PC Online 1999 February/PCO_0299.ISO/filesbbs/os2/upsmon2.arj/UPSMON2.ZIP/upsmonb.hlp

OS/2 Help File | 1998-11-20 | 29.9 KB | 530 lines

ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1. Description ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

UPS Monitor for OS/2 ver. 1.0 - Utility program to monitor the status of the
APC Uninterruptible Power Sources (UPS). Provides shutdown services to the
operating system. Includes two programs optimized for most APC-brand UPS
models. Designed for single workstation environment.

UPS Monitor for OS/2 is shareware and registration is available through BMT
Micro at www.bmtmicro.com or through the author directly. See the section How
To Register UPS Monitor for details.

CAUTION if you are using the Back-UPS model (non-Pro version). Please read the
section Caution - Warning before you use UPS Monitor B (UPSMONB.EXE).

Which executable do I use?

There are currently two versions of the UPS Monitor program available.
UPSMONS.EXE supports the smart signalling of the Smart-UPS, Smart-UPS v/s and
the Back-UPS Pro. Matrix-UPS may also be supported, but is untested. This
program provides support for the features common to all these models.
Exceptions are restart capabilities and UPS Turn Off Delay which are only
available on the Back-UPS Pro and Smart-UPS models. These two features are
available in UPSMONS.EXE. This program requires the cable number 940-0024B or
940-0024C to be connect to the UPS. UPSMONS.EXE will not work with the Back-UPS
models.

UPSMONB.EXE, also referred to as UPS Monitor B, is designed for the Back-UPS
model only (non-Pro version) and uses simple signalling. This program requires
the cable number 940-0020B to be connect to all the UPS model. UPSMONB.EXE will
not work with other models.

If enough interest and support exists for these kinds of programs, I will write
and include a third program that will fully support the additional features of
Back-UPS Pro and Smart-UPS models. I may also add a pipe to these programs
which would make UPS Monitor accessible over a network.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2. General Program Operation ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Installation and Configuration.

You must first configure UPS Monitor to recognize the UPS model and the comm
port it is connected to. Select Options - Settings and select the comm port
from the controls. Save the settings and select Options - Connect. This will
connect to the UPS and a message will tell you if it was successful. You are
all set. If it did not recognize the UPS, see the section on Troubleshooting
for information.

If you want UPS Monitor to start automatically when your OS/2 system powers up,
then place a shadow of the executable into the Startup folder (it's located
under the OS/2 System folder, simply drag and drop the UPSMONB object into the
Startup folder).

You must also provide the command line parameters to UPSMONS.EXE or UPSMONB.EXE
for automatic operation. The commands are /Con to automatically connect to the
UPS and /Min to minimize on start-up. You must provide these commands on the
Parameters line in the Properties page of Warp 4.0 or Settings page of Warp
3.0. To get to that page, right-click on the UPSMON object and click Properties
or Settings.

Program Operation.

To minimize the program load, UPS Monitor will check the UPS every 4 seconds
for status. All time settings therefore have a resolution of 4 seconds as well.
For example, a UPS on Battery alarm in the worst case, may not be detected
until 4 seconds after the actual power failure.

The UPS Monitor background color changes according to events and settings. If
UPS Monitor is not connected to the UPS, the background color is light yellow.

During normal operation when the UPS is on-line the background is light green.

If a power failure is detected and the UPS is on battery, the background
changes to light red.

If UPS Monitor detects a power failure and after the Message Delay expired, the
program will give itself focus and it will be restored to screen if it had been
minimized. This will alert you of a possible shutdown.

The UPS Monitor window can be sized and positioned anywhere on the desktop.
Size and position are saved.

To bring up Help, simply press F1. Help is context sensitive, so if you have
the Settings window open, help for the settings will pop up.

When UPS Monitor shuts down your system, it will not save any data of the
applications that are running. It is the applications responsibility to save
any data. Set your application to auto or timed save if this option is
available.

