can't reconfigure Network Management card

[Anonymous user]

I just got an APC UPS ( SUM1500RMXL2U ) back from its old colo. I want to configure it with the new IP address before sending it to the new one. I have not been able to connect to the management card to reconfigure it. I think the network management card is AP9618. I have followed the instructions in the documentation, but that has not done the job.

I cannot ping, even after setting the IP to the cards MAC.
The IP Device configuration wizard does not find the APC.

I have tried using a serial cable, but that has not worked either.

Any diagnostic of repair advice?

thanks.

[Anonymous user]

If the card already has an IP set, the only way to reconfigure it is by using the black 940-0024 serial cable that came with the unit. If the status LED is solid green, then it has an IP already. As far as port settings go, use 2400,8,N,1, and N. After your connected, hit enter a few times to pull up a username prompt and the default username/password is apc/apc.

Hope this helps, if for reason this still doesnt work pls post which leds are lit on the card and if they are flashing or solid to troubleshoot further

[Anonymous user]

I do not seem to have a cable with that part number. I tried several db9 serial cables, one with part number 940-1524D. I thought all serial cables were the same, what is special about that cable?

I do not see any LEDs on the NMC at all. All the LEDs on the device front panel are flashing in unison every 3 seconds, aproxomately. I am not sure what that means, but it does not seem healthy.

[Smart_apc]

940-1524 is identical to 940-0024, but it is just longer. "All the LEDs on the device front panel are flashing in unison every 3 seconds" - please dead brain UPS ( to discharge capacitors in the unit), then try cold start. If UPS starts working on battery, try configuration of the nmc via hyperteminal or use PowerChute Business Edition to see settings of the UPS ( set low sesitivity).

[Anonymous user]

I am not sure what "dead brain UPS " means. Is there some documentation I missed reading?

I did unplug the battery and the power, would that get the job done? I have not tried PowerChute Bussiness Edition. Does that work with a different connection then hyperterminal?

[Smart_apc]

I think the best way is to call Support Desk and fix the issue via phone. Please note that you should check UPS first without nmc.

[BillP]

Brain deading the UPS consists of the following:

You need to power down all attached equipment and unplug it from the UPS. You then need to power down the UPS and unplug it from the utility power. Also, make sure that all communication cables are removed. Now, you want to hold down on the "off (o)" button until you hear an audible click (if not, proceed after 10 seconds anyway). Now, the internal circuitry of the UPS is reset, and you should be able to plug the UPS in, turn it on, and attach all your equipment.

Unplugging the battery generally has the same effect..

Brain deading the UPS would attempt to clear the fault with the flashing LEDs which could be indicative of something else going on.

No LEDs on the network management card is the biggest issue here. I'd suggest doing the brain dead then reseating the network management card in the slot first if you havent already. If still no lights, I'd try it in a different UPS if you can. If not, you could remove the network management card (after brain deading) and then set up hyper terminal with the 940-1524D cable that you have at 2400 bps, 8 databits, no parity, 1 stopbit, and no flow control. After initiating the connection (and making sure you have the correct COM port), issue the following command ONLY - "Shift Y" by holding the shift key and hitting Y. You should receive a "SM" response which means the UPS itself is communicating through the serial port and we know that part is working correctly. After that, you can disconnect from hyperterminal. If it does, and the NMC still has no lights after you insert it, the NMC may be faulty if the above was done correctly.

On another note:

Powerchute business edition works through the serial port (same as hyper terminal), OR the USB port, depending on the model. If you had something plugged into the USB port at any time though, you'd need to brain dead the UPS to regain communication on the serial port.

Powerchute business editon is located HERE

You could just install the "agent" portion. This requires the network management card to be removed and then the serial cable attached. There is a wizard with helps you configure the agent once you intitiate the .exe you download. You would be able to make sure the UPS is working that way but I'd try this lastly because hyperterminal is easier and can tell us what the problem is but it wont hurt to try powerchute.

Hope this helps!

[Anonymous user]

You said "No LEDs on the network management card is the biggest issue here" but there are no LEDs to turn on or off. There are none at all on the NMC. When I plug in a network card, I do get a link light in the RJ45 socket.

I have tried "brain deading" the device and connecting in PuTTYtel and sending Shift+Y, but I did not get a response.

Is my APC completely hosed?

[BillP · Accepted solution]

Hi Matt,

Sorry I wasnt clear. The LEDs should come on by themselves to indicate the link and status of the card itself. So we see it does have a link light which is good. I mean, going by what you said, it doesnt appear to be communicating at all. I kind of agree before we determine that it is definitely faulty, you may want to call in to support to have them double check your settings. (800-890-4272)

Going by what you posted, it sounds like the serial port isn't communicating.

Just to be clear, the Shift Y is to be done WITHOUT the network management card installed in the slot.