CyberPower ValuePro VP1600ELCD 1600 VA UPS Review

In the world of power protection, CyberPower Systems (USA), Inc. has been a household name since 1997. They started out building those familiar, albeit bulky, UPS units, but their reach has grown significantly. Today, CyberPower offers a whole ecosystem of power management solutions that cater to various consumer needs. CyberPower offers a range of power management solutions from surge protectors, mobile charging devices to Power Distribution Units. Over the years they have earned a reputation for reliability and efficiency, making them a trusted brand for anyone who wants to keep their electronics safe from the unexpected.

Today we’ll be taking a look at the CyberPower ValuePro VP1600ELCD 1600 VA UPS a line-interactive uninterruptible power supply (UPS) designed for home and office use. On paper it offers a good balance of features and functionality for users who are looking to protect their electronic equipment from power surges, spikes, and outages. These types of UPS sytems are ideal for home users who’d want to protect their NAS, home router and connected equipment.

Key Features

Specifications

Closer look at the CyberPower ValuePro VP1600ELCD 1600 VA UPS

The CyberPower ValuePro VP1600ELCD UPS arrives in a sizeable box for safe transport. Open the box carefully and remove the UPS nestled within protective foam. The overall package is quite heavy so take precautions when lifting and unpacking the unit. The packaging is quite detailed and has all the essential details you’d need to make a sound decision.

The package comes with a 5 foot power cable, quick start guide and a USB cable to connect the UPS with a PC or any other device such as a NAS for more granular control.

The CyberPower ValuePro VP1600ELCD UPS boasts a space-saving tower design with a black plastic casing for a professional look. Measuring roughly 28cm tall and 35.5cm inches deep, it fits comfortably on a desk or floor. It’s interesting CyberPower’s decision to go with no active cooling for this UPS given it’s power output, however price probably was a key consideration here. Proper ventilation is certainly advisable in hot environments to ensure normal operation of the device.

The LCD screen on the front panel displays is quite informative and provides a good level of detail.

Pressing the “diplay” button allows you to toggle between various modes that show estimated runtime, battery capacity, current load, battery status and many more. The display is clear and bright and it automatically turns off within a few seconds. There’s also a “mute” button to mute any alarms that trigger during its operation.

Flip the CyberPower ValuePro VP1600ELCD UPS around, and you’ll find four power outlets on the back. Three of these, grouped neatly in a rectangle, provide both battery backup and surge protection – perfect for keeping your essential electronics safe during outages. The fourth outlet plays a different role, offering just surge protection for devices that can handle a temporary power dip.

Now, a word about that surge protection. It’s rated at 450 Joules, which isn’t a ton. It’ll offer some basic defense against minor surges, but for anything more serious, you’ll want something with a higher rating. Think phone chargers and lamps for this outlet, not your fancy new gaming PC.

CyberPower likely made this choice to keep the ValuePro affordable for its target audience. It’s a trade-off – you get solid battery backup and basic surge protection for your essentials, at a price point that might be attractive to budget-minded users. There’s also Ethernet surge protected port (Input/Output) which is ideal to connect your NBN connection for example from your NBN box to the router.

A serial and USB data connection port is provided catering to your specific needs. Majority of users will only ever use the USB port, however some loder legacy devices may still only work on the serial connection which is why it’s included even in present times.

Simulated Sine Wave Output

The CyberPower ValuePro VP1600ELCD UPS utilizes a modified sine wave output, a key factor to consider depending on what you’ll be plugging in. Unlike pure sine wave UPS models that replicate the smooth, continuous wave of standard wall outlet power, the VP1600ELCD outputs a stepped approximation. This more cost-effective approach does come with some limitations.

The modified sine wave generally works well with most everyday electronics like computers, monitors, printers, and basic network devices. These devices are designed to handle minor variations in power input. However, some sensitive equipment might not function optimally or even experience malfunctions when connected to a modified sine wave UPS. These can include certain medical equipment, high-end audio/video systems, etc so be mindful of this fact and refer to the manufacturer specifications depending on your intended use of this UPS.

