Smart-UPS 3000 communications and runtime issue

[Anonymous user]

I have an old Smart-UPS that has served me well for years. Other than changing batteries it has been solid. I used to have it connected to a computer with Powerchute but it was awhile ago and I remember that it was a PITA to get it to connect and communicate. I haven't had it connected to Powerchute for a few years since reformatting the PC I use. Well, a couple months ago I started getting the flashing full LEDs indicating not enough run time for my load (which is only about 25% load according to the panel LEDs). I changed the batteries and they charged up. But, with a 25% load, I still get the full flashing LEDs. So I tried a manual calibration. I had approx 25% (I know 30% is recommended) load and let it power the load disconnected from mains and it shut down after about 10 min. If I recall, when I did this years ago, it would show low battery quickly for a long time when calibrating manually. Like it "thought" it was low (1 LED) but would run until it actually got too low and shut off, thus the calibration process. It didn't do that this time and checking the batteries after it shut off, they were still over 13v each.

Well I figured I would try using Powerchute for a calibration. This UPS has 3 serial ports, one built in and an expansion card with 2. I do not recall which I used previously. I have an APC USB conversion cable (AP9584) and a standard usb to serial adapter. I tried both of these on all ports (the built in one doesn't even wake the adapter) and can not get any communication via Powerchute. Using the APC adapter it shows up in device manager correctly under HID devices as an APC power connection (don't recall the exact term). I have tried older versions of Powerchute business and the most recent version. It never detects the UPS during the auto detect process or when selecting different options manually. In the latest version of Powerchute there are 4 different connection options and many "UPS Types". I tried many of them but assumed it should be the "SU" type. When I click the help option link for "How to determine the USP type" it goes to the support page and not a direct help topic.

Whew, lots of info, just wanted to make sure I gave all info needed.

So, during the manual calibration, should I have more of a load? Would that force the calibration to be correct? Or, can anyone provide some pointers on getting this thing to communicate with Powerchute?

Picture attached to show exact model

Thanks

[BillP]

Hi John - 

Can I get the model and serial number off of the UPS? Do you know how old the batteries are in the UPS? Given the behavior, it is likely bad batteries.

To communicate you would want to use the serial port on the UPS chassis itself, not either of the ones on the expansion card. You would need the proper cable, which would be labeled 940-0024 or 940-1524. It should be able to auto detect the UPS.

[Anonymous user]

The batteries were just replaced and as described above, after the unsuccessful manual calibration they were all still over 13 volts. When using the serial port on the chassis, nothing shows up in device manager. The only way I can get a port to show up in device manager is to use one of the expansion connections with the APC USB conversion cable (AP9584). The actual model is DL3000rm3u.

Thanks

[BillP · Accepted solution]

Do you have the serial number off the UPS? Were the batteries genuine APC? If so - Could I get the serial number off of those?

The ports on the expansion slot are simple signaling ports. They can tell you If the UPS is online, on battery, or at low battery. To actually get any useful information from the UPS you would need to use the port on the UPS itself with a 940-0024 or 940-1524 cable. We don't support USB adapters with these units, but if you were to try one it would have to be in conjunction with one of those two cables.

Since these are new batteries, I would attempt doing the manual calibration again with at least a 30% load (more is better). Wait until the UPS drops the load, then plug the unit back in and allow to charge to 100%. If that doesn't resolve the issue you can try contacting tech support and requesting a Calibration Key (Part #940-0260). They should be able to send it out free of charge. It's important to remember that this unit is quite old and may have other issues above and beyond what a calibration cab resolve.

Thanks

Liam