More Computer Probs.

[Peter R]

I have had a problem, on several occasions, where at around 1.30am to 2.30 am a power function takes place which I can only blame on the Off Peak FIR in the meter box.
What happens is that the clocks go off, as does the VCR which have to be re-programed and the computer comes on.
My computer usually has a 10 sec button hold before the power switches off but when the problem occurs it will switch off immediatley.
I will go to Country Energy, however I would like some amunition with me otherwise they will just say that it is not their fault.
There has been past problems with the FIR's not activating, resulting in cold water, but again CE said that it was an intermittent fault and was not a problem (for them, I guess).
Has anyone else had this problem, or does anyone know what it might be.
I was an elec tech but on the supply side of things and had nothing to do with electronics.

Peter R.
Just try and be serious and nice, hey Fellas!?

[outback]

Perhaps if we all get behind this we can make a change, after all, we all say things need changing, but nuthin' happens.

[Sturdee]

I have had a problem, on several occasions, where at around 1.30am to 2.30 am a power function takes place which I can only blame on the Off Peak FIR in the meter box.
What happens is that the clocks go off, as does the VCR which have to be re-programed and the computer comes on.

Just try and be serious and nice, hey Fellas!?

Peter,

No need to ask us to be serious. A serious question deserves a serious answer however a silly question .......................

To ascertain if it is the Off Peak FIR in the meter box that is causing the problem I would break the seals, if any, and set the time to a different time and record what happens. Do it for a number of times and you will know if it is the problem.

Serious enough I hope.


Peter.

[Peter R]

Peter,

No need to ask us to be serious. A serious question deserves a serious answer however a silly question .......................

To ascertain if it is the Off Peak FIR in the meter box that is causing the problem I would break the seals, if any, and set the time to a different time and record what happens. Do it for a number of times and you will know if it is the problem.

Serious enough I hope.


Peter.

Highly illegal in NSW and also not an answer. The FIR that are now in use are simply a frequency relay, the time that the relay is activated is up to the supplier, and it differs within a certain time zone.

In so far as not having to ask you people to be serious, have a look at Outback's rot.
Peter R.

[ozwinner]

We're always serious.!!

Squizz, just what was that recipe for pancakes again??

Al :confused:

[Sturdee]

The FIR that are now in use are simply a frequency relay, the time that the relay is activated is up to the supplier, and it differs within a certain time zone.

I thought the FIR was similar to the time clock that regulates our of peak supply.

BTW although illegal I removed the seal about 30 years ago and no meter reader, SEC and now private inspector that have looked at the board ever did anything about it. They can't be too worried about it.


Peter.

[ozwinner]

BTW although illegal I removed the seal about 30 years ago
Peter.

I hope you found a nice pond or pool for the poor thing.

Al

[jow104]

Ozwinner seals need to go into salt water. That was very cruel of you to suggest freshwater.

[CHJ]

I have had a problem, on several occasions, where at around 1.30am to 2.30 am a power function takes place which I can only blame on the Off Peak FIR in the meter box.
What happens is that the clocks go off, as does the VCR which have to be re-programed and the computer comes on.

Peter R.

Does this power break happen to any of your neighbours?

I ask this because the problem may be down the line with supply route switching for maintenanace or load sharing/shedding.

If it is only your property then it can only be a malfunction of your switching unit/s.

A problem with the initiation signal (out of spec.) from the power company would affect others dependant on their units sensitivity, a more difficult thing to pin down.

Hope this helps.
Chas

[Peter R]

Does this power break happen to any of your neighbours?

I ask this because the problem may be down the line with supply route switching for maintenanace or load sharing/shedding.

If it is only your property then it can only be a malfunction of your switching unit/s.

A problem with the initiation signal (out of spec.) from the power company would affect others dependant on their units sensitivity, a more difficult thing to pin down.

Hope this helps.
Chas

A frequency Injection meter replaced the time clocks in NSW about 20 years ago. They are a unit that recieves a different frequency to the 50cps of the normal electricity supply. The supplier, in this case, Country Energy decide when they send the signal to operate the FIRs for Off Peak Supply.
I know what you are getting at, and I don't have a difinitive answer, and no, others in these 6 townhouses or units do not have a problem.
CE can control blocks of FIRs and mine may be in a seperate block to the other 5, possible as the FIRs are not necessarily in sequencial order when installed.
The strange thing is that the computer comes on after being securely swtiched off - yes I could solve the problem by disconnecting at the wall - the other thing is the fact that it switches off immediately after one of these faliures/functions or whatever they are when normally it takes a ten second hold before it switches off.
The VCR and clocks going into outage mode indicates that a power faliure has occured.
Sturdee: After several cases of electric shock by consumers fiddling with meter boxes the NSW Electricity Authority decided that the local supply Authorities (then) would be liable for injury incurred from interference with their equipment if the equipment was easily accessable. The local suppliers then went about upgrading all the meter boxes in its area, and that is continued with the advent of CE.
In NSW, if a meter box has been tampered with (Seals broken) fire insurance can be refused.

