Video Adapters (Laptop to HDTV) and UPS Devices

[forcebwithu]

The Thunderbolt port is what I use to connect to my docking station. It has enough bandwidth to drive three monitors, an ethernet connection, plus six USB ports.

[ChiFlyer]

15 hours ago, forcebwithu said:

The Thunderbolt port is what I use to connect to my docking station. It has enough bandwidth to drive three monitors, an ethernet connection, plus six USB ports.

I checked out the specs on my older Lenovo today and it says that the Thundebolt Connection is for real and not just a mystery hole like Apple did a few times with their phones. This will enable me to make effective uses of both laptops and stop plugging and unplugging connections, which is probably what caused my laptop HDMI problems in the first place.

I can have both machines location and connection permanent, well until the next thing goes wrong. 🙂 

Just out of curiosity, I have read you mentioning your docking station approach several times. When you have time, at a high level what is the advantage to using a docking station?

[forcebwithu]

13 hours ago, ChiFlyer said:

I checked out the specs on my older Lenovo today and it says that the Thundebolt Connection is for real and not just a mystery hole like Apple did a few times with their phones. This will enable me to make effective uses of both laptops and stop plugging and unplugging connections, which is probably what caused my laptop HDMI problems in the first place.

I can have both machines location and connection permanent, well until the next thing goes wrong. 🙂 

Just out of curiosity, I have read you mentioning your docking station approach several times. When you have time, at a high level what is the advantage to using a docking station?

With the docking station there's less cables you need to disconnect from the laptop to take it with you to a new location. The docking station can also drive multiple external monitors whereas with the laptop you can only plug in one external monitor.

Here's a few pics that show my setup. Three of the monitors you see are using the output from the laptop. The CCTV monitor is connected to an NVR.

For my setup I have a couple more cables that I need to disconnect before I travel. There's the power cable and Thunderbolt cable on the left side.

And then on the right side there's a USB cable, an HDMI cable, and a cable going to my earbuds that I also have to unplug.

Ignoring the dust bunnies, this is a pic of the StarTech docking station I bought back in 2018. For those with eagle eyes, you'll note on two of the possible three monitor connections are in use. The reason for this is I learned after the fact my docking station will only support one 4K resolution monitor, thus the reason I have one of my three monitors plugged into the laptop instead of the docking station.

On my shopping list for my next trip back to the States is the purchase of a docking station that will give me 4K support for all three of my monitors.

[Jambo]

Gosh!

It took me at least a month to realise I had to keep my finger pressed on the start button of my latest laptop until the "blue square" appeared if I wanted it to boot up.

But not.........too long ...........................or it turned off again!

That about sums up my IT technical ability. 🤣

[ChiFlyer]

7 hours ago, forcebwithu said:

With the docking station there's less cables you need to disconnect from the laptop to take it with you to a new location. The docking station can also drive multiple external monitors whereas with the laptop you can only plug in one external monitor.

Here's a few pics that show my setup. Three of the monitors you see are using the output from the laptop. The CCTV monitor is connected to an NVR.

For my setup I have a couple more cables that I need to disconnect before I travel. There's the power cable and Thunderbolt cable on the left side.

And then on the right side there's a USB cable, an HDMI cable, and a cable going to my earbuds that I also have to unplug.

Ignoring the dust bunnies, this is a pic of the StarTech docking station I bought back in 2018. For those with eagle eyes, you'll note on two of the possible three monitor connections are in use. The reason for this is I learned after the fact my docking station will only support one 4K resolution monitor, thus the reason I have one of my three monitors plugged into the laptop instead of the docking station.

On my shopping list for my next trip back to the States is the purchase of a docking station that will give me 4K support for all three of my monitors.

Impressive to say the least.

 

[ChiFlyer]

1 hour ago, ChiFlyer said:

Impressive to say the least.

 

Going to have to think through what I am really trying to achieve, after stabilizing the current problems. I like your CCTV monitor coverage. Problem is between the two houses we have 9 cameras. 4 of them are in the Kohn Kean area and these are the more important with regard to risk coverage. Any thoughts on how to connect a local monitor for a remote location? We currently do this via phone apps.

[forcebwithu]

8 hours ago, ChiFlyer said:

Going to have to think through what I am really trying to achieve, after stabilizing the current problems. I like your CCTV monitor coverage. Problem is between the two houses we have 9 cameras. 4 of them are in the Kohn Kean area and these are the more important with regard to risk coverage. Any thoughts on how to connect a local monitor for a remote location? We currently do this via phone apps.

Sorry, I don't have any experience with configuring a system to view remote CCTVs other than via the mobile app.

