APC 7723 remote switch source

[magellano]

Is it possible to switch source on an APC 7723 from a remote server executing command via ssh or snmp?

I'd like to swap source every x days. I can't find a schedule function on the web page...

Thanks

[Shaun]

Hi @magellano,

There is an OID you can write to:

.1.3.6.1.4.1.318.1.1.8.4.2.0   - PowerNet-MIB::atsConfigPreferredSource.0
SYNTAX INTEGER {sourceA(1), sourceB(2), none(3)}
DESCRIPTION "This variable returns the preferred source of power when both sources are OK."

So if you write 1 to this it'll prefer source A, 2 for source B, and 3 will have no preference (it'll only switch when given a reason to switch, rather than switching to re-establish a preferred source).

[magellano]

From what you wrote, I can change the preferred source but the ATS will not change until an event that will force to switch.

Is it right?

So it doesn't work for my needs: I would like to switch the used source on a scheduled time.

Is it possible?

[Shaun · Accepted solution]

Hi,

I think I was unclear - it's only the 'none' option that doesn't switch.  When a preferred source is set, it'll be used (as long as the input is acceptable).  I tested on a 7724 which should be "close enough" for this comparison, and the switch wasn't immediate, but it was less than 10 seconds.

So the options are: 

1: Prefers Source A, ATS will return to Source A when both inputs are acceptable.

2: Prefers Source B, ATS will return to Source B when both inputs are acceptable.

3: Has no preference, will remain on the current source as long as the current source is acceptable.

So I believe alternating between settings 1 & 2 will do what you need - I was just trying to expand on the "none" option as the one-word description is incredibly vague.

I can enter a feature request for source scheduler.  If you can share what real-world problem it solves, it helps prioritise such requests during development.  However, I should be clear that the 77xx isn't the current offer, so any improvements would almost certainly be made in the current series (AP44xxA). I'll also be honest that I'd expect this feature to be a relatively low priority - as every source-switch event has a non-zero risk, the platform leans towards being conservative in its switching.

[magellano]

Thank you very much.

Just found that Network Ups Tools -NUT- (I have already installed it) can interact with ATS units.

So I must found the way to use it. 🙂