This Grafana dashboard visualises live status and performance metrics from the APC Smart-UPS 1500 via apcupsd and Prometheus.

🔋 Battery Charge

• Metric: apcupsd_battery_charge_percent
• Description: Current battery charge percentage (0–100%).
• Interpretation:
• Near 100% when fully charged and running on mains.
• Falls during a power outage if the UPS is supplying load.

⏳ Estimated Runtime

• Metric: apcupsd_time_left_minutes
• Description: Estimated number of minutes remaining on battery at current load.
• Interpretation:
• Updates dynamically depending on power draw.
• Should drop steadily if mains power is lost.

⚡ Battery Voltage (Actual & Nominal)

• Metrics:
• apcupsd_battery_voltage (e.g. 27.1 V)
• apcupsd_nominal_battery_voltage (e.g. 24.0 V)
• Description:
• Actual measured voltage vs. expected design voltage.
• Interpretation:
• Nominal remains constant (UPS specification).
• Actual should stay above nominal under load or drop slowly on battery.

🔌 UPS Status

• Metric: apcupsd_status
• Description: Operational mode of the UPS.
• Values:
• 1 → ONLINE (Running on mains)
• 2 → ON BATTERY (Mains failed)
• 0 → OTHER/UNKNOWN
• Recommendation: Apply value mappings in Grafana for readability.

🔁 Transfer Count

• Metric: apcupsd_transfer_count
• Description: Number of times the UPS has switched from mains to battery.
• Interpretation:
• Should increment only during genuine power interruptions.
• Use to track power quality over time.

🕐 Battery Time Used (Cumulative)

• Metric: apcupsd_cumulative_battery_time_seconds
• Description: Total cumulative time the UPS has operated on battery.
• Interpretation:
• Useful for long-term monitoring and battery wear estimation.
• Can be used to build alerts (e.g. frequent outages or prolonged use).

🧠 Data Collection Details

• Metrics are gathered via:
• apcaccess (from apcupsd)
• Exported via textfile collector: /var/lib/node_exporter/textfile_collector/ups_status.prom
• Updated via cron or service using /usr/local/bin/export-ups-status-prometheus.sh

🔔 Possible Alerts (Optional)

Not set at this time.

• Battery charge < 40%
• UPS status = 2 (ON BATTERY) for > 60s
• Estimated runtime < 10 minutes

July 14, 2025

🔧 Configuration:

•   apcupsd is installed and running ✅
•   UPS (Smart-UPS 1500) detected and reporting via USB ✅
•   /etc/apcupsd/apcupsd.conf includes:
•   ONBATTERYDELAY 6
•   TIMEOUT 600 (shutdown after 10 min on battery)
•   BATTERYLEVEL, MINUTES also correctly defined ✅

⚡ Simulated Tests:

•   Manual onbattery trigger tested ✅
•   wall terminal alerts confirmed working ✅
•   msmtp email integration now fixed (no -s error) ✅

🧪 Shutdown flow:

•   apccontrol runs doshutdown, which calls:

/sbin/shutdown -h now “apcupsd UPS forced shutdown”

✅ The correct command for Proxmox to shut down cleanly.

✅ Final Summary: Yes, Proxmox Will Shut Down Automatically

If the UPS:

•   loses mains power and
•   stays on battery for >10 minutes (or any other threshold we set)

→ Proxmox will shut itself down safely, thanks to apcupsd.

July 14, 2025

BMW S1000RR GBP repairs

Certainly. Here’s the same repair estimate for your 2018 BMW S1000RR camshaft and valvetrain work, adapted specifically for the United Kingdom, priced in British Pounds Sterling (£ GBP).

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🧾 Estimated UK Repair Costs (Parts + Labour)

Item/Service Estimated Cost (£ GBP) Details Camshafts (intake + exhaust) £550 — £950 OEM BMW parts typically £275–£475 each. BMW UK dealers may price slightly higher than EU suppliers. Cam Followers (8–16 pcs) £200 — £380 Approx. £25 each; 8 minimum, ideally all replaced. Shims (set or individual sizes) £40 — £90 Individual sizes usually £3–£6 each, or ~£50 for assorted kit. Gaskets & Seals £50 — £90 Includes valve cover gasket, cam seals, etc. Labour (independent workshop) £300 — £600 Based on ~5–8 hrs at £60–£75/hr. Optional: Oil & Filter Change £40 — £75 Recommended after valvetrain work.

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💰 Total Estimated UK Repair Cost • DIY Parts Only: ~£850 — £1,500 • Professional Repair (Parts + Labour): ~£1,250 — £2,200

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🔍 UK-Specific Notes • Labour Rate Basis: Independent motorcycle specialists (non-dealer) typically charge £50–£75/hr, depending on location. Main dealers (BMW Motorrad UK) may be £90–£120/hr. • Parts Availability: OEM parts can be ordered via: • BMW Motorrad UK dealers • Motorworks (www.motorworks.co.uk) — excellent for new & used BMW parts • Motoworks UK, Fowlers, eBay UK (for genuine or used parts) • Used Camshafts & Followers: Available from breakers or on eBay; savings of 30–50% possible, but inspect for pitting or scoring.