The Back-UPS model does not offer built-in turn off delay as other models do
and thus poses a problem shutting OS/2 down and turning the UPS off. If the UPS
is on battery and the fixed duration time expired, UPSMONB.EXE will secure the
file system by issuing a DOSShutdown API call. This does not shutdown the
Presentation Manager or any other sessions currently running, but all buffers
get flushed and the system will restart cleanly after power has been restored.
The UPS will be turned off immediately after the file system has been secured.
It is possible that the line power may be restored as the file system is being
secured. In this case, the UPS will not be turned off. The operating system
appears locked-up and will not respond to inputs. In this case, you must reboot
the system using ALT-CTRL-DEL or the RESET button on your computer. Not to
worry, the file system is secured and the system will restart cleanly the next
time.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3. Caution - Warning ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The APC Back-UPS model does not use conventional serial communications, rather
it uses the serial control lines to report line failure and command the UPS to
turn off. Always use the cable with the part number 940-0020B. Other cables
will cause UPSMONB.EXE to report line failure.

Please read the following section carefully. I have discovered the behavior
listed below on my APC model Back-UPS 400 and assume that all Back-UPS models
reflect the same behavior. Remember, this only happens when the line power is
off and the UPS is running on battery.

The Back-UPS (no-Pro) model uses the DTR line (pin 4 on the 9 pin serial
connector end) of the serial port to receive a signal to turn itself off. If
DTR is ON and the UPS is running on batteries, it will turn off right away
without any delay.

Under what circumstances can the UPS turn off unexpectedly?

      Γûá The UPS can turn off if you connect the UPS with any cable to a serial
      port at the same time a power failure occurs.

      Γûá If the UPS is attached to a serial port with any cable, no Back-UPS
      specific software is controlling it and the power goes out.

      Γûá When UPS Monitor B is started while UPS is running on battery and DTR
      was left turned on from a previous program that controlled the serial
      port.

 To prevent this unexpected turn off, you can do the following:

      Γûá Start UPS Monitor B only when line power is active.

      Γûá Connect 940-0020B serial cable to UPS only when line power is active
      and then run UPS Monitor B right away.

 UPS Monitor B will turn DTR off whenever it is started. If you don't use the
 serial port for any other purposes, and UPS Monitor B is used exclusively to
 monitor the UPS, DTR will remain off and the above problem will never happen.

 The Back-UPS model is not an ideal power backup solution for your OS/2
 operating system, but if you follow these guidelines, UPS Monitor B will
 provide the best protection and let's you safely use this UPS model if you
 have already purchased one. Avoid the Back-UPS model if you are looking at
 purchasing a new UPS. UPS that provide turn off delays and are using a full
 serial protocol are better choices.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4. Menu Description ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Describes all menu items available for this program.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1. FILE - Open Log ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Opens a UPS Monitor log file for viewing. This log file is a regular text file
and can also be opened with any text editor or word processor.

After a log file has been selected, it will show the log in a separate window.
From this window, you can print or open another log file. You can reposition or
resize the View Log window. Size and position will be remembered the next time
you open this window.

Printing is done with the font 6.Helvetica.

Note: The main UPS Monitor window displays the last 10 to 20 events only. If
more than 20 events are displayed, the oldest 10 events are cut. You can use
Open Log to view all previous log events.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.2. FILE - Exit ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Exit the program. If the program is still connected to the UPS, the connection
is terminated. This event is logged.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.3. OPTIONS - Settings ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Opens the UPS Monitor settings window. Set the Com Port (COM1 - COM8) where the
UPS is connected to, Enable Logging to a file, set the maximum Log File Size
and set the location and name of the log file.

The log file will be kept approximately within the file size specified. If the
log file exceeds the selected size, then it is renamed for backup to the same
name with the extension .000 and a new log is started. If the backup file with
the extension .000 already exists, then it is replaced. This way it keeps at
least one log full of data.

The Beep check box enables or disables the audible alarm during program
operation. The audible alarm will activate whenever a power failure is detected
and at every subsequent shutdown message interval. The alarm is a short, low to
high tone beep.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.4. OPTIONS - Shutdown Parameters ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Opens the shutdown parameter window. Set the UPS on Battery message delay (0-99
secs.) and message interval (0-999 secs.). It is the delay and interval at
which the UPS Monitor is brought to the foreground to indicate that the UPS is
running on battery. Select a range that matches your UPS capacity in order to
get notified on time when the UPS shuts down. Default values are 10 second
delay and 30 second intervals.

