Disabling the poweroutage beeping for a Back-UPS Pro model #BPG650S

[Anonymous user]

I have an APC Back-UPS Pro model #BPG650S. I need to find out how to turn
off the audible alarm beeps that the unit makes when power goes out. Is
there any way to do this? And if so how?????? As far as I can recall the
unit came with no software to modify its settings, and looking now I cannot
figure out what (if any) software to download from the website.

I read the similar thread here from another user asking about a different model, but I don't think any of that applies to my model (??).

Any help greatly appreciated. Thanks muchly.

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

Sorry - I'm not sure where I got the "G" from - probably from hanging upside down bent over my shelf trying to read the tag!! Anyways - the correct number on the back of the unit is "BP650S".

The front of the unit says "Back-UPS Pro 650". I've had it since around 2000 so it is probably an "ancient" model!

[Anonymous user]

I have a Smart-UPS v/s 1000, which is basically the dumbed version of Smart-UPS and it's the same as Back-UPS Pro. Older BackUPS allowed you to disable the alarm with a dip-switch in the back, but there's just no way to disable the beeping on the SmartUPS v/s or the BackUPS Pro.

Take it apart and tape over the buzzer like I did. You won't stop it, but it becomes considerably less annoying. There is nothing you can do short of removing the buzzer from the board to disable it.

[Anonymous user]

Unlike the SUVS1000, the BP650S is a Smart-Signalling UPS (S stands for smart in this case), and it is possible to disable the alarm through software. PowerChute Business Edition is available for free download, and will allow you to disable the beeping, but you will need to have the original serial cable that shipped with your UPS (part number 940-0024).

PowerChute Business Edition:
http://www.apcc.com/tools/download/software_comp.cfm?sw_sku=SFPCBE705

There are 3 parts of the software (Agent, Server, and Console), and you will need to install all 3.

The PowerChute Business Edition software software installation can be a bit more involved than most computer users are used to so here are a few pointers to help you through it. You can also call APC support at 800-890-4272 for help.

1. Your UPS should be automatically detected during the Agent installation. If not, something is wrong with the communication. Trying another serial port on your computer may help.

2. Both the Agent and Server portions of the installation will ask you to specify a username and password. Make sure you use the same username and password for both if you want the Server and Agent portions of the software to communicate (You do want this).

3. After installing the Server, you will be asked to set up a 'Configuration Profile'. I would suggest choosing broadcast messages as your notification type, and then choosing to send the message to a specific address. Using 127.0.0.1 will tell PowerChute to send notification messages to the computer with the Server software installed. You will have to choose something, and these settings are probably the easiest for your configuration.

4. If all goes well after setting up the configuration profile, you should see your Agent listed in the 'Discovered Devices' list. click it, press the add button, and the Apply.

5. It should add succesfully, and you should be brought to the installation screen again to install the Console. Install it, and run it.

6. The console will ask you to log into the Server portion of the software. Since you just installed it to the very same computer, you can type your comptuer's IP address in the address filed, or just use 127.0.0.1 (Thats the address your computer uses to point to itself). Also, enter the suername and password you specified in the Server installation.

7. Your UPS should be shown on the main screen. Double click your it, and the Device Properties window should pop up. Click the "Show Advanced Items" box on the bottom of the window to see everything, and then go into the "Power Parameters" menu. There should be an option to set the Audible Warning to "NEVER"

8. Once the alarm is disabled, you can uninstall the software. The change will stay with the UPS.

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

Sorry about my oversight. In that case, you're right, however I have another suggestion that maybe easier. My SUVS1000 can actually communicate in Smart Protocol, but not only a very limited command set. If his unit supports full command set, there's no reason to install PowerChute business edition just to change the alarm delay.

If you don't have the cord, get a straight through serial cable and rewire it like this or pay a whole bunch for an 0024C
http://pinouts.ru/DevicesCables/apc_smart_cable_pinout.shtml

If you're already using PowerChute, change it there.