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✅ Recommendations for UK Repair 1. Source parts independently if possible — Motorworks or Fowlers often undercut BMW dealer pricing. 2. Use an independent BMW specialist workshop — many exist in the Midlands, North West, and around London. 3. Ask workshop to confirm cam journal condition before ordering parts — if the head is damaged, the cost rises substantially.

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Would you like help identifying UK suppliers who currently stock the parts, or a full quote from a UK-based workshop?

Excellent question — and to be clear:

👉 The estimate I provided in GBP (£) is not just a currency conversion of the original euro (€) prices. It is adjusted specifically to UK market conditions, taking into account:

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🇬🇧 What Was Adjusted for UK Pricing?

✅ Parts Prices: • Based on typical retail prices from UK-based BMW parts suppliers like: • Motorworks UK • Fowlers Parts • BMW Motorrad UK • UK parts often cost slightly more than mainland EU equivalents due to Brexit-related import and distribution costs, and less pricing competition.

✅ Labour Rates: • Reflect UK workshop rates, specifically: • Independent BMW motorcycle specialists: ~£55–£75/hour • BMW main dealers: often £90–£120/hour • These are higher than the average in Spain or Germany, especially in the South East and London.

✅ Gaskets, Oil, Consumables: • Adjusted to typical UK retail values at Halfords, Euro Car Parts, or dealer retail.

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🇬🇧🇪🇺 Currency Conversion Alone Would Be Misleading

For example:

Item Typical EU Price (€) FX Conversion (£)* UK Retail (£ actual) Cam follower €29.00 ~£24.50 £26–£29 Camshaft (exh) €360 ~£305 £330–£380 Labour/hr (EU) €65 ~£55 £60–£75 (independent UK)

• FX rate: ~€1 = £0.85

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✅ Conclusion

The UK estimate is a bespoke pricing guide, reflecting actual UK market retail and labour conditions — not a straight exchange-rate conversion. It’s accurate for planning a repair inside the UK, either DIY or via an independent shop.

Would you like me to price up actual quotes from UK parts suppliers or workshops using real-time inventory?

July 14, 2025

BMW S1000RR repairs

Certainly. Based on the camshaft lobe damage visible in your uploaded photo and the fact that it’s from a 2018 BMW S1000RR (ZR1000 engine), we can estimate a cost range for repairing the top-end valve train. The damage suggests at least one worn camshaft lobe and likely wear to the associated cam followers and potentially valve shims.

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🧾 Estimated Repair Costs (Parts + Labour)

Item/Service Estimated Cost (EUR) Details Camshaft (Intake + Exhaust) €700 — €1,200 OEM BMW camshafts range €300–€600 each. Some models offer aftermarket or refurbished options at lower cost. Cam Followers (8–16 units) €250 — €480 ~€25–€30 each (BMW OEM #11327666046/47), 8 minimum, ideally all replaced. Shim Kit / Individual Shims €50 — €120 Full kit may be bought or specific sizes ordered. Gaskets & Consumables €60 — €100 Includes valve cover gasket, cam seals, RTV silicone, etc. Labour (specialist workshop) €300 — €600 5–8 hours typical at €60–€80/hr (valve timing, shim setup, cam install). Optional: Oil & Filter Change €60 — €90 Essential to remove debris if there was any internal wear.

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💰 Total Estimated Cost • DIY Parts Only: ~€1,100 — €1,900 • Professional Repair (Parts + Labour): ~€1,500 — €2,500

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🔍 Notes & Considerations • Scope: This estimate assumes damage is limited to cam lobes and followers, with no damage to cam journals, valves, or cylinder head. If scoring exists in the journals, the cylinder head may need machining or replacement—adding €800–€1,200. • Used Parts: Sometimes camshafts and followers can be sourced used (e.g. eBay or breaker yards) to reduce costs—but always inspect for wear, especially on lobes and followers. • BMW Workshop Pricing: An official BMW Motorrad dealer may quote higher (sometimes exceeding €3,000) for a full OEM repair with warranty.

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🔧 Money-Saving Tips 1. Buy parts online: From dealers like Recambios-Moto-BMW or Bohling to reduce retail markups. 2. Independent specialist workshops: Often charge 30–50% less than BMW dealers. 3. Inspect all followers: If only one or two are bad, you might get by with partial replacement—but best practice is to replace the whole set to avoid repeat failures.

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Would you like help calculating exact prices for your specific part numbers, or sourcing used vs new parts to reduce the bill?

July 14, 2025

Does Whatsapp Business Support Ts & Cs

Does Whatsapp Business support Ts & Cs?

Yes, the business version of WhatsApp—specifically WhatsApp Business and WhatsApp Business Platform (API)—does offer ways to present and gain agreement to Terms and Conditions, although not natively enforced within the app itself. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

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🛠️ 1. WhatsApp Business (App) — Basic Version

This is the free app for small businesses, available on Android and iOS.

