Four things with UPS..
 
Is the load correct? (Otherwise buy more batteries/UPS's).
Is it configured correctly (So PC will shutdown automatically say after a few minutes.).
Is the powercut notification software OK? Latest drivers and firmware.
Is the battery OK? Batteries often need to be replaced.

Thanks for the replies.  I've taken everything except my music computer off the UPS.  A friend is going to help me configure the UPS and computer so it will shut down properly.  Like I said, I'm pretty dumb when it comes to this stuff.  I think I'm on the right track.  The UPS batteries are still good, at least as far as I can tell.
 
Stephen

algodon

robert_e_bone
What plugins are present?  Some plugins are not meant for tracking, but for mixing/mastering.
 
What driver mode are you using?
 
What sample rate in Sonar?  What are Sonar-reported latency values (input/output/total)
 
What sample rate and ASIO Buffer Size in audio interface?
 
Bob Bone
 

 
Thanks Bob.  I'm running no plugins.  I'm tracking the drums.  All the tracks are naked for now.  ASIO driver, 48/24 sample rate.  I don't know how to access the Sonar-reported latency values.  The buffer in my sound card is set to 256.
 
Stephen

Edit>Preferences>Audio>Device Settings, then look at the bottom for Input, Output, Total latency values.
 
Bob Bone
 

Thanks again, Bob.  The settings are: input 2.3, output 3.0, and 5.3 roundtrip.  Does everything appear to be in order?
 
Stephen

> The UPS batteries are still good, at least as far as I can tell.
 
Suggest testing. Quick and dirty way to see how many minutes your gear will last off a power supply. You don't need to boot up into windows just switch on the PC and press the BREAK button then pull out the mains from the battery. Then set your stop watch, however long you get divide that by 2 and subtract the average shutdown time of your PC, and that's the time you should allow before automated shutdown.
 
Also your UPS software should have something to diagnose battery capacity issues.
 
Ta

CakeAlexS
. You don't need to boot up into windows just switch on the PC and press the BREAK button then pull out the mains from the battery.
 
 

I have read this is not a safe practice because it removes the ground. As an alternative I used to put the UPS on a switched circuit and turn the main power off to the UPS. Fortunately my UPS has all the diagnostics I need on it's display panel.

scook
...Fortunately my UPS has all the diagnostics I need on it's display panel.

Sounds like I should pick up what you've got.  Mind telling me what it is?
 
Thanks 
 
Stephen

CakeAlexS
> The UPS batteries are still good, at least as far as I can tell.
 
Suggest testing. Quick and dirty way to see how many minutes your gear will last off a power supply. You don't need to boot up into windows just switch on the PC and press the BREAK button then pull out the mains from the battery. Then set your stop watch, however long you get divide that by 2 and subtract the average shutdown time of your PC, and that's the time you should allow before automated shutdown.
 
Also your UPS software should have something to diagnose battery capacity issues.
 
Ta

Thanks Alex.  I really don't think there's anything wrong with the UPS, I think I had it overloaded as suggested above.  But I'm up for a new one anyway, so I should invest in one with all the bells and whistles.
 
Stephen

algodon
 
Sounds like I should pick up what you've got.  Mind telling me what it is?
 
 

It is an older APC unit that is no longer made. Here is a similar unit http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16842301290 It appears the display may not be as extensive but it shows the essentials.

scook

algodon
 
Sounds like I should pick up what you've got.  Mind telling me what it is?
 
 

It is an older APC unit that is no longer made. Here is a similar unit http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16842301290 It appears the display may not be as extensive but it shows the essentials.

Thanks; looks like what I need.
 
Stephen