To run a Bitcoin node, should I invest in a UPS? My house gets frequent power outage (3 ~ 5 times/year). After synced to the blockchain, how much of a headache is it to deal with sudden power loss? Data corruption? Having to resync for days again?
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Yes, that is the problem (and it happens very frequently – definitely not a rare event in the case of a power outage). I’ll be publishing a video “soon” about how to program an inexpensive UPS so that it triggers the server to shut down cleanly when it detects a power outage (I’ve just been focused on the spam war, so this one keeps getting delayed). But it wouldn’t be a bad idea to get one even just to use without such a program (to handle short-duration power outages or give you a chance to shut down your server manually). If you get a model by APC which has the USB connector (such as the “Back-UPS 650”) then you’ll be able to follow my video when it comes out.
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Hi Paul, it appears that, the regular USB charging port on a UPS (type-A) is not for the server to detect the power outage for a clean shutdown. For that, I need a UPS that has a USB data port (type-B). I was looking at ADP BE600M1 and CyberPower EC650LCD. What’s strange is that when I see their product description (at Amazon and Best buy), they both only mention 1 charging port and no mention of the data port even though I can see the data port in the product pictures.
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My Server One has gone down twice (maybe 3) in one year but the data was not lost. While a power loss does freak the node out and I do have to preform a reinstall of the StartOS the data is still there. Kinda of a pain in the butt but at least nothing gets lost or corrupted.
I did get a USB - Cyberpower GX1500U to avoid total power loss but I would definitely be interested in your video @paul describing how to trigger the server to power down clean. Not sure if it will be applicable to my USB but still would like to see the process. Looking forward to it.
Start9 Specific EDIT:
I can tell you that I have 8 apps running (2 Lightning nodes, Alby Hub, Mempool, Knots, RTL, Electrs and Datum) on the Server One and it has puked due to drawing more power than the original power supply can handle. I replaced the stock pwr supply with one that puts out 19V 4.74 amps and that has seemed to stop random power downs due to over draws. There is also a BIOS fault with the Server One but can be cured by going to Advanced → AMD CBS → CPU Common Options > Core Performance Boost > Disabled. These two seems to have cured rando shutdowns.
*I also have a Pure Server (Knots, Mempool, Electrs and Public Pool) but it has not exhibited the same issue with the bios or over excessive draw on pwr supply (yet). 
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I also have experienced 2 power outages in the past 6 months that shut my start9 down.
But never any data loss or having to resync for days.
I made a trip to Microcenter and picked up a CyberPower 1500va AVR.
It’s probably overkill. But, it has USB and USB-C ports.
I have not had any downtime since I hooked it up.
Looking forward to more of Paul’s instructional videos.
Thank you Paul!
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Correct. I know the APC Back-UPS 650 has one (it is the one I used to develop the trigger I mentioned). For other models, you may have to find photos or ask the seller about it if the listing doesn’t mention whether it has it.
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