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OS/2 Help File
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1998-10-13
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444KB
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ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1. PowerAlert Plus ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
PowerAlert Plus is a fully functional client/server software package designed
to provide an interface for monitoring many manufacturer's Uninterruptable
Power Supplies (UPS) via special interface files called "driver" files. This
monitoring can be performed on a local machine for its UPS or, if networked,
can be used to monitor and control UPS's at remote locations. The software
allows diagnostics, trend monitoring, and remote operations to be performed on
any UPS provided the appropriate driver file is present. (NOTE: additional
driver files for other UPS manufacturers are available from Trippe
Manufacturing)
Overview
The software package consists of two main components:
1. The PowerAlert Plus client GUI (graphical user interface) outlined here
in this help file that allows the user to view local and remote server
data and events plus view and graph UPS data, monitor event logs, and
control local and remote UPS.
2. The PowerAlert Plus Server. The server service (from hereon referred to
as "server") is the application that communicates with the UPS,
broadcasts UPS related information and records data received. Once the
server is set up and installed (using the SrvSetup.exe application), the
main interface to any PowerAlert Plus server is via the PowerAlert Plus
client application.
This software has been developed to utilize the full capabilities of "smart"
UPS's; however, PowerAlert was also designed to communicate with Tripp Lite
basic UPS systems via contact closures. All communications with a UPS is done
via a serial port and serial cables between the UPS and a computer. This
software utilizes a dedicated COM port and special cable that connects to the
UPS for sending, receiving, and polling information between of a UPS.
Smart vs. Contact Closure
The difference between a "smart" and contact-closure UPS lies in the
information provided by the UPS to the "outside" world. A "smart" UPS can
report information such as temperature, input voltage, battery charge, and
battery runtime. This information can be translated and presented to the user
in a readable fashion while a contact closure UPS can only represent on/off
states like "On Utility/On Battery".
Security
It is important to note that any function that allows a user of a PowerAlert
Plus client to control a UPS, or utilize the add, modify, or delete functions
are only performed if the user is considered logged in by the current
PowerAlert server. The screens, menu options, and buttons that allow for this
control are either partially or completely disabled in the event the user is
not logged in. However, this does not prevent the user from viewing the
information. To create a user, start the Server Setup application and choose
Options>User Manager. Each user setup with permission on the server is
considered an "administrator" of the server. Any number of user names and
passwords can be added for individual user control and/or a single common
pseudo-"user name" and password may be shared among the System Administrators.
There are no security levels to the administrators of the server - once a name
is added to the authorization file and while it remains, that user name has
full control of the server's actions, with the following exceptions. First,
if the user is not A) on the physical machine or B) authorized by the OS to
remotely start or stop the server, it will not be started or stopped.
Secondly, there must be at least one (1) user name and password in the
authorization file for any server control to be rendered.
See Server Setup.
Internationalization
The PowerAlert Plus application consists of several components: the PowerAlert
Plus "client" GUI, the server, a Remote Shutdown Client, and a Server Setup
application. All components except the server allow the user to specify the
language to be used for labeling the menus, buttons, and controls on all of
the screens and message boxes. Currently, the applications support the
following languages: English, French, German, and Spanish. In most cases,
other languages can be easily added without having to reinstall the original
or updated software. The applications use "language" files (available from
Tripp Manufacturing) which can be installed by simply replacing the previous
copies with the new language file(s).
For basic reference and a good place to start, see any of the following topics
that describe the tabs on the client's main startup screen:
Summary Tab
Variables Tab
Events Tab
Alarms Tab
Another important feature to point out is the group of PowerAlert Plus icons
that appear along the bottom of the window informing the user of the current
status of the UPS. Some of the icons can be clicked to jump to the
appropriate function or screen. (See Icons for more information).
Contact Information
Mailing Address
Trippe Manufacturing
1111 West 35th Street
Chicago, IL 60609
Support Phone Numbers
Technical Support: (773) 869-1234 (8:00am - 6:30pm CST)
General Office: (773) 869-1111 (8:00am - 6:30pm CST)
Fax Support: (773) 869-1FAX (1329)
Internet
Web Site: www.tripplite.com
E-mail Support: info@tripplite.com
PowerAlert Plus Software, Copyright 1998, Trippe Manufacturing.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2. Summary Tab ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
The "smart" UPS (Uninterruptable Power Supply) Summary Tab screen is displayed
when the program first appears, allowing the user to quickly gather important
information about the operation of the UPS and server. This information is
displayed in four grouped areas; the Variable Display area, the Meters Display
area, the Menu and Tab Bar area and the Status Icons area. Of these four
areas, the first two are capable of local customization by the user.
Variable Display
The left side consists of seven cells that display typical operational
information in the form of Variable names and values. Variables such as Model,
UPS Mode, Tap State, Battery Capacity, Frequency, Battery Voltage Condition,
etc., can be observed. By either left or right clicking the mouse when the
cursor is in any of these cells, PowerAlert Plus pops up a window allowing
customization of these display variables. The Meter Type selection area allows
the user to configure the way PowerAlert Plus displays the metered information
in the right hand side of the screen. The options are:
Vertical Three selectable vertical meters are shown when this
option is selected.
