Unable to Communicate With PowerChute v3.02

[BillP]

This question was originally posted by Chuck on APC forums on 1/18/2014

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I have a BackUPS 650 (Model BK650MC) that  will not communicate  with the PowerChute software.  I know that the  serial cable is good because I can use it between a CyberPower UPS  and the same computer.  the computer is a Dell Optiplex 330.  Tthe UPS is about 10 years old and I'm sure it needs a new battery.  I don't want to replace the battery if  the UPS  will not communicate with the software.  Does anyone have any suggestions?

[BillP · Accepted solution]

This reply was originally posted by Angela on APC forums on 1/19/2014

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PowerChute Personal Edition only supports newer generation USB Back UPS products and as you noted, BK650MC is an older serial communications UPS. So, it won't work.

Is the cable you're using an APC serial cable? (The part numbers are typically engraved on one of the cable connector ends.) I ask because the cable for this UPS is proprietary so I am thinking it's not the right cable if it works with a different brand UPS.

If you find or have the right cable, you may be able to get this working with older Windows OS varieties before Vista via native support. Otherwise, the older software we used to provide for this isn't really supported anymore and PowerChute Business Edition might work at some level but this UPS doesn't have many bells and whistles within any software interface.