012
So I see no reason that it will not work in the same way with Homey.
I shall test this tomorrow with Homey and let you know if you wish.
thank you
https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B01LL965CK/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Connected to Homey, Netatmo and an Raspberry and an USB Hub and it works like charme.
(Not happening for you guys, @RamonBaas and @RuudvB?)
Anyway, it's probably too late to return it now, if it's not supposed to behave like that, so I'm also looking for another - and the one @razorfish79 links to is not available, unfortunately.
Ergo, I'm also quite interested in how it works, @danone :-)
Anker does not work. This powerbank can not and power a device and be powered the same time. This is the problem with most powerbanks. Also problem with most powerbanks is that when you disconnect it from outsource it stops powering your device for a very short time. For a phone, that not a problem but your Homey will have some troubles with that
Powerbanks are not build as a UPS
Don't get me wrong, I'm a master of setting up assumptions based on evidence and argue in terms of what will work and what will not - but still, it happens that my patients insist, that even though it is absolutely impossible in any way the result could be as they tell, it works (or don't)...
I indeed have an Anker device. But feel free to find a powerbank that will work.
So, to gather the full benefit from a big community:
If you (as in everybody) have or did have a powerbank connected to Homey, especially in an "UPS-like" setup - drop a line with manufacturer and model and if it worked or not - if nothing else, we will end up with a brilliant list of devices not worth trying ;-)
But I found the same model with a different link:
https://www.amazon.de/dp/B072N2KCBY/ref=psdc_1383617031_t1_B01LL965CK
I can confirm that it works completely without any problems to have the powerbank pluged to power all the time.
It also works that I can plug it off and go arount with my Homey to include devices at their installation point.
It is running now this way for several months perfectly!
The only thing which did not work, was to plug Homey (with an adapter) to the USB-C port.
Homey started to make strange sounds once a day.
I use it with a active USB HUB (pluged to powerbank) as I have more devices pluged to the powerbank.
@tb1962 trust me mate, I am using this Anker at work permanently powered on and in the same time connected to a device. The Anker I have at work is this exact one (an older device) https://www.neweggbusiness.com/product/product.aspx?item=9b-75-968-032
But maybe I get the surprise and learn that it does not work with Homey, shall let you know tomorrow.
Then another test, I had the USB output into a professional multimeter (a very fast reading device I own with data logging) and measuring the voltage at the USB output of the Anker, I could see a nice and totally continuous 5VDC at all times while disconnecting and connecting the charger. Next test will be with an oscilloscope but I for this I have to get the power bank at work where I have an oscilloscope.
However, I would still buy a dedicated UPS which can run your Homey and router at least.
My "home made" UPS runs Homey, router/modem, NAS and a couple of surveillance cameras.
Hope this helps....
P.S. As @caseda said, cheap powerbanks could behave different and drop the output for enough time to have Homey reboot.
@danone: Thanks a lot!!
Think this topic is interesting enought that Athom should think about a battery / Internet backup as well. Maybe as a recommendation of existing products or by offering a dedicated add-on for Homey.
Thanks for sharing this info.
Do you know any place where to buy this powerbank. It's an older one. I have an newer model and with that it absolutely does not word
OK - the "Homey" Problem can be solved by using a power bank. One has to find the right one - due to the Internet the function required is called "pass through".
Coming to the second topic: If the power is down the router will be down too. In the past I had a USV from APC at my router, but it is dead for quite a while and I realy didn't like it so much. Is someone also using a power bank to back up the router? Some router are said to work with 5V too, but with my FritzBox I am not sure. Anyone using a power bank with 12V Output?
Now we have another discussion. Because the powerbanks are really expansive ($79 at the RavPower website). So I think a small UPS would be a better choice. A UPS is designed to be used this way. And you can also power your router and modem with the same UPS.
Personally, this is not really a question about having a regular UPS-setup with Homey, but about being able to unplug Homey and go wherever in the house I am fiddling around with some devices without having to wait until Homey has rebooted before doing whatever it is I'm about to do.
Well, yes, the powerbank is expensive, sure the life will be shortened by constant use like this, but as long as it doesn't blow up and if just it keeps a year, I'm happy :-)
Hi all,
just to let you know my final Setup:
I am using this to backup my router (FritzBox) and Homey at the same time:
https://www.amazon.de/dp/B06Y2X5CP1/ref=pe_3044161_185740101_TE_item
So far it works pefect and I just ordered a second one to backup my WiFi mesh router.
Regards,
Oliver
Have a power bank but need to push a button to get power on usb so no fun in using it as UPS!
You can Switch the whole UPS function (for 12V and USB outlet) on and off by an button on top of the powerbank.
Once on it powers the connected device without any interruption when the main power is disconnected.
Regards,
Oliver
These items are all distributed in different rooms of the house so a standard UPS is a) overkill and b) too expensive
So, anyone found anything suitable?
Power Inspired 12Vdc Router (UPS) Uninterruptible Power Supply https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0187PWCLO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_E4BNAbCPE1NFP
Anyone know if there is a way to power Homey itself with this? What kind of adaptor will I need if it is possible?
Also does anyone know if it's possible to stick anything in line after this for controlling Via Homey? I.e. I'd like UPS -> Zwave Switch -> Siren but not sure if the.12v output would be enough to power a zwave plug or something?