Help needed hooking up communications to SUA2200XL

[Anonymous user]

Hi All, Need some help.

I have a APC UPS Smart UPS 2200XL 240V version ( In Australia ). I want to hook up to monitor it but don't know what cables I need.

Having trouble finding any info on it, even a manual. Can't find a serial number or anything on it or the extended battery pack, only what's on the front. Purchased second hand.

I have a USB to serial adaptor:  940--0272A which is just a straight converter I'm guessing.

I also have a AP9616 NMC card But do not have the network details of it so it will need resetting, and that is if it is compatible with my unit?????

The unit has a serial port and a RJ45 socket plus a slot to put the card in that I have.

Do I need a 940-0024 Smart signalling cable or what??

[Anonymous user]

The 940-0024 (or any variant with a letter after the model number) smart signaling cable will work with your Smart UPS 2200XL if it has a DB9 serial port on the back. Newer models have an RJ45 style port for serial communications. In light of not having the model number available, can you describe the unit in more detail (such as the case color or control panel design)? Newer models also communicate with different protocols and this will govern what cable is required, which management cards are supported and what software can be used to monitor the UPS.

A USB port may be available as well. It will work with any operating system supporting generic USB HID UPS class devices (which includes almost all operating systems having USB support).

Are you sure the card you have is an AP9616? That's not a number I've ever heard of.

I don't know about the 940-0272 cable you have. I've never seen one.

[Anonymous user]

Hi William, Thanks for the reply.

Firstly I had a typing boo boo with the card number, its an AP9619. I've also taken some pics of the front and rear of the unit that may help.

The unit isn't all that old as while i was changing 2 of the batteries i saw 2011 stamped on the transformers inside, if that helps at all???

[voidstar_apc · Accepted solution]

The AP9619 is compatible. I've only used a 940-0024 cable, but your USB one might work. Try 2400 baud, 8 data bits, no flow control, 1 stop bit. To access the AP9619 (we call this the NMC) the default password is apc/apc but if that doesn't work check out the password reset procedure:

http://www.schneider-electric.com/support/index?page=content&country=US〈=en&locale=en_US&id=FA156075

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

Your Smart UPS 2200XL will communicate using the UPSlink (or "APC Smart") protocol, which is supported by a wide variety of monitoring software programs. PowerChute (Business Edition or Plus), Network UPS Tools and apcupsd can all communicate with this UPS. The UPS control panel included with Windows XP and older can also communicate with it (as this software was developed for Microsoft by APC). My personal preference under a Unix/Linux/BSD environment would be apcupsd. NUT also works well but requires a bit more setup.

The AP9619 card you have is, as mentioned by voidstar, compatible with your UPS. Configuring this card is most easily done through the 940-0024 serial cable. With the card in place, the serial port on the UPS will take on additional functionality, allowing you to communicate as needed with the card. From there you can reset the password, reset the card to its defaults, and configure its networking functionality as appropriate. Once you get the card working on your network, I would recommend taking it to the latest firmware revision. (If memory serves, you can update firmware via the serial connection, but at 2400 bits per second, that is very thoroughly unexciting.) Any popular terminal emulator can communicate with the card, which by default will use a 2400 bit per second data rate, eight data bits, no flow control and one stop bit. (Other communication speeds are supported, so if you don't get a response from the card after a few presses of the ENTER key, disconnect and try a different data rate.)

AP9619 also supports an external temperature (or temperature and humidity) sensor if you wish to obtain one.

The AP9619 card may be installed without completely powering down the UPS.

The USB communication port on your UPS uses cable part number 940-0127. While this cable will let you monitor the UPS from a computer, it cannot be used to communicate with the SmartSlot card.

The Smart UPS 2200XL was offered in a standalone "tower" version and a rack mount type. Yours is the rack mountable type. I think the model and serial number should show up on the back of the unit, but you might try removing the plastic front panel to see if the information might be there. (Its complete model and serial number will also be available through whatever monitoring software you choose, or the web pages built into the AP9619.) The plastic front panel should pop loose with some care.

[Anonymous user]

Hey William, thanks heaps for filling me in on my unit.

I'm gunna have to order a serial cable first to be able to get the basic link going. I'm also going to need some help with the terminal emulator side of things. Is a program called "telnet" the thing I'm looking for? its been years since I even looked at that program. LOL

Since the "USB port" on the ups is limited I won't even bother with that. I'll get the card in, reset it, then I should be right from there. Fingers crossed!!!

I'll be back for more assistance when I have the proper serial cable.

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

Telnet only works over a network connection of some kind. It won't do for serial communications.

You'll need a terminal emulator program to communicate with your UPS or management card over the serial connection. If you have an older computer running any of Windows 95 through Windows XP, you can use the Hyperterminal program. It will more or less walk you through the steps of setting up the connection. Your computer will need to have a nine pin serial port available, or you can usually use a USB to RS232 serial adapter.

If you don't have an older computer handy, third party software such as PuTTY can be used. (PuTTY supports both serial and network communications.)

By the way, if anyone's posts to this thread were helpful, please feel free to mark them as "helpful" or "solved" as appropriate.

[Anonymous user]

Hey Voidstar, My cable worked!! 🙂 and its only a straight through usb to serial adaptor!

I've managed to download and install PuTTY and have been able to login to the ups with the default.

Now I am trying to work out how to change the ip details for my network and so I can get the Powerchute software to recognise it.

[Anonymous user]

To Both William and Voidstar, Thank you heaps for your help. I have been able to get into the ups via serial cable, change the IP settings, and can now access the ups via ip address through my web browser!! 🙂 🙂