What software to use Matrix 5000 w/ AP9617

[subway1923_apc]

This was originally posted on APC forums on 6/19/2013

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Hello,

I have been having a terribly difficult time trying to figure out how to monitor our Matrix unit. We have a Matrix 5000 with an AP9600 expansion chassis with an AP9617.

We simply would like to be able to view the status of the UPS over the network without hooking the UPC up to a computer. I have been able to configure the AP9617, but it says the UPS is not supported.

I have seen someone use APCUPSD to monitor the status of their UPS which is exactly what I want to do, but cannot get it to work for the life of me.

Is there any way to monitor the status of the Matrix-UPS over the network using the AP9617 card or is this hardware useless? I have spent days searching the internet for any kind of solution, but have not found anything. ANY help is MUCH appreciated!

I have included some screenshots to possibly help.

FYI the Matrix is running Firmware Rev "Y"

[BillP]

This reply was originally posted by Angela on APC forums on 6/20/2013

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Can you get me a screenshot of what is under Help->About system in that web UI? I believe this should work but you just might need a different firmware application and you'll be fine.

I assume this is what you mean by "software" which really is firmware. If you wanted to gracefully shut clients down, you could use PowerChute Network Shutdown software with the AP9617 to do that.

[BillP]

This reply was originally posted by Angela on APC forums on 6/20/2013

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I just think it was maybe used in a different UPS or device and has the wrong firmware application on it and in that case, we would just upgrade it to the correct version - no downgrade required to older something or other.

[Battman_apc]

This was originally posted on APC forums on 6/20/2013

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If the firmware change that Angela N references above ends up not working out ( she is hinting at a downgrade of the firmware on your 9617 card to an older version from many years back), another option would be if you can find an older APC network card with model # AP9606 (it would be "Used"  or "NOS" at this point since APC no longer sells it), as long as it has the most recent firmware installed on it should be able to install in the AP9600 and talk to the Matrix.

[subway1923_apc]

This was originally posted on APC forums on 6/20/2013

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Hi Angela,

Thank you for the reply. I have attached a screenshot for you.

Will this allow me to log in and see current stats about the UPS such as battery level, load, est runtime, etc? Thank you very much for your help!

[subway1923_apc]

This was originally posted on APC forums on 6/20/2013

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I updated the software to Network Management Card v3.7.2 Firmware for Smart-UPS with AP9617/8/9

The only difference I have noted is that it says "UPS is Online" but cannot access any other info about the UPS. We would like to be able to view the current conditions of the UPS in the event of a power outage. I found this on the web http://bruin.me.uk/node/93 which is what I would like to see. It is over SSH and basic text, but that'd do if there's no GUI to do so.

I have attached some screenshots of what I can see now when I log into the AP9617

Does APC have any software that will allow me to view the status of the UPS over the AP9617? I have heard of some using APCUPSD with the matrix, but I cannot figure this out.

Thanks again!

[subway1923_apc]

This was originally posted on APC forums on 6/20/2013

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I do have an old AP9606 laying around if you think that would be a better option. Like I said above, I just want to be able to log in remotely and view the condition of the UPS for load, battery state, etc. Is there additional software needed to do this? The only status in the web server of the AP9617 says "UPS On-line" and nothing else. Thanks!

[BillP]

This reply was originally posted by Angela on APC forums on 6/21/2013

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That is misleading. There is no UPS communication there per the screenshots so the online reporting I think is just generic. There should be a UPS tab and we do not see it which is where all of the information would normally be.

Anyway, in my findings in our knowledge base, I was assuming Y would work. I asked my local Matrix expert here and he has a book that says "Any Matrix UPS that has X or Y firmware will not work with an Accessory Card."

That seems to tell me AP9606 doesn't work either but since this is so old and who knows who documented all of this, I would certainly at least try the AP9606 and make sure it also has sumx application on it. I did find a knowledge base (article ID FA156055) that seems to think AP9606 will work with Y or higher.

[BillP]

This reply was originally posted by Angela on APC forums on 6/21/2013

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Yeah I saw that NA thing mentioned in one of our kbases and only Y and newer would show it properly.

[Battman_apc]

This was originally posted on APC forums on 6/21/2013

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We have a an MX5000 with FW rev X on the floor in our data center, with an AP9605 smartslot card. However these 9605's aren't web based so you need an snmp monitoring tool to see what's going on with them. Just spotted another MX5000 with Rev U which also has a 9605.  I think it would at least be worth trying the 9606 card in this circumstance...sometimes there are minor glitches with this eg the UPS model comes up as "NA" in the web UI.

[subway1923_apc]

This was originally posted on APC forums on 6/23/2013

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Thank you for the helpful answers. I finally just lengthened a 940-0024B serial cable and ran it to a Dell PE 2950. No matter what, I cannot get it to work with PowerChute Business edition. I have, however, been able to use APCUPSD to connect to it via SMARTAPC protocol on COM1 (screenshot attached)

The big question is: what APC software can I use to actually control the other servers to shut down when there is a power failure? It seems as though powerchute business is the only option.

Thank you all for your help!

[BillP · Accepted solution]

This reply was originally posted by Angela on APC forums on 6/24/2013

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I thought apcupsd allowed for graceful shutdown as well?