UPS not communicating

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UPS not communicating

I have inherited the maintenance of a small network of iMacs, mostly running 10.6.8, including the server(64bit, Xeon, 6GB Ram). Now the server had a bung UPS on it, which I was asked to replace with something small and cheap (the previous one cost $3000 3 years ago, and weighs about 45kg), so I found the Blazer 800VA which has Mac support through it's Java based communications software http://www.ups-software-download.com/ ... but it refuses to communicate with the UPS.

To note:

I loaded the UPS software and tested the UPS on an iMac(10.6.8) in the network just fine.
I tried both USB and Serial port
I notice that the first time I loaded the software it came up with something about kext files missing in the system extensions.
I discovered the folder called extensions was empty, so populated it with the kext files from the iMac I just tried. The business has had a number of staff changes, and nobody knows how/why this is.
In the Energy Saver there is no tab for UPS.
I know Linux well, but am just getting my head around where everything lives in MacOS.
In the Xserve window, under hardware-USB, there is an entry "USB to Serial", with manufacturer INNO TECH. This appear to be the UPS reporting itself, as this entry is only there when connected via USB.
The system is fully up to date, including the JRE.
I tried the apcupsd, but that didn't recognise anything.

So what are my options?

Is it possible to do a reload over the top of the existing system?

What else could be missing if I can easily retrieve it from another iMac? (They do not know what they have done with the system install discs!!)

Xserve, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Nov 24, 2013 10:37 PM

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Answer 1

John Galt

Level 10

146,354 points

Nov 24, 2013 11:14 PM in response to onyxnz

You are going to make things very difficult for yourself attempting to use specialized software to communicate with the UPS, especially something that requires Java or a serial port. A UPS from APC or Cyberpower will not require any additional hardware or software to communicate with the Xserve. Just plug it in and the UPS tab will appear in Energy Saver with notification and shutdown options.

Throw away whatever software they may include - OS X already includes native UPS communication support.

I have never heard of a Blazer UPS, and Java is another potential security vector that will need constant vigilance. In your new position as caretaker of your company's computers, disable Java and the JRE on all of them and insist your users avoid it.

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Answer 2

onyxnz Author

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Nov 24, 2013 11:20 PM in response to John Galt

Thanks for the reply, so one of these should do the trick then? http://www.pbtech.co.nz/index.php?z=p&p=UPSCPR00800&name=CyberPower-Value-800EI- AU-800VA--480W-Line-Interac

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Answer 3

John Galt

Level 10

146,354 points

Nov 24, 2013 11:26 PM in response to onyxnz

Research the manufacturer's own website and find its specifications. A vendor often omits important details. If you post a link to Cyberpower's specifications I may be able to provide a definitive answer.

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Answer 4

onyxnz Author

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Nov 24, 2013 11:30 PM in response to John Galt

So this one then : http://www.cpsww.co.nz/products/ups_systems/Value_soho/value800ei.htm

says something about the Mac Energy Saver

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Answer 5

John Galt

Level 10

146,354 points

Nov 24, 2013 11:39 PM in response to onyxnz

Yes, thanks. Its communication features will work. Throw away whatever software it includes.

At 450 W that particular model may lack sufficient power for your particular model Xserve. Make sure you size a UPS correctly for its power requirements. The two I linked would be sufficient for a single late model Xserve.

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Answer 6

onyxnz Author

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Nov 24, 2013 11:51 PM in response to John Galt

The Xserve is 3 years old now, so I have gone for the 1000EI 550W model. Thanks for your help.

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Answer 7

Nov 25, 2013 8:13 AM in response to onyxnz

450 watts a less-interruptible power supply (LIPS — they're never truly uninterruptible, after all) with an Xserve?

I ran 1500 watt APC SmartUPS units — which do work and do notify the Xserve just fine via USB and also have a pretty good warranty and have easily-available spare batteries — and those 1500 watt configurations didn't hold for nearly as long as I would have preferred. Which is how I know the USB signaling works.

FWIW, Xserve 2009 is specified at 750 watts. Yours will be less than that with a less-than-maximal configuration, but you'll also need to draw power for and hold power for the networking and communications and other components associated with the server.

As with John Galt, I'd wonder if that 450 watt unit was overloaded during normal operations, and might overhead and fail.

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