Connectivity and logging issues with Back-UPS XS 1500 PC Personal 3.0.2

[Anonymous user]

We have extremely bad AC utility, and get hundreds of brown outs and power surges every day which pose a substantial hazard to unprotected equipment on the mains power. My APC unit (Back-UPS XS 1500) intervenes hundreds of times a day to protect my workstation and attached equipment, however, fewer than 2-3 events a day on average get logged. The rest of the time when an event occurs where the APC kicks in, I get a momentary pop-up that PowerChute is unable to communicate with the battery backup, which goes away when regular power resumes, and no intervention event is recorded.

Now, I'm generally happy that my UPS works, and successfully prevents dangerous surges from reaching my computer that cause every bulb in the house to burn twice as bright or burn out and AC motors to go crazy. The fact that it logs every event is slightly less important, especially considering the huge volume of events that need to be logged... however, I'm extremely frustrated with the local energy monopoly and it would be great if I could produce logs showing just how bad their power is so I can complain to the city. Can anyone help me out with this problem?

[Anonymous user]

This is 95% of what I get in event viewer:

Log Name: Application
Source: APC UPS Service
Date: 2/11/2013 6:45:57 PM
Event ID: 61465
Task Category: None
Level: Information
Keywords: Classic
User: SYSTEM
Computer: SavageIV
Description:
PowerChute recommenced communicating with the battery backup.
Event Xml:



61465
4
0
0x80000000000000

649646
Application
SavageIV








Log Name: Application
Source: APC UPS Service
Date: 2/11/2013 6:45:49 PM
Event ID: 61456
Task Category: None
Level: Error
Keywords: Classic
User: SYSTEM
Computer: SavageIV
Description:
PowerChute not communicating with the battery backup.
Event Xml:



61456
2
0
0x80000000000000

649645
Application
SavageIV

[BillP]

where are you looking? just in powerchute?

can you see if you see any additional lots and information in the Control Panel->Administrative Tools->Event Viewer and check under application?

[BillP · Accepted solution]

ok so if it were me, i'd see if we can isolate the connectivity issue here. do you have another USB port you can try on the computer (not on a USB hub)? or a separate computer you can install PCPE 3.0.2 on for a little bit to see if you see the connectivity issues there as well. then if we do, we can maybe see that its a UPS problem versus a USB port problem.

i also might try to reset/braindead the UPS as part of troubleshooting - meaning turn the attached load off on the UPS, remove the data cable (RJ-45 to USB cable), and turn off the UPS. remove it from AC power/wall outlet. remove the battery for about 10 seconds and hold down the power button. reconnect the battery, AC power, attached load and turn the UPS on and reconnect the data cable.

also, is your computer constantly going to standby/hibernate at anytime? that might cause the USB port to power down as might other system events, thus causing communication issues. just a thought.