Regular power (AC) is like the air we breathe for electronic devices. But sometimes, power cuts out like holding your breath. A UPS is like an emergency oxygen tank for your devices, but it only works well if it delivers smooth, clean air (like a sine wave). Ideally the CyberPower ValuePro VP1600ELCD UPS should be used to safely turn off your devices given a power grid failure rather than keeping them running until the UPS batteries run out.

Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR)

The CyberPower ValuePro VP1600ELCD UPS also features Automatic Voltage Regulation. This feature shows current AC voltage and the normal voltage rating of your UPS. This function helps your equipment not experience dangerous voltage levels. The setting is easily accessible via the software utility provided by Cyberpower that can be downloaded. (More on this later)

If the grid voltage is over or less than the voltage range you set, the UPS will intervene automatically to protect your connected devices. A narrow output voltage range would result in a higher battery loss while a higher output voltage could cause equipment damage; hence you have to strike a balance here depending on the reliability of your mains power supply.

The UPS Management Software (PowerPanel Personal)

For users of CyberPower UPS systems, the CyberPower PowerPanel Personal software provides a free and user-friendly way to manage and monitor your uninterruptible power supply. Connecting via USB or serial cable, PowerPanel Personal offers a clear view of real-time UPS information like battery level, power source, and even estimated runtime during outages. It also gives a log report of any power interruptions recorded provided the UPS connected PC is online at the time of the event.

It goes beyond simple monitoring though, allowing you to configure automatic shutdowns for your computer during extended outages to protect valuable data. Scheduled shutdowns and restarts for unattended systems are also possible. PowerPanel Personal even sends email notifications about power events, keeping you informed even when away from your computer.

An added bonus is the ability to track power consumption of equipment connected to the UPS and estimate energy costs. Essentially, PowerPanel Personal equips you with the tools to manage your CyberPower UPS effectively and ensure the continued operation of your critical devices during power disruptions.

Performance & Conclusion

The CyberPower ValuePro VP1600ELCD UPS offers a compelling solution for budget-conscious users seeking basic power protection for their electronics. It delivers a solid combination of features, including 1600 VA output, battery backup, and surge protection for essential devices. The user-friendly LCD display provides clear information, and the included PowerPanel Personal software allows for remote monitoring and configuration.

While the 450 Joule surge suppression rating is limited and the modified sine wave output may not be suitable for all equipment, these tradeoffs contribute to the unit’s attractive price point.

The CyberPower ValuePro VP1600ELCD UPS runs quiet without any active cooling such as a built-in fan. This design choice is unusual for a UPS of this power with features like Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR). Typically, AVR helps maintain consistent power output even with minor voltage fluctuations. However, without a fan to manage heat, the VP1600ELCD’s AVR has been designed with a wider activation range. This means it will only intervene for larger voltage swings to prevent overheating which in most cases may defeat the actual purpose of AVR.

In everyday use, the lack of a fan and broader AVR range shouldn’t cause issues for most devices like PCs, NAS products, Routers etc as they have been designed to handle such minor fluctuations for short periods. But for sensitive electronics or areas with frequent minor voltage fluctuations, a different UPS with a tighter AVR range and active cooling might be a better fit. To be safe, ensure proper ventilation around the CyberPower VP1600ELCD, especially if you experience frequent outages or rely heavily on battery backup.

The CyberPower ValuePro VP1600ELCD UPS emits a faint hum when on battery operation. This is common in UPS systems that utilize modified sine wave technology. The hum arises from vibrations within the transformer as it converts battery power (DC) into usable AC power for your connected devices. In theory a UPS generating a pure sine wave, perfectly matching your wall outlet power, would operate silently. However this technology typically comes at a higher price point. The modified sine wave approach used in the VP1600ELCD offers a balance between affordability and functionality for many users.

The VP1600ELCD by CyberPower offers budget-friendly backup for home/offices, but with trade-offs. While it protects basics during outages and boasts a user-friendly display with remote monitoring, the surge protection and modified sine wave might not suit all devices. The quiet operation (no fan) requires good ventilation, especially in hot environments. For top-tier protection or super sensitive equipment, look elsewhere, but for everyday users on a budget, the VP1600ELCD is a solid option which at the time of writing retails at AU$299.