Simpler software for Smart-UPS

[Anonymous user]

I really wish APC would offer a simpler software like the PowerChute Personal Edition that would work with at least the smaller Smart-UPSs, so the users can use more features than what is available in Windows XP built-in driver without the complexity of setting up the PowerChute Business Edition.

[Anonymous user]

Hello,

PowerChute Plus may be the software you are looking for. It has been phased out by PowerChute Business Edition, but it is still available for download off of our ftp site,

ftp://ftp.apc.com/apc/public/software/windows/nt40/pcplus/523/

This software will use serial communication and provides a large amount of features, but may not be as complex as Business Edition.

Thanks.

[Anonymous user]

Can I use it with Windows XP SP2?

[Anonymous user]

Yes, it should work with Windows XP SP2.

Thanks.

[Anonymous user]

Another option is using the Network Management Card (AP9617/AP9618/AP9619) in conjunction with Powerchute Network Shutdown. Network Cards are compatible with all current Smartslot enabled UPS units. You assign the card an IP address on your network. You then install Powerchute on each client machine that is powered by the UPS. If the UPS goes on battery, Powerchute sends out on battery messages to each of the clients. The Powerchute software can then gracefully shutdown the server. This type of configuration allows you to bypass the serial cable and rely on your network for communication between the powerchute client and the UPS.

[Anonymous user]

It really doesn't work well. I can't find how to adjust the internal automatic self test interval (at power up, weekly, semi weekly or off) and when I try to access help, it crashes without a fail everytime. Re-install didn't help. ='

[Anonymous user]

Which software are you referring to, Powerchute Network Shutdown or Business Edition.

If you're referring to Powerchute Network Shutdow, configurations such as Low battery and return delays are set on the Network Management Card that is installed in the UPS.

[Anonymous user]

Powerchute plus 5.2.3 was discontinued about 5-6 years ago. It was tested on earlier builds of XP but I don't think it was officially tested for XP SP2. If you need to use a serial version you probably need to stick with PCBE. If you want something simpler, you could try an NMC installed to the UPS (assuming its a smartslot enabled UPS) and use PCNS.

[BillP]

If you are only monitoring one computer another option that you have is to just install the Agent component of PowerChute Business Edition. The Agent itself can be accessed via a web browser. At the address box type either http://127.0.0.1:3052 or http://:3052.

The Agent interface gives you pretty much the same information as you would get via the console. Give it a shot.

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

I really wish APC would offer a simpler software like the PowerChute Personal Edition that would work with at least the smaller Smart-UPSs, so the users can use more features than what is available in Windows XP built-in driver without the complexity of setting up the PowerChute Business Edition.