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CheckUPS II Advanced for Novell NetWare

Installation and Configuration Instructions

Note: This document applies to CheckUPS II Advanced for Novell NetWare version 3.3 and above only.

Introduction

CheckUPS II Advanced for Novell NetWare monitors the status of a serially connected UPS, a remote UPS through a network connection with a CheckUPS II Data Server, or a UPS being managed by a BestLink SNMP/WEB Adapter.

During an extended power failure, the CheckUPS II Advanced may alert users that are logged into the server, log UPS-related events to a log file and if necessary, shut down the NetWare operating system before the UPS reaches a critical, low battery condition.

CheckUPS II Advanced for Novell NetWare only monitors UPS models with Advanced (RS-232 communications) only. For those UPS models that only have Basic communications (relay contacts), Best Power provides CheckUPS II Basic software for Novell NetWare. This software may be downloaded from www.bestpower.com.

For BestLink SNMP/WEB Adapter users, CheckUPS II Advanced for Novell NetWare also incorporates the shutdown client functionality required for BestLink to control the shutdown of one or more NetWare servers during an extended power failure. NetWatch client software is available separately for those other operating systems (Windows 9x, NT/2000 and UNIX) that also need to be shutdown automatically by a BestLink SNMP/WEB Adapter.

This CheckUPS software is compatible with Novell NetWare versions 3.20, 4.1x and 5.x.

Note: NetWare 3.20 users should read the requirements notes below before running the CheckUPS II Advanced NLM.

As you progress through the configuration of the CheckUPS II Advanced software for Novell NetWare, be advised that all configuration updates are applied to the main CheckUPS Configuration display. Due to the nature of the NetWare screen interface, they will not be displayed on any overlay windows that are open as they cannot be updated dynamically.

Special NetWare 3.20 Requirements

Below are important notes about additional software required on your NetWare 3.20 server for use with the CheckUPS II Advanced NLM.

CLIBAUX.NLM must be loaded before loading CHECKUPS.NLM. If CLIBAUX.NLM is not in your SYS:\SYSTEM directory, go to http://support.novell.com/misc/patlst.htm, and then download and install the Netware 3.2 CLIB update file "LIB312D.EXE". Modify the AUTOEXEC.NCF file in SYS:\SYSTEM to include the line "load clibaux", or load the NLM manually before loading CHECKUPS.NLM.

NETDB.NLM must be in the SYS:\SYSTEM directory before loading CHECKUPS.NLM. If NETDB.NLM is not present on your system, go to http://support.novell.com and search for "NIP22B.EXE". Download this file to a temp directory, and then double-click on it to extract the contents. You do not have to install NetWare IP, simply copy NETDB.NLM from the "dhcp\dhcpsrvr\utils\3x" directory to the SYS:\SYSTEM directory of your server.

After the above steps are completed, CHECKUPS.NLM can be loaded.

Preparation

Before configuring the software for use, it is assumed that you ran the supplied installation software (chkadnov.exe) from a Windows PC, which copied the specific NLMs and supporting files to SYS:SYSTEM on your NetWare server.

Please note that language files are also copied to your NetWare server, so if you run your NetWare server in a language other than English (i.e., French, German, Spanish, Italian or Portuguese), CheckUPS will run using the selected language.

Make sure the UPS protecting your server is powered up and the supplied communications cable (INT-0062 or INT-0035) is connected between the BestPort (DB9 or DB25 connection) on the UPS and a free serial connection on your server.

If a different server (running a copy of the CheckUPS II Data Server software) is to have a serial connection to the UPS, make sure the cable is in place and the software is configured and running on that server. Likewise, if a BestLink SNMP/WEB Adapter is monitoring the UPS, make sure it is configured and running before starting to configure CheckUPS II Advanced on this server.

