RE: APC Smart-UPS and as/400 ?

["James H H Lampert" <jamesl@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

> We've been using the same APC Smart UPS for the last 5-6 years on the
> as/400 with no problems.  I had to get a different cable when we got our
> new as/400.  I just had to hot-swap the batteries about a month ago for
> the first time.

One caveat: it is possible, albeit unlikely, for a failed self test to
send simultaneous "on-battery" and "low battery" signals through the
monitoring cable. This combination WILL cause an unstoppable emergency
power-down. I can provide schematics for a simple device (using a relay
powered by a "wall wart" power supply) to block the "low battery" signal
as long as the utility power is active. All it requires is a pair of DB9
male and female plugs (IDC for ribbon cable), the aforementioned wall-wart
and relay, a short length of ribbon cable, and a small project enclosure.

We have two 2200VA units, one of which is a brand new XL model, with one
external pack.

Also: to set an "XL" unit to make its runtime calculations based on the
number of external packs connected, you need to at least temporarily hook
it up to a PC with their proprietary PowerChute software.

--
JHHL