The Back-UPS model does not report low battery through the serial port.
Shutdown time can only be set to a fixed time. Set Fixed Duration shutdown
time. In a power fail situation, the UPS Monitor will then shutdown the system
after the set time has expired. Default value is 60 seconds. Depending on your
model number, you can set this to a longer value.

The Ext. Shutdown Script check box allows to execute an external script (the
file UPSMONB.CMD) for shutting the system down. You can customize this file to
your own liking to shut down OS/2. The external shutdown will not secure the
file system or turn the UPS off after the fixed time has expired. The UPS will
simply continue to run until the battery is low and can not regulate the power
anymore. You will have to shutdown OS/2 with your own script within the
run-time provided by the battery. Please read General Program Operation for
more information on how UPS Monitor B shuts down the UPS.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.5. OPTIONS - Connect ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Opens the selected comm port and connects to the UPS. This event is logged.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.6. OPTIONS - Disconnect ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Disconnects from the UPS and closes the comm port. This event is logged.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.7. HELP - Help Index ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Displays this help file (UPSMONB.HLP).


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.8. HELP - About ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Product information.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5. Simple Signalling Cable Pinout ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Below is a connection diagram to connect the APC UPS to a 25 or 9 pin serial
port. This cable requires a UPS supporting simple signalling and the
UPSMONB.EXE program.

Note: Simple signalling UPS models do not exchange serial data through the
regular pins 2 and 3, rather the status of the UPS is sensed through the CTS
and DTR control lines.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6. Troubleshooting ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

If you are having problems connecting to the UPS, then follow these steps
below.

      Γûá  UPS Monitor is only designed and tested for the APC (American Power
      Conversion) models Back-UPS, Smart-UPS, Smart-UPS v/s and Back-UPS Pro.

      Γûá  The UPSMONS.EXE executable is only designed to work with models
      supporting smart signalling like the Smart-UPS, Smart-UPS v/s and
      Back-UPS Pro. You must use cable number 940-0024B or 940-0024C included
      with these UPS for proper operation. It is possible that this program
      will work with other APC models, like the Matrix-UPS, using smart
      signalling. UPS Monitor has not been tested with the Matrix-UPS model.
      UPSMONS.EXE will not work with the model Back-UPS (400, 450 and 600)
      which use simple signalling. Refer to the Help file of UPSMONS.EXE for
      more information.

      Γûá  The UPSMONB.EXE executable is only designed to work with models
      supporting simple signalling, like the Back-UPS (non-Pro models). You
      must use cable number 940-0020B included with this UPS for proper
      operation.

      Γûá  Next paragraph for UPSMONB.EXE only

      Because of the simple signalling the Back-UPS model uses, you must
      manually test if communication is working properly. Make sure the Fixed
      Duration time is set to 60 seconds before doing this test. Connect
      UPSMONB.EXE (using Options - Connect) to the UPS and if the proper cable
      is connected to the UPS, you should get the message Connected to UPS Now
      remove the power from the UPS for 10 seconds and you should get the
      message Power Failure detected. UPS on battery. This completes the test.
      If you do not get these messages, the connection to the UPS is not
      working or you have the wrong cable connected.

      Γûá  When UPSMONB.EXE is started during a power failure and the UPS is
      running on battery, the UPS may turn off right away. See Caution -
      Warning before you use UPS Monitor B (UPSMONB.EXE).

      Γûá  UPS Monitor will not work with brands other than APC.

      Γûá  Make sure the Com Port in the Settings window matches the com port you
      use for the UPS.

      Γûá  Make sure you have all the included files present in your directory.

      Γûá  If you have Ray Gwinn's SIO comm drivers, use the included PMLM (Poor
      Man's Line Monitor) to monitor the CTS control line status. IF CTS is
      lower case, then power is on. If CTS is upper case, then the line power
      is off and the UPS is running on batteries. PMLM will also display the
      baudrate the port is set to. If it is not 2400 then SIO may be locking
      the port to another baudrate. See below.

