Apc Network Management card AP9630, AP9631 & Power Chute Business Edition

[Anonymous user]

Hi everyone...
Im using Apc Network Management card AP9630, AP9631 & Power Chute Business Edition. now i done install in 1 computer and succesful to signal it to shut down when power suddenly off.

but my problem when i install to another computer as agent/ client to shut down to when power suddenly off. i had install power chute configuration profile wizard and device list wizard. i find list device and i found it, but when it want downloading the profile it was failed... i need someone to help me out from this problem..

thank you for u all attention here....

[BillP]

refer to the knowledge base @ http://www.apc.com/site/support/index.cfm/faq/ and look for FA159744. i believe the ports needed are TCP/UDP 80, 3052, 6547.

[Anonymous user]

Hi ! 🙂

Yesterday, we run demo to shutdown using APC. However, the result is so sad (fail) .
situation :

when we off main power supply to the UPS, PCBE (host) shutting down after 2 min maybe. but the VMware guest not shutting down.
the another server installed PCNS also not shutting down.

we already install PCBE to host and configure to shut down minutes 33 because VMware need shutdown first .
VMware we already install PCNS using Vma and also add the server esx1 and esx2 .

i need to know clearly how to setup the configuration to host shutdown minutes that i want and VMware also.
can u provide the step ? maybe im wrong .. where the right place to setup this things..

im so sad right now..

thank you so muchhhhhhh !

[Anonymous user]

Hi

where i can contact APC support for help ? any website or support email ?

Thank you.

[Anonymous user]

Hi, i already contact vmware support to open firewall or port on vma to let pcns signal vma.

but vmware said there is no port or firewall 6547 open or listen in vma.

can u help me ? i already install PCNS in vma and listed 2 server needed. by the way, vma don't get signal from pcns when apc lost power.

pls help me !

thank you so much !

[BillP]

when you are using a network management card, you should be using powerchute network shutdown on each of the clients, NOT powerchute business edition.

i recommend you remove the serial cable attached to your server (presumably with Powerchute business edition installed) and also remove business edition. then you need to install powerchute network shutdown on each client you want to gracefully shutdown. it will prompt you for the IP address and other information about the network management card so the software and management card can communicate over the network.

[Anonymous user]

thank you so much for your attention , i really careless to not see that thing. but after i install power chute network shutdown to 2 others pc i try to demo by cut
the power from apc ups and the 2 pc still not shut down just host shut down. i really hope u can advice me properly, maybe i missing a step or done wrongly..
thanks for ur advice and really hope u can help me later.. 🙂

Message was edited by: ikram

[BillP]

can you please provide me with the event logs from the network management card itself as well as the powerchute network shutdown event logs?

and you uninstalled powerchute business edition, correct?

[BillP]

that means that your NMC is configured for HTTPS SSL access - meaning you have set it up to access it at the URL beginning with https://

you are probably just trying to access it via http://

try HTTPS - if it doesnt work, there is also an option to change the port which you need to know. if you aren't sure of the settings, you can try to telnet in to check them.

[Anonymous user]

forget awhile about before issue. i got this problem to access apc webpage created. this happen after i tick 1 option in that web to let connect with power chute network shutdown. and then when i wan logon into that web, it show this
"Protected Object

This object on the APC Management Web Server is protected."

really hope u can help.. here i attach pic ..

best regards

[Anonymous user]

yes, i rememmber there got 2 option http port and https port, then i tick https port. but when i try follow your instruction but still cant access. how can i access my NCM other way sir ?

thank you.

[BillP]

are you familiar with telnet? i'd suggest using windows command prompt or the PuTTy utility (Free download) and connecting to your card that way. it will show you a command line interface where then you can issue the "web" command to see the current web settings such as HTTPS and if you appended a port number to it as well.

so when you accessed https, did the page not load or did it present you with a username and password that you don't know?

[Anonymous user]

yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhh !! u are my heroin ma'am 🙂 thanks a lot and a big hug to u coz helping me out from this 🙂
i now can access web using https just add port at back :1234 , thanks again.. hope u can help me again in future 🙂

thank you so much !

[Anonymous user]

ok sir, as u say to use telnet im not familiar but i had try it, i found ' web ' then it show the detail service: https, but how to log in using https do not show. sorry for make it more trouble, im still study about this ups. im really hope u can guide me. my question now 1) how to log in using https. 2) by using telnet how to change service in ' web ' option to http , is that need special command ? this only my problem now. i can shut down 2 other pc as well as u guidance.. thanks for that... but i will need your help later bro..

