Matrix 5000 Smartcell XR "No Battery Communications"

[Anonymous user]

Hi All

We inherited a Matrix 5000 with 4 Smartcell XR battery packs.
The only thing missing were the battery communication cables.
From information I found in the forums, I decided to try connecting
everything using phone handset cables.

The only problem now, is the Matrix still displays ‘No battery
Communications’. I’ve connected each of the 4 Smartcell battery
packs with the same results.

The phone cables work on phones, but I’m not sure how to test
them while connected to the Matrix/Smartcell.

I doubt the all 4 Smartcell battery communication cards are bad.
Is there a way to check the Battery Comm card in the Electronics Unit?
Is that card replaceable?


Thanks for any help.

[Anonymous user]

Hello JimFitze,

I´m having the same problem. I was wondering if you could fix the problem.

Thanks!

[Erasmus_apc]

Sorry for the delayed response.

None of the parts needed for a Matrix are still in stock from APC. You will need to go to a reseller or distributor to find them.

The Matrix comm card itself is is very difficult to work with. We typicaly do not have customers play with it at all. The Smartcell-XR comm card can be removed hot, however. I would recommend calling in to tech. support for assistance with this procedure.

[Erasmus_apc]

The Symmetra systems use a straight through, 4 wire 2 line cable, which differs from the Matrix systems, which use a twisted pair RJ9, basically the handset cable you have been using. The cable part you would need from APC is a 0W0271-A or -B, in case you feel like ruling out bad cables.. Are you sure you are connecting the cable from the Batt Comm Input port on the Matrix unit to the Output of the 1st battery pack? This pattern must be followed for the remaining connections. Have you tried connecting one SmartCell-XR at a time as the first pack in the series to rule out one causing a chain of failures? There is no supported "method" of checking the Matrix comm card but it is removable...physical damage would be a dead give-away for replacement.

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

Thanks for the reply Erasmus

The main cable from the Matrix to the first Smartcell goes through a small hole
in a concrete wall. I just made a new cable for that. I tried straight through, and
flipped 180. Neither worked.

I double checked the proper connection from the Battery Pack Output, to the
Batt Comm Input on the Matrix. I connected the cable to each of the 4 battery
packs, to test for a bad Battery Assy comm module. Could all 4 be bad?

Can I remove the Matrix comm card while the Matrix is hot?
Can I purchase a replacement, if it is bad?
Do you think I'll be able to find a part number for it, somewhere at APC.com?

Thanks for your help.