Can I use a Y-splitter on the Serial cable of my UPS to shut down TWO CPUs?

[MichaelD]

I have a single UPS that currently powers two boxes. The UPS connects to my main box via the serial cable, and that's how the shut-down software does it's thing.

I was wondering if I could get a Y-splitter, make the one serial cable into "two", connect to the serial ports of each box and have the software shut down both boxes.

I realize the software would have to be installed on both boxes...but that doesn't look like it would be a problem, as the whole thing is about 550kb, if that.

Ideas? Suggestions? Punt?

 

[RanDum72]

I would be interested on this too. I have one big UPS powering two PC's (one monitor, keyboard and mouse shared by a KVM switch).

 

[tboneuls]

i dont think that will work - the computer requests data from the UPS and it responds - it would respond to both computers - it would lead to confusion. the only idea i had was to use a macro that ran on the main computer to remotly shutdown the other, and itself on power loss.

 

[MichaelD]

Originally posted by: tboneuls
i dont think that will work - the computer requests data from the UPS and it responds - it would respond to both computers - it would lead to confusion. the only idea i had was to use a macro that ran on the main computer to remotly shutdown the other, and itself on power loss.

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. Right now, I have two boxes hooked up to my UPS, but only one shuts down automatically. In the event that I wasn't there, the second box (which is not on all the time anyway) would just die when the UPS ran out of battery power...not a big deal, but it IS a big deal if that second box is a server...lost data and all that.

Thanks tboneuls. NE1 else?

 

[woolmilk]

There are plenty UPS protocols and cables.
And there is the possibility of defining master and slave
configurations for more than one PC.
Well, i have done this with some linux machines - whats your OS ?

 

[Miramonti]

No idea about this, but I've tried two UPS's on one battery and can say that this won't work (a little smoke and a few sparks later...).

 

[ViRGE]

What kind of UPS is it? APC's newest software(PowerChute Buisness Edition) uses a pseudo-server design. 3 components, an agent app to monitor the UPS, a server app to read off the data, and a console app to make use of the data. Install all 3 on the machine that the serial cable is connected to, and install the console on the other machine. Set both to shut down at the proper time, and you're set, all without having to risk messing anything up with a split cable, ect. Do note however that the machines need to be on the same network, since the 2nd machine needs to be able to get to the first one.

Edit: Now that I look at the readme, I may be wrong about what machines each component goes on. Make sure to read over it well if you use PCBE

 

[sharkeeper]

Our UPS uses SNMP and Windows messaging to perform a variety of things.

You can do the same just get a UPS that takes a SNMP card.

Cheers!

 

[MichaelD]

Wow. Great replies, ViRGE and Sharkeeper! I'm guessing that the UPS/proggys you're referring to are "Server Room and Very Expensive" type things...a bit out of my league.

I have a CyberPower 1250AVR, which is a pretty darn decent machine, IMHO. Currently powering two CPUs/two monitors/router/modem and still only at about 80% of it's capacity. All the boxes are networked thru the router and can see each other/transfer files.

I just got back from BBuy. I bought another 1250AVR. I decided to just get another one and split the load betwixt the two...prolly safer that way. I don't want to get the same results that Jjsole got! :Q

Thanks very, very much though. I'd rather spend the money than risk frying anything, you know? You guys rock.

 

[ViRGE]

Actually, Michael, the 5 client version is free.:Q