Horizontal Four selectable horizontal meters are shown when this
option is selected.
Analog Four selectable circular analog meters are shown when
this option is selected.
Meters Display
The right hand side of the Summary Window displays any combination of
variables, which can be reasonably displayed in a meter, related to
performance of the UPS being monitored. Changes to the variables are updated
in real time as the server receives the values from the UPS. In order to help
ease network and memory load issues, the server only sends values that have
changed.
The meters are color-coded for ease of reference as follows: Green indicates
the specified ideal operational threshold. Red indicates the critical or
dangerous conditions. Yellow indicates a warning range or threshold between
normal and critical threshold boundaries. The Blue Value Bar indicates the
current operational level for the specified variable. By either left or right
clicking the mouse when the cursor is in any of these meters, PowerAlert Plus
pops up a window allowing customization of the display variables.
The available performance related variables that may be configured are
dependent by UPS Manufacturer and model. Examples of "smart" UPS variables
are:
Input voltage Output Load Battery Voltage Battery Capacity
Temperature (C) Temperature (F) Frequency
Menu Bar and Tab Bar
The menu bar is a feature that allows access to most functions associated with
PowerAlert Plus. The Tab bar allows quick access to the summary, event,
variable, and alarm views. This is the same as using the Display menu to
select one of these views. An image of the tabs is shown below.
Icons
The icons displayed at the bottom of the window are designed to provide
essential information regarding the UPS, access state, logging and alarms.
Resting the mouse pointer over an icon will produce a tool tip displaying
textual information about the icon. For example, a client that is logged in,
on utility power, and at 100% battery capacity would see the following icons:
See Icons for further details.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.1. Setting Variable Minimum and Maximum ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Access this screen by right- or left-clicking on a gauge while on the summary
screen and selecting the Set Min/Max pop-up menu option.
This Set Variable Minimum/Maximum screen allows the user to set the minimum and
maximum values for the variable on the current gauge. These values are used
strictly to set the local display of the selected gauge to produce the popup
menu. When the Default button is pressed, or a new variable is chosen, the
gauge will revert to the default minimum and maximum values for the selected
variable. Clicking on the OK button will apply changes and close the screen.
Clicking on the Cancel button will discard any changes made. Choosing any of
these buttons will close the screen
Go to PowerAlert Summary Page
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.2. Defining Thresholds ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
The user can access this screen by right- or left-clicking on a gauge or
variable display cell on the summary screen and selecting the "Set Thresholds"
pop-up menu option.
The Define Threshold Values screen is used to configure the threshold
boundaries for a selected variable; and, unlike the minimum and maximum
settings, these settings are permanent and registered with the server. Upon
changing a threshold, the server will notify all connected clients to
automatically update their displays to reflect the new values. This feature
will only be available if the variable currently displayed supports thresholds.
There are four (4) threshold formats selectable via the Threshold Configuration
radio buttons. The leftmost configuration is used for variables without
thresholds or to set zero thresholds for a variable. For example, to remove
thresholds from the Input Voltage variable Ц select this option (However, this
example is not recommended.). The second and third configurations are used to
track variable values that may move too high or too low, respectively. The
user is allowed to set the threshold breakpoints between the normal
(green)/warning (yellow) and warning/danger (red) boundaries. The last
configuration is a combination of the previous two and, as shown, allows the
user to set four threshold boundaries.
Please note that the "Minimum" and "Maximum" labels on the screen refer to the
minimum and maximum threshold values allowed for this variable, if any, and are
not related to the user defined Minimum and Maximum values used to scale the
gauge. It is also important to note that all breakpoint values must be greater
than the breakpoint located just below it.
Upon pressing the OK button, if invalid values are entered, the user will
receive a pop up prompting for invalid values to be corrected. If all values
are valid then the server and any connected clients will be notified to make
the changes and the screen will close. Pressing the Cancel button will close
the screen and discard all changes.
Go to Variables Tab.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3. Icon Definitions ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
The Status Icons displayed at the bottom of the main window are designed to
provide essential information regarding the UPS, server, logging and alarms.
These icons are used to provide the user with quick visual feedback for the
attribute that the icon represents.
Icon Description
The open tumbler lock indicates that the user is
logged in.
The closed tumbler lock indicates that the user is
logged out.
The glowing light bulb indicates that the UPS is
operating on utility power.
The non-glowing light bulb indicates that the utility
power is not present and that the UPS may be
operating on battery power.
The full green battery denotes that the battery
capacity is at or near 100%.
The partially green battery denotes that the battery
capacity is at or near 75%.
The half-full yellow battery denotes that the battery
capacity is at or near 50%.
The nearly empty red battery denotes that the battery
capacity is dangerously low and at or near 25%.
The network icon with the red X denotes that the
client has lost communication with the server due to
network problems or the server has been stopped.