If you're using something else, disable that program first, then Go to HyperTerminal (Start>all progs, accessories, communications)

Name the connection anything, then connect to whatever port assigned to UPS
change flow control to x on/x off
push shift-y. You should get a response 'SM'
hit "k"(you should see "0" as a response) then "-" on ten-key. hit 'k' again and now you should see the response 'N'. If your UPS supports full smart protocol, the alarm has now been disabled.

[Anonymous user]

Thanks you both for your replies - I am printing out the info & in the process of trying to get a cable together (I don't recall what happened to the cable that came with the UPS, or even if it did come with one). If this were only 10 years ago I would be good to go because I used to have access to that kind of stuff at work, cables, breakout boxes, pin pullers, etc. Not anymore though. Might end up having to buy something on ebay....gonna look more around more in my junk boxes first...

Anyways - I think I want to try kVAr's approach first since it sounds like it might be easier. If I understand things right on this forum you can earn points or something like that for right answers? If that's true can I flag both your replies as correct or do I have to flip a coin?

Thanks again.

[Anonymous user]

WOW!! Now I remember why I am a packrat. I looked through a box of old computer junk and found a black db9 M-F cable, which I had assumed was just a straight through one, I had no idea what it was actually for/from, but I noticed it had a part # of "940-0024C" on one end and recognized that as what you guys were mentioning! I can't believe I still have this...

I then changed my mind and decided that rather than follow kVAr's advice I would try dirtfoot's since I was curious to see what the Powerchute software could do - maybe there were features I do not even know about that I can use. But I was unable to download the software because it did not like my username/password??? I think it requires yet another account/ID with APC to get to it in addition to what I had to do to get here on the forum?? Sheesh....

So rather than bother with that I tried the simple Hyperterminal steps - AND IT WORKED!!! I pulled the plug on the UPS afterwards to test it and no more ungodly screeching!!!!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!! If not for this forum and your guys' help I would never have figured this out.

[Anonymous user]

I have an APC Back-UPS Pro model #BPG650S. I need to find out how to turn
off the audible alarm beeps that the unit makes when power goes out. Is
there any way to do this? And if so how?????? As far as I can recall the
unit came with no software to modify its settings, and looking now I cannot
figure out what (if any) software to download from the website.

I read the similar thread here from another user asking about a different model, but I don't think any of that applies to my model (??).

Any help greatly appreciated. Thanks muchly.

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

Thank you! The helpdesk were unable to tell me how to switch off the beeping, and the thought of 3 days beeping whilst I wait for a new battery was not appealing! I can now wait in peace 🙂

[abeness_apc]

Amazing! Followup 10 years on... I'm still using my Back-UPS Pro 650 with its lovely power dip coverage. Unfortunately our "new" apartment is nearly all on one circuit (ugh), which powers not only my home network gear but also the fridge, two air conditioners, etc. Every time the A/C compressor on the same outlet kicks in, ungodly screech. In the bedroom! Well, it's protecting my gear and I'm reminded that it works, but I finally decided to disable the screech, tracked down the APC cable, fired up an old XP laptop and HT, and zapped it with KVar's excellent steps. No more screech.

One note: Here the initial response to "k" was "T", which threw me initially; should be 30-second delay on fail, but resulted in immediate beep on power dip as well. "-" on the numeric keypad cycles through several options, of which I presently prefer "L" for low battery alarm only (power dip alarm still disabled). I found this documentation of the APC Smart signaling protocol as gleaned by users, apparently nowhere documented by APC:  http://networkupstools.org/protocols/apcsmart.html

From the fuller command set doc I've been reminded that this APC box has been protecting my gear for 15 years and counting ("m" reports manufacturing date), and the load is 10.4% of capacity ("P"). Cool!

Abe

[abeness_apc]

Well, L apparently still beeps on power dip. Weird, I'm sure I tested. I've now set to N and had one dip to battery with no beep.