BX1300G Calibration

[Anonymous user]

I have an APC BX1300G that I am using to power a server that pulls 300-350W continuous. Previous to being plugged into my server, it was powering my personal computer. When I switched it to the new server, I replaced the battery (as the old one was 2-3 years old) and configured apcupsd on my server (which is running Ubuntu Server 14.04.3. apcupsd is version 3.14.13). So... Here's the problem.

Prior to the new version of apcupsd, I had version 3.14.10 which had a bug that caused a vicious reboot cycle. This bug was resolved in 3.14.12. I had to compile the new version on the server myself. Ever since, the battery backup says it has 0 minutes run-time. If I disconnect AC Power from the battery backup, the server IMMEDIATELY initiates a shutdown because the battery backup is reporting that there is no more run-time left. HOWEVER, if I disconnect the USB cable from the server to keep it from shutting down, I get the expected run-time from the battery backup (approx 15-17 minutes). I cannot seem to get the battery backup to indicate the proper run-time which is causing a HORRENDOUS problem. When the battery backup randomly decides to do a self-test, my server shuts down as it thinks the battery is just about exhausted, even though it is not.

How can I get this re-calibrated so that the run-time appears correctly?

[Anonymous user]

I had a similar (smaller capacity) model UPS do the same thing when it was first taken out of the box. I reset the battery replacement date in the unit's EEPROM, which I believe that apcupsd can do. If not, PowerChute Personal Edition certainly can do so. From that point onward, it's worked perfectly.

It's also possible to reset the UPS microcontroller. Power down the attached load safely, turn off the UPS, disconnect the battery and unplug the power cord. Depress the UPS power button for a few seconds. Reinstall the battery, plug the unit back in and power it up.

[voidstar_apc · Accepted solution]

I don't know much about BackUPS, but I would've expected that when run on battery for 15-17 minutes, it would've re-calibrated it's runtime estimate. Maybe try running the older version of APCUPSd (3.14.10) to determine whether it's the UPS that changed or how APCUPSd reads the runtime that has changed.