Starting the Software

As administrator of your NetWare server, gain access to the SYS:SYSTEM directory and type the following to start the CheckUPS II Advanced software:

load checkups

Note:  In version 3.35 and later of this software, a feature was added that allows you to type load checkups -d to force the software to reset its configuration to default. This should be used in cases where you have reconfigured your UPS environment and want to reconfigure the software. Running the software without forcing it to default conditions, when the UPS and/or network has changed, will result in the software attempting to run based on what it knew of the previous environment.

A Monitoring Options selection box will be displayed containing the following choices:

Local UPS

Remote UPS

BestLink SNMP/WEB Adapter

Reset Defaults

Exit

For users with UPS models capable of Advanced communications, CheckUPS II Advanced for Novell NetWare provides the user with software capable of being used in several scenarios. Please review the scenarios below to better understand how to configure and use the software on your server. Each scenario refers you to the Monitoring Option that you need to select to correctly configure the NLM.

Possible Scenarios:

UPS monitoring to be done by a NetWare server connected locally (via RS-232) to its UPS, where additional, networked servers and/or workstations need to monitor the same UPS remotely (via TCP/IP).

 

Select Local UPS as the Monitoring Option that matches this scenario, since this requires you to configure the CheckUPS II Advance NLM for Serial communications with a UPS attached directly to the server and configure the Remote Data Server functionality to provide UPS data to other clients via the network.

Remember that the Scenario you chose is number 1.

UPS monitoring to be done by a NetWare server connected remotely (via TCP/IP) to a separate server or workstation running CheckUPS II Data Server software (NetWare, NT/2000 or UNIX version).

Select Remote UPS as the Monitoring Option that matches this scenario, since this requires you to configure the CheckUPS II Advance NLM for Remote (network) communications with copy of the CheckUPS II Data Server (NT/2000, NetWare or UNIX) running on a remote server.

Remember that the Scenario you chose is number 2.

UPS monitoring to be done by a single NetWare server connected locally (via RS-232) to its UPS (This is different from Scenario 1 because no remote monitoring is possible by other servers or workstations because the integral Data Server is not started).

Select Local UPS as the Monitoring Option that matches this scenario, since this requires you to configure the CheckUPS II Advanced NLM for Serial communications with a UPS attached directly to the server. Note that not other CheckUPS client software will be able to obtain UPS data from the CheckUPS software configured in this manner.

Remember that the Scenario you chose is number 3.

UPS monitoring by a single NetWare server connected remotely (via TCP/IP) to a UPS being controlled by a BestLink SNMP/WEB Adapter.

Select BestLink SNMP/WEB Adapter as the Monitoring Option that matches this scenario, since this requires you to configure the CheckUPS II Advanced NLM to act as a shutdown client when communicating with an active BestLink SNMP/WEB Adapter.

Remember that the Scenario you chose is number 4.

Make the selection that applies to your environment and then continue with the appropriate section (below) based on the Monitoring Option you selected. If you need to reset the program to its factory defaults, select Reset Defaults.


Local UPS

Upon selecting Local UPS as the Monitoring Option, you will then be presented with the following CheckUPS Options:

Monitor UPS only

Monitor UPS and Start Remote Data Server

Use Current CheckUPS Configuration

Exit

If you chose Scenario 1, then select Monitor UPS and Start Remote Data Server.

If you chose Scenario 3, then select Monitor UPS only.

If you previously configured CheckUPS II then select Use Current CheckUPS Configuration to continue with those settings.

After making the appropriate CheckUPS Options selection as listed above, continue with the text that matches that selection below. If you desire to Exit the current selection screen, select Exit.


Monitor UPS only

Upon selecting Monitor UPS only, you will then be presented with the following Configuration Options:

Current UPS COM Port: COM2

Discover Available COM Ports

Current UPS: None

Detect UPS

Start Monitoring

Exit

To begin monitoring the UPS, follow the steps listed below:

  1. Select Discover Available COM Ports which will present you with a list of available COM ports on your NetWare server. It displays all serial ports from which you can select the one the UPS is connected to.
  2. Select Detect UPS to instruct CheckUPS to attempt communications with the UPS connected to the COM port you selected. If your are presented with the message >Error: Invalid COM Port <Press ENTER to continue> then the COM port you selected is most likely connected to something other than a UPS. Upon detecting a UPS, the software then automatically identifies the UPS model. This may take several seconds. Upon the successful detection, the name of the UPS model being monitored is displayed as the Current Detected UPS. Press Enter to remove the display box from the screen. Failure to detect and identify the UPS may indicate a communications port problem. Do not proceed until the problem is rectified.
  3. Finally, select Start Monitoring which instructs CheckUPS to start communicating with the detected UPS.

