set up Smart UPS SUA1500 and new computer with Powerchute and cables

[pmg435T_apc]

I have my new personal computer, 24" LCD monitor, DSL modem, WiFi route and external backup hard drive plugged in to the SUA1500. I understand I only can use the Powerchute Business Edition software with the SUA1500. As a senior citizen and mostly beginner with computers I want to keep things simple. Sorry, but I have a lot of (perhaps dumb) questions.

1. The OS on my pc is Vista SP1 Home Premium 64-bit edition (I never used Vista before). The compatibility chart for PCBE only lists Vista Business/Enterprise/Ultimate. Will PCBE still function with 64-bit Vista Home Premium?

2. My pc only has USB connectors. Can I use the USB on the SUA to my pc without loss of functionality of PCBE or do I need to use the DB-9 serial connector on the UPS for full functionality?

3. In another thread I read about intermittent loss of communications when using the USB to USB connection. Do I need to use a DB-9 to USB connecting cable to prevent that problem? And does APC sell such a cable? Any other gotcha's when using this kind of setup if recommended? Or should I just stay away from this setup?

4. I know that the DB-9 cable is a special APC cable. Is that also true for the USB to USB cable or can any generic USB cable be used?

5. Since I have only my pc connected to the UPS (no server or other pc's), do I still need to install the agent, server and console components of PCBE or is the agent sufficient for all functionality to monitor and control the UPS? Or can I use only the agent and console components? What would be easier to use for a beginner like me?

6. On AC power loss, I should be able to set up the UPS to have my pc do a controlled shutdown. Once that is done, will the UPS run down its batteries until power is restored or does the UPS shut itself down to conserve its batteries?

7. I have Norton Internet Security 2009 running on my pc. What do I need to do with NIS2009 when I install PCBE? Any other problems with security software and PCBE?

I am sure that I will have lots more questions once I have PCBE loaded to my computer.
I want to thank in advance all who will provide answers to these questions.

Paul

[BillP]

no problem. yes you can grab all of that stuff from the website besides the cable.

[pmg435T_apc]

Hello i picKed a winna,

Thank you for answering all my questions. It seems that I worry too much before I really need to, probably because I am new to this. If I do run into problems I will re-visit the site.

As far as the included CD and cables, I don't have them because I tried to save some money by getting a refurbished UPS unit from CBM that comes without any of those accessories. I should be able to pick up a standard A to B USB cable in an electronics store and connect directly to an USB port on my computer. And I believe I can download the required software from the APC website. If I have intermittent communication problems with the USB cable I do not think I can qualify for APC support. So I hope I will be OK.

Once again, thank you.
Paul

[BillP · Accepted solution]

i will try to answer the questions to the best of my knowledge..

I have my new personal computer, 24" LCD monitor, DSL modem, WiFi route and external backup hard drive plugged in to the SUA1500. I understand I only can use the Powerchute Business Edition software with the SUA1500. As a senior citizen and mostly beginner with computers I want to keep things simple. Sorry, but I have a lot of (perhaps dumb) questions.

1. The OS on my pc is Vista SP1 Home Premium 64-bit edition (I never used Vista before). The compatibility chart for PCBE only lists Vista Business/Enterprise/Ultimate. Will PCBE still function with 64-bit Vista Home Premium?

*Any version of Windows Vista 64 bit should work fine with PCBE 8.0.1.*

2. My pc only has USB connectors. Can I use the USB on the SUA to my pc without loss of functionality of PCBE or do I need to use the DB-9 serial connector on the UPS for full functionality?

*The only loss of functionality that you will get is mentioned in [this article|http://nam-en.apc.com/cgi-bin/nam_en.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=8022]. you will see just the input and output voltage, not min and max values. other than that, all of the same functionality is there.*

3. In another thread I read about intermittent loss of communications when using the USB to USB connection. Do I need to use a DB-9 to USB connecting cable to prevent that problem? And does APC sell such a cable? Any other gotcha's when using this kind of setup if recommended? Or should I just stay away from this setup?

*There have been cases of intermittent USB communication loss. A good portion of the time, it relates to something on the computer - perhaps USB ports being powered off in standby or hibernate, using a USB hub, etc so APC can work with you to narrow those types of things down before determining that there is a USB issue with the Smart UPS itself. After this has been proved, APC does have a cable that can be provided to you if the UPS is indeed the cause of the issue. I would recommend just starting off with USB. it should work fine.*

4. I know that the DB-9 cable is a special APC cable. Is that also true for the USB to USB cable or can any generic USB cable be used?

*the UPS ships with all the cables needed. some Smart UPS use a special RJ-45 to USB cable and some use a standard USB A->USB B type of cable. I believe this one uses a standard A to B cable but it will also include one - no need to buy extra cables.*

5. Since I have only my pc connected to the UPS (no server or other pc's), do I still need to install the agent, server and console components of PCBE or is the agent sufficient for all functionality to monitor and control the UPS? Or can I use only the agent and console components? What would be easier to use for a beginner like me?

*You will get a CD that just includes the Agent software and thats all you need to use. The server and console portions of PCBE are now included in a paid version of PCBE for users with more than one UPS. The Agent is a web service that runs so you just type http://127.0.0.1:3052 in your web browser or alternatively http://IP of your computer:3052 and you will be able to bring up the web page with the settings to adjust/UPS status, etc*

6. On AC power loss, I should be able to set up the UPS to have my pc do a controlled shutdown. Once that is done, will the UPS run down its batteries until power is restored or does the UPS shut itself down to conserve its batteries?

*You can do it either way. There are settings you can change to have the computer shutdown immediately or when the battery runs out or even after the UPS has been on battery for 5 minutes or something. Shutdown for both the UPS and PC is very flexible.*

7. I have Norton Internet Security 2009 running on my pc. What do I need to do with NIS2009 when I install PCBE? Any other problems with security software and PCBE?

*I havent seen any issues with this. It may not let you access the web browser portion of the interface but you could add the loopback address (127.0.0.1) to your trusted sites in the web browser but i am not aware of any problems installing the software with Norton.*


hope this helps!!