R UPS 2 0 0 0

Uninterruptible Power Supplies

Software
User’s Manual
For
Microsoft Windows 95
Microsoft Windows 98
Microsoft Windows NT
Microsoft Windows 2000
Microsoft Windows Me
Microsoft Windows XP
Microsoft Windows 2003
Novell NetWare, Linux
 User Guide for RUPS 2000
Version 3.20

Copyright Information
Copyright ©2000-2003, Mega System Technologies, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Reproduction without permission is prohibited.

Technical Support and Contact Information

Mega System Technologies, Inc.
Tel: +886-2-87922060
Fax: +886-2-87922066
Web: www.megatec.com.tw
E-mail: [email protected]

RUPS 2000
SIMPLE INSTALLATION Windows 95,98,NT,2000,Me,XP,2003

♦ Hardware Installation (see p3)

1. Connect male connector of RUPS 2000 cable to UPS
communication port.
2. Connect female connector of RUPS 2000 cable to system
RS-232 communication port. If only a 25 pin RS-232
connector is available on the system rear panel a 9 pin to
25-pin adapter must be used to make the necessary
conversion.
♦ Software Installation (see p4)
1. Insert RUPS 2000 CD to the CD-ROM. RUPS 2000 will
then display the installation menu. Alternatively select
‘run’ from the windows start menu and execute
‘setup.exe’. RUPS 2000 files will be copied into the folder
specified.
(Default: C:\Program Files\Megatec\RUPS 200\)
2. After installation, reboot your system. For Windows
95,98,Me, a RUPS Daemon icon should appear on the
desktop taskbar. For Windows NT,2000,XP, double-click
"Services" in "Control Panel" to check if the RUPS service
has started. (See p5)
3. Click ’RUPS Manager’ for parameter settings. (See p5)
4. Click ’UPS Connection’ to monitor local or remote UPS.
(p6)

----For More Parameters, Please Reference Other Topics----

RUPS 2000
SIMPLE INSTALLATION Linux

♦ Hardware Installation (see p3)

1.Connect male connector of RUPS 2000 cable to UPS

communication port.
2. Connect female connector of RUPS 2000 cable to system
RS-232 communication port. If only a 25 pin RS-232
connector is available on the system rear panel a 9 pin to
25-pin adapter must be used to make the necessary
conversion.
♦ Software Installation (see p21)
1.Log in as the super-user.

2.Use the ‘ftp’ utility to transfer files to the Linux system.

# cd /tmp
# mv linux.tar.gz linux.tar.gz
or mv LINUX.TAR.GZ linux.tar.gz

3.Follow the instruction below to install RUPS :

# tar zxvf linux.tar.gz
# cd ./linux
# ./install

4.After installation is complete, configure RUPS to monitor your

system’s power status:

# cd /etc/rups
# ./rups config

----For More Parameters, Please Reference Other Topics----

RUPS 2000
SIMPLE INSTALLATION NetWare v3.1x,v4.x,v5.x,v6.x

♦ Hardware Installation (see p3)

1.Connect male connector of RUPS 2000 cable to UPS

communication port.

2. Connect female connector of RUPS 2000 cable to system

RS-232 communication port. If only a 25 pin RS-232
connector is available on the system rear panel a 9 pin to
25-pin adapter must be used to make the necessary
conversion.
♦ Software Installation (see p30)
1. Log in to the file server as a SUPERVISOR or user with
access rights in sub-directory ‘SYS:SYSTEM’.
2. Insert the RUPS CD into the CD-ROM and select the
appropriate version for installation. The installation program
will then automatically copy the RUPS utility into the
sub-directory ‘SYS:SYSTEM’ of the File Server.
3. The installation program will also append a command in the
server’s start-up file ‘AUTOEXEC.NCF’ to ensure the server
loads RUPS every time the system boots-up.

4. If your computer has more than one COM port, please insert
two or more “LOAD AIOCOMX” commands in the system
AUTOEXEC.NCF file after installing RUPS 2000.