Once communications has been established with the UPS, the CheckUPS II Advanced main screen is updated, showing the current CheckUPS Configuration and the current status of the UPS being monitored.

Proceed by configuring CheckUPS to correctly handle UPS-related events, including possible operating system shutdown. To do so, press the F8 key for more options.

Upon doing so, you will be presented with the following options:

Edit Configuration

View Event Log

View Event Log File

Stop Monitoring

Exit

Select Edit Configuration and continue with the following.

Operating System Shutdown Options:

There are four shutdown options to choose from. They are:

  1. Operating System Shutdown Disabled
  2. Start Shutdown after Operating on Battery for 5 min (Default)
  3. Start Shutdown only on UPS-Reported Low Battery Alarm
  4. Start Shutdown when Battery Runtime Reaches 5 min

Selecting the current shutdown option and pressing the Enter key displays the four choices (in alphabetical order as shown above). Once you make a new selection, CheckUPS requires that you provide any timing value associated with that choice. The shutdown options are explained in detail below.

Operating System Shutdown Disabled

By default, this selection is disabled. If a power failure occurs and the UPS runs out of battery runtime, the UPS will turn off. If you select this option, the server will not be properly shut down.

Start Shutdown after Operating on Battery for 5 min (Default)

By default, this selection is enabled. This allows the CheckUPS II Advanced NLM to start the automatic shutdown of the NetWare server at a specific amount of time following the start of a power failure.

The user is allowed to select a length of Power Failure value (m) from 1 to 99 minutes, with the default being 5 minutes.

The value you choose instructs CheckUPS II to wait m minutes after the start (and continuation) of a power failure before starting the automatic shutdown of the NetWare server.

Please note that the occurrence of a UPS-generated Low Battery Alarm before the length of the power failure reaches the number of minutes selected, causes the start of an immediate shutdown.

Start Shutdown only on UPS-Reported Low Battery Alarm

By default, this selection is disabled. However, it is available whether your UPS calculates Battery Runtime remaining or not. By enabling this selection, you can instruct the CheckUPS II Advanced NLM to only start the automatic shutdown of the NetWare server whenever a UPS-generated Low Battery Alarm occurs.

Start Shutdown when Battery Runtime Reaches 5 min

By default, this selection is disabled. However, if the UPS to be monitored calculates Battery Runtime remaining, the user may choose this selection to allow the UPS-protected systems to run as long as possible before the automatic shutdown starts. For UPS models that do not calculate Battery Runtime remaining, this selection cannot be enabled.

Upon selecting this option, the user is required to select a Battery Runtime remaining value (n) from 3 to 99 minutes, with the default being 5 minutes.

The value you choose instructs CheckUPS to wait until n minutes of available Battery Runtime to start the automatic shutdown of the NetWare server - only during a power failure condition.

Please note that the occurrence of a UPS-generated Low Battery Alarm before the amount of Battery Runtime remaining you choose is reached, causes the start of an immediate shutdown.

Minutes Required for Operating System Shutdown (Default: 2)

The user must set the time required to complete the NetWare Operating System Shutdown from 1 to 60 minutes, but must be conscious of the other numerical settings to ensure enough time is allowed for the system to complete its shutdown prior to the UPS running out of battery runtime.

Execute Batch File prior to Operating System Shutdown (Default: No)

If you need to run a batch file prior to the actual NetWare shutdown, you may instruct CheckUPS to do so.