The UPS icon with the red X denotes that the server
has lost communications with the UPS, probably due to
a loose cable or COM port error.
The alarm clock denotes that new alarms are present.
The warning or exclamation denotes that important
information is being presented by the server and
appears to the right side of this icon.
Resting the mouse pointer over an icon will produce a tool tip displaying
textual information about the icon, as seen below.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4. Variables Tab ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
The Variables view displays available variables defined for the UPS being
monitored. Some of the variables are listed and defined in the glossary
section of the help file. The icons (colored squares) to the left of the
variable name denote the current threshold color band the value falls within.
The Red icon denotes that the value is in the danger zone; yellow icon, warning
zone; and no icon, normal zone.
The Status Icons in the lower left-hand area of the main screen are still
visible from this view.
Go to:
Summary Tab
Events Tab
Alarms Tab
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5. Events Tab ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
The Events view displays all available events for the UPS being monitored. The
Events column displays the event's current state description while the Category
column displays the " ranking", or criticality, of the event. Each event has a
"set" and "clear" state and the appropriate state description for the event
will be displayed. An icon to denote if the event is in a set state may
precede the text.
The categories are one of four possibilities:
Icon Category Description
Power This event category illustrates a power condition.
e.g. Utility Power Failure
Critical This parameter is a critical condition in the operation of
the UPS.
e.g. UPS Overload Condition
Information This Event category provides information about the UPS.
e.g. Battery Too Old
Threshold This parameter provides information about operating
thresholds.
e.g. Threshold crossed
Examples of possible events are as follows:
UPS On Utility Power- The UPS is being supplied power from an AC source.
UPS Battery Okay - The UPS battery is functioning properly.
UPS Load Okay - The load drawn on the UPS is within normal operating
conditions.
Temperature Okay - The temperature of the UPS is within normal operating
conditions.
UPS Battery Above Half Power - The UPS battery is above a nominal half charge
level.
Self-Test Passed - The UPS successfully passed its last Self-Test.
UPS Battery Age is Okay - The age of the battery is within specified age
parameters.
UPS Communications Established - The server is successfully communicating with
the UPS.
The Status Icons in the lower left-hand area of the main screen are still
visible from this view.
Go to:
Summary Tab
Variables Tab
Alarms Tab
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6. Alarms Tab ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
The Alarms view provides information about all current and previous alarm
conditions since the client has been connected to the current server. Alarms
occurring before the client is connected to the server are recorded in the
appropriate event log file (The event log data is accessible via the
View->Logs->Event Log menu option). Note that it does not display any alarms
that may have occurred prior to starting the client. The four columns: Date,
Time, Events, and Category, are provided to present specific information
regarding alarms in a readable manner. Since this screen is built for live
updates, it is important to understand that the data is loaded in to the screen
with the most recent event at the top.
The columns are defined as:
Date The calendar date at which the alarm took place.
Time The time, based on the system clock, at which the
alarm took place.
Events Event that caused the alarm condition.
Category The type of alarm that occurred: Power, Critical,
Information, or Threshold.
The Show Threshold Events check box toggles the display of Threshold category
alarm/event data within the screen - Power, Critical and Information events
will not be affected.
The Clear All Alarms button removes all alarms from the display. Once they
are removed, they may only be viewed from the View -> Logs -> Event Log menu
option.
The Status Icons in the lower left-hand area of the main screen are still
visible from this view.
Go to:
Summary Tab
Variables Tab
Events Tab
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7. Main Menu (Menu Bar) ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
The menu bar, viewable from across the top of the main screen (above the tabs),
provides access to the more powerful features of PowerAlert Plus.
Return to PowerAlert Plus Introduction
See also:
File Menu
Display Menu
System Menu
View Menu
Control Menu
Events Menu
Help Menu
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.1. File Menu ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
The File menu allows the user to exit the PowerAlert Plus program via the Exit
menu option.
Back to Main Menu.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.2. Display ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
This Display menu has the following options: Summary, Variables, Events,
Alarms, and Options. The first four options actually perform the same
function as the tab bar. The fifth choice, Options, allows display
configuration in the form of language and date and time formatting.
Back to Main Menu
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.2.1. Summary ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
By selecting this tab, the user changes the main screen to display the variable
and event summary information. For a thorough description of the options
available, see the Summary Tab in the help file.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.2.2. Variables ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
By selecting this tab, the user changes the main screen to display variable
information. For a thorough description of the options available, see the
Variables Tab in the help file.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.2.3. Events ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
By selecting this tab, the user changes the main screen to display event
information. For a thorough description of the options available, see the
Events Tab in the help file.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.2.4. Alarms ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
By selecting this tab, the user changes the main screen to display alarm
information. For a thorough description of the options available, see the
Alarms Tab in the help file.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.2.5. Options ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
The Display Options screen allows the user to customize how the application
presents its information. The user may select a language from the Language
drop-list to change the language in which the application and data is
presented. The user may also select from the following date formatting choices
in the Date Format drop-list:
MM/DD/YYYY
MM-DD-YYYY
DD/MM/YYYY
DD-MM-YYYY
YYYY/MM/DD
YYYY-MM-DD
Selectable Time Formatsare: 12-Hour (e.g. 3:00 PM) or 24-Hour (e.g. 15:00)
Once the desired choices are made, select OK. To discard all changes, choose
Cancel.
