Probable SMT1500 replace, new multiserver setup

[Anonymous user]

Have a 5 year old Smart UPS 1500 setup at a small business. This morning and a few weeks ago it killed power to the servers with no shut down. This morning I hear the alarm coming from the closet, servers are off, replace battery is lit on the UPS. The current battery is about 2 years old. I get everything back up and running and check the UPS. I get repeating "Communication Lost on Agent " and "Insufficient Runtime Available on Agent " errors. Risk Assessment says to replace the battery and possibly the entire unit. While I let he battery charge I start looking a new units, more on that later.

By lunch the battery us back up to full so I have it run a self test. Failed. After it clicks off from AC power the servers go quiet, clicks back to AC and they start back up again, all while maintaining a full battery. Only this time after everything is back up and running there are no errors and it's not ask to replace the battery or unit.

Did another self test at the end of the day and same thing, battery doesn't kick in and kills then restarts the servers. Calling the battery good but suggesting that I replace the unit.

So now that I believe I'm in the market for a new unit, I'm looking to upgrade the setup to one that shuts down both serves. We added the second one a couple of years ago. The same size unit it fine, only recording 34% load and we have no intention on adding anything major to the network anytime soon.

The new Smart-UPS 1500VA LCD page lists the AP9620 and the AP9630 as options. With two options with two drastic prices I'm asking which one do I need if all I want it to is shut down the second sever that is sitting right next to the first. I really don't need network monitoring as odds are I will always have access to the server. Also have read that the AP9620 is not compatible with SMT units, that it is with a firmware upgrade, so which it is? AFAIK the AP9630 can be accessed from anywhere on the network to monitor the UPS without needing to run anything on the server. Are there any other benefits to this card?

Thanks for your help

[BillP]

AP9620 is the legacy communications card and is only needed if you need compatibility with our older style UPS communication protocol or a DB-9 style serial port - which it seems you do not. for the record, AP9620 is made for use with newer style UPS units such as SMT, SMX, and SURTD for just a few different specific reasons and should not be needed by most users.

AP9630 (or AP9631 if you wanted) is what you should use and use the free powerchute network shutdown software we offer on your servers so it can communicate with the AP9630 over the network to take care of the shutdown.

[Anonymous user]

Thanks for clearing the cards up for me.

Going back to the first part, with the problems that I've been getting with our current 1500 unit, replacing it seems to be the best if not only option yes? Just need the reassurance before I explain the the owner of the unexpected costs.

Thanks a lot

[BillP]

honestly, based on my experience, it just sounds like a bad battery. do you have the PCBE log that i could look?

i am also guessing this is not an SMT1500 since they have not been out for five years yet and maybe really an SUA1500?

[Anonymous user]

Yes SUA1500 is correct. I can view a data log and an event log, but I can't print or export them. Running agent version 7.0.5.105 (PCBE Basic), firmware version 601.3.D. Excuse any ignorance on my part, being the IT person at a small business I and not as up to speed as some...or as I'd like to be.

Thanks

[BillP]

it seems like you are accessing PCBE via the console (purplish window)? is that correct?

if so, could you try accessing the web UI version? This might be easier for copy and pasting of the event log or at least a screenshot maybe.

to access that, you need to go to http://127.0.0.1:3052 (if local to the server) or replace 127.0.0.1 with the IP of the server that is running PCBE to access it remotely.

log in with your username and password there. if you have just this one UPS, i find this interface easier personally but you don't have to use it if you don't want to.

[Anonymous user]

Thanks, going to bookmark that one. I see an event log and a data log, attached the event log but I don't think you are going to get much out of it. The default setting of 1 month was selected, I uped it to 6 months. I did disable the self testing so I don't keep having to worry about the server getting cut off.

[BillP]

yes, i agree. not much info in there.

i didnt see it mentioned - is the UPS connected to the computer via a USB or serial cable? it might be helpful here to figure out why the communication is constantly being lost and established.

if its USB, i'd try the standard things as far as trying a different USB power, make sure you arent using a USB hub or maxing out the USB power on the server, or trying to rule out a USB issue.

on the UPS end for communication issues, we usually would suggest the braindead procedure to reset the UPS but it will require the load to be powered off and UPS turned off. i can help you with that if you can do it.

if its serial communications, we'd want to make sure nothing else is trying to use the serial port or be clear on if you are using a serial to USB adapter because maybe that is an issue too. sometimes too other devices near this could be causing noise and comm loss.

i also have heard of these types of things with specific HP servers and a hardware issue with that. let me know if this is an HP server that the UPS is connected to and i will see what info/models we have seen with that.

[Anonymous user]

Yes it's a USB connection. I replaced the cable and pulled some non essential components using USB ports. Hasn't logged a lost comm event in a few days. I am interested in the procedure, I can probably do it if explained well enough. I'm going to be away for 2 weeks so if you can email me the procedure that would be much appreciated. Thanks

[BillP]

OK, I will email it to you.

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[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

Got it thanks. Hopefully I'll have time to try it before I have to leave.

Thanks again.