Unable to set time and date on AP9631 management card

[Anonymous user]

Hi.

I try to set the correct date and time on this management card but it doesn't work. Any option that I choose give an incorrect date and time. There's a difference of many months and the time is also wrong but not just the hours, minutes also are wrong so it does not appear to be timezone related. The ntp server that I set are the same that many other devices in our network use without problems. Strangely, ntp, manual or applying local computer time all gives wrong date and time but different ones. Any ideas?

[BillP]

There is a hardware component on the NMC that could be the cause of the problem by what you describe. It seems like you've tried everything with NTP, setting local computer time, etc so it could be thathardware issue.

If you want to post a good, close up picture of the entire AP9631 PCB board, I could take a look at it and see if I see anything obvious. Otherwise, you may want to contact support if it is under warranty.

Just curious, is this a brand new card or how long has it been in service?

[Anonymous user]

Brand new. The ups was powered on last Sunday.

[BillP · Accepted solution]

Are you able to take a picture of the PCB board as I mentioned?

[parkcitygolfer]

I have this exact same issue. No matter what i do if i change the NTP time to use my NTP server then it errors on me and I cannot access the ap9631 until i reset it completely and start the config over. There is definitely a bug in the code of this firmware causing this. i have a bunch of ap9630 versions of this card and they work fine. thanks

this is the error i get after manually adding NTP or manually changing the time

Secure Connection Failed

An error occurred during a connection to 10.5.0.82. PR_CONNECT_RESET_ERROR

[naythu]

"I have this exact same issue. No matter what i do if i change the NTP time to use my NTP server then it errors on me and I cannot access the ap9631 until i reset it completely and start the config over. There is definitely a bug in the code of this firmware causing this. i have a bunch of ap9630 versions of this card and they work fine"

Any solution on this?

[69andfedup]

Taking a picture of the card is the solution??? Give me a break. This happened to me today and I spent hours resetting the card. What is causing this and what is the solution?

[Teken]

Taking a picture will offer insight as to the PCB condition and production date. If the coin cell is expired this can be one of the root cause.

Provide a photo of both sides of the PCB. Measure the voltage on the coin cell and report the value.

Lastly, what firmware is it currently running?!?

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[69andfedup]

So the coin cell could be part of the issue? What else could it be? I'm an hour away from the site where this unit is. And the coin cell is soldered onto the board. Sorry, but if a bad coin cell could cause these kind of problems, why was it soldered onto the board? Bad design. I need to fix this in one trip. So I'll replace the card with a card that I can put a new battery in without surgery.

Now I just have to hope the documentation is correct and an AP9641 will work in this unit.

[Teken]

The coin cell retains the information for the RTC and other sub systems in the NMC.

The coin cell was removable in early versions than the company said based on compliance it had to be tac welded?!?

The AP9641 has a removable coin cell as such the so called safety compliance was FUD.

If the system has a AP9630 / 31 NMC now than a AP9641 will be fine too. The only caveat is to insure it has the correct firmware whether it be for Smart-UPS vs Symmetra.

Regardless of the coin cell insure all parameters relating to time keeping is accurate and well defined. Such as Time Zone, DST, and the system is referenced to an accurate Local NTP source!

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[69andfedup]

Thanks Teken, especially for that point about making sure to have the correct firmware for the Smart-UPS

[Teken]

No problem and will offer just another gentle reminder. If you’re using the secure NMC firmware instead of the none subscription version you’ll need to purchase, activate, than install the Smart-UPS version for the NMC.

If the AP9641 isn’t using SNMC firmware than you may use this APC Resource Link to download the Smart-UPS (SU) v2.5.5.1 firmware here:

https://www.se.com/ca/en/product/AP9641/device-monitoring-and-management-network-management-cards-nm...

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