Back to Main Menu
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.3. System Menu ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
The System menu allows the user to choose from several system commands.
The Select System menu option allows the user to connect to a remote or local
server.
The Configure System List menu option allows the addition or removal of
available servers (machine names or IP addresses) with which to connect via the
Select System menu option.
The Setup Logging menu option allows the user to configure the basic data and
event logging parameters for the server.
The View Shutdown Clients menu option allows the user to view the names of any
machines running a Remote Shutdown Client (see Glossary) connected to the
current server.
The Log In and Log Out menu options allow the user to gain or deny local client
access to the server.
Back to Main Menu
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.3.1. Select System ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
The Select System screen allows the user to select a new PowerAlert Plus server
connection from pre-defined systems via the System combo-box. The System List
button pops up a Configure System List screen on which systems and their
descriptions are viewed. Click OK to connect to the selected system. Click
Cancel to remain connected to current server. If there is no current server,
the user will be prompted to exit the application.
Go to System Menu
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.3.2. Configure System List ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
The Configure System List screen displays server identification related data.
All systems currently available for selection are presented in this table
showing the machine name the server is running on and a user supplied
description of the server/machine. The description can be edited at any time
from this screen. However, to change a system name, the old entry must be
deleted and a new entry created with the appropriate name. Descriptions are
optional information.
Editing and control is provided by the buttons shown on the image above and
described here below:
Add Allows addition of a new system name into the
Configure System List via the Add System screen.
Delete Allows deletion of a selected system name from the
Configure System List
OK Accept and save current system entries and exit, also
passing the last entered or selected entry to the
calling screen. This is not done if called directly
from the menu.
Cancel Discard all edits and close the Configure System List
screen.
See also:
Select System.
System Logging.
Back to System Menu
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.3.2.1. Add System ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
The Add System screen allows the user to add new systems running the PowerAlert
Plus server component to the system list. In the System text box, enter a
System name or IP address for the system. In the Description text box, enter
any text which describes the system i.e. location, who's machine, building
number, etcЕ.
When completed, select OK to add the new system, or select Cancel to discard
edits, and exit the window.
Return to Configure System List
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.3.3. Setup Logging ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
The Setup System Logging screen is divided into roughly two sections, the upper
half for Data Logging and the lower half for Event Logging. This screen
requires that the user be logged in Log_In in order to modify any of the
settings. If not logged in, a log in pop-up appears. Once logged in, the user
can update any values on the screen. If the user cancels the log in then the
screen appears in view-only mode. See Security for information on creating a
PowerAlert user.
Data Logging
The Data Logging section allows the user to enable or disable data logging via
the Data Logging Enabled check box. If data logging is enabled, one of the
Archive Data Log periods must be selected from the following frequencies:
Daily, Weekly, or Monthly . Logs will be written on the server according to the
frequency selected. This means that the files will be created in the following
file creation formats: one file per day, one file per week (on Monday), or one
file per month (on the first of the month), respectively.
The Logging interval can be determined in 15-second intervals, with the default
at 2 minutes.
Event Logging
The Event Logging section allows the user to enable or disable event logging.
Event logging is always enabled but the user can select one of the Archive
Event Log periods: Daily, Weekly or Monthly. Events will also be logged on
the Network Alert System if one is specified. Clicking on the System List
button will present the Configure System List screen.
Clicking the OK button will save the changes to the server; otherwise,
selecting the Cancel button will discard the current changes. Both buttons
will close the screen.
Go to System Menu
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.3.4. View Shutdown Clients ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
The Shutdown Clients screen shows Remote Shutdown Clients that are currently
linked to the same PowerAlert Plus server (known here as the Broadcast Server)
as the PowerAlert Plus client. The clients can be used as a monitor for UPS
status or as a local Operating System shutdown client. If in the latter, the
client can be instructed to shutdown its local system based on user supplied
parameters configured at the Broadcast Server.
Clicking the OK button will dismiss the screen.
Back to System Menu.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.3.5. Log In ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
The Log In screen allows the user to log in to the PowerAlert Plus server in
order to be granted administrative privileges. Some of the more advanced
features of PowerAlert Plus require that the user be logged-in in order to
perform them.
If an attempt is made to access an area that requires administrative privileges
and the user is not logged in, the following Log In dialog will be presented
for the user to enter his/her assigned user name and password.
It is important to note that on both screens, the Cancel button is used to
abort the log in process. If the cancel button is used, the application will
still present the requested dialog, but in view-only mode.
Go to PowerAlert Plus Security for more information about administrative
privileges.
