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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 Power-
Chute 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; sched-
uled 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!