To change the value, press Y for Yes or N for No, followed by pressing Enter.

Minutes Required for Batch File Execution (Default: 1)

If you enable the Execution of a Batch File prior to the NetWare shutdown, you must instruct CheckUPS how long it needs to wait for the batch file to complete its execution.

This time can range from 1 to 60 minutes, but the user must be conscious of the other numerical settings to ensure enough time is allowed for the system to complete its shutdown prior to the UPS running out of battery runtime.

To change the numerical value, press Enter to select the setting. Then type in the number of minutes required, followed by pressing Enter again to accept the setting.

Batch File Name: SYS:SYSTEM\UPSDOWN.NCF

If you enable the Execution of a Batch File prior to the NetWare shutdown, you must tell CheckUPS the path and filename of the batch file (.ncf file) to be executed.

To change the path and filename, press Enter to select the setting. Then type in the new path and filename or edit the current one. Press Enter to accept the new setting.

Edit Batch File SYS:SYSTEM\UPSDOWN.NCF

Pressing Enter to select this setting, allows the user to edit the actual batch file from within CheckUPS.

Enable Event Logging (Default: Yes)

By default, UPS-related events are logged into the file SYS:SYSTEM\CHECKUPS.LOG. You may instruct CheckUPS not to log the events as they happened, but this is not recommended.

To change the value, press Y for Yes or N for No, followed by pressing Enter.

Enable Event Message Broadcasting (Default: No)

By default, UPS-related events are broadcast as messages to logged-in users. In most cases it is desirable to keep users informed as UPS-related events take place.

To change the value, press Y for Yes or N for No, followed by pressing Enter.

Start Monitoring when NLM is loaded (Default: No)

Once you successfully establish communications with a UPS, CheckUPS automatically updates this setting to Yes. By doing so, CheckUPS will start monitoring each time the CheckUPS NLM is loaded.

F8 key Options continued

View Event Log

Select View Event Log to allow you to scroll up or down in the Event Log found at the bottom of the CheckUPS II Advanced main screen. The up and down arrow keys found on your keyboard will then be active. Press the Esc key to exit the log.

View Event Log File

Select View Event Log File to allow you to view the physical CheckUPS log file found at SYS:SYSTEM\CHECKUPS.LOG. All four arrow keys found on your keyboard will then be active. Press the Esc key to exit the log.

Stop Monitoring

Select Stop Monitoring to instruct CheckUPS to discontinue monitoring the UPS in the current manner. This is useful during initial testing, but should be used with caution since no UPS monitoring or automatic shutdown functionality will be active if monitoring has been discontinued.

Exit

Selecting Exit is like pressing the Esc key. It removes the currently displayed menu window from your screen, returning you to the previous display.

Your CheckUPS II Advanced software for NetWare is now configured based on the scenario you selected.


Monitor UPS and Start Remote Data Server

Upon selecting Monitor UPS and Start Remote Data Server, you will then be presented with the following Configuration Options:

Current UDP Listen Port Value: 2844

Edit UDP Listen Port Value

Current UPS COM Port: COM2

Discover Available COM Ports

Current UPS: None

Detect UPS

Start Monitoring

Exit

To begin monitoring the UPS, follow the steps listed below:

  1. The default UDP Listen Port Value that the Remote Data Server portion of CheckUPS uses to honor requests for UPS data from remote CheckUPS clients is 2844. Although you are allowed to change this port number by selecting Edit UPS Listen Port Value, it is not recommended. 2844 has been assigned specifically to Best Power by IANA.
  2. Select Discover Available COM Ports which will present you with a list of available COM ports on your NetWare server. It displays all serial ports from which you can select the one the UPS is connected to.
  3. Select Detect UPS to instruct CheckUPS to attempt communications with the UPS connected to the COM port you selected. If your are presented with the message Error: Invalid COM Port <Press ENTER to continue> then the COM port you selected is most likely connected to something other than a UPS. Upon detecting a UPS, the software then automatically identifies the UPS model. This may take several seconds. Upon the successful detection, the name of the UPS model being monitored is displayed as the Current Detected UPS. Press Enter to remove the display box from the screen. Failure to detect and identify the UPS may indicate a communications port problem. Do not proceed until the problem is rectified.
  4. Finally, select Start Monitoring which instructs CheckUPS to start communicating with the detected UPS and allows it to make that UPS data available to other CheckUPS II Advanced client software.