[ChiFlyer]

Spent the day moving the video files from the new computer (now called the accounting server) to the old computer (now called the video server). Due to my available technology this was accomplished by a long series of flash drive transfers. After a total of 233 video files that flash drive was more than warm. 🙂

Brought up the TV on an HDMI connection to the video server and it worked for now. I will still have the Thunderbolt connection installed, just in case. 

I really think the problem was caused by my damaging the HDMI connection on the accounting server through repeated location movements and somehow the lightening strike did not help.

 

[forcebwithu]

9 hours ago, ChiFlyer said:

Spent the day moving the video files from the new computer (now called the accounting server) to the old computer (now called the video server). Due to my available technology this was accomplished by a long series of flash drive transfers. After a total of 233 video files that flash drive was more than warm. 🙂

Brought up the TV on an HDMI connection to the video server and it worked for now. I will still have the Thunderbolt connection installed, just in case. 

I really think the problem was caused by my damaging the HDMI connection on the accounting server through repeated location movements and somehow the lightening strike did not help.

There have been several power overloads in my area over the last couple of months. No idea what they're doing to cause them, but they're characterized by a flickering of the lights and a loud, high voltage hum/buzz for a couple of seconds.

Thankfully I have all my laptops, monitors, routers, etc are plugged into a UPS so they're protected. What isn't protected are my LED ceiling lights. The one in the kitchen, which is on most of the time, I've had to replace twice due to power overloads blowing out the controller module.

[ChiFlyer]

15 hours ago, forcebwithu said:

There have been several power overloads in my area over the last couple of months. No idea what they're doing to cause them, but they're characterized by a flickering of the lights and a loud, high voltage hum/buzz for a couple of seconds.

Thankfully I have all my laptops, monitors, routers, etc are plugged into a UPS so they're protected. What isn't protected are my LED ceiling lights. The one in the kitchen, which is on most of the time, I've had to replace twice due to power overloads blowing out the controller module.

We have had relatively stable electricity connections out this way for the last several months. The internet service has been close to spot on as well. Given that TiT, I should probably be looking into a UPS as well to prevent future problems. Can I ask what you use?

btw - I installed a wireless mouse today for the Accounting Server. The track point on the Accounting Server was a total pain in the ass. The ones on the US Lenovo machines worked well, but the one on the Chinese Levovo machine was a pain in the ass.

The wireless mouse works great. My stepson recommended it. The instructions were in English, but badly translated from Chinese. As with many languages, prepositional translations get weird. It kept telling me to look for a button on the bottom of the mouse, when in fact they meant the underside of the mouse. I eventually got through it and the mouse works fine.

Via the BT connection the mouse turns battery power usage off after 5 seconds of non-use. Not bad.

Edited May 3, 2025 by ChiFlyer

[forcebwithu]

8 hours ago, ChiFlyer said:

We have had relatively stable electricity connections out this way for the last several months. The internet service has been close to spot on as well. Given that TiT, I should probably be looking into a UPS as well to prevent future problems. Can I ask what you use?

btw - I installed a wireless mouse today for the Accounting Server. The track point on the Accounting Server was a total pain in the ass. The ones on the US Lenovo machines worked well, but the one on the Chinese Levovo machine was a pain in the ass.

The wireless mouse works great. My stepson recommended it. The instructions were in English, but badly translated from Chinese. As with many languages, prepositional translations get weird. It kept telling me to look for a button on the bottom of the mouse, when in fact they meant the underside of the mouse. I eventually got through it and the mouse works fine.

Via the BT connection the mouse turns battery power usage off after 5 seconds of non-use. Not bad.

I have a 1400VA APC UPS for my home office. I also have smaller Zircon UPS units scattered around the house to protect my CCTV cameras and internet access point.

Here's a link to BaNANA IT's prices on APC and Zircon units.

[ChiFlyer]

16 hours ago, forcebwithu said:

I have a 1400VA APC UPS for my home office. I also have smaller Zircon UPS units scattered around the house to protect my CCTV cameras and internet access point.

Here's a link to BaNANA IT's prices on APC and Zircon units.

Great info guy. I am looking at the site and my home office is less formidable than yours. I am looking at the 1250 VA. I can most likely connect my home office devices to it. In some cases I would need to connect an existing power strip to pick up several smaller devices. Seems reasonable so far?

I will also need a smaller one for the bedroom (video laptop and TV), but one thing at a time.

[forcebwithu]

7 hours ago, ChiFlyer said:

Great info guy. I am looking at the site and my home office is less formidable than yours. I am looking at the 1250 VA. I can most likely connect my home office devices to it. In some cases I would need to connect an existing power strip to pick up several smaller devices. Seems reasonable so far?

