Smart Ups 1400 serial: question about attaching to PC without serial port

[Anonymous user]

I have a Smart Ups 1400 that has no USB port, only rs232. Is there a way to attach it, possibly by usb, to a computer that has no serial port? Any help will be appreciated. Thanks, Greg

[TheNotoriousKMP_apc]

Hello,

USB conversion kits are not officially supported for older generation Smart-UPS. You may want to look into using the APC Trade-UPS program to get a UPS that uses USB communication.

[Anonymous user]

Am I correct in that I would need that converter AND the APC serial cable?

[Anonymous user]

Not officially supported, ,but do they work? 🙂

I don't want to spend any more money if possible, I just got two new batteries for it, which were kinda spendy considering I live in Alaska (freight is a killer). The cost of shipping a new unit up here is quite hefty, not to mention the money for the trade-up. Thanks, Greg.

[TheNotoriousKMP_apc]

Greg,

I couldn't tell you. I know I've tested the APC USB to Serial and it doesn't work, however, have never tested it with the updated drivers Prolific released in December of last year. Therefore, I would see if anyone nearby has one you can test on before actually investing on the cable.

[Anonymous user]

The Notorious K.M.P. wrote:
Greg,

I couldn't tell you. I know I've tested the APC USB to Serial and it doesn't work, however, have never tested it with the updated drivers Prolific released in December of last year. Therefore, I would see if anyone nearby has one you can test on before actually investing on the cable.

Kevin, what are the specs of the APC branded converter you speak of?

The Belkin F5U103 will talk to APC UPS
http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/5540/apcsmartupsmz9.png

however....
the OS may allocate something higher than COM4 and I'm not sure if PowerChute can address something higher than COM4. Mine is assigned to COM5.

Secondly, while the F5U103 can communicate bi-directionally via Smart Protocol, I'm not sure if the port can emulate DCD/DTR and RTS/CTS loops as well, which the PowerChute software might use to detect the presence of 940-0024C cable.

Windows UPS Service doesn't use DCD/DTR or RTS/CTS loop, so that should work for you. (accessible in Windows XP by going to Power Options and "UPS" tab, choose the virtual port assigned to adapter)

My converter is the older type that looks like a hockey puck. You can get it on eBay for about $20 shipped. Belkin makes a newer model that looks like a straight cable with DB-9 on one end and USB on the other, but I have not tested that one.


KVAr
- not an APC affiliate, my posts do not reflect the opinion of APC.

[TheNotoriousKMP_apc]

KVar,

It's thte Prolific USB to Serial Converter, APC Part #AP9584

http://www.apc.com/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=AP9584

We do have a Serial to USB adapter that we use with our laptops in the office, that is a generic (can't see the name listed on the converter anywhere) Serial Male to USB. That seems to work fine, but again, no known part number.

[TheNotoriousKMP_apc]

Hello,

If you go with the APC USB to Serial Converter, you need only the cable. If you purchase a Serial To USB ADAPTER, you will need the adapter and the APC smart signaling cable.

[Anonymous user]

I have a SURT 2000XLI, with a RS232 interface, so I have the same problem of conversion to USB... And APC "solution" cable ( AP9584 ) is not sold in Turkey yet! I would like to know if I could use a PCI Card (or for a laptop PCMCIA card!), applied to the computer's PCI slot, having one or two RS232 interface without any problems?

[BillP]

hi murat,

i can't say we've tried it here with the PCMCIA card but I think your best bet will be the PCI interface card. that we have tested and can say it should work because it will just be as good as a serial port directly on your motherboard. i'd go with that solution.

[Anonymous user]

Hi angela,
Thanks and I will keep your advice! I felt very unsure about the very cheap converters found everywhere here!

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

It should work.. but USB driver issues would prevent it from functioning properly. In my experience, USB attached devices aren't as robust as serial port. (ever have to switch on and off that external drive, cuz it wasn't getting recognized?)