1500 XL and apcupsd: Communications lost

[Anonymous user]

I have a couple of new units. I have set up the network interface parameters without any trouble. I have several Linux servers I'm trying to get working with apcupsd. When I start apcupsd it seems to start ok but about a minute later I get the "Warning communications lost with UPS" message. Any ideas on how to troubleshoot this and get it working?

[TheNotoriousKMP_apc]

APCUPSD isn't an APC supported software package, therefore, I can't comment on that further and it's compatibility. Secondly, apcupsd would take the place of a software package such as PowerChute Personal Edition or PowerChute Business Edition which uses a physical connection back to the UPS. PCNS and the NMC use a logical connection to communicate with each other.

[TheNotoriousKMP_apc]

So you also have Network Management Cards (NMCs) installed in the UPS's? If so, what version of PowerChute Network Shutdown did you install / What version OS are the Linux machines?

[Anonymous user]

Well I have made some progress. It seems that you must use the Administrator username and the pass phrase must be defined. Both of these can be set via the web interface. The pass phrase is set under UPS->Powercute->Configuration.

[TheNotoriousKMP_apc]

You can attempt a silent installation which is in the install guide and covered in the K-base:

http://nam-en.apc.com/cgi-bin/nam_en.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=3075

[Anonymous user]

Yes, management cards are installed. I was able to use the configuration program on a windows machine to set the IPs, then login in via the web interface and set up other parameters.

I did not realize I needed to install powerchute. I am using Debian Linux so the rpm package will not work. Are there tarballs or Debian packages available? Running the java installer is not desirable as I do not have a full GUI installed and would rather not.

[Anonymous user]

The documentation for apcupsd (which is an open source program) says:

As of 3.14, Apcupsd supports the PowerChute Network Shutdown protocol.

Link

This seems to indicate that it works without PowerChute does it not?

[Anonymous user]

I am using a network connection. Can you at least tell me what user to use when trying to communicate? Is it the admin or device or read-me users? Or would it be something else?

Thanks!

[TheNotoriousKMP_apc]

From the apcupsd software? I wouldn't know.

I will not be able to support that package since it's not a licensed APC software application.

[Erasmus_apc]

Bobber,

Kevin is correct, we cannot support the use of the apcupsd software. Have you browsed through the apcupsd manual on their website? The section regarding the apcupsd's network-based protocols (net, SNMP, pcnet) would be most beneficial to you at this point. In reference to your previous question, based on the testing instructions, installation steps, and description of apcupsd, it definitely looks like it works without an installation of powerchute.

[Anonymous user]

Thanks for the replys. I understand that you cannot support this software, I'm just trying to verify that the suggested protocol settings are valid for this device. I am trying to use the power chute protocol and I am using the user admin along an authentication phrase which I am setting in the Power Chute settings via the web interface to the UPS.

[Erasmus_apc · Accepted solution]

Good news. It makes sense that using the admin account works considering the apcupsd supports the PCNET protocol and PCNS in it's own right requires the admin user and NMC auth. phrase.