❌ Native T&Cs Consent Support: No • There is no built-in mechanism to enforce or log user agreement to Terms and Conditions. • You can share a link to your terms, but you cannot require consent before continuing a conversation.

✅ Workarounds: • Business Profile: Include a link to your terms in the business description or website field. • Auto-replies: Configure a greeting message or away message like: “By continuing this conversation, you agree to our Terms: [yourlink.com/terms]”

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🧱 2. WhatsApp Business Platform (API) — Enterprise Version

This is for medium and large businesses, often integrated via a BSP (Business Solution Provider) like Twilio, MessageBird, etc.

✅ T&Cs Consent Capabilities: Yes (Customisable)

Because this uses API integrations, you can: • Send pre-approved message templates that include links to your terms • Track consent by storing user replies in your own backend • Build a full consent workflow (e.g. “Reply YES to accept our T&Cs”)

📋 Best Practices: • Use interactive messages with buttons like:

[ I Agree ] [ More Info ]

These are supported by the API.

•   Maintain a server-side log of each customer’s consent status with timestamp and phone number.

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✅ Summary Table

Feature WhatsApp Business App WhatsApp Business Platform (API) Link to Terms possible ✅ In business profile ✅ In message templates Force acceptance before chat ❌ Not possible ✅ Via API workflows Track user consent ❌ Not possible ✅ Log replies programmatically Button-based consent ❌ ✅ (via Interactive Messages)

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🔐 Legal Consideration

Even with a reply or click, WhatsApp does not guarantee enforceability of consent in a legal sense. For stronger compliance: • Include a link to full terms • Request explicit affirmative action (like typing “YES” or tapping “I agree”) • Store logs with timestamp and user ID (phone number)

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Let me know if you’re using the app or the API and I can suggest specific templates or automation flows tailored to your use case.

July 14, 2025

Derived from texts I searched.

Grounding is essential for protecting network infrastructure, especially PoE switches and outdoor devices, from electrostatic discharge (ESD) and lightning-induced surges. In the case of Ubiquiti UniFi equipment, grounding isn’t always required for basic operation. Still, it is critical for safety, reliability, and surge protection—especially in outdoor or long-cable deployments.

Here is a guide:

⚡ Why Grounding Matters

•   Prevents electrical surges from damaging Ethernet ports and switches
•   Diverts static build-up safely into the earth, avoiding damage to sensitive electronics
•   Helps meet regulatory compliance and installation best practices
•   Especially important in outdoor, shielded cable, or tower-mounted scenarios

🛠 Grounding Best Practices for UniFi Equipment

1. Use Shielded Ethernet Cable (STP) Appropriately
   • Choose STP (shielded twisted pair) for:
   • Outdoor runs
   • Cable runs longer than 10 metres
   • Environments with potential ESD/lightning exposure
   • STP cable must be grounded at one end only—usually at the switch or patch panel—not both ends (to avoid ground loops).
   • Use shielded RJ45 connectors and patch panels.

2. Ground the UniFi Switch or Rack
   • If our UniFi PoE switch is in a rack, ensure the rack is grounded.
   • Use a grounding lug on the switch (if provided), or ground the rack chassis.
   • Ground to an electrical panel earth or dedicated ground rod, using a minimum 10 AWG wire (or 6 mm² in UK).

“dedicated ground” > need to google this

3. Use Ubiquiti Surge Protectors
   • Install ETH-SP-G2 or ETH-SP-Panel units inline between exposed Ethernet runs and our switches.
   • Each ETH-SP has a grounding screw—connect it to the same earthing system as our switch or rack.
   • Keep ground wires as short as possible (<1 metre ideally).

4. Outdoor Equipment (e.g., cameras, bridges, APs)
   • If using outdoor UniFi devices:
   • Use shielded Ethernet with drain wire.
   • Install an ETH-SP surge protector at the base of the pole/building, before the cable enters the indoor switch.
   • Consider grounding the device’s mounting hardware as well, especially for mast- or tower-mounted gear.

    |

[Shielded Cat6]

    |

[ETH-SP-G2]

    |

[Shielded Cat6]

    |

[UniFi PoE Switch (in grounded rack)]

    |
 [Earth Ground]

Each ETH-SP has its own ground wire, and the switch chassis or rack should connect to the same ground reference.

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🧱 What Not to Do

•   ❌ Do not use unshielded Ethernet outdoors without surge protection.
•   ❌ Do not ground both ends of a shielded Ethernet cable (causes ground loops).
•   ❌ Do not skip grounding even if the devices seem to work fine—damage can be cumulative and invisible until failure.

🧾 Ubiquiti Official Guidance

•   Ubiquiti Surge Protection Guide
https://help.ui.com/hc/en-us/articles/17190129184279-Protecting-Against-Electrostatic-Discharge

•   ETH-SP-G2 Datasheet
https://techspecs.ui.com/

•   Installer Training (UISP) - BROKEN LINK.

We need a list of suitable shielded Ethernet cables and grounding accessories available in the UK.

July 13, 2025