Smart UPS 1500 and serial cable connection

[Anonymous user]

Hi, we have a Smart UPS 1500 (firmware revision 601.3.D) connected to a server running Windows 2003 Server. Originally it was hooked up with a USB connection. The software was installed (server, client, console) and ran fine, but now we want to run it off the serial cable instead. I disconnected the USB connection, connected the serial cable (original one supplied with UPS), and then I stopped and restarted the APC services. The computer now cannot communicate with the UPS. In the console it shows "UPS Communication Lost".

I went into the Console, then Device Properties, then asked it to show the Advanced items, then I expanded the Communications section, and finally highlighted UPS Communications. In the Port box it doesn't display anything other than "USB" as a connection type.

How do I get it working off serial?

Thanks for any help.

David

[Anonymous user]

Try unstalling, then reinstalling the software.

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

Hello,

To switch a UPS back to serial after using USB, you need to reset the internal memory by a process we call, "braindeading". To braindead a UPS, you need to power down the load, unplug the load, and power down the UPS. Then unplug the UPS from the wall power and turn it off. Once the UPS is off and unplugged, push and hold the Off button for about 10 seconds. You may hear a small click inside the UPS. The UPS is then considered "braindead".
Go ahead and power everything back up, and connect the serial cable. You will need to either reinstall the Agent portion of Business Edition, or change the comm settings through the Server and Console portion on this direct Agent.

Hope this helps. Thanks.

[Anonymous user]

Thanks, I'll have to wait for a window I can power down the server, but it sounds like it should do the trick.

Thanks again,

David

[TheNotoriousKMP_apc]

The brain-dead procedure is just a way to de-energize the unit. It has no affect on the network management card.

The only way to get back into the card is doing the reset procedure.

[Anonymous user]

Greetings, just wondered how this worked for you?

I have a Smart UPS 1500 XLM that I fat fingered the ID and password on the administration acccount and not cannot access it.

I have read and understood the instructions to reset the defaults, but I wondered if brain deading the NW management card would wipe out the all the configuration so I do not have to hyperterminal into the UPS.

Thanks

[Anonymous user]

Drats, I was afraid you were going to tell me that.

I have the instructions for this. Unfortunately, this is a remote site, so will have to perform the procedures after hours on my next planned visit.

Thanks