Connecting Old RS232 UPSs to Winows 7 and beyond?

[Banner1971]

We can't be the only one with this problem. We have many old Back-UPS 300-650 sized units that, when fitted with a new SLA battery, chug along just fine. However, they all use 9 pin serial port communication. The computer does not recognize them when they are plugged in and I have tried a software called "winpower" that does not seem to do anything either.

Is there any reasonably priced solution that will work to monitor state of charge, and shut down the computer gracefully like they used to do?

 

[goombawaho]

How did you connect the unit to the UPS (what interface to what)?? Did you use a USB to Serial adapter?
I'm assuming here that the PC doesn't have a native serial port, otherwise I wouldn't understand why communication doesn't work.

I would stick with the APC provided software (Powerchute) and add a serial port to the machine. I see lots of complaining about using a USB to Serial adapter cable and having it not work or lose connection. Best to make it like the manufacturer designed it. Unless someone else can guarantee that they've had good success with your UPS, your software and a USB cable.

Something like this: PCI

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815166003

PCI-E

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815283011

Please check operating system support before purchasing. You didn't mention what O.S. you are running.

 

[rclarke250]

I would think the Powerchute software like Goombawaho said, but if you don't have a serial port on the computer, check to see if the MB has a serial header, and you just need to purchase a header for it, better than a USB to serial adapter, that may or may not work.

 

[goombawaho]

Right - the original post didn't say how they were getting it connected right now, so I'm a bit confused as to the source of the problem.

 

[Banner1971]

It was connected to a motherboard serial port.

I didn't realize PowerChute was still available; how do I get it?

 

[rclarke250]

Direct from APC HERE.

 

[goombawaho]

I would say to use PowerChute PERSONAL Edition as I'm 100% sure it's free and it works on Server and desktop operating systems. Business is NOT free. As long as you aren't trying to shut down multiple computers from 1 UPS, I think it would be just what your need.

https://www.apc.com/products/family/?id=129

I have it running on a Server 2003, but you'll have to try it on Server 2008 or later if that's what you are running - probably will work especially if you choose Compatibility Mode. You didn't mention your O.S.

Verify the serial port is OK in Device Manager - not UNKNOWN DEVICE.

 

[Banner1971]

Finally tried it today. The APC install software does not see the UPS and the serial port was working with other peripherals. The installation refuses to continue and it rolls the whole thing back.

???

 

[goombawaho]

Mismatch in serial port that the software is expecting to see??? Like it's actually COM4 when the software wants to use COM1??????