Peter R.

[outback]

1. What do you mean rot?
2. I thought a FIR was either a tree or a baby hare.
3. Because you live in a townhouse the power you get is only the old stale stuff everyone else is finished with, this would explain why your PC, with good taste keeps chucking a wobbly.
4. What do you mean rot?
5. I like pancakes with maple syrup, yummm

[Peter R]

1. What do you mean rot?
2. I thought a FIR was either a tree or a baby hare.
3. Because you live in a townhouse the power you get is only the old stale stuff everyone else is finished with, this would explain why your PC, with good taste keeps chucking a wobbly.
4. What do you mean rot?
5. I like pancakes with maple syrup, yummm

If I had told you an FIR was a frequency Injection Meter you would have thought it was something to hang on the head of the bed.

Peter R.

[CHJ]

I don't have a difinitive answer, and no, others in these 6 townhouses or units do not have a problem. CE can control blocks of FIRs and mine may be in a seperate block to the other 5, possible as the FIRs are not necessarily in sequencial order when installed.
Peter R.

Even if your nieghbours FIR are set for differing times (load spread/switch spike reduction) they should see similar results to you if it was a "trigger" signal problem.

The strange thing is that the computer comes on after being securely swtiched off - yes I could solve the problem by disconnecting at the wall - the other thing is the fact that it switches off immediately after one of these faliures/functions or whatever they are when normally it takes a ten second hold before it switches off.
Peter R.

Computer switch off is the difference between removal of power and delayed electronic power down of active supply to ensure any memory held information is written from the cache to the hard disk.

Automatic start up can occure for several reasons.

1. Most likely if you are running Windows is the default startup settings.
(Iv'e only got access to XP here so this is the route you need other versions such as 98se or ME will have similar control for ATX power supplies.)

Go to: Control Panel >System >Advanced >Startup and recovery >System failure box, untick Automatically restart.

If this does not cure restart, then:
2. do you have a network card fitted or a network function on your motherboard? if so dissable "Wake on Lan" which might be activating computer.
3. do you have a modem (stand alone of or internal) with fax or answerphone capability? this may be starting machine.

Cheers
Chas

[Peter R]

Even if your nieghbours FIR are set for differing times (load spread/switch spike reduction) they should see similar results to you if it was a "trigger" signal problem.

Computer switch off is the difference between removal of power and delayed electronic power down of active supply to ensure any memory held information is written from the cache to the hard disk.

Automatic start up can occure for several reasons.

1. Most likely if you are running Windows is the default startup settings.
(Iv'e only got access to XP here so this is the route you need other versions such as 98se or ME will have similar control for ATX power supplies.)

Go to: Control Panel >System >Advanced >Startup and recovery >System failure box, untick Automatically restart.

If this does not cure restart, then:
2. do you have a network card fitted or a network function on your motherboard? if so dissable "Wake on Lan" which might be activating computer.
3. do you have a modem (stand alone of or internal) with fax or answerphone capability? this may be starting machine.

Cheers
Chas

I am still on the trail. YOur info has been the most comprehensive to date, am learning again. I didn't know why there was a delay on the switch off.
Q1. Have Windows 98, does not have the facility you suggested.
Q2. Have external modem with Winfax Pro on the computer.

The other curiosity is the fact that the clocks go off at the same time.
I spole to Country Energy and they suggested that there may be an outage problem and will look into it. They are very twitchy when you mention that a computer or other device is being disturbed.

Peter R.

[CHJ]

Q1. Have Windows 98, does not have the facility you suggested.

I will check out 98 settings when I return Home (at least a week away),I have 98/98se on one of my machines.

Main problem there is that there are several flavours of options dependant upon which type of power supply/motherboard is fitted to your machine.

The other curiosity is the fact that the clocks go off at the same time.
Peter R.

This is confirmation that the power supply is broken completly for longer than any power backup fitted to equipment such as internal batteries or capacitors can support. I.E. a significant break.

Chas