June 17, 201115 yr Hello, Still planning for my conversion from a Win7 Server to UnRAID (probably a July event). Currently I'm not running a UPS, but really feeling like this is important in a parity protected array and want it to shutdown the server when the battery is running down. So we have some APC UPS's at work that are not being used, and have a few options. Smart UPS 700 - I think this is the smallest size I could use. The ability to monitor is via Serial cable. My MB does not have a serial port, so is there any way to covert to something else? (USB etc). I dont think there is, but could do an add on card but then start worrying more and more about compatibility issues. Is monitoring via serial problematic anwyay? The reason I'm asking is this is probably the easiest / cheapest option for me. Batteries are probably a year or two old but they aren't that expesive ($50 +/-) Back-UPS 900 (BR900) - This unit is actually not working. Howver, APC does have an upgrade program and it's worth $40 towards a BR 1000, which is actually what I think is the most reasnoable model for my application. Agree? Can be monitored via special USB to Ethernet cable provided by APC, but is this compatible with UnRAID? This one is a long shot. There is a Smart UPS 1500, that may be coming out of use. Plenty of power, probably overkill, and monitors via USB. Batteries are probably a year or two old and they cost more than the other models ($80 - $100). This is a more expensive unit and may need to offer to pay something for it. Maybe as much as the new BR 1000 in the end, but a better unit. This is a at least a generation old, wihout the LCD display. How difficult is monitoring to set up anyway?
June 17, 201115 yr To answer the last question - use the application called apcupsd which you can install and configure via unMenu. It's really simple to set up. It works well with USB - can't comment on serial connections. I have it working with a BackUPS 800 and it is very reliable. I also have my Win 7 box running a version of the same application and effectively slaved from my unRAID box. That also runs from the UPS, along with my cable modem and router. This ensures that in the event of a short mains outage everything stays running, and if it's longer than a couple of minutes everything shuts down gracefully. As for which UPS - think about what else you may wish to run from it, then add a bit of a safety margin.
June 17, 201115 yr The apcupsd program will run with all usb and serial cable all nicely. They are all pretty straight forward. Check your motherboard as most (not all) will have a serial header somewhere, you just need to purchase the cable: just search newegg or ebay for motherboard serial cable. That will give you a serial port if needed. As to usb vs serial, I use serial, haven't tried usb but they should both work without issues, just pick the ups based on size/battery life and cost. Josh
June 18, 201115 yr A USB to serial port adaptor should also work, but if you MB has a serial port header that would be better.
June 18, 201115 yr A USB to serial port adaptor should also work, but if you MB has a serial port header that would be better. If you are talking about the usb-serial converters that make it seem like the pc has a serial port just becareful as they can be problematic with the linux kernel. I remember reading that since a lot of the cheapie ones off ebay, same manufacturer and model will use different chipsets inside them making them a pain to deal with. It can be done but may be more difficult. Josh
June 18, 201115 yr Back-UPS 900 (BR900) - Can be monitored via special USB to Ethernet cable provided by APC, but is this compatible with UnRAID?I use the USB to ethernet cable with my Back-UPS ES 550 and it works perfectly. How difficult is monitoring to set up anyway?It took me about 3 minutes to setup. It really could not be any easier - all you need to do is use the package manager in unMenu and it's a piece of cake.
June 18, 201115 yr via special USB to Ethernet cable provided by APC :'( Think of all the poor souls who've tried to use that funky cable as an actual USB to Ethernet converter. On a bad day it seems the majority of my customers have adopted the "if it fits in the hole it must be right" mentality. Too many times the "hole" has just been a random indentation in the case. @TODDLT, if none of those units work out watch for sales on techbargains & such. APC 550s often go for under $50 shipped, but really, anything 350 or above should be more than required for a safe powerdown.
June 19, 201115 yr The cable is actually a USB to RJ-45 custom cable. The RJ-45 connector is also used by Ethernet, but there is nothing Ethernet about the APC cable.
June 19, 201115 yr Yea, they aren't even really RJ45. Those were keyed differently, but sheer numbers at this point means everyone's agreed to nevermind.
June 19, 201115 yr Technically it's an 8P8C modular connector, but it is commonly referred to as RJ45. This is technically incorrect because, as you point out, RJ45 includes keying specification.
June 19, 201115 yr The cable is actually a USB to RJ-45 custom cable. The RJ-45 connector is also used by Ethernet, but there is nothing Ethernet about the APC cable. Actually Ethernet/LAN uses an 8 pin connector. If you look close, the connector on the APC UPS cable is a 10 pin connector and they use the two outermost pins. It looks a lot like a normal Ethernet connector, bit it is nowhere close. It will not even fit in a standard LAN port as it is too wide. Joe L.
June 19, 201115 yr Yeah, good eye. I never looked at it closely. That makes it a 10P10C/RJ50 connector.
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