----For More Parameters, Please Reference Other Topics----

RUPS 2000
CONTENTS

1. Introduction .............................................................1
1.1. Package Contains...................................................2
1.2. System Requirement...............................................2
2. Hardware Installation ..............................................3

3. Windows 95/98/NT/2000/Me/XP ................................4

3.1. Features ................................................................4
3.2. Software Installation ................................................4
3.3. Startup RUPS 2000.................................................5
3.4. Description.............................................................5
3.4.1. Select Monitor UPS (UPS Connection)...............6
3.4.2. Status Area .....................................................7
3.4.3. Function Selection Area.................................. 10
3.4.3.1. Settings....................................................................10
3.4.3.1.1. General...............................................................11
3.4.3.1.2. E-mail .................................................................12
3.4.3.1.3. Pager ..................................................................14
3.4.3.1.4. Shutdown ...........................................................16
3.4.3.1.5. Warning..............................................................17
3.4.3.2. Event log..................................................................19
3.4.3.3. Closed Files Record .............................................20
3.4.4. About RUPS.................................................. 20
3.4.5. RUPS Manager minimum................................ 21
3.4.6. Exit RUPS Manager........................................ 21
4. RUPS for Linux ...................................................... 22
4.1. Features .............................................................. 22
4.2. Software Installation .............................................. 22
4.3. Configuration ........................................................ 23
4.3.1. System Shutdown Configuration ...................... 24
RUPS 2000
 4.3.2. Serial Port Configuration ................................. 26
4.3.3. Remote UPS Monitoring.................................. 26
4.3.4. Start and Stop RUPS Process ........................ 28
4.3.5. Shutdown Batch Job ...................................... 29
4.3.6. Shutdown Command File ................................ 29
4.3.7. History Information ......................................... 30
4.4. Relevant Information .............................................. 30
4.4.1. Hardware Connection...................................... 30
4.4.2. Serial Port Configuration ................................. 30
4.4.3. Shutdown Command....................................... 31
4.4.4. Uninstall RUPS.............................................. 31
5. RUPS for NetWare ................................................. 32
5.1. Features .............................................................. 32
5.2. Software Installation .............................................. 32
5.3. Start and Stop RUPS ............................................ 33
5.4. UPS Status Display .............................................. 35
5.5. RUPS Functions ................................................... 36
5.5.1. Configuration ................................................. 36
5.5.2. View Error Log File ......................................... 37
5.5.3. System Shutdown .......................................... 39
5.6. Warning Messages ............................................... 39
6. Appendix - Hardware Requirements...................... 41

RUPS 2000
 Introduction

1. Introduction
RUPS 2000 software has been developed for Uninterruptible
Power Supplies (UPS) following the Dry Contact
(DB9) communication protocol. It monitors the status of the
UPS, shuts down the system before the UPS is exhausted and
can remotely observe the UPS via the Internet (enabling users
to manage their system more effectively). Upon AC failure or
UPS battery low, RUPS takes all necessary actions without
intervention from the system administrator. In addition to
automatic file saving and system shut-down functions, RUPS
can also send warning messages via pager, e-mail etc.,
thereby preventing file damage if power is suddenly turned off.

RUPS may be configured to start at system power-up, even if a

user has not logged on. It also supports other user-added
international language extensions.

Nowadays, information is more and more important whether it

be on personal computers or servers. In this context automatic
power supply monitoring is essential to the effective
deployment of a UPS. In offering comprehensive monitoring
and control features RUPS provides the best possible UPS
support available.

RUPS 2000 1
Introduction

1.1. Package Contains

♦ RUPS 2000 Installation CD
♦ One RUPS 2000 connection cable (M2501)
♦ RUPS 2000 User’s Manual(Standard version)
1.2. System Requirement
Hardware Requirement:

♦ Free RS232 port: COM1 to COM4

♦ Dry Contact (DB9) UPS (see Appendix for more information)
Operating Systems supported:

♦ Microsoft Windows 95 with IE 4.0

♦ Microsoft Windows 98
♦ Microsoft Windows NT v4.0
♦ Microsoft Windows 2000
♦ Microsoft Windows Me
♦ Microsoft Windows XP
♦ Microsoft Windows 2003
♦ Novell NetWare v3.1x, v4.x, v5.x, v6.x
♦ Linux

2 RUPS 2000
 Hardware Installation

2. Hardware Installation
Please follow the instructions below to install RUPS in
conjunction with UPS :
1. Plug DB-9 male connector of cable to UPS.

Host RUPS 2000 cable UPS

2. Connect DB-9 female end of cable to system RS232

port (use DB9/DB25 adapter if only 25pin male serial
port connection available).
3. I/O as defined in Novell NetWare:
I/O Address IRQ
COM1 3F8 4
COM2 2F8 3
COM3 3E8 4
COM4 2E8 3

WARNING! There is an electronic circuit inside the

RUPS 2000 cable. Do not use this cable to connect
with any devices other than a suitable UPS. Permanent
damage may be caused if used in an inappropriate
manner.

