Stay On Line During a Power Outage

We were lucky not to be among the many who lost power in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. But it started me thinking. I am dependant on my computer and internet access to work. So I did some reading, and have some thoughts to share about staying on line during a power outage.

I use my iMac for much of my creative work, and I do have it plugged into a UPS. But the power requirements of a desktop computer are just too high to keep it going for a sustained period of time. The UPS serves mainly to protect the computer from damage by a sudden loss of power. But I'm willing to compromise, so my blackout strategy will centre on using my laptop. I've set up the software on my UPS to shut down my desktop as quickly as possible after a power failure.

Of course, my laptop has an internal battery, so it will keep running for several hours. If I need more time than the built in battery can supply, I have a large deep cycle battery and a DC to AC inverter to top up the laptop charge. I have used this setup at an Amateur Radio Field Day, and it kept my laptop working for twenty-four continuous hours, and still had power to spare. If you don't have a deep cycle battery, you can always plug your inverter into your car. Just be sure to leave enough power to start the car! No inverter? You can use your UPS to top up your laptop battery.

So we have the computer taken care of. What about the internet? It is unlikely that the power outage will take out your cable or DSL internet connection, at least in the short term. Phone and cable companies have super backup power, and can operate for hours or days without mains power. But you still need your modem and/or router powered to get online. Probably the easiest way to keep in operation, at least for the short term, is to plug your modem and router into a UPS. UPSs are designed to keep a computer powered for a short while, but modems and routers draw a fraction of the power needed to keep a desktop computer and monitor running. So a UPS will keep you on line for hours. To conserve more power, unplug the modem/router when you are not on line, and plug them back in when needed. Just keep in mind, it could take several minutes for them to reboot and reconnect.

If your cable or DSL go down, or you run out of power for your modem/router, you can turn to your smart phone. Many newer smart phones offer internet tethering. In fact, my iPhone on Rogers can offer a WiFi hotspot, and with LTE, the connection is as fast or faster than my home internet. If you can't tether, at least your smart phone still gives you access to email, and the web on a small screen.

These tips will keep you on line and in communication with the world for hours, or even a few days. Of course, if the power is off for long enough, the cable, phone and cellular networks will eventually die. If that happens, maybe it is time to take a break from the connected world. Curl up in a sleeping bag, and while the daylight lasts, read a book. When the sun goes down, grab a good night's sleep.