APC 3000 - managing with serial port

[alceryes_apc]

This was originally posted on APC forums on 7/1/2014

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I've got an Smart-UPS 3000 with a serial port connection. I can't find any info on how to monitor the UPS using this connection. Ideally, I'd like to install powerchute business on a server and hook the UPS up to it to monitor. Can the serial port be used in this way? (just like the USB to RJ45 connection)

TIA!

[BillP]

This reply was originally posted by Angela on APC forums on 7/1/2014

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Yes, you can do this. Do you know the exact model/SKU of the UPS from the white sticker on the back? I ask because this will determine what serial cable you should use. Or, if you can tell me if it is a DB-9 or RJ-45 type serial port, that will help. It will also determine what you need to get serial communications working. If it is an older UPS and you've already used USB, for example, the serial port is "dead" and you'll need to reset the UPS to make it work again. If it is a newer model, this won't be required.

[alceryes_apc]

This was originally posted on APC forums on 7/1/2014

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Thx for your reply!

It's a newer UPS and we haven't plugged anything in yet. It's a DB-9 port. Do you have a link to the correct DB-9 cable I need?

When I get the correct cable will the powerchute business ed. software automatically recognize it?

[BillP · Accepted solution]

This reply was originally posted by Angela on APC forums on 7/1/2014

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Hi again,

If it is a DB-9 port, it is an older UPS platform. You'd need the 940-0024 or 940-1524 serial cable. Connecting a standard cable could cause the UPS to turn off or do other actions so make sure to verify it is an APC cable and look for the part number on one of the connector ends. Here is the cable, it should've come with your UPS in the box along with that USB cable. Buy UPS Communications Cable Smart Signalling - Technical Specifications and Information | APC (the only difference in the two part numbers I gave are the lengths) - 6ft versus 15ft.

If this UPS has the DB-9 port, and you have tried USB at some point (whether successful or not), I'd braindead the UPS to reset the serial port. This will give you the best change of PowerChute Business Edition auto-detecting the UPS as present but it does allow you to specify the communication port on your computer the UPS cable is connected to.

To braindead, turn off the UPS and remove any cables you may have connected down. Then remove the AC power from the UPS. Find the (o) off button on the front panel and hold it down for a few seconds until you hear a click and/or see the front panel LEDs flash. Then, you can plug it back in and turn the UPS back on and the serial port should be active.

Let me know if there are further questions.