Once communications has been established with the UPS, the CheckUPS II Advanced main screen is updated, showing the current CheckUPS Configuration and the current status of the UPS being monitored.

Proceed by configuring CheckUPS to correctly handle UPS-related events, including possible operating system shutdown. To do so, press the F8 key for more options.

Upon doing so, you will be presented with the following options:

Edit Configuration

View Event Log

View Event Log File

Stop Monitoring

Exit

Select Edit Configuration and continue with the following.

Operating System Shutdown Options:

There are four shutdown options to choose from. They are:

  1. Operating System Shutdown Disabled
  2. Start Shutdown after Operating on Battery for 5 min (Default)
  3. Start Shutdown only on UPS-Reported Low Battery Alarm
  4. Start Shutdown when Battery Runtime Reaches 5 min

Selecting the current shutdown option and pressing the Enter key displays the four choices (in alphabetical order as shown above). Once you make a new selection, CheckUPS requires that you provide any timing value associated with that choice. The shutdown options are explained in detail below.

Operating System Shutdown Disabled

By default, this selection is disabled. If a power failure occurs and the UPS runs out of battery runtime, the UPS will turn off. If you select this option, the server will not be properly shut down.

Start Shutdown after Operating on Battery for 5 min (Default)

By default, this selection is enabled. This allows the CheckUPS II Advanced NLM to start the automatic shutdown of the NetWare server at a specific amount of time following the start of a power failure.

The user is allowed to select a length of Power Failure value (m) from 1 to 99 minutes, with the default being 5 minutes.

The value you choose instructs CheckUPS to wait m minutes after the start (and continuation) of a power failure before starting the automatic shutdown of the NetWare server.

Please note that the occurrence of a UPS-generated Low Battery Alarm before the length of the power failure reaches the number of minutes selected, causes the start of an immediate shutdown.

If you have other CheckUPS II Advanced clients that obtain their UPS data from the Data Server function in CheckUPS running on this NetWare server, then in most cases they should all have the same shutdown settings. However, you may choose to set some to a smaller Operating on Battery value to conserve battery runtime for more important systems. The system running the CheckUPS II Data Server should be the last system to start its shutdown in all cases and should have the largest (longest) value for the Operating on Battery value.

Start Shutdown only on UPS-Reported Low Battery Alarm

By default, this selection is disabled. However, it is available whether your UPS calculates Battery Runtime remaining or not. By enabling this selection, you can instruct the CheckUPS II Advanced NLM to only start the automatic shutdown of the NetWare server whenever a UPS-generated Low Battery Alarm occurs.

Start Shutdown when Battery Runtime Reaches 5 min

By default, this selection is disabled. However, if the UPS to be monitored calculates Battery Runtime remaining, the user may choose this selection to allow the UPS-protected systems to run as long as possible before the automatic shutdown starts. For UPS models that do not calculate Battery Runtime remaining, this selection cannot be enabled.

Upon selecting this option, the user is required to select a Battery Runtime remaining value (n) from 3 to 99 minutes, with the default being 5 minutes.

The value you choose instructs CheckUPS II to wait until n minutes of available Battery Runtime to start the automatic shutdown of the NetWare server - only during a power failure condition.

Please note that the occurrence of a UPS-generated Low Battery Alarm before the amount of Battery Runtime remaining you choose is reached, causes the start of an immediate shutdown.

If you have other CheckUPS II Advanced clients that obtain their UPS data from the Data Server function in CheckUPS running on this NetWare server, then in most cases they should all have the same shutdown settings. However, you may choose to set some to a larger Battery Runtime remaining value to conserve Battery Runtime for more important systems. The system running the CheckUPS II Data Server should be the last system to start its shutdown in all cases and should have the smallest value for the Battery Runtime remaining.