RUPS 2000 3
Windows/Features

3. Windows 95/98/NT/2000/Me/XP/2003
3.1. Features
♦ Supports Windows NT Service function
♦ Supports multiple languages
♦ Auto-sends warning messages by e-mail
♦ Auto-calls warning messages by pager
♦ Monitors UPS remotely via TCP/IP or internet
♦ Auto-detects AC failure and UPS battery low
♦ Broadcasts warning messages and records abnormal
power status.
♦ Sets shutdown countdown time and warning message
intervals.
♦ Automatically shuts-down and saves applications data
before Exit.

3.2. Software Installation

The RUPS 2000 SETUP program copies all files required for
the installation process to the relevant locations. Installation is
completed by following the steps outlined below :
1. Turn on the UPS and PC.
2. Place the RUPS 2000 CD into the CD ROM drive.
3. RUPS 2000 will automatically display the installation
menu or, alternatively, the ‘run’ option may be manually
selected from the windows start menu followed by
‘setup.exe’. RUPS 2000 files will then be copied into the
specified directory.
(Default:C:\Program Files\Megatec\RUPS 2000\)

4 RUPS 2000
 Windows/Startup

3.3. Startup RUPS 2000

After installation, reboot your system. For Windows 95,98,Me,
a RUPS Daemon icon should appear on the desktop taskbar.
For Windows NT, 2000, XP, double-click "Services" in
"Control Panel" to check if the RUPS service has started.

RUPS is operating normal

RUPS service is not operated or

M2501 cable is disconnected

To change settings within RUPS, double click on the RUPS

Daemon on your desktop taskbar or select RUPS Manager
from Start menu->Program Files->RUPS 2000.

3.4. Description
The RUPS manager control pad should be displayed as shown
below.
Function Selection Area

Status Area Select Monitor UPS

RUPS 2000 5
Windows/Description

3.4.1. Select Monitor UPS (UPS Connection)

RUPS 2000 may be used to monitor a local or remote UPS .

♦Local UPS:
1. Select Local UPS.
2. Click OK.
3. Return to Control pad to implement all settings.

♦Remote UPS:
1. Click "Add" to create a Remote UPS. (Edit window should
appear as shown below.)
2. Complete all Remote UPS fields in this window and click
OK.
3. Click on a Remote UPS to start remote monitoring.
4. For remove or edit the information that had add in, directly
modify the information on it and press "OK".

6 RUPS 2000
 Windows/Description

♦Add new Remote UPS

♦Edit Remote UPS

3.4.2.Status Area

UPS Battery Status", "AC Status", "System Shutdown

Countdown Timing" and "UPS Connection Status"
information display in this area.

RUPS 2000 7
Windows/Description

♦ AC Normal & UPS Battery Normal

♦AC Fail & Battery Low/ System start counting down for
shutdown

♦AC Status

AC Normal

AC Fail

8 RUPS 2000
 Windows/Description

♦Battery Status

Battery Normal

Battery Fail

♦Shutdown Countdown Time

It will display the time of countdown and

"Clock" icon on the left hand corner of main
screen of RUPS when system is shutting down
the system.
♦UPS Connection Status
Monitoring local UPS (Show local computer

com port name )

Monitoring remote UPS (Show Remote UPS IP

address )

Connection error! Not monitoring UPS.

RUPS 2000 9
Windows/Description

3.4.3. Function Selection Area

After selecting a UPS, you can start to configure the parameter

value.

3.4.3.1.Settings
After selecting a UPS, other parameters may be configured on
the other Settings dialogue box tabs. If parameter values are
incorrectly set RUPS may have problems functioning properly:

§ General: Defines location of UPS COM port and sets

password for remote monitor enters.

§ E-mail: Warning messages (e.g. AC failure or low battery)

may be sent to support staff by E-mail.

§ Pager: Warning messages (e.g. AC failure or battery low)

may be sent directly to support staff by pager.

§ Shutdown: Set the application to execute before shutdown

the system.

§ Warnings: Set enable or disable for warning pop up message

and adjust the interval time for pop up warning message
when event occure.

10 RUPS 2000
 Windows/Description

3.4.3.1.1.General

♦ UPS connected at Serial Port: Defines location of UPS COM

port.

♦ Remote Configuration Password: Sets password for RUPS

Daemon. Connection can only be made when remote
monitor enters correct password.

RUPS 2000 11
Windows/Description

3.4.3.1.2.E-mail
Warning messages (e.g. AC failure or low battery) may be sent
to support staff by E-mail.

