Communicate with UPS using kermit

[Youlette Etienne_2]

Hello everyone,

We have an old Deltec 9000 series UPS that, according to the manual, should allow me to request certain information by issuing specific codes, via the RS232 cable.

The problem is that it does not tell you how. HP tech support recommended that I use kermit, however, after entering the set line, set speed, set flow, and connect commands, I just get a non-responding screen.

Does anyone know how to go about this, or where I can get additional information? The man pages haven't helped much.

I am using the k200, OS 10.20.

Thanks

Youlette

[Curt Thompson · Accepted solution]

Hello Youlette,

Communicating with an older version UPS can be frustrating. They usually do not have a
friendly user interface because they are streamlined to communicate directly with a program on your system and not a 'human' user.

For instance, one model of UPS from SOLA requires an <^> from the host system into order to initialize a dialogue. At that point, ASCII characters from the host setup the UPS for a non-interactive mode of data reporting. Then, the UPS will periodically send other ASCII characters back to the host which describe AC input power conditions, battery level, etc. In short, the host program is 'architected' to communicate with the UPS using a low-level protocol, usually developed by the UPS manufacturer. I have had this similar experience with an RTE/Deltec UPS that was about 5-7 years old.

If you believe that this UPS is different, and that it does have a user interface that is accessible through the RS232 serial cable and will paint-up a nice menu when the key is pressed, then may I make the following suggestions:

1) Serial (RS232) communications is full of variables. I would suggest connecting a dumb terminal (or system console) to the UPS first in order to eliminate some potential problems. Connecting the terminal directly will allow you to more quickly zero-in on issues like baud rate, parity checking, cable pinout, etc.

2) Once, you are sure that the pinout and data comminication parameters are correct, try entering logical commands at the terminal to get a response from the UPS (like: , 'help', ) if none of these commands work of if the UPS responds with 'garbage', then you probably have a UPS that expects you to use the protocol.

3) Another tip. Once connected and configured to the terminal, some UPS's will just periodically send stuff to your screen without any input via the terminal keyboard. If that stuff is unreadable, try changing the baud rate and parity of the terminal and then wait for another blast of data from the UPS. If the data becomes readable, then you are on the right track. However, don't be surprised if the data never gets any clearer.

4) Try to avoid typing garbage in the terminal keyboard to get a response from the UPS. You may accidentally type the 'right' thing, which the UPS might interpret as a shutdown, bypass, switch to batteries, or update firmware.

Only after you are able to communicate with the UPS should you then connect it to a configured serial port and attempt a kermit connection.

Good Luck,
Curt

[Youlette Etienne_2]

Curt,

Thanks for your response. I apologize for not being able to respond and assign points immediately, had a few problems accessing the forum.

Yes, this has been a very frustrating process. I previously installed a software called PowerMon but the software did not detect the last power outage that we had, and it does not detect any flickers like it should, eventhough it detected a previous power outage.

I am waiting for a new cable from our UPS tech support firm, hopefully this will work. I will also speak with them on how I can attempt your suggestions also as an option.

Thanks again for helping.

Youlette