Back to System Menu
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.3.6. Log Out ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Prevents further administrative changes to the server via this client.
See also:
Log In
Back to System Menu
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.4. View Menu ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
The View menu allows the user to view data and events. Data can be graphed via
the Graphs menu option or viewed in spreadsheets format via one of the options
on the Logs submenu. Additionally, the Event Calendar, shows a month-at-a-time
calendar view highlighting each day on which events occurred. This allows the
user to view events for each day in the order that they occurred.
Back to Main Menu.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.4.1. Graphs ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
The Graph Variables screen is available by selecting the Graphs option from
View menu. The server scans for any file(s) with data within the specified Date
Range and shows the file names being scanned on the Progress Indicator After
the scan has completed, the graph window displays the loaded data on a
line-plot shortly thereafter.
Available variables for plotting are selectable from the Variable Name drop
down list at the upper left-hand section of the window. The user may choose to
plot any combination of variables up to four (4).
Add Click the Add button to have the variable displayed
in the Variable Name drop down list plotted on the
chart.
Reset Clears all previously charted variable(s) from the
graph.
Statistics Displays the statistical data for all variables
currently charted on the graph.
Scale Displays the Scale Settings screen that allows
Automatic or Manual configuration settings for sizing
the graphing area. Automatic will scale both axes
according to the data loaded and predefined display
parameters. Manual mode will allow the user to alter
the Value ranges in the Y-axis and Date/Time ranges
in the X-axis. These settings are only valid during
the current graphing session.
Apply Applies the new date range to currently loaded series
by reloading them. It is applied to future selected
data series as well.
Print Presents the print manager dialog that allows
printouts of the current graph to the user-selected
printer.
Date Range The user can enter in these editable text boxes the
dates from which to load data for the currently
chosen variables.
To configure Statistics, see Graph Statistics.
To set the Axis Scales, see Scale Settings
Back to View Menu.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.4.1.1. Graph Statistics ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
The Graph Statistics screen displays each variable selected in a grid-like
table. The first column displays the Variable Name. The second column
identifies the number of points plotted. The third through fifth columns show
minimum, maximum and mean (average) values for each variable across all data
points plotted for the specified date range.
By selecting Print, the print manager dialog will appear. Click on the OK
button to close the screen.
Return to Graphing Variables.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.4.1.2. Scale Settings ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
The Scale Settings screen allows the user to adjust the Value Axis (Y-axis) and
Time-scale Axis (X-axis) minimum and maximum values.
The Automatic option selection allows PowerAlert Plus to configure the scale
automatically to the minimum and maximum values of all plotted series. This
might be a sound option if multiple variables are selected for graphing as a
range along the y-axis is established to satisfy all selected variables. Note,
however, that this selection will not "default" the chart to the initial
formatting. This option will set the y-axis minimum to the lowest value in all
of the plotted series and y-axis maximum to the highest value.
The Manual option selection allows the user to set the minimum and maximum
scale for the x- and y-axis.
Return to Graphing Variables.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.4.2. Logs ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
The Logs menu allows the user to view formatted and translated data. All logs
are displayed in grid-like views. The Data Log displays received UPS data in a
translated readable form. The Event Log and Network Alert Log screens show the
UPS and Server events. The Event Log is stored on the machine that runs the
server while the Network Alert Log stored is at the system configured to be the
Network Alert System. To configure a Network Alert System go to the Setup
Logging.
Back to Main Menu.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Progress Indicator ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
The Graph Variables screen and the Data Log views use the Progress Indicator
screen. It shows which file(s) is(are) being loaded and the percentage of the
named file that has been read. Pressing the Cancel button will abort further
data record reads and the displayed screen will only show the amount of data
loaded prior to canceling the file scan.
Return to Graphing Variables or Data Logs.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.4.2.1. Data Log ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
The Data Log screen displays all variables for the current UPS being monitored.
By using the scrollbars on the right side and bottom of the grid, all of the
data may be viewed. See Glossary - Terminology for detail on these variables.
Date Range
The user may select a date range by editing the Beginning and Ending date range
text boxes. The beginning and ending dates are verified by the client to
ensure that the beginning date matches or precedes the ending date. The date
is verified based on the date format specified on the Display Options screen,
and the syntax used must match that selected on the Options screen. If they do
not match, the client will pop up a window asking the user to correct the
entered date(s). The valid date range allowed is from January 1, 1990 through
January 18, 2038.
Apply, Print, Close
By changing the date range and selecting Apply, the data will be cleared and
reloaded for the specified date range. These changes will take effect
immediately. By selecting Print, the grid's contents can be printed on a
system printer, if detected by the operating system, as selected on the print
manager dialog. By selecting Close, the Data Log screen closes.
Return to Logs.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.4.2.2. Event Log ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
The Event Log screen displays all events recorded for the connected server on
the current UPS.Events_Tab The data is displayed in reverse chronological
order with most recent event at top. Use the scrollbars on the right side to
view all events within the date range.
The columns for the event data display are as follows:
Date The date the event occurred displayed in the format
specified in Options screen.