♦ Enable Email Notification: Select the Enable E-mail check

box to switch-on notification by E-mail.

♦ Sender Display Name: Setting name for message "Sender".

♦ Sender Email Address: Setting the email address for sending

message.

♦ SMTP Server Address: Set-up SMTP mail server address by

IP or server-name.(e.g. 210.71.130.1 or megatec.com.tw)

12 RUPS 2000
 Windows/Description

♦ Server Require Authentication: Some Email Server required

authentication by password, user can set the password here.

♦ Notified Email Address: Select the event item for sending

first, and set the email address for receiving message. Press
"OK" to save all the setting.
§ Power abnormal condition: All Events/AC Failure/AC
Power Restored/UPS Battery Low/Recovered from Low
Battery.
§ Press"Add/Modify/Delete"button to edit email address.
§ For sending all events to the same email account, select
"All Events" and type the receiving email address.

RUPS 2000 13
Windows/Description

♦ Following picture is the email contents that sent

automatically by "RUPS 200":

3.4.3.1.3.Pager
Warning messages (e.g.AC failure or battery low) may be sent
directly to support staff by pager :

14 RUPS 2000
 Windows/Description

♦ Enable Pager Notification: The users can set whether or not

enable pager function.
♦ Modem connected at: set the communication port, which
connects with the Modem. The setting value is COM1-COM4.
♦ Pager Number: Input the pager number directly if you are using
the special line ( i.e. the line which has no use for a
switchboard.). If necessary, please input the prefix code for
outside line first. Then add "," for 0.5 second delay time. At last,
input the pager number.
♦Code To Send: Enter event description code.
♦ Send through the same pager number: Select this check box
to send all messages to the same pager and enter the relevant
pager number in the AC Failure field.

For instance: Set the Modem connect to COM2 and dial ‘0’ to
access an outside line, and pager number is ‘0,947123456’, and
"#1234#"means AC power failed.

Attention: Transmission must be completed within 20

seconds.

RUPS 2000 15
Windows/Description

3.4.3.1.4.Shutdown
This section allow user execute and auto save program and file
before shutdown system and UPS.

♦ Shutdown Windows: Select this check box to enable operating

system shut down.
§ After AC failure, commence computer xx Mins: Specify
estimated UPS runtime (in minutes) after AC failure.
§ If Low Battery occurs, commence shutdown xx Mins: Set
some time for system's continuous operation when
battery low. For the setting value, the smaller is the better.
♦ Auto Save Files: Select this check box to enable auto-saving
of unsaved data when RUPS shuts down the computer system.
All previously unsaved data is written to files with the extension

16 RUPS 2000
 Windows/Description

‘.TMP’. A list of saved files may be found by clicking ‘closed

applications’ on the utility menu.
Attention: The RUPS will attempt to intelligently save
open files but cannot guarantee success
with all file types.
♦ Execute Command File: Select this check box to execute a
program before system shutdown. (Full path name to file must be
specified.)
Attention:System shutdown will not commence until all
applications are closed. If applications do
not terminate correctly shutdown will be
incomplete.
♦ Turn off UPS: Set to turn off the UPS power supply.
§ Time wait for shutdown sequence before turn off UPS XX
Mins Normally, Windows shutdown time depends on
system settings. Specify estimated system shutdown
time. (This function is only effective in Windows NT, 2000.)
Attention: Do not manually switch off the UPS when
power has failed or the system may not
restart correctly when power returns.
♦ Display Last Saved Information on Start Up: Select this check
box to display a list of temporary files (saved during the most
recent power failure) upon Power Manager startup.

3.4.3.1.5.Warning
Set enable or disable for warning pop up message and adjust
the interval time for pop up warning message when event
occure.
RUPS 2000 17
Windows/Description

♦ Enable Pop-up Messages : Select this check box to enable

on-screen pop-up warning messages.
♦ Pop-Up Warning Message Every xx Secs: Specify the interval
between on-screen message updates.
♦Notified Messages: Overtype default text to create user-defined
messaged if required.

18 RUPS 2000
 Windows/Description

3.4.3.2.Event log
Status and event history information can be viewed in the Event
Log window by list or calendar :

♦List

♦Calendar

RUPS 2000 19
Windows/Description

3.4.3.3.Closed Files Record

Closed applications and auto-saved files may be viewed in this

message box as shown.

3.4.4. About RUPS

Clicking on "About" in the RUPS main screen displays

copyright and version information on RUPS 2000.