      Γûá  If you are using Ray Gwinn's SIO com drivers, check if the baud rate
      is locked for the particular com port you are using with the interface.
      Unlock it so UPS Monitor can change the baud rate to 2400. From the SIO
      reference, it states:


               Locked Baud Rate

               Placing a colon and a baud rate following the communications port, eg
               (COM1:38400,3F8,IRQ4), causes the port to be locked at that baud rate.
               No program, OS2 or DOS, is allowed to change the baud rate.

      Γûá  Try the standard COM1 or COM2 ports if you have problems with any
      other com ports like COM3 - COM8. Also, remove any serial cable
      extensions or adapters and connect the UPS directly to the computer. See
      the section Simple Signalling Cable Pinout for connector pin-outs.

      Γûá  Try using a different computer or different com port to access the
      UPS.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7. Installation ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Note:  REXX or Object REXX must be installed on your system for this program to
work. REXX is installed by default, but if you did not install it then run Warp
installation again and selectively install REXX support.

Unzip all files into a separate directory, I suggest the name UPSMON.

Open an OS/2 Window and change to the directory you just created. Type INSTALL
and the script will create a UPSMonitor folder on the desktop and fill it with
all executable programs present in the directory. To start the program,
double-click on the UPSMONB or UPSMONS object inside the folder.

You must first configure UPS Monitor to recognize the UPS model and the comm
port it is connected to. Select Options - Settings and select the comm port and
UPS model from the controls. Save the settings and select Options - Connect.
This will connect to the UPS and a message will tell you if it was successful.
You are all set. If it did not recognize the UPS, see the section on
Troubleshooting for information.

Next paragraph for UPSMONB.EXE only

Because of the simple signalling the Back-UPS model uses, you must manually
test if communication is working properly. Make sure the Fixed Duration time is
set to 60 seconds before doing this test. Connect UPSMONB.EXE (using Options -
Connect) to the UPS and if the proper cable is connected to the UPS, you should
get the message Connected to UPS. Now remove the power from the UPS for 10
seconds and you should get the message Power Failure detected. UPS on battery.
This completes the test. If you do not get these messages, the connection to
the UPS is not working or you have the wrong cable connected.

If you want UPS Monitor to start automatically when your OS/2 system powers up,
then place a shadow of the executable into the Startup folder (it's located
under the OS/2 System folder, simply drag and drop the UPSMON object into the
Startup folder).

You must also provide the command line parameters to UPSMONS.EXE or UPSMONB.EXE
for automatic operation. The commands are /Con to automatically connect to the
UPS and /Min to minimize on start-up. You must provide these commands on the
Parameters line in the Properties page of Warp 4.0 or Settings page of Warp
3.0. To get to that page, right-click on the UPSMON object and click Properties
or Settings.

Installing this program on your system does not change any of the INI or
CONFIG.SYS files.

UPS Monitor is only designed and tested for the APC models Back-UPS, Smart-UPS,
Smart-UPS v/s and Back-UPS Pro. It includes two executable programs and to
determine which program to use, please read the Description for information.

The following files belong to this program:

       UPSMONB.EXE       The executable program using simple signalling.

       UPSMONS.EXE       The executable program using smart signalling.

       UPSMONB.HLP       The help file for UPSMONB.EXE.

       UPSMONS.HLP       The help for UPSMONS.EXE.

       UPSMONB.INI       Settings file for UPSMONB.EXE.

       UPSMONS.INI       Settings file for UPSMONS.EXE.

       UPSMONB.LOG       Default log file created by UPSMONB.EXE.

       UPSMONS.LOG       Default log file created by UPSMONS.EXE.

       VPUTIL.DLL        Dynamic Link Library required by executables. Packed
                         for smaller size with LXWARP.

       UPSPMSD.DLL       Dynamic Link Library required by executables.

       RXSI2.DLL         Dynamic Link Library required by executables.

