SmartUPS 1500 chirps and flashes -- but doesn't work

[stevebass_apc]

This was originally posted on APC forums on 1/11/2017

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The SMC1500 (SAU1500 -- serial ASO-129330095) hasn't been used for at least 10 years.

With the batteries in and plugged into power, the UPS chirps and the lights continually flash in no apparent order. I created a YouTube video with what it looks like.

Without the batteries connected and plugged into power, the UPS doesn't chirp or light.

Here's are more details:

• Neither button -- on/test and off -- stops the chirping or flashing.
• The batteries are fine, terminals are clean, and the wiring is correct. I recharged then from a vehicle battery charger and tested with a voltmeter. They're holding a charge.
• The fuse appears good -- I can see the copper wire across the window.
• The  circuit breaker hasn't popped up.
• I tested the UPS at different power outlets. A light bulb doesn't work on any of the UPS outlets with the batteries or if the UPS is just connected to power.
• It has never been connected to the PowerChute app.
• The braindead technique hasn't helped.

Any ideas? Or is the UPS ready for a trip to the recycling center?

[BillP]

This reply was originally posted by Jonathan on APC forums on 1/11/2017

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Hi Steve,

Unfortunately, the UPS is already dead but you can still use it for our TradeUPS program. You will get a new UPS at a discounted price.

[stevebass_apc]

This was originally posted on APC forums on 1/11/2017

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I'm a tinkerer and get a kick out of fixing dead things. Unfortunately, I've never worked on a UPS. Any hints on what may be malfunctioning?

Also: which new model would use the 2 RBC7 batteries?

Thanks

[jeb1969_apc]

This was originally posted on APC forums on 1/13/2017

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Did you press and hold the power button for a few sec. until you heard it crip and then release it.

this is called doing a cold start...

[stevebass_apc]

This was originally posted on APC forums on 1/13/2017

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Thanks for the suggestion, John. I tried that. Didn't help.

[MarkC_apc]

This was originally posted on APC forums on 1/14/2017

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It possible that you can install a (cheap) network management card - (an AP9617 on ebay) and see if it will power up - the yellow light will come on if it has power.  With the latest NMC firmware, you may be able to get some error codes that lead you in the right direction for a repair - or potentially upgrade the UPS firmware.  There are a few wiring schemas on the web for the older models (SU/SUA) that if you have electronics skills, may be able to repair.  DANGER - HIGH VOLTAGES ABOUND!

[stevebass_apc]

This was originally posted on APC forums on 1/14/2017

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Hey Mark, thanks for your suggestion. But I think your nice and bright warning pushed me into thinking how much more fun it'd be to enjoy my low-risk geocaching hobby or maybe tend to the lettuce in my garden.

Seriously, I'm putting an ad on Craigslist or freecycle and offering it up as a freebie for someone else to tinker. Unless, of course, you want it (and in this case, "batteries included"!).

[UnexpectedBill_apc]

This was originally posted on APC forums on 1/14/2017

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It looks to me like there's a possible short circuit in whatever portion of the power supply feeds the low voltage electronics (microcontroller, etc.). This could explain the "pulsating" behavior -- the circuit starts up, hits a built in current limit (or the limits of the components) and shuts down to protect itself. Only there's no "latch" to keep it shut down, so it repeats forevermore.

These units are famous for developing bad capacitors. As best I remember, it is the 22uF capacitors that are the trouble makers. There might be others.

I might be interested in the unit, if you decide to get rid of it.

[stevebass_apc · Accepted solution]

This was originally posted on APC forums on 1/15/2017

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William,

Let's chat offline. Contact me at stevebass@gmail.com

--Steve

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