no replacement for older SURTA1500XL models a catch-22 situation?

[Anonymous user]

We would like to move up to the Online UPS line - The problem is that we are limited in the building to standard NEMA-15R Outlets which my understanding means we cannot go higher then the SURTA1500XL models.. The problem is these models are outdated with no LCD Display and we have been told the UPS cannot be firmware updated via AP9630 but require 9pin serial ports which no modern PC has..  the lowest model with the LCD display is SRT2200 but requires a 20amp plug /new breaker + a new power line be run through the walls (which if we were going to hire an electrician /permits do that - we would just run a 220V line buy a bigger UPS with 120V Step down -vs- multiple battery packs on a 1500 model 15amp model)

so the ultimate question is ... is APC Planning in the near future to replace SURTA1500 /750 models with newer SRT1500 Online or are we stuck going with the less expensive SMX1500RM2U models to get the better reporting stats from the AP9630 cards - it's basically a catch-22 situation.

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

Not being affiliated in any way with APC or Schneider Electric, I can't say what their future plans might be.

However, the situation you face is not as dire as it seems. There are still a fair number of computers that have a nine pin serial port as standard equipment or available with an optional breakout. If you can't find such a computer, USB to RS-232 serial adapters exist, are readily available, very inexpensive and they work just fine with just about anything...APC UPS products included.

A UPS having updateable firmware is a relatively new thing and I'm of the opinion that actually needing to do an update would be quite rare. I'm not totally sold on the idea, myself. No disrespect to anyone at APC/Schneider, but I feel quite strongly that there was a greater focus on getting it right the first time when the chips were only programmable at the factory.