       RXASYNC.DLL       Dynamic Link Library required for serial
                         communications to the UPS. This library of serial
                         communications routines is included by permission of
                         Crucial Applications (Author: Ian Timms, e-mail:
                         [e-mail]). The entire serial
                         communications package, including the source code for
                         RXASYNC, is available at my home page or other major
                         OS/2 sites by the filename RXASYN20.ZIP. This file has
                         been packed for smaller size using LXWARP.

       INSTALL.CMD       General installation script for UPS Monitor.

       README.TXT        Program description and installation instructions.

       BMTORDER.TXT      Order form to register UPS Monitor through BMT Micro.

 To remove this program from your system, close the program, delete all your
 UPS Monitor object or shadow from your desktop or folders and delete all the
 files listed above.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8. The Legal Stuff ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

UPS Monitor for OS/2 is shareware and not free. You may use it and try it out
for 30 days. There are no limitations to the shareware version of UPS Monitor
other than it will cease to function after 30 days. If you like this program
and would like to continue using it, you must register to obtain a license. See
How To Register section on ways to register.

The shareware version of this program may be distributed electronically as long
as all files are kept together. The shareware version is recognized by the
title  UPS Monitor for OS/2 - Unregistered in the title bar of the main
program.

A single registration entitles the owner to use the two executables as
individual registered programs. Only one copy of each of the executables may be
run at one time on a computer, in other words, if you have a laptop and a
desktop, you may copy this program onto both computers but only one instance of
one of the UPS Monitor programs may be run at one time. If there is a
possibility that two of the same executable programs may be run at the same
time, then you must get a second license. You may however use UPSMONS.EXE and
UPSMONB.EXE together on two separate systems by only having one registration.

The registered version of UPS Monitor may not be distributed in any way.

Quantity discounts start with two licenses, contact the author for more
information.

Registration gives you many benefits. Besides removing of all restrictions, I
will provide prompt technical support, implement suggestions to program
improvements, enhancements and customization (if technically possible).

RXASYNC.DLL, required for serial communications to the UPS, is a library of
serial communications routines and is included by permission of Crucial
Applications (Author: Ian Timms, e-mail: [e-mail]). The
entire serial communications package, including the source code for RXASYNC, is
available at my home page or other major OS/2 sites by the filename
RXASYN20.ZIP. This DLL has been packed using LXWARP for smaller size.

UPS Monitor is protected using SecureIt. To get more information on this
shareware protection program, see http://www.bmtmico.com/catalog/secureit/

DISCLAIMER

Although this software has been tested and run successfully, the author of UPS
Monitor for OS/2 is in no way responsible for any damage this program may cause
to computer equipment.

Any trademarks mentioned in this document belong to their respective owners and
the author of this program is not connected in any way to these products nor
does he endorse any of the products mentioned.

TRADEMARKS

APC stands for American Power Conversion.

APC, Back-UPS, Smart-UPS, Smart-UPS v/s, Back-UPS Pro and Matrix-UPS are
registered trademarks of American Power Conversion.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9. How to Register UPS Monitor ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

There are two ways you can register UPS Monitor:

Send e-mail to [e-mail] to request my mailing address. You can
then send me a check or money order and I will return the registration code.
The cost is $10.00 using this option.

Register through BMT Micro at www.bmtmicro.com. BMT Micro offers a variety of
purchasing methods, see the file BMTORDER.TXT for details. You will receive the
registration code usually within one day. The cost is $15.00 for this option.

Quantity discounts are available. Please e-mail me for details.

A single registration entitles you to use both programs, UPSMONB.EXE and
UPSMONS.EXE and any new versions of UPS Monitor will always be free to
registered users.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 10. Support ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

For support for this program, you can contact me directly via e-mail.

My e-mail address:

  [e-mail]

Visit my home page, "The Warped Code Cellar" at

  http://home.att.net/~ASchw

for other information and applications for OS/2 like HOUSE/2 a home automation
program using X10 devices, Memory Game and Leave One, two speech navigation
enabled games.

Monitor my home page regularly for new and upgraded OS/2 programs. This will be
the place where all programs will be available first.

This program is also available at the following sites:

Internet:

  http://home.att.net/~ASchw
  http://www.bmtmicro.com
  http://hobbes.nmsu.edu