20 RUPS 2000
 Windows/Description

3.4.5. RUPS Manager minimum

Press and the RUPS 2000 manager screen will minimize

onto the taskbar.

3.4.6. Exit RUPS Manager

Press to exit RUPS Manager (Note : RUPS will continue to

run in the background to monitor the system UPS.)

RUPS 2000 21
Linux/ Software Installation

4. RUPS for Linux

4.1. Features
♦ Auto-detects AC failure or UPS battery low
♦ Broadcasts warning messages and records abnormal
power status

♦ Monitors Power Status through the system’s RS232 Serial

Port. No additional hardware required.

♦ Programmable Shutdown delay time.

♦ User programmable Night-Off function.
♦ Monitors remote UPS SNMP Agent on the Network.
Follows IETF UPSMIB (RFC 1628) or proprietary UPS MIB
information.

4.2. Software Installation

Before installing RUPS, turn on UPS power, boot up the
computer and log in as a super-user. Use the ‘ftp’ utility to
transfer all the files in the CD to the Linux system. Next, follow
the instructions below to make the filename conversion after
the ‘ftp’ file transfer:
# cd /tmp
# mv linux.tar.gz linux.tar.gz
or mv LINUX.TAR.GZ linux.tar.gz

Therafter, uncompress the target file and ‘tar’ the installation

files into the ‘linux’ directory. Change the directory to

22 RUPS 2000
 Linux/ Features

‘/tmp/linux’ and execute the installation file named ‘install’ to

initiate the installation process.
Follow the instruction below to install RUPS :
# tar zxvf linux.tar.gz
# cd ./linux
# ./install

The installation programs will copy all necessary files to the

location ‘/etc/rups’ and change the system start-up schedules
to include the RUPS process. When the installation procedure
is completed, the configuration menu will be displayed on the
screen. Follow the instructions in Chapter 4.3 to make
configuration settings.
If there is no network connection in the system, let your dealer
know the type of media available for copying files into your
system.

4.3. Configuration
After complete installation of RUPS, configure RUPS to monitor
your system’s power. Enter the command shown below to
initiate the RUPS configuration program :

# cd /etc/rups
# ./rups config

RUPS 2000 23
Linux/ Relevant Information

Select options by
keying in the letter at
the beginning of each
item to change the
current configuration.
After the configuration is
modified, press ‘S’ to save it or press ‘Q’ to quit RUPS
configuration. Detailed information on the available options is
explained below.

4.3.1. System Shutdown Configuration

RUPS most important task is to shut down the system safely

when a power failure occurs.

Read the information below carefully and configure the items in

this section according to your system’s power consumption
and UPS capacity.

[A]. Delay of Server Shutdown when AC Power Failed

This menu configures the

delay time of system
shutdown when RUPS
detects a power failure
condition. RUPS will start a
countdown process based on this delay time setting. When the
countdown reaches zero, RUPS will shutdown the operating
system and turn off UPS power. Please contact your UPS
dealer for information regarding estimated times for which your
UPS might support your system.
24 RUPS 2000
 Linux/ Relevant Information

[B]. Delay of Server Shutdown when Battery Low

This menu configures the of system shutdown delay time after
RUPS detects a UPS battery low signal. Typically, a UPS may
only provide power for 2minutes after a battery low signal is sent.
RUPS will override the countdown timer with this setting when it
receives a UPS battery low signal. The value of this parameter
is limited to between 1 - 5 minutes.

[C]. Night-Off Delay Time

This menu configures the delay
time for system shutdown during
the Night-Off period. The Night-Off function provides a different
shutdown delay time during a user defined time period. If a
power failure happens at night, the system might be set up to
shut down immediately. This same function may also be set up
to provide a scheduled turn-on and turn-off function when
combined with a 24-hour electric timer.

[D]. Night-Off Begin Time/End Time

This menu entry defines the begin time and end time of the
Night-Off period.
n If this field is set to 00:00~00:00, the function will be executed
on 24-hours.
n To turn off this function, [A].Delay of Server Shutdown when
AC Power Failed should be set to the same value as
[C].Night-Off Delay Time.
[A]. Delay of Server Shutdown when AC Power Failed
[C]. Night-Off Delay Time
[L]. Countdown Function

RUPS 2000 25
Linux/ Relevant Information

This menu option defines

whether countdown status is
displayed on the console when the shutdown countdown
begins. The countdown display will be updated every second
until the countdown process stops.

4.3.2. Serial Port Configuration

RUPS provides local and remote UPS monitoring function.

