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6.0 UPS monitoring
6.1 Overview
A UPS system alone provides excellent protection from brief power problems.
However, during an extended power outage an unattended computer system
will eventually shut down due to battery capacity exhaustion. To prevent data
corruption when the UPS shuts down, the computer must be informed by the
UPS of impending shut down and take appropriate file-saving measures. This
important function is called “UPS monitoring.” The UPS’s computer interface
port is the means by which your UPS communicates with a computer system.
Some computer operating systems have built-in UPS monitoring. These systems
require various hardware interfaces. Interface kits for all operating systems that
support UPS monitoring are available from your dealer. In addition, your dealer
also offers PowerChute software which enhances such built-in UPS monitoring.
Versions of PowerChute are available which add the UPS monitoring function to
the many operating systems which do not inherently provide UPS monitoring.
6.2 Interface Kits
A series of interface kits is available for operating systems that provide UPS
monitoring. Each interface kit includes the special interface cable required to
convert status signals from the UPS into signals which individual operating
systems recognize. Each kit includes all necessary installation instructions.
Systems for which interface kits are offered include Novell, LAN Manager,
LANtastic, Banyan VINES and IBM AS/400.
6.3 PowerChute Software
PowerChute software provides complete data protection for most operating
systems. This software is a background process that monitors the UPS through
a RS-232 serial port on the host. PowerChute offers user notification of impend-
ing shutdown, power event logging, auto-restart upon power return and UPS
battery conservation features. PowerChute is available for many platforms
including Novell, LAN Manager, AppleShare, XENIX, most UNIX-based operat-
ing systems, and DEC VAX/VMS.
Caution: Use only factory supplied or authorized UPS monitoring cables!