Smart-UPS 2000 (2 piece) and Share-UPS AP9207

[Anonymous user]

Hi, I have a Smart-UPS 2000 that I put new batteries in, it powers up and operates correctly. I have a couple of computers connected to it, a server running Windows Server SBS 2011, and an HP Pro 6305 running Windows 7 x64 Professional. I can not get Power chute BE to work correctly, I can not get Power chute plus to even run, but the Share-UPS indicates connection and proper operation by two green LED lights. Also, I can not console into the management port of the Share-UPS, I get no response in a terminal program. I have a null modem cable for the management port, and several 940-0024 Smart signalling cables, and a 940-0095B Pro cable? The goal, in addition to graceful shutdown, is power data, and other advanced info from the UPS.

Any help is appreciated.

[BillP]

Can I ask if there is a specific reason you're using a Share-UPS? Is it to gracefully shutdown multiple clients from one UPS? This is an archaic legacy solution and I just don't want to find out you're not using an application that requires it. Generally, customers get a UPS Network Management Card and use PowerChute Network Shutdown on their equipment. The Share-UPS is only used for the most part in applications where serial connection is required (and network access isn't available or allowed).

Can you confirm the exact SKU of your Smart-UPS 2000? It should be on a white sticker on the back or bottom of the UPS.

I need to know what the exact SKU of the UPS is to make sure Share-UPS will work. The management port on that is supposed to just be a pass through to the UPS. You'd configure PowerChute Business Edition to talk through that port, not necessarily talk to it directly via terminal program. And the connection would definitely be 940-0024/940-1524.

I think it will be a lot less complicated if at the end of the day, you'll be able to use a UPS Network Management Card and PowerChute and save yourself some time and money.

[Anonymous user]

Hi, and thanks for responding. Indeed the purpose of the Share-UPS is to shutdown a server and a workstation in use at one desk. My UPS does not have a card option slot, therefore limiting me to the serial port for management. I would be satisfied with only being able to manage the UPS via the server and even purchase a second smaller UPS for the work station, but at this point with a single 940-0024C cable between server serial port and UPS, I can not get Power Chute to "see" the UPS.

The Identification sticker reads:

Model: SMART-UPS 2000-3

Serial: W920241938

[BillP]

Thanks for the information. This UPS is from 1992 - way before my time! I think these really old models only supported "simple signaling" with the 940-0020 cable but I'm not quite sure. That is my educated guess. If that is the case, the Share-UPS may not work or would not support using the management/advanced port which is for "smart signaling."

Simple signaling is one way communication from the UPS to the computer or client using high and low voltage signals to tell you if the UPS is on battery, in low battery state, or turned off. You can't see any information from the UPS which I think is what you're expecting (voltage, battery capacity, etc). When you use simple signaling, the UPS always shows as "online" via software configured in that mode and you would have to test it by putting it on battery and refreshing/checking the software as then it should be outputting a voltage signal. Welcome to the technology of yester-year! 

Therefore, I don't even know if the Share-UPS will work at all with this UPS or was tested but I'd start by directly connecting to the UPS with 940-0020 simple signaling for Windows cable directly to a computer, PowerChute installed/configured for simple signaling mode, and see what you get. Then put the UPS on battery and refresh the software and see if it says on battery. 

[Anonymous user]

According to the instruction manual, the UPS supports smart signalling with the 940-0024 cable. Unfortunately, there is no indication of software version.

[BillP]

Is this a paper user's guide or something you found online?

I asked one of my colleagues and he said it has a form of smart signaling that would be supported by an ancient software called PowerChute Pro that I have never even heard of. It pre-dates PowerChute Plus which then pre-dates the current PowerChute Business Edition.

He indicated what I outlined earlier as your best chance of getting some type of signaling going on a modern operating system would be with 940-0020 cable in simple signaling mode with maybe PowerChute Plus or PowerChute Business Edition.

[Anonymous user]

That's fantastic. Note my sarcasm. Oh well, somehow I got it to use simple signalling with PCBE and a 940-0024 smart cable....not sure why or how. Guess I'll be upgrading soon. Anybody want to buy a really big old UPS??!!

[Anonymous user]

And it was the only manual I could find...online.

[BillP · Accepted solution]

Oh ok - I asked about the manual since I just wanted to see if it was for the correct generation of Smart-UPS 2000 since we have had a few of those. My colleague said he thought PowerChute Pro was for like Windows 3.1 

If you wanted to get a solid older UPS a few generations newer but not go super new and have it work with modern software and AP9207 or a UPS Network Management Card, look for something like SU2200NET.