When the UPS is located beside the host computer, RUPS
detects power status from the host’s serial port. Follow the
instructions below to configure the serial port of your host
computer.

[E]. Local UPS Monitoring

When RUPS is to be used
to detect local UPS signals,
this menu option must be
set to ‘YES’. Otherwise, select ‘NO’ to configure RUPS for
remote monitoring via a UPS SNMP agent.

[F]. Communication Serial Port

Specify the device name of the serial port connecting the host
computer and UPS. When first configuring the system, the
correct serial port must be specified to make RUPS functional.
Refer to the corresponding section in chapter 4 for detailed
information about serial port device names.

4.3.3. Remote UPS Monitoring

(For this functions you will need to purchase our advanced
software: ME-PK-034 RUPS for Unix)
26 RUPS 2000
 Linux/ Relevant Information

In order to use RUPS to

monitor a remote UPS
SNMP agent, item ‘E’
must be set to ‘NO’ to configure SNMP agent information.
Also, check the security setting of the SNMP agent to ensure
UPS information is accessible to the host computer. RUPS
needs read and write privileges to perform UPS status
monitoring.

When RUPS is configured to monitor a remote SNMP agent,

some of its functionality will be dependent on that supported by
the SNMP agent. For instance, the turn-off delay function
might not be supported on the proprietary UPS MIB. Since the
host computer could not be powered off without a delay time for
the system to shut down, RUPS will not be able to send out the
UPS turn-off command to the SNMP agent.

[G]. SNMP Community

Enter the SNMP community for the target UPS SNMP agent.
The SNMP agent information can only be accessed within same
SNMP community.

[H]. SNMP Agent IP/Hostname

Enter the target SNMP agent IP address or hostname. RUPS
will retrieve the current UPS status information from this
address.

RUPS 2000 27
Linux/ Relevant Information

4.3.4. Start and Stop RUPS Process

After installation is complete, RUPS will run as a background

process every time the system starts-up. If configurations have
been modified, the system must be rebooted or RUPS must be
restarted to implement the new configuration. RUPS may be
started manually by selecting [M] in the RUPS configuration
menu or using the following command :
/etc/rups/rups start
Before running RUPS, make sure the ‘getty’ process is not
activated for the designated serial port and that no other process
will access the same serial port. If the ‘getty’ process has been
activated or another process is using the same serial port for
communication, RUPS will not be able to detect UPS signals.
The ‘ps’ command may be used to check if other processes are
using the same TTY port as the UPS and RUPS.
To stop RUPS running as a background process, select [N] in
the RUPS configuration menu or use the command below :
/etc/rups/rups stop

[K]. RUPS Start-up Delay Time

This menu option sets the
delay time between loading
RUPS and starting the UPS monitoring process. This period is
required to ensure all device drivers are loaded before the UPS
process starts.

[M]. Restart RUPS to update new configuration

This menu option
allows RUPS to be

28 RUPS 2000
 Linux/ Relevant Information

restarted as a background process. When RUPS has been

restarted, it will use the new data from the configuration file.
Therefore, select ‘S’ to save configurations to file before
restarting RUPS.

[N]. Stop the RUPS

Select this menu item to stop RUPS when running as a
background process.

4.3.5. Shutdown Batch Job

RUPS provides a batch job function that enables the execution

of a user-specified process before each power failure shutdown.
The command file is a plain text file and a standard text editor
can be used to add to or modify commands in this file. The name
of the command file is:
/etc/rups/preshut.bat

4.3.6. Shutdown Command File

The shutdown command file contains the command to

shutdown the system. This command will be executed after a
power-failed countdown. The name of the command file is:
/etc/rups/shutdwon.ini

Refer to the relevant UNIX system operating manual or the

corresponding section in Chapter 4 of this document before
making any modification. Make sure the command can be used
to shut down the system after modifying this file.

RUPS 2000 29
Linux/ Relevant Information

4.3.7. History Information

RUPS records all abnormal conditions in a log file which may be

inspected with any text editor. The messages in this log file are:
AC power failure and restore messages.
@@ Thu Jun 15 12:52:04 1995 AC Power Fail @@
## Thu Jun 15 12:52:22 1995 AC Power Restored ##

UPS battery low and recovery messages when AC

power failed.
** Thu Jun 15 12:52:20 1995 UPS Battery Low, Server
will be shutdown in 1 min **
** Fri Jun 16 13:49:35 1995 UPS Battery Low Recovered
**

UPS battery low and recovery messages when AC

power normal.
** Thu Jun 15 12:52:30 1995 UPS Battery Weak **
** Thu Jun 15 12:52:36 1995 Battery Weak Back to
Normal **

4.4. Relevant Information

4.4.1. Hardware Connection

Linux must run on a PC compatible computer with a DB-9 male
or a DB-25 male serial port connection. If necessary a
DB9Female/DB25Male adapter should be used.

