U-Verse Voice, backup battery life

[tompen01]

I'm considering U-Verse voice. AT&T has a statement that they will provide the "initial" backup battery (suggesting to me that, at some point in time, the backup battery will need to be replaced). Does anyone know:  a) how long a backup battery will typically last before you have to replace it, and b) what does a new backup battery cost?

Thanks.

[hogrunr]

http://utalk.att.com/utalk/board/message?board.id=voice_setup&thread.id=9&view=by_date_ascending&pag...

Here is a thread about the battery backup. I know it has a link to the "official site" to buy battery backup, but I"m sure you can also find a replacement battery for the unit elsewhere on the web for much less.

How long will my battery last?

More Info

In general, the life of a regularly used battery is between 2 to 4 years. As a battery nears the end of its productive life (typically considered 50% of its original capacity), the talk and stand-by times of the battery will be noticeably shorter.

Message Edited by hogrunr on 06-20-2008 11:38 AM

[tompen01]

Thanks, Hogrunr.

Actually, I just now got off the phone with an AT&T rep, and she indicated that the backup battery will last "about 2 years" and a replacement costs "around $50". For me, this is a deal-breaker, since I don't want to be shoveling out $50 (or more) every 2 years. Ordinarily, I wouldn't be too concerned about a backup battery (I can always use my cell phone if I need to), but I have a monitored home security system, so I need power backup for that line. Also, if I'm on a trip and my battery goes out, my system is dead in the water.

Nothing is fail-safe -- even land lines can fail. However, landline failure (imho) is rare, and usually doens't last long. I think I'll hang on to my landline, since there are no batteries to worry about. Too bad, because U-Verse Voice has some really neat features and would cost me less per month (versus local AT&T service and buying a Minute Pass pre-paid card for long distance).

[bcarraher]

For me, $50 every two years is good insurance against power failures.  I don't care about making or receiving calls when the power is out.  The RG continues for four hours and allows WiFi surfing the Net with a laptop on battery power.

[callmeox ACE - Wizard]

What electrical source your security system use when the power goes off?

[tompen01]

My security system has its own backup battery. I've had the system installed for 5 years, and battery is still good (as far as I am aware). When we've lost power (like in the great Midwest brownout a few years ago), the security sytem battery worked fine for several days.

I need this level of performance from a backup battery for the internet feed if my security system is on it. What I was told was 2 years and then replace -- maybe was told this because Belkin is conservative (?)

[showtime48 ACE - Guru]

someone suggested on here once that get a super cheap landline for your security and 911 and a broadband phone with whatever cool features you wanted. i never researched it so i have no idea about the cost but sounded like a cool idea...

[Uturnaroun]

I know 1 time I got a flyer form AT&T listing all of their service choices (idk why. I was happy with my current one.) Anyway, I remember one of them was a basic landline with 0 features for about $8 IIRC.

[catchtwentytwo]

Battery life in any equipment depends on the number of discharges and length of time of each. It also is effected by high temperature so keep it around 77 degrees if you can. 

Buying a replacement is easy, the Belkin has a 12V/7.2Ah battery and doesn't appear to be a proprietary type. Knowing the voltage and Ah rating, all you need is get the physical dimemsions of the "jar" and of the terminals. Start with McMaster-Carr they have a good tutorial on selection and a lot of sizes. BTW, the most expensive 12V/7.2Ah battery they offer is only $26.83 so it isn't too painful to replace them every couple of years.

[spd2demun ACE - Master]

And maybe something to be concerned about if you live in an area with constant outages (like parts of Houston).  Might drain the battery faster...

[RCSMG ACE - Master]

I am looking into purchasing a generator for my home.  Power outtages are happening more and more during summer and winter.  I will install a ups system for the equipment that need it so that there won't be any power interruptions between the time the power goes out and when the generator kicks on.

[spd2demun ACE - Master]

You mean like this kind?

http://www.guardiangenerators.com/Default.aspx

[RCSMG ACE - Master]

Yep, just like that one.

[spd2demun ACE - Master]

Get ready to pay $$.

Who on here already has one of those, and how do you like it?

[RCSMG ACE - Master]

I know there is a significant cost for one but when the occasion arises that you need it, it is well worth the cost.  IMO

[hogrunr]

I think Randy has one....maybe not.

[spd2demun ACE - Master]

I asked, but he just gave me a price.

Randy, inquiring minds want to know...

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hogrunr wrote:
I think Randy has one....maybe not.

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[Preacherman_1]

Well - if its anything like the one they installed when my U-Verse Internet and phone service was put in (August 2010), the battery lasted for about 2 days.

I had a series of tech visits that is documented on another thread to just get my service working correctly.  Near the end of that month from "you-know-where", a tech put in another battery.  That one lasted almost 24 hours before the unit started beeping (and took the internet service down as well..).

More subsequent visits to get my service up and running, and a tech told me to just open the box, disconnect the plug from the battery for a minute, then plug it back in.  He said they have a known problem with the 2Wire power supply and battery back-up.  Suppose to install new unit, but he didn't have one with him.  He said he would have someone bring one out, or would return himself and replace...

It is now March of 2011 and no-one has attempted to replace my power supply/battery.  So, the red light flashes all the time.  ABout once per month, I have to either press the silence button on the power supply, or check the "do not warn" box in the router interface.  But it WILL start beeping again in a month...so back through the hoops.

[randyl]

  fwiw

[nwrickert]

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randyl wrote:

  fwiw

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Thanks for the link.  However, it is a bit confusing.  My 3800 looks like the pictured 3801, and not at all like the pictured 3800.  And the battery backup looks like the Rev A that is only supposed to be for the 3801 (according to that page).