Minutes Required for Operating System Shutdown (Default: 2)

The user must set the time required to complete the NetWare Operating System Shutdown from 1 to 60 minutes, but must be conscious of the other numerical settings to ensure enough time is allowed for the system to complete its shutdown prior to the UPS running out of battery runtime.

Execute Batch File prior to Operating System Shutdown (Default: No)

If you need to run a batch file prior to the actual NetWare shutdown, you may instruct CheckUPS to do so.

To change the value, press Y for Yes or N for No, followed by pressing Enter.

Minutes Required for Batch File Execution (Default: 1)

If you enable the Execution of a Batch File prior to the NetWare shutdown, you must instruct CheckUPS how long it needs to wait for the batch file to complete its execution.

This time can range from 1 to 60 minutes, but the user must be conscious of the other numerical settings to ensure enough time is allowed for the system to complete its shutdown prior to the UPS running out of battery runtime.

To change the numerical value, press Enter to select the setting. Then type in the number of minutes required, followed by pressing Enter again to accept the setting.

Batch File Name: SYS:SYSTEM\UPSDOWN.NCF

If you enable the Execution of a Batch File prior to the NetWare shutdown, you must tell CheckUPS the path and filename of the batch file (.ncf file) to be executed.

To change the path and filename, press Enter to select the setting. Then type in the new path and filename or edit the current one. Press Enter to accept the new setting.

Edit Batch File SYS:SYSTEM\UPSDOWN.NCF

Pressing Enter to select this setting, allows the user to edit the actual batch file from within CheckUPS.

Enable Event Logging (Default: Yes)

By default, UPS-related events are logged into the file SYS:SYSTEM\CHECKUPS.LOG. You may instruct CheckUPS not to log the events as they happened, but this is not recommended.

To change the value, press Y for Yes or N for No, followed by pressing Enter.

Enable Event Message Broadcasting (Default: No)

By default, UPS-related events are broadcast as messages to logged-in users. In most cases it is desirable to keep users informed as UPS-related events take place.

To change the value, press Y for Yes or N for No, followed by pressing Enter.

Start Monitoring when NLM is loaded (Default: No)

Once you successfully establish communications with a UPS, CheckUPS automatically updates this setting to Yes. By doing so, CheckUPS will start monitoring each time the CheckUPS NLM is loaded.

F8 key Options continued

View Event Log

Select View Event Log to allow you to scroll up or down in the Event Log found at the bottom of the CheckUPS II Advanced main screen. The up and down arrow keys found on your keyboard will then be active. Press the Esc key to exit the log.

View Event Log File

Select View Event Log File to allow you to view the physical CheckUPS log file found at SYS:SYSTEM\CHECKUPS.LOG. All four arrow keys found on your keyboard will then be active. Press the Esc key to exit the log.

Stop Monitoring

Select Stop Monitoring to instruct CheckUPS to discontinue monitoring the UPS in the current manner. This is useful during initial testing, but should be used with caution since no UPS monitoring or automatic shutdown functionality will be active if monitoring has been discontinued.

Exit

Selecting Exit is like pressing the Esc key. It removes the currently displayed menu window from your screen, returning you to the previous display.

Your CheckUPS II Advanced software for NetWare is now configured based on the scenario you selected.


Remote UPS

If you chose Scenario 2 because the NetWare server will connect remotely to a separate system running CheckUPS II Data Server software, in order to obtain UPS data, then continue with this section.