I will also need a smaller one for the bedroom (video laptop and TV), but one thing at a time.

I have power strips galore hanging off the back of my desk and shelf that plug into the UPS. The power draw from the AC to DC converters is so low that the total draw is well below limit of the UPS.

APC has a handy utility app that allows me to check the total draw and it's telling me I'm currently using 140W of the 700W available.

In a previous post I mention the power overloads I've been experiencing. APC lists those as Electrical Noise and you can see on the Performance screenshot below there's been a hell of a lot over the past 24 weeks.

[ChiFlyer]

15 hours ago, forcebwithu said:

I have power strips galore hanging off the back of my desk and shelf that plug into the UPS. The power draw from the AC to DC converters is so low that the total draw is well below limit of the UPS.

APC has a handy utility app that allows me to check the total draw and it's telling me I'm currently using 140W of the 700W available.

In a previous post I mention the power overloads I've been experiencing. APC lists those as Electrical Noise and you can see on the Performance screenshot below there's been a hell of a lot over the past 24 weeks.

Thanks. 

That really helps. You have a free home cooked meal coming and bring your lady to see the garden improvements. Let me know when, but it will be a few weeks.

We are kind of pressed for time right now. My stepson is living with us for a few weeks (thought it was going to be a few days 🤔). Actually, I do not mind.

He is a good young man. I paid for a Tech program for him at the the University of Kohn Kean. He brought back all 4s (Thai version of A). The Mrs was able to get him enrolled in a higher level tech program here in Pattaya with a guaranteed job at the end. He is in the process of relocating. Classes start June 4th.

btw - if anybody is aware of a cheaper apartment near Sukhumvit and Theprasit drop me a PM. The Mrs and her family crew have been visiting the school recommended options and everything is booked.

Edited May 5, 2025 by ChiFlyer

[ChiFlyer]

@john luke - sorry to be a pest guy. The thread topic has expanded. Could the thread title be changed to "Video Adapters (Laptop to HDTV) and UPS Devices" ?

[ChiFlyer]

I was talking with a guy at a party last night. He made me aware that there are two basic types (more really) of UPS systems. These are Online and Offline. The following link explains the differences.

https://gravitypowersolution.com/what-is-online-ups-and-offline-ups/

Online sounds appealing, but IMO the price difference makes it overkill for a basic home office. I am considering using Offline for the home office and then looking into online for the bedroom aka video room. I am more concerned about lightening strikes in that configuration.

Comments?

There is also a third type called Line-Interactive, which reads to be an improvement on offline.

https://www.fs.com/blog/comparison-of-ups-topologies-line-interactive-vs-online-vs-offline-3538.html

Comments?

 

Edited May 9, 2025 by ChiFlyer

[forcebwithu]

My UPS units are all of the offline type. They work just fine switching over to battery backup when there are power outages. All my units have built in surge protection as well. I've been using UPS's for decades and have never lost a electronic device protected by them.

[ChiFlyer]

I bought the 1270 from Banana tonight. This is one of the most difficult Thai ordering systems that I have ever navigated.

@forcebwithu it sounded like the spiffy monitoring software is a separate purchase. If true, do you have a link for that?

tia,

CF

[forcebwithu]

5 hours ago, ChiFlyer said:

I bought the 1270 from Banana tonight. This is one of the most difficult Thai ordering systems that I have ever navigated.

@forcebwithu it sounded like the spiffy monitoring software is a separate purchase. If true, do you have a link for that?

tia,

CF

The monitoring software is included with units that have a USB interface to the computer.

When buying from Banana IT I go to their store.

[ChiFlyer]

17 hours ago, forcebwithu said:

The monitoring software is included with units that have a USB interface to the computer.

When buying from Banana IT I go to their store.

I bought the 1270 through their online system. It kept timing out and making me repeat the "are you a robot?" pic selections. This happened through their create an account option. I was about to throw in the towel, and then tried their login through Google option. I had an order submitted in about 2 minutes going that route.

I will check my 1270 specs about the USB connection. I am guessing that it is high end enough that I should be ok. The unit is already scheduled for delivery, so I shall see soon enough.

Oh, the thunderbolt cable arrived from Lazada yesterday. Well not really. They sent the wrong cable. They sent an HDMI to HDMI cable. At first I thought I eff'd up and clicked on the wrong thing. Checking it out this Morning, I saw it was their mistake not mine. I filed for a return and it was quickly accepted. Think I will hold off on the cable until I get the UPS in place.

