Calling a script on low-battery in Windows 2003

[Anonymous user]

Hi... This is my first post to the APC forum. Here is what I am trying to accomplish:

I want to shutdown my VMware ESXi host and all guests when the battery on my RS1200 is low. The issues I am running into is the PCBE does not allow me to call a script when the batt is low, it will only shutdown the server it is connected to.

My planned workaround: Connect UPS to COM port on the ESXi host or a random Windows server. Then I want to create an app, either PERL or .NET to intercept the signals sent from the UPS. Based on the signal I will take action as neccessary.

What I am missing is the signal message documentation. I would hate to research and interpret the data coming from the UPS. Does anyone know of such documentation? Any insight would be appreciated.

Thanks
Chris

[BillP · Accepted solution]

I want to shutdown my VMware ESXi host and all guests when the battery on my RS1200 is low. The issues I am running into is the PCBE does not allow me to call a script when the batt is low, it will only shutdown the server it is connected to.

Are you using PCBE in simple signaling model with a 940-0128D serial cable? a BR1200 (RS1200) is not meant to be used in a server type application and is more geared towards the home user. For full functionality, it is designed to work with Powerchute Personal Edition.

ESXi is now supported by Powerchute Network Shutdown software in conjunction with a network management card.

If you are using the PCBE in simple signaling mode with the above cable though, you should be able to execute a command file based on the low battery event OR when a shutdown is initiated (by default, worst case scenario, is after the low battery event. (See my attached screenshot, if you confirm you are using this software as I mentioned, it should look similar. To get to this screen, click on events ->Actions->Low Battery) Check the help file to see what folder you need to place the command file into in order to get it recognized.

hope this helps!