Server has lost communication with UPS

[Anonymous user]

I have a Smart-UPS 2200 RM. It is set to Com 1 for the Com Port. Every few days the server will lose the communication with the UPS but it only seems to last between 6 to 20 seconds and then it re-establishes the connection.

[BillP]

just to clarify - are you receiving this message from powerchute business edition? if not, what piece of software?

are you using a serial cable or a USB cable that has a serial to USB converter on it?

can you provide the first couple of letters/digits in the serial number so we know how old it is? the serial number should be listed where you saw it said Smart UPS 2200 RM - just provide XXNNNNportion of the serial number.

could you please post the exact error message you are getting? how long has this been happening? - if possible, can you copy and paste a little bit of the event log so we can see previous events?

to begin - make sure you have no extra cables plugged in - if this UPS has serial and USB connections, you can only use one at a time. you want to make sure the physical connections are ok and there is no strain or damage on the cable.

let us know the above questions and then we can try different things such as braindeading the issue or trying a different com port/cable if we need to go that route.

[Anonymous user]

Yes I am using powerchute business edition.

I am not sure what kind of cable is being used because the UPS is not at my site.

the s/n listed in Powerchute is ES0634000475 and it has the Manufactured date of 6/07/2006.

In the Event log it says:
8/4/08 21:02:30 Communication Lost
8/4/08 21:02:38 Communication Established
8/13/08 21:02:27 Communication Lost
8/13/08 21:03:36 Communication Established

When the server was hooked up we only use one cable and it should have plenty of slack.

[BillP · Accepted solution]

ok, you want to make sure you have nothing on that machine that is trying to use the serial port at the same time.

also, to help clear up any communication errors, we usually suggest "braindeading" the UPS.

to do this:

•Stop and powerchute services on running on the server.
•You will need to turn off the load attached to the UPS and unplug it form the UPS.
•Turn off the UPS and disconnect the communication cable.
•Unplug the UPS from AC power.
•Hold down the off (o) button the UPS for 5-10 seconds or until you hear an audible click and see the UPS LEDs flash
•Reconnect everything and restart the APC powerchute service.

and monitor it from there