[BillP]

i am a ma'am but i'll let it go that you were calling me sir 🙂

can you tell me what showed when you did the web command? i know you said it says https but what did it say for https port? that part is important too.

in general, you should go to your web browser and for example, if the IP address of your management card is 192.168.3.4, you'd enter https://192.168.3.4 where as for http, you'd just enter http://192.168.3.4 like you have been.

but, if https port is anything besides port 443, such as 5000 (as an example) you'd need to enter https://192.168.3.4:5000 in your web browser.

to change any of this in telnet using the web command, you can type web ? to show you how to use the command. you'd see something similar to the below:

apc>web ?
Usage: web -- Configuration Options
web [-S ]
[-ph ] (80 and 5000-32768)
[-ps ] (443 and 5000-32768)

so to change back to https, you'd type web -S http then you'll need to type reboot for it to apply most likely.

hope that helps you out!

[Anonymous user]

hi ma'am , now i can shut down workstation and host. but my HQ request to shut down by sequence just like this, i got 1 pc as host then 5server workstation. HQ wan host shut down lastly and the server shutdown sequence.

i got 5 server, i wan host signal this 5 server shut down by sequence, server1 shut down after 5 min ups lost power, then after 5 min server1 shut down , server2 shut down and so on... until server5 shut down.. then host shut down..

how i can do it ? impossible or not ?

thank you for ur help 🙂

[BillP]

you're very welcome for the help!

on your last question here with sequencing, yes you should be able to do this. what is the model of UPS? I don't think I ever asked that - meaning is it a model that has switched outlet groups? i ask because you may be able to do this more than one way.

no matter the model of UPS, the first thing you can do is install PowerChute Network Shutdown on ever computer attached to the UPS and that you want to shutdown. (we normally would not suggest you do this though if all of these servers are not connected to the UPS for power.) when you log in to each computer to configure PCNS after it is installed, you'll see a section for Event Actions. one of the Event Actions is UPS: On battery. what you can do is configure each client to shutdown after a specified amount of seconds on battery. this way, you can keep in mind your total runtime and then stagger the shutdown accordingly with different amounts of seconds for each client. you may want to test this though to make sure it works but that is the first way of doing it.

are you familiar with how to log in to powerchute network shutdown via the web browser? you go to the IP address of your computer where you installed it i.e. https://192.168.1.3:6547 - so you need to use https:// and specify port 6547.

[Anonymous user]

ok. i have studied about web browser network shutdown, like you told before under EVENT action there is a lot of option and i follow your instruction then success 🙂 thank you so much !!!

now, i just realize powerchute network shut down got firmware version 3, by the way im using version 2, what the difference between this 2 version ?

i got server ESX to install PCNS, then version 2 not provide it, while version 3 provide it..

and the one important thing, how to install PCNS in ESX server ?

thank you for your help ! 🙂

[BillP]

glad you are making progress.

we have a lot of knowledge base articles for review. what version of ESX are you installing on?

here are some knowledge base articles to refer to @ http://www.apc.com/site/support/index.cfm/faq/

FA159780 - Install PowerChute Network Shutdown 3.0.1 on ESXi 5.0 with vMA 5.0

FA159765 - Installation of PowerChute Network Shutdown version 3.0 on VMware ESXi - vMA 4.0, 4.1

for more, just go to the main knowledge base and search for ESXi install and most of them come up (no matter if you are doing ESX or ESXi)

3.0/3.0.1 PCNS offers a configuration wizard, outlet group aware for UPSs that have outlet groups, lots of bug fixes, and here are some release notes located @ http://www.apc.com/products/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=SFPCNS301&tab=documentation along with some other docs.

[Anonymous user]

Thanks for information given.
we using ibm : system X3650M3 model 7945-G2A. we have 2 virtual server too.
is that necessary to install PCNS in virtual server or only install in VMware as host then it will signal others virtual server as guest to shut down too ?

thanks for a lot info! 🙂

[BillP]

you can install it on just the ESX host operating system and then we have a knowledge base that runs through how to get the VMs to turn off without having to install PCNS on the VMs. i believe it is FA159688 in the knowledge base for those instructions.

[Anonymous user]

i little confused rite now, i wonder how to using command in VMware, where to start .. I'm not a linux geek so that is the reason I need a step by step guide on how to perform this task. by the way, thanks for ur info.. any updates i will let u know..

Thank you,E

[BillP]

we only have the commands outlined in the knowledge base i mentioned for installing. i don't have a generic guide for these types of commands. i am not a linux guru myself.

[Anonymous user]

Hi ! \
i install PCNS301ESX on vMA 5 and already complete installation, but when i try browse ESX ip, i think firewall block it, so HOW to open up the firewall ? and WHAT exactly port i need open ?

