SMX-1000 firmware update failure when moving from 10.1 to 15.0

[BlueSky]

Hi folks,

I attempted a firmware update on my UPS from 10.1 to 15.0 as downloaded from APC.  The update apparently failed with a loss of communication between the NMC2 and the UPS.  The front panel of the UPS is stuck in a "firmware update mode" per the picture attached.  The log file detailing what happened is attached.

Can someone please help me figure out how to restore operation to this device?

Thank you!

[Teken · Accepted solution]

https://community.se.com/t5/APC-UPS-Data-Center-Enterprise/Firmware-update-failed-on-SMT2200RMI2U/td...

[BlueSky]

Thanks for the tip!  Thank goodness I kept the serial to RJ-45 cable that was shipped with the UPS.  I used the F/W Update Wizard v4.3.8 and it worked like a charm.

Begs the question, however, as to why the update via NMC2 that I originally tried that "bricked" the UPS didn't work.

Thanks again!

[Teken]

Firmware updates especially on any APC device should only be done live over the phone with a APC Technical Support Personnel while the hardware is under warranty.

Hardware that is not under warranty should not be updated due to the fact the failure rate is extremely high! ☝️

The APC Firmware FAQ is very clear that updating the UPS Firmware via the NMC is not the recommended way. Only a direct connection via the RS-232 Serial to RJ50 Ethernet jack on the back of the unit is required.

Firmware updates should be done if it addresses security, bug, or feature enhancements.

The failure rate of using the NMC is greater than 75%! 🤦‍♂️👎 Even using the direct method you have a better than 50% chance of a failure and bricking a completely working unit. ☹️

Regardless, very happy you’re able to recover the unit.

As you can tell in the related thread not everyone is so lucky no matter what brick fix is used! 

Rock On . . . 🤘