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6.0 UPS Monitoring
6.1 Overview
A UPS system alone provides excellent protection from brief power problems. How-
ever, 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, LAN Server, 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 impending shutdown, power
event logging, auto-restart upon power return and UPS battery conservation features.
For selected operating systems, PowerChute offers sophisticated power diagnostic and
network power management features. These include interactive battery testing;
scheduled server shutdowns, reboots and battery testing; detailed power quality
logging and a remote, real time, graphical power status display showing UPS loading
and battery conditions. PowerChute is available for many platforms including Novell,
OS/2, AppleShare, XENIX, most UNIX-based operating systems, and DEC VAX/VMS.
Caution: Use only factory supplied or authorized UPS monitoring cables!