APC Easy UPS On-Line SRV RM Serial Connection

[tolga.uzun]

Hi,

I have an APC Easy UPS On-Line SRV RM 3000VA 230V and want to monitor it remotely via the serial connection. I’ve connected it to my server’s serial port using the provided serial cable.

Could you please provide guidance on how to monitor it? Specifically, I need to know:

1. The software to use for monitoring.
2. The serial connection parameters (baud rate, parity, etc.).
3. Any specific messages or commands to be aware of.

Any help and guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

[Teken]

If you wish to monitor the system over the network (LAN / WAN) the easiest way is to install the AP9544 NMC into the rear smart slot.

Once in place you can access the system on the LAN via the NMC internal webpage. Going this route provides access, control, management, notification, logs, and SNMP.

Connecting the NMC using the SNMP protocol to any number of NMS. Provides long term historical tracking of all key metrics, alerts, errors, and out of band operations.

The other method requires you to run another bare metal server / VM to host any of the third party UPS software like APCUPSD, NUT, etc.

The above solution can use either serial / USB connection. Once in place you can run a VPN Service to securely access the UPS remotely if required. 👍

[tolga.uzun]

Thanks for your reply. 

As I mentioned, I am looking for solutions using the serial port and a computer. 

[Teken]

As stated you can use APC Power Chute Software. If not you may also use any of the third party software like APCUPSD, NUT.

[tolga.uzun]

Thanks for your reply. APC Power Chute Software was not stated though. I will try using it or the othe rthird party ones. Last question: To use the serial port (not the USB) is there a need to make a configuration at the UPS side? I.E. should i need to turn on serial port or reset the ups etc. I am asking because I could not get any data using the serial port using these software and want to be sure if the UPS is ready to be connected or not, before inspecting the other parts. 

[Teken]

Without knowing what software you’re talking about my reply will be over generalized.

If you’re using APC Power Chute software this requires using the supplied APC USB cable / port.

If you’re using a third party software like APCUPSD / NUT you will need to read and follow the documentation as it relates to defining what drivers, ports, and transport media in use.

There are no internal settings on the UPS that need to be set or defined to use either the RJ50 / USB Serial Ports. 

[tolga.uzun]

Mine has a Dsub9 serial port connector and i would like to use that if possible. Does not APC Power Chute software support this connection? Is it possible to use that software using the RS232 connection with the Dsub9 connector?

[Teken]

Give it a shot you have nothing to lose besides validating it works / doesn’t work! Let me know how that all turns out. 👍

NOTE: Only one serial port may be used at any one time as they share the same path. Define the appropriate COM port if requested in the APC PCSS software.

[tolga.uzun]

I already tried it and couldn't connect to the device, that is why i am asking this much details 😄 I will try to find the problem in the other parts (cable, server config etc) then.

Thank you for all your answers. 

[Teken]

Let’s keep this simple so you can build on this later on. You will need to have APC Power Chute Serial Shutdown (PCSS) software.

You will need to have the APC USB Data cable. Once the APC PCSS software has been installed on to a 64 bit Windows computer system follow the prompts as to when to connect the USB cable.

The software will install the required Windows USB Drivers and select the correct COM port.

Once installed confirm this basic method operates as expected. Start from there so you at least know the basics are there and working! 👍

Report back your results . . .