Thanks for all the help on this.

 

Edited May 11, 2025 by ChiFlyer

[ChiFlyer]

Once again @forcebwithu.

My Chuphotic Moon-Plus 1250 UPS from Banana arrived late today. I thought I would try a novel approach and read the instructions before installing it. The instructions are brief and mainly in Thai. The front display and back connections panels are clearly labeled in English, so I should be ok.

I took it out of the box and lined up where it should go within the home office. All of my current devices in the Home Office are on two power strips. I will fire up the UPS (probably on Friday due to a busy schedule tomorrow) and connect the two power strips. One of the items on one of the power strips is my internet connection. I want to be a little careful with that one.

Anyway it looks like easy money, but I have one concern. The delivery included in a separate plastic package with this weird thing that looks like a small record. I think it is called a CD. On the CD label it says "UPS Monitoring and Shutdown Software". It then lists the supported systems, one of which is not Windows 11. This same envelope includes the UPS to USB-C connection that you had previously mentioned with regard to monitoring software.

Just out of curiosity, what type of OS do you have your monitoring software connected to via the USB-C cable? I really liked that feature, but I can live without it if need be.

Oh, I do not have a device that can read a CD. I have not been sent one in over 5 years. Needless worrying on my part more than likely.

 

Edited May 14, 2025 by ChiFlyer

[forcebwithu]

7 hours ago, ChiFlyer said:

Once again @forcebwithu.

My Chuphotic Moon-Plus 1250 UPS from Banana arrived late today. I thought I would try a novel approach and read the instructions before installing it. The instructions are brief and mainly in Thai. The front display and back connections panels are clearly labeled in English, so I should be ok.

I took it out of the box and lined up where it should go within the home office. All of my current devices in the Home Office are on two power strips. I will fire up the UPS (probably on Friday due to a busy schedule tomorrow) and connect the two power strips. One of the items on one of the power strips is my internet connection. I want to be a little careful with that one.

Anyway it looks like easy money, but I have one concern. The delivery included in a separate plastic package with this weird thing that looks like a small record. I think it is called a CD. On the CD label it says "UPS Monitoring and Shutdown Software". It then lists the supported systems, one of which is not Windows 11. This same envelope includes the UPS to USB-C connection that you had previously mentioned with regard to monitoring software.

Just out of curiosity, what type of OS do you have your monitoring software connected to via the USB-C cable? I really liked that feature, but I can live without it if need be.

Oh, I do not have a device that can read a CD. I have not been sent one in over 5 years. Needless worrying on my part more than likely.

I'm surprised a company still sends out their software on a CD. That's really old school and not a great confidence builder in the company. I was also surprised when I looked at their website they didn't have any links for downloading the monitoring software. They did have contact info, so you could call or send them an email asking for a downloadable version.

092-262-0760
[email protected]

The monitoring software that came with the APC unit works on Win 10/11.

If not successful with the request for a downloadable version of the software, perhaps a local internet cafe, if they still exist, has a CD reader. If not, I do have a CD drive that uses a USB connection you can borrow. I bought one years ago so I could continue to install Office 2010 on my new laptops as I saw no reason to update to their later versions.

[ChiFlyer]

50 minutes ago, forcebwithu said:

I'm surprised a company still sends out their software on a CD. That's really old school and not a great confidence builder in the company. I was also surprised when I looked at their website they didn't have any links for downloading the monitoring software. They did have contact info, so you could call or send them an email asking for a downloadable version.

092-262-0760
[email protected]

The monitoring software that came with the APC unit works on Win 10/11.

If not successful with the request for a downloadable version of the software, perhaps a local internet cafe, if they still exist, has a CD reader. If not, I do have a CD drive that uses a USB connection you can borrow. I bought one years ago so I could continue to install Office 2010 on my new laptops as I saw no reason to update to their later versions.

I suspect I may have been sent a lemon. When I tried to start it up this AM, I got the following results.

 

I have sent them an email with the photos and descriptions. I also mentioned the "Monitoring Software" problem in the email. If I do not get a reply today, I will call them tomorrow.

😞 

[forcebwithu]

I take it the power switch isn't doing anything? On my unit I have to push and hold the power button for a couple of seconds. For power off it also requires a 2nd push to confirm I really want to turn the unit off.

[ChiFlyer]

1 hour ago, forcebwithu said:

I take it the power switch isn't doing anything? On my unit I have to push and hold the power button for a couple of seconds. For power off it also requires a 2nd push to confirm I really want to turn the unit off.

yes, that was it. Much thanks. I was getting ready to pack the thing up and return it.