Startech USB2DVIE2 USB display adapter

Adding an additional monitor with Startech USB2DVIE2 USB display adapter

Adding an additional display to an older machine can be expensive and complex. ATI’s multi monitor eyefinity solution requires a new card to be purchased and installed, which is simple enough if a card is available for the specific AGP, PCI or older spec PCIE slot on the motherboard. The cost can scale from 100.00 and up for a low end card.

startech_usb_dvi_monitor_adapter

The goal was to just prop up another old 19 inch flat panel in addition to two other existing monitors. The box was an older dell that had a 1st generation PCIE card in it, and getting a  cost- effective card to support eyefinity was out of the question. The goal was not to have 3D gaming on the display, rather to show financial and stock data. Because of the low cost, a Startech USB2DVIE2 adapter was purchased. Supporting a DVI monitor over USB, this cheap adapter allows adding up to 4 additional screens to a PC.
With 16MB of on board RAM, the adapter is listed as supporting up to a 1680×1050 resolution. Continue reading “Startech USB2DVIE2 USB display adapter”

Replacing batteries inside an Symmetra Battery Unit

The battery packs on an APC symmetra have a life span of around 5
years, and replacing all of them at once is an expensive proposition.
In an attempt to cut costs, I decided to replace the individual
batteries that make up each unit.
APCs SYBT4 part number refers to a 4 pack of the individual SYBTU1-PLP
part, which is a long chassis with a handle at one end and a connector
at the other. Each SYBTU1 contains eight individual batteries, and a
small circuit board.

The batteries found in my particular unit were Vision CP1270s, 12V and
7.0 AH rated. You can get these batteries from online vendors such as
osi battery. They are available with the F1 or F2 designator that
indicates the size of the terminal on the battery – for the APC
project, we wanted the f2 batteries with the 1/4 inch lug.

So, once you have gotten your eight batteries, you can get started.

Pop the case by removing 8 screws, and slide back the cover.

Continue reading “Replacing batteries inside an Symmetra Battery Unit”