Time The time the event occurred displayed in the format
specified in OptionsOptions screen.
Events The event name denoting which event was actually
triggered.
Category The categorical type of the Event - Critical, Power,
Threshold, or Information.
See Glossary - Terminology for detail regarding these Events.
Event Categories
The event category check boxes allow the Event Log to be filtered for specific
event types. This filtering affects the current and all subsequent data
loads. Any combination of the four categories may be selected.
Date Range
The user may select a date range by editing the Beginning and Ending date
range text boxes. The beginning and ending dates are verified to check that
the beginning date is the same or comes before the ending date. The date is
verified based on the date format specified on the Display Options screen and
the syntax used must match that selected in the Options screen. If they do
not match, the client will pop up a window asking the user to correct the
entered date(s). The valid date range allowed is from January 1, 1990 through
January 18, 2038.
Apply, Print, Close
By changing the date range and selecting Apply, the data will be cleared and
reloaded for the specified date range. These changes will take effect
immediately. By selecting Print, the grid's contents can be printed on a
system printer, if detected by the operating system, as selected on the print
manager dialog. By selecting Close, the Event Log screen closes.
Note: Filter configurations are not preserved.
Return to Logs.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.4.2.3. Network Alert Log ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
The Network Alert Log screen displays all events that were logged to the
specified Network Alert Log Server. Like the Event Log screen and the Alarms
Tab view, the events are listed in reverse chronological order. The columns
for the event data display are as follows:
Date The date the event occurred displayed in the format
specified in the Options screen.
Time The time the event occurred displayed in the format
specified in the Options screen.
System The system on which the event occurred and also
logged the event.
Events The event name denoting which event was actually
triggered.
Category The categorical type of the Event - Critical, Power,
Threshold, or Information.
System Filter
The System Name drop down list allows the user to specify "All" or any one (1)
of the systems shown in the data grid. This list is created by the available
systems that have been loaded into the grid. Use the Apply button to filter
the loaded data.
Date Range
The user may select a date range by editing the Beginning and Ending date
range text boxes. The beginning and ending dates are verified to check that
the beginning date is the same or comes before the ending date. The date is
verified based on the date format specified on the Display Options screen and
the syntax used must match that selected in the Options screen. If they do not
match, the client will pop up a window asking the user to correct the entered
date(s). The valid date range allowed is from January 1, 1990 through January
18, 2038.
Apply, Print, Close
By changing the date range and selecting Apply, the data will be cleared and
reloaded for the specified date range. These changes will take effect
immediately. By selecting Print, the grid's contents will be printed to a
system printer, if available, as specified in the print manager dialog that
appears. By selecting Close, the Network Alert Log screen closes.
Return to Logs.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.4.3. Event Calendar ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
The Event Calendar screen is displayed in a month-view calendar format, with
Sunday through Saturday as the daily columns. Events on the server that
occurred on the selected day are displayed in the order in which they occurred.
The events are divided into the following four (4) categories:
Icon Category Description
Critical Event which informs that an important or urgent
status has been reported by the UPS.
Power Event that denotes a change to the UPS power supply
and or battery capacity or other Power related
variable.
Threshold Event reporting that a UPS value has crossed over a
threshold boundary.
Information Event signaling that a control command or
informational request has been made to the UPS.
NOTE: The colored category icons seen on the calendar indicate at least one
event of that category type is present. There may in fact be more than one.
The events are listed under the following grid columns:
Time The time the Event occurred displayed in the format
specified in the OptionsOptions screen.
Event The description of the Event.
Category The type of Event: Critical, Power, Threshold, or
Information.
Selecting the OK button closes the Events Calendar screen.
Go to (events).
Back to View Menu
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.5. Control Menu ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
The Control menu allows the user to control the UPS and Operating System that
the connected PowerAlert Plus server is monitoring. Commands may be executed
immediately via the Execute Command menu option or scheduled for some time in
the future with the Schedule Command menu option.
Back to Main Menu.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.5.1. Execute Command ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
The Execute Command screen requires that the user be logged in; however, if not
logged in, the user can view the commands and their parameters, if any. These
selectable commands are for advanced UPS administrative purposes. Examples of
commands are as follows; however, some UPS systems may have fewer or more
commands available:
Cancel Operating System Shutdown - This command cancels the Operating System
Shutdown command, if issued before the actual OS shutdown has started.
Perform Shutdown - This command executes either an OS only, UPS only, or OS/UPS
shutdown with the delay time specified on the service's machine.
Initiate Inverter Self-Test - This command initiates an Inverter-Self Test of
the appropriate UPS.
*Once a command selection has been made in the UPS Command combo-box, the lower
portion of the window displays the parameters for the command. These
parameters are available in a four-column table with the following constructs:
Description Describes the command parameter.
Value Current set or selected value of the parameter. This
is the only column that allows user input.
Min Displays the lowest, if applicable, value allowed for
the parameter.
Max Displays the largest, if applicable, value allowed
for the parameter.