Thank you !

[Anonymous user]

HI, i got problem with APC UPS SMART UPS 1Kv

problem : when installing PCBE on computer auto detect ups is not detect, i already connect the UPS using USB and Serial cable.

any idea why this happen ?

is that anything need to change or configure in apc web ?

last month i install to my computer and working well, do you think cable prob ? or ups prob ?

i capture the log "UPS: The local network management interface-to-UPS communication not established."

Thank you in advance 🙂

Message was edited by: ikram

Message was edited by: ikram

[BillP]

im confused again..so this is a separate installation where you are using PCBE on a Smart UPS 1000. You have connected both the USB and serial cable between your computer and UPS..?

can you confirm the model of UPS from the white sticker on the back so I know what we are talking about? in general, you should only use USB OR serial and on certain models, if you touch the USB port, it kills the serial port and requires a UPS reset to bring it back.

[Anonymous user]

First thing, im not connect USB and Serial Cable on UPS at same time .

what happen if im connect USB and Serial Cable same time ? is that smart ups damage ?

detail :- SMART UPS 1000 : SUA1001 with AP9630NMC

how to reset UPS ? and how to check UPS condition status, whether its damage or something bad ?

i read this , useful or not ? can damage ups ?
..................................................................................................
For starters, you should try a Brain-Dead of the UPS:

1. Turn off the load
2. Turn off the UPS and unplug the load
3. Disconnect the UPS from the wall
4. Depress the Off button for 4-6 seconds until you hear a click
5. Reconnect everything and reinstall PCBE.
...................................................................................................
Thank you very much !

Message was edited by: ikram

[BillP]

i apologize - you're right voidstar.

[BillP]

serial and USB at the time just wont work - no damage caused.

i'd suggest you do a braindead as outlined below and let's start fresh. you should not be installing PCBE if you are using an AP9630 network management card though. as i mentioned earlier, PCBE and a network management card do the same thing. can you please clarify why you are trying to install PCBE and you already have a network management card? what should be happening is the network management card is in the UPS and then you install powerchute network shutdown (PCNS) on any computer attached to the UPS. this communicates with the network management card in the UPS to do graceful shutdown.

[Anonymous user]

okay, i already do braindead as you said and i can see ups fucntion well on my pc ( windows xp) .

after that i pull plug and everything because this apc actually for server . i just test to my pc 1st before run to server.

anyhow, all going okay with my pc. but when i bring ups to server room and connect everything i got failed communication when installation. also on apc web show this ' Local Management-To-UPS Communication Lost '

i'm using (IBM system x3560 M2) with windows server 2003.
and this server i connect with smart ups. any idea why not detect ?

purpose for installation PCBE on ( windows server 2003 ) to configure or watch ups condition as well and easy..


i got 2 server running windows server 2003 , 1 will be host and either 1 will be client, also 2 esxi will join client.



thanks you so much !

Message was edited by: ikram

[BillP]

you cannot be using PCBE (serial OR USB) and the network management card at the same time because you will see the lost communication errors you've indicated. what should be happening is the UPS has a network management card and you install powerchute network shutdown on each of the clients you mentioned. i feel like you are seeing lost communication errors because you are trying to do PCBE/network management card testing all at the same time. these devices are all on the same communication bus.

if you're just testing your server, i advise you braindead again to reset communications, install the network management card, then install powerchute network shutdown on your server for testing instead of powerchute business edition.

let me know if i misunderstood.

[Anonymous user]

No, after braindead i never use serial cable . by the way at IBM System x3650 there is using serial cable to connect other device. Did i need use
serial cable to ups ?

"i feel like you are seeing lost communication errors because you are trying to do
PCBE/network management card testing all at the same time"

sorry mdm, my bad i don't understand what u trying to say above. maybe you can explain more detail about this, just wonder i do what you said without conscious.

let me try using serial cable first after doing braindead today. then i will let u know.

actually is that wrong if i still want install PCBE on Host (server2003) ?

Thank you so much !

update :

after braindead and make new installation using serial cable. PCBE Communication was established. all running okay. just wonder why ups detect overvoltage 253V.

may i know if UPS running all time in overvoltage situation can damage UPS ?

thank you so much for your concern ! 🙂

Message was edited by: ikram

[BillP]

you should get a voltmeter and verify the 253V reading. the UPS is not designed to constantly accept an overvoltage but it can trim the voltage if needed.

if it is actually 253V, then you should pursue it with an electrician or similar as over time, in a constant overvoltage, you could generate additional heat by using the automatic voltage transformer constantly and ultimately shorten the life of the UPS/battery. if the overvoltage is constantly coming and going as well, it is possible to eventually weld the relay that toggles between the UPS and transformer.

