A few questions about the Smart UPS SC1500ICH

[Anonymous user]

Greetings. I recently purchased a slightly used Smart UPS SC1500ICH for use with my home PC. The UPS powers my PC nicely but it has issues with generator charging. I'm powering it with a 3.0 KVA generator, and it refuses to switch to charging mode and continues providing power from its batteries. I've read around a bit, and it seems that all Smart UPS's should be capable of charging their batteries with generator electricity? If this is case, I might invest in a 6KVa generator, but I'd like to make sure before I make the jump. So, my question is, can anyone confirm the the Smart UPS SC1500ICH can indeed be charged with a generator?

[Anonymous user]

Greetings. I recently purchased a slightly used Smart UPS SC1500ICH for use with my home PC. The UPS powers my PC nicely but it has issues with generator charging. I'm powering it with a 3.0 KVA generator, and it refuses to switch to charging mode and continues providing power from its batteries. I've read around a bit, and it seems that all Smart UPS's should be capable of charging their batteries with generator electricity? If this is case, I might invest in a 6KVa generator, but I'd like to make sure before I make the jump. So, my question is, can anyone confirm the the Smart UPS SC1500ICH can indeed be charged with a generator?

[Anonymous user]

Great, thanks Angela. No, I haven't set up the powerchute software yet. I'm in the process of getting a serial to USB cable, and when I have it, I'll set the powerchute software up, and let you know how it goes. Also, is there any reliable place to check how many watts my UPS draws while charging?

[BillP]

Well, it won't be listed in the software. A kill-a-watt device would be helpful or if the UPS is listed in our UPS efficiency tool: Trade-Off Tools

You could lower everything to 0 as far as load in that tool and see what it lists for zeros. Otherwise, we could "guestimate" based on the max wattage of the battery charger in that particular UPS.

[Anonymous user]

Thanks once more Angela. I looked in the UPS efficiency tool but I couldn't locate my UPS in the drop down list. I checked the capacity of the battery that's supposed to be installed in this UPS (RBC59) and it's 7AH capacity. And the spec sheet for my UPS says that it takes 8 hours to fully charge the battery. So, according to this battery capacity calculator (Battery Charge Time Calculator) the charging current is 1.05 Amperes. That should quite easily be supported by a 3.0 KVa generator, should it not?

EDIT: Also, would this cable work to connect my PC to the UPS?

[BillP]

I agree there should be no issue with the size load you are using on your generator. If anything, I think the problem is related to the current setting for tolerance on the UPS for voltage/frequency fluctuations that users commonly run into when using this type of UPS and a generator.

I know we provide a USB to serial adapter and it requires a driver to be installed. I see no reason why that one should not work but I cannot say from experience that particular item has been tested by us. We only test with the bundled serial to USB adapter that we provide with the Smart UPS SC units. You did not get one in the box? (I double checked the box contents here and it shows this SKU comes with it - part # 940-0272A).

[Anonymous user]

Great. I've ordered the cable and will update when I've changed the sensitivity setting.

OK, I've ordered the cable for like $4, and it'll be here in a few days, I'll update this thread when it's here. No, I didn't get one in the box because I bought this UPS second-hand.

Thanks for all your help Angela

[BillP]

You're welcome. You also need the serial cable that came with this. Did you get that?

You'll need to hook it up like this: UPS->940-0024 or 940-1524 serial cable->serial to USB adapter->USB connection on computer

[Anonymous user]

Oh! No... I didn't get that... Crap... I guess I'll have to scrap the idea of accessing the serial port on this UPS then. Since those are proprietary cables, I guess they won't be easily located unless they're bought directly from APC? There are no official APC outlets here, I believe. So, I guess it's time to say goodbye to this UPS. Thanks a lot for your time Angela.

[BillP]

You can find those serial cables online easily. We sell part number 940-0024 and you might be able to purchase it from a retailer. Also if you search a little more online, you might find other options that I can't really discuss here but I don't think it should be too hard to come by..

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

You're right... I searched a little online, but couldn't find a local seller so I finally decided on one other option involving some wire and DB9 connectors