[Nut-upsuser] Control power output via serial connection

[Charles Lepple]

On Nov 18, 2012, at 7:10 AM, Tero Mäntyvaara wrote:

> I have two APC UPS models and I am trying to find out if it is possible
> to cut power down via serial connection in Ubuntu Server 12.04.1 AMD64
> system.
> 
> I have models:
>    APC Back-UPS Pro 650 (BP650SI)
>    APC Back-UPS 650 (BK650MI)
> 
> I have also APC serial cables 940-0020C and 940-0095B.
> 
> Is this possible with my current hardware?

Maybe Michal Soltys has some additional insight into these models, but my first guess is that they are old enough (pre-2009) to work with the 'apcsmart' driver, and they should support normal low-battery shutdowns:

http://www.networkupstools.org/docs/man/apcsmart.html

> If it isn't possible, could
> you recommend model(s) on which has this feature?
> Does it exist models with which user is able to control the power per
> power socket?


One way to do power control with your existing UPS is to add a Power Distribution Unit (PDU). NUT supports several:

http://www.networkupstools.org/stable-hcl.html?device-type=pdu

It's difficult for us to recommend specific UPS models, since it seems like every time we find a good one, the manufacturer changes hardware under the hood (using the same model number), or they change to a new, incompatible proprietary protocol (APC did this in ~2009 with their Microlink protocol). My recommendation is to buy from a distributor with a good return policy.

-- 
Charles Lepple
clepple at gmail