SMX1500RM2U with network card - loud clicks, DISTORTED INPUT

[BillP]

I have the SMX1500RM2U with the network card. About three weeks ago I started to hear loud clicking noises coming from the unit. At that time and until yesterday (5/13/17) I had plugged the unit into a circuit for 20 amps (C20) with nothing else on it. I sent a log file to support. I have to read the email he sent me BUT ...

I spent the other day organizing the cables and power cords with the APC unit off. I then plugged it back into C20. It ran quietly for several hours until around 3 AM (I was watching Netflix) I heard the unit clicking constantly. It had the same error message DISTORTED INPUT. I stopped Netflix 🙂 and tried a few other outlets near my assorted hardware before I finally found one that seems to be "clean" at least for now.

Is there some type of meter I can use to verify the DISTORTED INPUT independently without spending beaucoup bucks?

So far today the unit has been working without any messages.

Thanks in advance.

[BillP]

Hi William,

Can you please provide the event.txt, data.txt and config.ini from your management card? instructions are @ 

http://www.apc.com/us/en/faqs/index?page=content&id=FA156131

This issue can be resolved by adjusting the sensitivity to low through the card web interface. Go to Configuration>>Power Settings>>Sensitivity.

Voltage readings can be verified through the data logs from the card web interface.

Regards,

Vinay

[BillP]

Hi William - 

In addition to Vinay's request, could you also provide the Serial number and Firmware revision of the UPS. If it is an older unit this may be something that can be addressed via a firmware upgrade.

Thanks!

Liam

[BillP]

Liam,

Thanks for the quick response. I found the email that tech support sent me. I changed the output upper limit to 136 (within 126-136), and changed the lower limit to 97 (within 97-106). I changed sensitivity to low.

So far I have been "click free" for twenty-four hours!

Thanks!!!

[BillP]

hello ... I have a SMX 1500 RM2U; sn: AS1048115364; Mgr date: 11/28/10; Real power: 1200 W; Apparent power: 1440 VA;

Smart UPS X 1500; Firmware: UPS 03./6 (ID11)

I hope this info helps. 🙂

[BillP]

Hi William,

Glad to hear the issue is not persisting. You can still upgrade the firmware of your UPS by following the below FAQ. This FAQ also has the relevant firmware file and instructions attached. Let me know if you have any questions.

Link: http://www.apc.com/us/en/faqs/index?page=content&id=FA281865

Regards,

Vinay

[BillP · Accepted solution]

Thanks for the follow-through! I had not anticipated that. BUT ... how come I was unable to find the links to the updates for the firmware and documentation on the APC website? I happen to have a triple-digit IQ (great selection of parents in-utero). BTW: I saw that the instructions require a shut-down of  all peripheral equipment connected to the UPS. Unless I missed something (I have had difficulties sleeping for the past few months due to yet another chronic attack of arthritis: readers can email me for my tips and quips regarding arthritis) I will use my laptop to do the update.

Yours,

Bill A.