SMC1500 Do I need a Firmware Update?

[jcahow]

Recently picked up an used SMC1500 Smart-UPS that looks like new.  I put new batteries in it and it is working fine.

I am unclear whether this specific model requires Firmware updates.

I downloaded the Firmware Update Wizard and it says the current Firmware is UPS 10.0 and it can be upgraded.

The Firmware Upgrade Wizard shows this information

UPS 10.0

MCU 03.0

UBL 01.4

MBL 03.0

I could not figure out the UPS ID number for this specific SMC1500 model.

Could someone tell me if this device is on the latest Firmware and if not which Firmware file I need to download to bring it up to date?

[Teken]

Firmware updates on any APC UPS is extremely dangerous as such APC does not recommend doing so unless guided by APC Technical Support live over the phone when the hardware is under warranty.

Firmware should be applied and considered if it addresses a security, bug, or feature enhancement.

If the hardware is (NOT) in warranty you have a better than 50% chance of bricking a completely operational system! ☝️

Given you have no idea the age or operational history of this unit the odds of a failure is extremely high.

You can scan this forum to see the thousands of threads about failed upgrades! 🤦‍♂️

Regardless, if you would like to pursue this further please read and fully understand all the requirements and have on hand (EVERYTHING) that’s called out for positive outcome. 

APC Firmware FAQ:

https://www.apc.com/us/en/faqs/FA279197/

UPS ID: 

https://youtu.be/cPTzPPCTU7k?si=3d29F9FI98R_SVOW

The UPS ID can also be found if you have a NMC under the About UPS. It can also be found if APC PCBE / PCSS software is connected to the UPS. 👍

[jcahow]

Thanks for taking the time to reply and for the warning about APC firmware upgrades.  I am a long time computer user and worked in IT for decades before retiring.  I must have performed hundreds of firmware updates over the years on different devices and never bricked anything yet (always a first time).  I can see why APC's firmware updates are so problematic based on their confusing process.

That being said I would pass on these comments based on what you wrote me.

I had already read both of the FAQs you mentioned.  The first FAQ is very confusing and I can see why someone in support should probably walk you through the firmware update process.

I am still unclear if there is even a firmware upgrade available for my specific SMC1500 UPS from 2017.

If there is I would not even try to apply it until I learned more about what it pertained too.....

The second FAQ on the UPS ID is worthless to me as it describes a different UPS layout and uses buttons that do not even appear on my UPS.  My SMC1500 only has Two buttons under the LED screen and not Four as shown in the video.  There is no way to access the UPS ID directly from the UPS.  My SMC1500 was produced in the 31st week of 2017 so maybe the video only applies to newer model SmC1500 devices.

I am using PowerChute Serial Shutdown which does show quite bit of information about the UPS.  It shows the production date of 2017 as well (as compared to getting it from the actual Serial Number).

I could NOT locate a UPS ID shown anywhere in the Serial Shutdown data contrary to what you mentioned. 

Could you specifically mention how to access the UPS ID from the Serial Shutdown software in case I missed it?

I

[Teken]

Please show me all the available tabs in PCSS. You may install PCBE software as I know the UPS ID is stated there.

In the LCD Menu is there no About page on this system?!? 

NOTE: When you first install the APC PCBE software the USB Driver will quickly display the UPS ID on the screen.

[jcahow]

There are only two buttons under the LED screen and their is no Menu.  I can just cycle through a half dozen different things by pressing the right button.  The left button controls the Alarm.

Here is the Serial Shutdown Tabs ans Sub Tabs.

Smart UPS C 1500

- UPS Status

- Outlet Setup

- Battery Mangement

- Diagnostics

- UPS Settings

Powerchute

- Event Configuration

- E-Mail Settings

- SNMP Settings

- Preferences

Shutdown

- Initial Setup

- Shutdown Settings

- Scheduled Shutdown

- Outlet Sequence

- Outlet Control

- Shutdown Now

Energy Management

- Energy Reporting

- Energy Savings

Logging

- Event Log

- Data Log

- Log Settings