SMART-UPS 2000va, cannot communicate over serial cable

[Anonymous user]

Hi,
I am hoping that someone on this forum can help me with the following problem, I have a SMART-UPS RT 2000va 230v with
following details from the back of the unit:

Model:  SUART 2000XLICH
Serial No: US1124111578

Simply put, I cannot connect to the UPS via serial cable to change its settings. I have attempted to use both Powerchute and
PUTTY (with these setting 2400-8-None-1-XON/XOFF). I have tried with flow control set to OFF and changing the baud rate but
no luck.

I have swapped the serial cable with another UPS (Smart-UP RT 1000va) to check if the cable was the problem but that did
not work, however the newer units cable works fine with the older UPS. I have attempted to connect through a RS232 to USB
adapter and to a PCI-E Serial card makes but it makes no difference.

Out of desperation I have tried 'brain deading' the newer unit but it has not worked and the unit does not have a network add-on card.

I am no expert when it comes to UPSes so I hope I have been clear not caused any confusion. I am also hoping that it is just some
some simple step or easily solvable problem because right now the UPS is only good as an expensive surge protector.

Ash.

[BillP]

Hi,

Please verify the model of the UPS and verify the cable number. The model number will be found on the bar code sticker.

[Anonymous user]

Hi Bill,

Thanks for taking the time to take look at my problem. I have attached a picture of the only thing that resembles a barcode at the back of the UPS, hopefully it will answer your question.

Ash

[BillP · Accepted solution]

Ash,

Sorry but I cannot find any information on that unit in any of our databases. I did a Google search and got 1 hit. The unit is made for the Chinese market. I checked with our product specialist and he thinks it may be a knockoff since there is nothing in our product catalogs. Another thing he noticed is the font is wrong on the label. 

If it is built like an APC device you should be able to connect the serial cable (part number 940-0024 or 940-1524) and using hyperterminal communicate with the unit. Speed should be 2400, 8, none, 1, XON/XOFF If that does not work you can try 9600 but since the model starts with SUA that leads me to believe it should be 2400.  

BTW: here the web site that I found http://www.zk71.com/products/u777407/bujianduandianyuan_0020_60523893.html

[Anonymous user]

Hi Bill, 

Thank you for your help, the information you have provided does explain some things about the unit I found weird and that unit was bought from a non-official seller. I have already tried different baud rates, starting from 300 up to 19200 but I try altering the other settings and see what happens.

If you do not mind I have some other questions I would like ask. I am bit pressed for time as I will be on site for another 10 days approximately and I will only be able to spend about 3/4 working days to resolving this situation.  

I understand your colleague only suspects it to be a knock off, but working on an assumption, if I used a non-apc serial cable-other than causing the unit to restart/turn off-would there be any danger of causing harm to the unit?

Is the following ups model, SMC2000I, available/made for the Asian market? (or would that be another potential knock off?)

Finally what should I check for to make sure it a genuine product, so I can leave clear instructions and try to avoid this problem from happening again. (I can only make recommendations about what to purchase, actual purchasing is handle by someone else).

Thanks again,

Ash

*EDIT=Corrected model number

[BillP]

Hi,

On 4/27/2017 4:22 AM, Ash said:

I understand your colleague only suspects it to be a knock off, but working on an assumption, if I used a non-apc serial cable-other than causing the unit to restart/turn off-would there be any danger of causing harm to the unit?

I cannot say. Serial connection if wrong will cause the system to power down but unless there is a short should not hurt the UPS.

On 4/27/2017 4:22 AM, Ash said:

Is the following ups model, SMC2000I, available/made for the Asian market? (or would that be another potential knock off?)

Yes. We do manufacture a SMC2000i

On 4/27/2017 4:22 AM, Ash said:

Finally what should I check for to make sure it a genuine product, so I can leave clear instructions and try to avoid this problem from happening again. (I can only make recommendations about what to purchase, actual purchasing is handle by someone else).

Run a search (Google or Bing) and look to see if there are technical specs available on apc.com or one of our partners sites.