Smart Back-UPS - DataPort

[Anonymous user]

Good day,

I have a Smart Back-UPS 1200

Model Number BR1200GI

Serial number: 3B1424X02677

I am using the APC RS232 to DataPort cable. I would like to know if this UPS uses MicroLink or UPSlink. The reason being that I need it to work with Control4 Home Automation and their system will only work with a UPS that has UPSLink via the DataPort.

This UPS did ship with DataPort to USB connector but I managed to order online the DataPort to RS232 connection. The home automation has a driver that works with all UPSLink APC UPS's and allows one to understand when the UPS is offline (power lost) when it is restored, UPS load and when the UPS is about to die from battery depletion. The issue I have right now with a DataPort > RS232 > Home Automation is that regardless of the state - power off or power restored the UPS is returning the same information therefore I cannot determine if the signal I am getting, was due to power failure or restore. I cannot read any of the other values: Load, Last time power failed, UPS Initialize or Self Test. ALL APC UPS'S with UPSLink I can do this through DataPort > RS232 > Home Automation.

The first port of call is for me to determine from you if this UPS uses UPSLink or MicroLink.

If it is using UPSLink then could you give me the correct part number for a DataPort > RS232 cable for this UPS - I would like to check it against the part number I have. I have attached the bottom model and serial number of the UPS as an image to the post

[BillP]

Hi,

That cable is neither UPSLink or MicroLink. It is simple signalling. Simple signaling is the recognition of whether certain pins of the serial port are high or low, and allows for 3 states only; on battery, low battery and UPS turnoff.

You can find a wiring diagram at this link http://www.apcupsd.org/manual/manual.html#d-cable-wiring

[Anonymous user]

Hi Bill,

Wow the first person after a lengthy process of emails and online chats that actually provided worth while help. Does it provide seperate signalling for off battery as well as on battery i.e. ability to determine when UPS fails over to batter due to power failure and comes back online due to power being restored?

UPS Turnoff I am assuming is when all the battery power is depleted? If so is there a short period of warning i.e. 1 minute before it completely runs out. Is there any API or RS232 information in order to interpreter these signals?

Thank you once again I really do appreciate this!!!

[BillP · Accepted solution]

Hi,

The way simple signalling works is there is voltage either present or not present on specific pins. With this cable there would be voltage on DB9 pin 7 that is provided by the connected device. If UPS goes on battery there would be voltage passed to DB9 pin 8. If the UPS goes into a low battery state then there would be voltage passed to DB9 pin 1. For UPS turnoff voltage would be applied to DB9 pin 4 that would tell the UPS to power down.

I found a better schematic than what was presented in the apcupsd doc.

Hope this helps.