4.4.2. Serial Port Configuration

The following TTY name should be used for RUPS configuration:
Port1 → /dev/ttyS 0
Port2 → /dev/ttyS 1

30 RUPS 2000
 Linux/ Relevant Information

4.4.3. Shutdown Command

The Linux shutdown command is :
/sbin/halt

4.4.4. Uninstall RUPS

To remove RUPS from the host system, follow the instructions
below:

1. Remove the sub-directory ‘/etc/rups’, (the location for all

RUPS files).

2. Remove RUPS from the system start-up process. Check

the file ‘/etc/rc.d/rc.local’ and remove the following RUPS
start-up command :
/etc/rups/rupsd &

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5. RUPS for NetWare

5.1. Features
♦ Detects power failure & UPS battery low
♦ Automatic system shutdown & UPS turn off
♦ Automatic detection of UPS serial port connection
♦ Schedules first warning message
♦ User-specified interval between warning messages
♦ Displays power & UPS messages in local system
♦ Counts down display before system shutdown
♦ UPS/power history events log
♦ Provides Night-Off function
5.2. Software Installation
To install RUPS in a NetWare network operating system,
execute the installation program on a network workstation.
Follow the procedures below to install RUPS on your
NetWare system.
1. Login the file server as a SUPERVISOR or a user with
access rights in sub-directory ‘SYS:SYSTEM’.
2. Insert the RUPS CD to the CD-ROM and select the version
for installation. The installation program will copy the
RUPS utility to the sub-directory ‘SYS:SYSTEM’ of the
File Server.
3. The installation program will also append a command in
the server’s start-up file ‘AUTOEXEC.NCF’ to ensure the
file server loads RUPS on every system boot-up.

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5.3. Start and Stop RUPS

After RUPS has been installed, the file server will load RUPS
every time the system boots-up. The following console
command must be executed to manually start RUPS on the file
server:
LOAD RUPS
After loading ‘RUPS.NLM’, the console will display the
following RUPS dialogue screen :

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If an error message indicating there is a missing NLM is

displayed whilst RUPS is loading, copy the missing file from
the RUPS installation cd to the sub-directory ‘SYS:SYSTEM’
manually.

RUPS provides two different means of accessing the file

server’s RS232 ports, namely ‘UPSC’ and ‘UPSA’.
‘UPSC.NLM’ accesses the RS232 ports directly whilst the
‘UPSA.NLM’ uses ‘AIOCOMX.NLM’ from Novell. The default
auto-loading driver for RUPS is ‘UPSC’. If, however,
‘AIOCOMX’ is already installed, ‘UPSA’ should be used
instead of ‘UPSC’ to avoid conflicts. The command ‘LOAD
UPSA’ should also be inserted before the ‘LOAD RUPS’
command in the file ‘SYS:SYSTEM\AUTOEXEC.NCF’ after
installation is complete.
LOAD UPSA
LOAD RUPS

To stop the RUPS process, it can be unloaded by selecting

‘Exit’ on the screen or by using the unload command on the
console:
UNLOAD RUPS

The ‘UPSC.NLM’ or ‘UPSA.NLM’ is still in the server’s

memory after RUPS.NLM is unloaded. Both of these NLMs
can be removed with the appropriate unload command at
console screen.

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5.4. UPS Status Display

UPS status is displayed within the RUPS screen on the
console. It contains the current UPS status information in the
left window and any recent abnormal conditions on the right.
The meaning of each field is as detailed below :

File Server AC Power Status : NORMAL

This field displays the status of the system AC power
supply, shows ‘NORMAL’ or ‘FAILED’.
File Server UPS Battery Status : NORMAL
This field displays the status of the UPS battery, shows
‘NORMAL’ or ‘WEAK’.
UPS Connect Port : COM1
This field displays the COM port name of the file server for
UPS communication.
UPS Communication : NORMAL
Displays the status of communication between the file
server and UPS, shows ‘NORMAL’ or ‘FAILED’.
Shutdown Countdown : 10:00
Displays the system shutdown countdown when system
power fails.
The area to the right of the Power System Information screen
shows recent abnormal conditions detected by RUPS. This
information is also written to the log file.