Controls
The Execute button is used to send the command to the service for transmission
to the UPS or connected clients as directed. The user will be prompted by a
confirmation dialog. The confirmation screen is always presented as a safe
guard. The Cancel button will ignore any selected command and close the
screen.
Return to Control Menu.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.5.2. Schedule Command ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
The Schedule Command screen provides a monthly view of the Scheduled actions
and requires the user to be logged in to modify the schedule. However, the
user may still, use this screen in a view-only mode if not logged in. This
screen is used to schedule commands for future execution. Colored icons within
a given day indicate scheduled commands (red, representing a Operating System
shutdown command, or green, representing a UPS command).
The Grid displays details about the scheduled events for the selected day on
the calendar. The data is divided across three (3) columns as described below:
Action Description of the scheduled command.
Time The time that the command is scheduled to be
activated.
Frequency The frequency of the event. The number of times this
event will be repeated in the following days:
One-time, Daily, Weekly or Monthly.
Controls
The and buttons can be used to scroll to the previous or next month,
respectively.
Use the Add button to schedule new commands via the Add Schedule Command
dialog. Any scheduled action visible in the grid can be deleted by clicking
on the event definition row in the grid and clicking the Delete button.
Delete confirmation will be required. Note that if an event is set at any
frequency other than "one-time" and is deleted, it will remove the command
and all past and future months will also reflect the removal. One-time events
are executed and then removed from the list of scheduled events so that they
will not reoccur.
When finished with Schedule Commands options, choose the OK button to close
the screen.
Go to Control Menu.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.5.2.1. Add Schedule Command ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
The Add Action screen is a configuration screen for the Schedule Command
screen. It allows the user to add operating system shutdown and UPS control
scheduled actions to the server. The server will then perform the specified
action based on the frequency and time determined.
Clicking the Add button will save the scheduled action. To view a list of the
scheduled commands, go to the Schedule Command screen. Clicking on the Cancel
button will close the screen.
Back to Schedule Command.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.6. Events ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
The Events menu allows the user to access the Event Manager or Event Summary
screens. The Event Manager screen is used to define the actions for a
specified event i.e. Broadcasting to all users that the UPS is on Battery and
all non-essential hardware be shutdown. The Event Summary is an overview
screen in grid form with check marks denoting the enabled features for a
specified event. The Event Summary screen also allows the user to pass right
through to the Event Manager screen.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.6.1. Event Manager ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
The Event Manager screen requires that the user be logged in; however, it may
be used in view-only mode if not logged in. This screen allows the user to
configure the actions which take place when the selected event in the Event
drop-list is triggered. All events configurable by the user are visible in this
drop-list. As each event is selected in the Events drop down list, the screen
will be updated with that event's currently defined actions. This information
informs the server to perform any combination of Broadcasting, Shutdown
Action/Notification, Paging or Command Execution.
Action Configuration Overview
Broadcasting Enabled Checkbox Toggles the broadcasting action on or off.
Delay Before First Broadcast Amount of time to wait before sending
the first broadcast notification of the
triggered event.
Broadcast Interval Amount of time to wait between broadcast
notifications.
Shutdown Operating System Shutdown Enabled Toggles the Operating System
Shutdown action on or off.
OS Shutdown Delay Amount of time to wait before performing an
OS shutdown.
UPS Shutdown Enabled Toggles the UPS Shutdown action on or off.
UPS Shutdown Delay Amount of time before performing a UPS
shutdown.
Remote Shutdown Message Enabled Toggles the Remote Shutdown
broadcast action on or off.
Message Delay Amount of time to wait before signaling
Remote Shutdown Clients to start their
shutdown timers.
Execute Command Enabled Checkbox Toggles the Execute Command action on or
off.
File...Event is Set Program or script to execute when the event
is triggered data moving to a non-Normal
state.
File...Event is Cleared Program or script to execute when the event
is cleared by data returning to a normal
state.
Paging Enabled Checkbox Toggles the Paging action on or off.
Delay Before Sending Page Amount of time to wait before sending
page after the event is triggered.
Recipient Person/Number to page when event is
triggered.
The user can click on the Apply button to save changes to the current event
definition before selecting a new event. The OK button will save any changes
that have been made since the last save and close the screen. The Cancel
button will close the screen and not save any changes that have been made.
Note: When setting the Shutdown actions timers, be sure to allow sufficient
time for dependent actions to complete. For example, when setting the OS and
UPS Shutdown timers, be sure to allow enough time for the OS shutdown to
complete before shutting down the UPS. Likewise, when setting the delay for
the Remote Shutdown Message Delay, be sure that it is set to a lower number
than the OS Shutdown delay or those systems running the Remote Shutdown Client
will not receive their message to shutdown. See Glossary for detailed
description of the Remote Shutdown Clients.
Go to Event Menu.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.6.2. Event Summary ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
The Events Summary screen gives the user a quick overview of the actions
programmed when an event is triggered. The first column describes each
available event for the server being monitored. The rest of the columns show
the Enabled/Disabled State of the actions as described in the column headers.
