Seeking Compatible APC UPS for - Ubuntu Server / Dell Poweredge T310

[Anonymous user]

I am seeking Compatible APC UPS for - Ubuntu Server / Dell Poweredge T310

Research indicates some newer APC smart UPS do not function with Linux APCUPSD .

I cannot find any confirmation of a current model that works will with linux. Please advise. 

[BillP · Accepted solution]

I am on the apcupsd list and this announcement was recently sent:

Last week APC publicly released documentation[1] on a new UPS control and monitoring protocol, loosely referred to as MODBUS (after the historic industrial control protocol it is based on). The new protocol operates over RS232 serial lines as well as USB connections and is intended to supplement APC's proprietary Microlink protocol. Microlink is not going away, but APC has realized that third parties require access to UPS status and control information. Rather than publicly open Microlink, they have created another protocol to operate along side it.

APC provided early access to the MODBUS documentation as well as a test UPS, and over the last several months I have implemented MODBUS on apcupsd. Now that the protocol docs are public I have been able to commit the code changes to CVS and make this announcement. For now, apcupsd supports MODBUS over RS232 serial only. It DOES NOT support MODBUS over USB.

Many existing Microlink UPSes can be upgraded to support MODBUS via a firmware update. See [2]. Certain older models are not upgradeable. APC support will be your best contact for determining if your UPS supports a MODBUS upgrade the information linked below does not make it clear.

I will work to get a formal apcupsd release out in the coming weeks. Until then, feel free to pull the code from CVS (Branch-3_14) and build it locally. I'll also try to make a test build for Windows available soon.

--Adam

[1] <http://www.apc.com/whitepaper/?an=176>

[2] <How do I update the firmware of my SMT, SMX, or SMC series Smart-UPS? | FAQs | Schneider Electric IT...>

I also recently sent an email on the apcupsd mailing list with this:

Firmware with Modbus support is available for download now for tower Smart-UPS with model numbers starting with SMT running firmware version >= UPS 08.0 and all 2U rackmount Smart-UPS model numbers starting with SMT.  Visit How do I update the firmware of my SMT, SMX, or SMC series Smart-UPS? | FAQs | Schneider Electric IT... for details.

In order to update the firmware, the UPS output must be turned off, so it's more convenient to use a laptop than the UPS powered server itself to perform the update. At this time APC's Firmware Upgrade Wizard only runs under Windows, but we are investigating publishing a manual process which could be locally performed over a serial port connection by an advanced user with any operating system.  Modbus support for new Smart-UPS models is planned and the feasibility of back-porting to certain existing Smart-UPS models is under investigation.

So, USB connectivity has always been available for apcupsd and SMT/SMX UPS models. Serial connectivity was not available without the AP9620 Legacy Communications or now with the Modbus support we've implemented. Apparently, USB support for apcupsd and Modbus is not yet complete.

I'd look at the SMT models that have a firmware upgrade available if you'd like if you are going to use serial but USB has always been available. You just got a few less items than you used to on older UPS models via USB and apcupsd.

I hope that helps explain things!