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5.5. RUPS Functions

The RUPS menu is located at the bottom of RUPS screen.
The Up/Down arrow keys may be used to select RUPS
functions. A more detailed explanation of these now follows:

5.5.1. Configuration
Select ‘Configuration’ to set-up RUPS parameters.
Highlighting an item will allow options to be set as detailed
below:

Time Between AC Power Fail and Initial Warning Message

The delay time between the detection of AC failure and

display of the first on-screen warning message.
Delay Between Warning Message
The delay time between consecutive on-screen warning
messages.
Delay of Shutdown Server When AC Power Failed
The time between the detection of AC failure and system

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shutdown.
Delay of Shutdown Server When Battery Low
The time between the detection of a low UPS battery and
system shutdown.
Communication Serial Port
Definition of the communication port to which the system
UPS is connected. Selection of ‘AUTO’ in this field allows
automatic detection.
Night-Off Function
Enables or disables the Night-Off Function. This function
allows a different shutdown delay time to be applied during
a user-specified period. For example, the system can be
configured to shut down immediately if a power failure
occurs during the night. It can also be used to provide a
scheduled turn-on and turn-off function when used in
conjunction with a 24-hour time switch
Night-Off Begin time
Start time for Night-Off function.
Night-Off End time
End time for Night-Off function.
Night-Off Delay time
Shutdown delay time during the Night-Off period.

5.5.2. View Error Log File

This function allows abnormal power events to be reviewed.

Information is saved in a file named named ‘RUPS.LOG’ in the

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‘SYS:SYSTEM’ sub-directory. File size is limited to 50K

bytes, thereby eliminating worries about excessive disk space
requirements.
Pressing ‘Enter’ at the ‘View Error Log File’ menu option
displays the log file contents. The meaning of each type of
log file entry is detailed below :

System AC Power Failed

RUPS detected an AC Power failed.

UPS Battery Low

A UPS battery low condition detected.

System AC Power Recovered

RUPS detected AC Power was restored.

UPS Battery Low Recovered

RUPS detected UPS battery recovered.

<ERROR> Unable to Shutdown Server

System error. Unable to shut down the file server.

<ERROR> Unable to Notify Users

System error. Unable to send warning messages to users.

RUPS.NLM System Start

RUPS activated.

RUPS.NLM Unloaded
RUPS unloaded.

Shutdown File Server

RUPS shut down the file server.

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5.5.3. System Shutdown

This function shuts down the file server. Before shutting down
the server, RUPS executes RUPSDOWN.NCF. This file must
be created and edited by the user and is not supplied on the
RUPS diskettes. To be effective it must be located in
SYS:SYSTEM, as follows :
SYS:SYSTEM\RUPSDOWN.NCF

If this command is executed during a period when AC power

has failed, RUPS will immediately shutdown the file server and
turn-off the UPS. If this command is executed when AC power
is present, RUPS will shutdown the file server but will not
turn-off the UPS. Select ‘System Shutdown’ and press ‘Enter’
to shut down the File Server, as shown below.

5.6. Warning Messages

If RUPS detects any abnormal system power or UPS battery
events, it will broadcast a warning message to the console and
all workstations attached to the server. The warning messages
are detailed below :

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<WARNING> POWER FAIL, FS1 shutdown in 5 Min.

System power failure detected, shutdown timer countdown
started.

<ATTENTION> Server FS1 shutdown in 1 Min.

System shutdown process continuing, system will be shut
down in 1 minute.

<ATTENTION> BATTERY LOW, FS1 shutdown in 1

Min.
UPS battery low detected, system will be shut down in 1
minute.

Server FS1 Power Recovered, shutdown abort

Power recovery detected; system will not be shutdown.

Server FS1 Battery Low Recovered, shutdown in 2

Min.
UPS low battery recovered, but AC power still not recovered.

Server FS1 Battery Low Recovered, shutdown abort

UPS low battery recovered, system shutdown aborted.

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6. Appendix - Hardware Requirements

Megatec M2501 cables may be used to connect an intelligent
UPS to a host system running RUPS. Two signal configurations
exist as detailed below :

TYPE I

Pin 2 AC Power Failure

Pin 4 Common Ground of Pin 2, 5, 6
Pin 5 UPS Battery Low
Pin 6 Turn Off UPS

TYPE II

Pin 2 AC Power Failure

Pin 4 Common Ground of Pin 2, 5
Pin 5 UPS Battery Low
Pin 6 Turn Off UPS
Pin 7 GND of Pin 6