APC Back-UPS ES 600G Updates?

[PowerUser]

I just installed a fresh battery in an APC Back-UPS ES 600G and I thought that I'd ask if there was any kind of software or firmware upgrade available that could make the UPS work better.

I downloaded the PowerChute Serial Shutdown (compatible) and the Smart-UPS Firmware Upgrade Wizard (incompatible).

Another thing is that I ran the self-test and it failed but I didn't see an Event Log explaining why it failed the test.

Thanks for the help!

UPS Model

Back-UPS ES 600G

Firmware Revision

905.W1 .D / 01.01a (1201 - 19)

Manufacture Date

Feb 2013

Battery Installation Date

May 2024

Last Self Test Date

May 30, 2024 at 8:36:30 PM CDT

Last Self Test Status

Failed

[Teken · Accepted solution]

The APC Back-UPS are the lower consumer hardware vs enterprise. The firmware can not be updated by the end user.

Im not sure what you mean by work better?!? Can you elaborate on what you like to see (work better)? Given the cheap price point the hardware doesn’t offer a lot of features but does provide the required back up power when needed.

You can use Power Chute Personal Edition (PCPE) to gracefully shutdown a connected computer system. You can monitor the input / output voltage, frequency, load, battery state, change the battery installation date etc.

You can adjust the voltage sensitivity as to when the unit will go on battery only mode. PCPE also provides energy consumption (KWH) and basic scheduling for shutdown to conserve energy. 

For more options you can use other 3rd party software like APCUPSD / NUT. 

SELF TEST: There are a couple of things you’ll want to do since the battery was replaced.

Brain Dead: Remove all connected loads from the outputs. Disconnect the AC Mains. Disconnect the battery. Press & hold the power button until you hear a click / beep.

You may not hear anything at all too! ☝️

Reconnect everything including the USB cable to the computer running PCPE. Power on the unit and watch the unit complete the Self Test.

PCPE will record this action as started and the outcome. Power Chute Serial Software more than likely doesn’t support your specific model UPS. 

Hence why the self test failed . . . 

Reach out to APC Technical Support to obtain the last copy of PCPE. Keep in mind you don’t want Power Chute Business Edition (PCBE) either! 

Once the Self Test has completed. Initiate a battery calibration using PCPE. There must be at least 30% attached load while this process is underway.

Once the battery calibration has been completed the PCPE software will better reflect the operational runtime of the new battery.