How to restart my computer after power cut?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges of managing a computer system that controls electric equipment during power outages. Participants explore the feasibility of creating a program that can detect power loss, properly shut down the system, and restart it with specific parameters once power is restored.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the specific PLC being used and the software for communication, suggesting that some PLCs may allow direct date and time setting via commands.
  • Another participant interprets that the computer itself acts as a PLC, asking for details about the UPS being used.
  • A suggestion is made regarding BIOS options in newer computers that may facilitate automatic restart after power loss.
  • One participant recalls that Apple systems have had similar features for a long time.
  • Another participant asks about the availability of voltage or current sensors and the possibility of integrating them with a low-cost PLC.
  • A later reply clarifies that the home-built software functions as a PLC, controlling various equipment and sending status emails, and mentions that the UPS has a relay contact.
  • The participant expresses uncertainty about the complexity of the solution needed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present various interpretations and suggestions regarding the setup and requirements, indicating that there is no consensus on a specific solution or approach. Multiple competing views and uncertainties remain regarding the implementation details.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include unclear assumptions about the capabilities of the software and hardware involved, as well as the specific requirements for the shutdown and restart processes. The discussion does not resolve these complexities.

042012
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Hi,

my computer is running 24h with a software which controls an electric equipement.
This software is working as a PLC, so when i start this software i have to specify the date, time and the number of cycle which it must start.

Problem:
during a power cut, my computer is running in UPS for 2 hours but after it shuts-down.

What i want is:
during a power cut, a small program in java or c must detect a state of a relay which will shuts-down my software and my computer properly and when the power cut come back, my computer should restart and the small program must start my software depending the date and time.

Is it possible?
I heard about the ADAM6060 module which can be used to detect the state of a contact from a relay.

Does anyone have a clue ?

Thank you
042012
 
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042012 said:
Hi,

my computer is running 24h with a software which controls an electric equipement.
This software is working as a PLC, so when i start this software i have to specify the date, time and the number of cycle which it must start.

Problem:
during a power cut, my computer is running in UPS for 2 hours but after it shuts-down.

What i want is:
during a power cut, a small program in java or c must detect a state of a relay which will shuts-down my software and my computer properly and when the power cut come back, my computer should restart and the small program must start my software depending the date and time.

Is it possible?
I heard about the ADAM6060 module which can be used to detect the state of a contact from a relay.

Does anyone have a clue ?

Thank you
042012

First of all what PLC are you using?

Also, what software are you using to communicate with the PLC? What you are talking about is running some sort of start up script that automatically takes the current date and time and stores it in the program.
Some PLC's allow you to set the date and time directly via a 'freeport' command which would eliminate the need to do this via the program so I will need to know the details of how you are communicating to the PLC. Creating a start up script to reload the host program shouldn't be an issue.

Finally does the ups have either a relay or transistor output that changes state on loss of supply? You will need this to initiate the shutting down of the software and PC again a simple script should do the job nicely.

Regards
Dan
 
Last edited:
I think he means that the computer ACTS as a PLC in his setup (i.e. it is controlling equipment using a DAQ of some sort).

The kind of software you are describing is sometimes included with the UPS. What kind of UPS are you using?
 
on newer computers their is usually on option in the bios for this.
 
Afair, Apple have done this for a long time.
 
Do you have any voltage or current sensors?, can you rewire them to any backup low cost PLC?.
 
In fact, there is no PLC but our house made software acts like a PLC and controls an electric equipment like heating resistors, cooling resistors, measuring pressure, flow etc...and in the same it sends emails automatically to me every hours about the state of each sensors... and i will include the power cut/on message in the message.

The UPS we are using have a relay contact. (brand chloride Linear plus 10KVA)
Maybe it's more complicated that i imagined.
I hope it's clear now.

Thank you all
 

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