Smart-UPS + Mac OS X Server = Unknown time remaining… Help!

[Anonymous user]

I recently purchased and installed an APC Smart-UPS X2200VA (SMX2200RMLV2U) for use in our single server rack (1 Xserve, phone system, network switches, etc.). The UPS is plugged in via USB to our Intel Xserve, running Mac OS X Server 10.5.8.

Attempting to use Mac OS X's built-in UPS support (System Preferences > Energy Saver > Settings for: UPS > UPS) gives me unsatisfactory results. The UPS Model reports "Smart-UPS X 2200 FW:COM 01.6 / UPS 01.8", which appears to be correct, but the UPS Batter Level is reported as being 0% full. The menu bar dropdown reports "Unknown time remaining". I currently have it set to shutdown after it's been on UPS power for 5 minutes, but I haven't tested this, and at best, I'm just crossing my fingers hoping this will work. See attached screenshot for a visualization.

Obviously I'm wondering why the UPS and the Xserve aren't talking to each other correctly.

For what it's worth, I have an older Xserve G5 running Mac OS X Server 10.5.8 hooked up to an APC Smart-UPS 750 (SUA750RM2U) that shows the same "Unknown time remaining" message, BUT it appears to display a correct percent remaining.

My next option is to turn to APC's PowerChute software, but apparently there is no Mac version for PowerChute Business Edition, and I can't find a download link for the Mac version of the Personal Edition.

What are my options? Right now I'm not at all sure I have adequate battery backup protection. 😞