Adding 2nd APC SmartUPS 1500 to a Windows server

BillP · ‎2021-07-08

I have a Windows server 2008 R2 running Powerchute Business Edition v9.2. I have one SmartUPS 1500 plugged into the server via a USB cable and the Powerchute sees it fine and manages it fine. I also have a 2nd SmartUPS 1500 that I want to add to it so I can see and manage the 2nd UPS. I don't care about it being able to shutdown the server or not. This server has redundant power supplies and each UPS is plugged into separate power sources with each power supply plugged into each separate UPS.

When I try to run the Device list configuration program, it never seems to even try to discover the new 2nd UPS. The current UPS is listed in the device list using the server name. I know the new 2nd UPS is being seen by the server, because it is listed in the computers device manager list.

When I run the PCBE it shows the existing hostname (servername) and shows just one device. Its the original UPS. The 2nd UPS is not showing up.

How can I add this 2nd UPS so can manage the settings for this UPS?

BillP · ‎2021-07-08

Hi,

PowerChute Business Edition has 3 components Agent, Server, Console. The Agent is responsible for communications with the UPS. The Server gathers information from the Agents and for the free version the Server will gather information from up to 5 Agents. We also offer a 25 node version. the Console is the GUI. If you have 5 UPS you will need 5 Agents communicating with the UPS to be represented in the Server and you can only have 1 Agent running on a single OS at a time.

For a redundant solution you will need network management cards and PowerChute Network Shutdown.

See Answer In Context

BillP · ‎2021-07-08

Hi,

Redundant UPS are not support in PowerChute Business Edition. If you want to utilize redundant UPS you should purchase network management cards for each UPS and run PowerChute Network Shutdown. PowerChute Network Shutdown supports redundant UPS as listed in Application Note 98.

BillP · ‎2021-07-08

Why then does PCBE state in the device configuration that it supports up to 5 devices?

BillP · ‎2021-07-08

Hi,

PowerChute Business Edition has 3 components Agent, Server, Console. The Agent is responsible for communications with the UPS. The Server gathers information from the Agents and for the free version the Server will gather information from up to 5 Agents. We also offer a 25 node version. the Console is the GUI. If you have 5 UPS you will need 5 Agents communicating with the UPS to be represented in the Server and you can only have 1 Agent running on a single OS at a time.

For a redundant solution you will need network management cards and PowerChute Network Shutdown.