The actions that may be toggled by the user on this screen are:
Broadcast O/S Shutdown UPS Shutdown Remote Shutdown Paging Execute Command
The Event Manager button on the lower left-hand side of the screen allows the
user to access the Event Manager screen directly. If the user is not logged
in, selecting this button pops up the Log In screen to allow login before the
screen is presented. The Close button will close this screen.
Back to Event Menu.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.7. Help Menu ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
This menu option allows the user to access this help file or the about screen
which contains version and contact information for technical support.
Back to Main Menu.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.7.1. PowerAlert Plus Help ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
This menu option accesses this Help File system document.
Go to Help Menu.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.7.2. About PowerAlert Plus ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
This About screen displays information about how to contact Tripp Lite via
various support functions and also provides current information about the
software version and client/server support information.
Go to Help Menu.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8. Glossary - Terminology ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Audible Alarms
A series of three, short beeps which indicate a critical condition exists.
Battery Age:
Amount of days that the UPS battery has been in use as determined by the date
entered on the Server Setup application during installation of PowerAlert.
Battery Capacity:
A percentage (%) value used to represent the current state of battery charge.
Battery Voltage:
The output voltage (in DC) currently available on the UPS battery.
Battery Voltage Condition:
While operating on battery power, this variable tracks the estimated remaining
battery time before the UPS powers itself (and the equipment) off. This
variable has two possible values, OK and Low. If operating on battery power
and Battery Voltage Condition reports a "LOW" status, the UPS has approximately
2-3 minutes remaining before it powers off. Be sure to shutdown the connected
systems before the UPS powers off. In all other situations, this variable
should report "OK".
Broadcast Server
Term used to describe a PowerAlert Server configured to send a Remote Shutdown
Message when at least one event occurs such as UPS On Battery. Remote Shutdown
Clients "tuned" into the Broadcast Server will then perform an operating
system shutdown.
Color Codes
Red indicates a critical condition, Yellow indicates operation past a threshold
and between normal and critical condition thresholds, Green indicates proper
operating condition, Blue indicates a threshold variable, and Black illustrates
information.
Date UPS installed
The date the UPS was installed.
Frequency
The frequency, in Hertz, of the power being provided by the UPS.
Input Voltage
The utility line voltage supplied to the UPS measured in Volts AC RMS.
Maximum Input Voltage
The highest utility line voltage recorded between UPS polling cycles measured
in Volts AC RMS.
Minimum Input voltage
The lowest utility line voltage recorded between UPS polling cycles measured in
Volts AC RMS.
Load State
Indicates power draw of the connected equipment, either Normal or Overload.
The Load State will report "Overload" when the connected load exceeds 100% of
the UPS power capacity rating. Check Output Load for the exact load percentage
of the connected equipment.
Model
The UPS model number.
Receptacle Status
The on or off state of the receptacle(s) on the UPS.
Remote Shutdown Client
A dependent software application which can be linked to a PowerAlert server,
herein known as the Broadcast Server, to shutdown multiple systems. Designed
to provide safe shutdown to multiple systems when they are protected by a
single UPS, the RSC can also be used to signal any linked system to shutdown.
Instead of using serial cables to communicate UPS status, RSC uses the network
cable. Therefore systems must be connected through the network and communicate
via the TCP/IP protocol. Each RSC system is then configured to "tune" into a
Broadcast Server for its Remote Shutdown Message. To configure a PowerAlert
server as a Broadcast Server, use the Event Manager and enable the Remote
Shutdown Message for a selected event such as 'UPS On Battery".
When an RSC receives the Remote Shutdown Message from its Broadcast Server, it
initiates an operating system shutdown timer. The system will be shutdown once
the RSC timer reaches zero. If the event that issued the Remote Shutdown
Message is cleared, then the RSC will cancel its system shutdown.
Remote Shutdown Message
Signal used to inform systems running the Remote Shutdown Client to begin their
operating system shutdown timers.
Self Test Status
Recorded status (OK/FAILED) of the last Self-Test performed by the UPS.
Tap State
The status of the current UPS output voltage, either boost, reduce or normal.
In boost mode, the utility power is below the nominal voltage rating (normally
120VAC or 240VAC) and the UPS is " boosting" it to correct for the lost
voltage. In reduce mode, the utility power is over the nominal voltage rating
and the UPS is reducing it to correct for the increased voltage. These are
normal every day occurrences in the power line. This software is sensitive to
these fluctuations and provides any and all data possible for tracking down
power related problems.
Temperature
The current internal temperature of the UPS.
UPS mode
The current state of the UPS either On Battery or On Utility power.
UPS Shutdown
While the UPS is providing battery power, the battery is draining. In order to
conserve battery power for the next power outage, the UPS can be commanded to
power off after the operating system is safely shutdown. Use the Event Manager
to configure the UPS Shutdown timer.
UPS Software Version
The current version of the UPS firmware.