Symmetra LX with AP9619 - Need to reset IP Address

[BillP]

We inherited a Symmetra LX through a recent building acquisition.  I have scheduled a recertification to get this unit under contract.  In the meantime, I worked with support to identify why this unit had a fault light (2 bad batteries and 1 bad power module).  I am waiting for those parts to arrive.

Today I decided that I would get it on the network since it has an NMC AP9619 installed.  I am very familiar with the NMC cards as we have around 80 managed UPSes in our organization.  I looked on this card for a serial port, but could not find one.  Here is a link to the card with pictures. 

http://www.apc.com/shop/us/en/products/UPS-Network-Management-Card-w-Environmental-Monitoring/P-AP96...

I checked the back of the Symmetra unit and there is a Communications card that has a 9 pin serial, an RJ45 and an RJ11.  I have been looking at documentation all afternoon and have not found anything that describes how I would console in to the Symmetra to reset the network settings.

The only reference I have found was the use of a 940-0082 cable and using Powerview to upload language settings. 

I have also found references to this NMC on smaller UPSes but those instructions don't work either. 

I checked the compatibility charts and it appears that I can use an AP9631 which I have some laying around.  Would it be easier just to swap the AP9619 with an AP9631 and call it day or is there an easy way to reset the network settings on this Symmetra LX/AP 9619?

Thanks in advance for any replies.

[BillP]

Hi Patrick,

You'll want to access the AP9619 through that DB-9 port on the rear of the UPS @2400 baud rate. To do this, you need 940-0024 or 940-1524 APC DB-9 to DB-9 cable and then follow the instructions here for NMC1 -> http://www.apc.com/us/en/faqs/FA156064

Normally, you could use any of the NMC1 configuration options but if this already has an IP configured like you said, you won't be able to do that necessarily. You can verify the NMC has an IP for sure if you check the status LED on the AP9619's RJ-45 port (it is the LED with a checkmark or X next to it).

Assuming this is the case, and you don't have the serial cable or a USB to serial adapter, you could also try to do a peer to peer/direct connection to the RJ-45 on the AP9619 and run a tool like Wireshark (to do packet captures/sniffing) to see if you can figure out what the IP is on the AP9619 right now. With that info, you can then configure your PC to have network settings on the same network to temporarily gain access to it over a web page (or telnet/ssh) while you are directly connected and reset things that way.

In general, AP9619 is OK. But be advised, there are no firmware updates/bug fixes actively being done, security options may not meet your requirements, etc. Depending on what you need, then AP9630/31 may be something to look at and use instead. 

Hope this helps.

P.S. if you need the password reset procedure, that requires the serial connection: http://www.apc.com/us/en/faqs/FA156075

P.P.S. forgot to say, with all things considered, AP9631 very well could be a quicker option to pop in if any of this sounds like a headache.

[BillP]

Hi Angela,

Thanks for the reply.  I'll try these suggestions and reply with what works.  It may be early next week before I get back to this.

[BillP]

I finally had time yesterday to work on this.  I was unable to get console access to the UPS through the serial port on the Symmetra unit.  I have a USB to serial adapter, but do not have the particular serial cables that you mentioned.  I tried several settings, but could not get anything other than a blinking cursor in the terminal window.

I replaced the AP9619 with the AP9631 and was able to bring the unit up on the network.  While I can now access the unit via the NMC, I am now seeing "Lost Communication to the UPS" message on every screen that pertains to the UPS.

Status/UPS

Control/UPS

Configuration/UPS

Test/UPS

About/UPS

I ran into this issue with a smaller 1500 unit and I believe it required a firmware upgrade.  I am unsure if this Symmetra will require the same thing.

The Schneider Electric tech will be on site today to recertify the unit and place it under maintenance.  I may see if he can gain console access to the unit and see if there is anything else I need to do in order for the NMC to talk with this UPS. 

[B-DoubleE_apc]

Hi Patrick,

If that was a brand new AP9631 you installed, then it would come with the SmartUPS firmware application (called SUMX) on it. You would need to do a firmware upgrade to the Symmetra application (called SY) in order to get communication going. The latest rev is v6.5.0 - you can get it here:

http://www.apc.com/us/en/tools/download/download.cfm?sw_sku=SFSY650&software_id=MFOI-APKSPR&family=&...

[BillP · Accepted solution]

I was 1 step ahead on this.  I downloaded the v6.5.0 firmware earlier this morning and installed it.  I now have UPS information in the NMC.  Thanks for the reply.