[Anonymous user]

Yes, the overvoltage is constantly coming and going as well. is that normal ?

After check with our technician, the input is 240v.
why ups detect 253v ? is that environment cause ? i put it in rack with terastation and server.

for sure ups power system have range high voltage and low voltage. can we adjust it ? or fixed ?
or maybe i can set the volt input ?

what exactly my ups current condition?

"if the overvoltage is constantly coming and going as well, it is possible to eventually weld the relay that toggles between the UPS and transformer."

i don't understand well what happen relay the toggles between the ups and transfomer . can u explain more detail about that ?

thank you so much.
from start until now you much help me! im making progress ! 🙂

Message was edited by: ikram

Message was edited by: ikram

[BillP]

it is NOT normal for you to see overvoltages come and go if it does not stop after a few hours to a day. the UPS is prepared to help deal with it by compensating for it but it is something we'd then need to look into. how did you verify the voltage was 240? it might SUPPOSED to be 240 but did someone actually measure it with a meter? i am not sure what could be causing it.

the UPS most likely offers high/low voltage transfer ranges (meaning outside of this high and low range, the UPS will transfer to battery power to protect your attached equipment). it may allow you to adjust the input voltage (220, 230, 240, etc) - i am not sure since I don't have that international model readily available. you should adjust it if its there accordingly after you confirm what the nominal (expected) voltage is for your circuit.

regarding your last question where you asked me to clarify for more - since the UPS is not intended to constantly adjust/compensate for low or high voltage, and this functionality requires moving parts (a relay) and a transformer (which generates heat), you can run into issues with potential failures of relays or batteries with constant use. the UPS is designed to accept a nominal input voltage and can compensate when necessary for temporary issues of this type. it is not intended to compensate 24/7 and if it is, it can cause premature failures.

[Anonymous user]

After monitoring a few hour, i see the changes of input 258.4v , 254v, and last 249v.
i read about parameter setting of UPS that variance high and low. However, when i set the high limit to UPS let say 261v, the input is still what its go. This parameter setting only avoid the msg, light on and avr trim am i rite ? so this UPS still handle the high voltage too. let say 258v, is that UPS okay with that situation ?

thanks a lot for explanation

[BillP]

i believe what you are referring to is the high transfer voltage range. this means that instead of using the boost/trim functionality, the UPS transfers to battery operation at 261 volts.

i don't think this is good long term and i really recommend that you see if you can find out why that voltage is so high in the short term to avoid problems down the line. the UPS is not intended to be doing this forever.

[Anonymous user]

okay i will check with our engineer about the power overvoltage. by the way, if the input 249v and i put 261v as a high voltage range. the UPS transfer to battery operation is 249v rite ?

Thank you

[BillP]

if the high transfer voltage is 261v, the UPS will probably trim the voltage as long as it can with the internal transformer but if it goes to an input of 261v, then the UPS will operate on battery as the transformer no longer has the ability to trim that high of a voltage to an acceptable amount for your equipment.

[voidstar_apc]

>
if the high transfer voltage is 261v, the UPS will probably trim the voltage as long as it can with the internal transformer but if it goes to an input of 261v, then the UPS will operate on battery as the transformer no longer has the ability to trim that high of a voltage to an acceptable amount for your equipment.
>

My understanding is the UPS remains on battery when it can no longer trim the input below 261v. The input itself will be greater than 261v.

So for 10% trim, 230V nominal, and a 261v high transfer voltage:
- When input reaches 261v, UPS starts trimming 10%. Output is 234.9v.
- When input exceeds 290v, output exceeds 261v and so UPS goes to battery. Output is 230V nominal.
- When input drops below 290v-hysteresis, UPS goes back to trim.
- When input drops below 261v-hysteresis, UPS feeds input power directly to load.

[Anonymous user]

Thanks to both of you. Appreciate the info give.

By the way i will run demo shutdown for 2 physical server and 6 virtual server.
I already make a sequence for virtual machine, on options shutdown guest.
However i have 3 Vm in esx01 and 4 Vm in esx02. can set the option shutdown guest to
3Vm shutdown simultaneously ? after that 4 Vm shutdown simultaneously. or what is the best way to shutdown vmware/ virtual server ?
sequence set in guest shutdown or simultaneously ?
i hope your answer will be simultaneously 🙂

thank you so much !

[BillP · Accepted solution]

i am not sure to be honest with you. you may want to consult with others that use VMWare. I am only familiar really with installing the software and how to configure the APC software - not too familiar with ESX itself and best practices.