Upon selecting Remote UPS as the Monitoring Option, you will then be presented with the following Remote Server Options:

Current UDP Target Port Value: 2844

Edit UDP Target Port Value

Discover all Remote Servers

Enter Remote Server IP Address or Hostname

Use Current Remote Server Configuration

Exit

To begin monitoring the UPS, follow the steps listed below:

  1. The default Current UDP Target Port Value that CheckUPS uses to request UPS data from remote servers is 2844. Although you are allowed to change this port number by selecting Edit UDP Target Port Value, it is not recommended. 2844 has been assigned specifically to Best Power by IANA.
  2. Select Discover all Remote Servers to instruct CheckUPS to attempt to locate any CheckUPS II Data Servers on your network. Upon doing so, CheckUPS will present a Remote Servers list from which you can select the Hostname or IP Address of the Remote Server you wish to obtain your UPS data from. Typically, you would pick the one that is being protected by the UPS that provides power to the NetWare server you are currently configuring CheckUPS software for. Selecting a valid Hostname or IP Address from the list and pressing Enter starts the communications process with the remote server.
  3. If for some reason, the remote server you wish to use is not listed, then you may enter the IP Address or Hostname of the remote server manually by selecting Enter Remote Server IP Address or Hostname. Upon entering the valid IP Address or Hostname, the communications process with the remote server will be started.

Once communications has been established with the remote CheckUPS II Data Server, the CheckUPS II Advanced main screen is updated, showing the current CheckUPS Configuration and the current status of the UPS being monitored.

Proceed by configuring CheckUPS to correctly handle UPS-related events, including possible operating system shutdown. To do so, press the F8 key for more options.

Upon doing so, you will be presented with the following options:

Edit Configuration

View Event Log

View Event Log File

Stop Monitoring

Exit

Select Edit Configuration and continue with the following.

Operating System Shutdown Options:

There are four shutdown options to choose from. They are:

  1. Operating System Shutdown Disabled
  2. Start Shutdown after Operating on Battery for 5 min (Default)
  3. Start Shutdown only on UPS-Reported Low Battery Alarm
  4. Start Shutdown when Battery Runtime Reaches 5 min

Selecting the current shutdown option and pressing the Enter key displays the four choices (in alphabetical order as shown above). Once you make a new selection, CheckUPS requires that you provide any timing value associated with that choice. The shutdown options are explained in detail below.

Operating System Shutdown Disabled

By default, this selection is disabled. If a power failure occurs and the UPS runs out of battery runtime, the UPS will turn off. If you select this option, the server will not be properly shut down.

Start Shutdown after Operating on Battery for 5 min (Default)

By default, this selection is enabled. This allows the CheckUPS II Advanced NLM to start the automatic shutdown of the NetWare server at a specific amount of time following the start of a power failure.

The user is allowed to select a length of Power Failure value (m) from 1 to 99 minutes, with the default being 5 minutes.

The value you choose instructs CheckUPS to wait m minutes after the start (and continuation) of a power failure before starting the automatic shutdown of the NetWare server.

Please note that the occurrence of a UPS-generated Low Battery Alarm before the length of the power failure reaches the number of minutes selected, causes the start of an immediate shutdown.

If you have other CheckUPS II Advanced clients that obtain their UPS data from the Data Server function in CheckUPS running on this NetWare server, then in most cases they should all have the same shutdown settings. However, you may choose to set some to a smaller Operating on Battery value to conserve battery runtime for more important systems. The system running the CheckUPS II Data Server should be the last system to start its shutdown in all cases and should have the largest (longest) value for the Operating on Battery value.

Start Shutdown only on UPS-Reported Low Battery Alarm

By default, this selection is disabled. However, it is available whether your UPS calculates Battery Runtime remaining or not. By enabling this selection, you can instruct the CheckUPS II Advanced NLM to only start the automatic shutdown of the NetWare server whenever a UPS-generated Low Battery Alarm occurs.

Start Shutdown when Battery Runtime Reaches 5 min

By default, this selection is disabled. However, if the UPS to be monitored calculates Battery Runtime remaining, the user may choose this selection to allow the UPS-protected systems to run as long as possible before the automatic shutdown starts. For UPS models that do not calculate Battery Runtime remaining, this selection cannot be enabled.

Upon selecting this option, the user is required to select a Battery Runtime remaining value (n) from 3 to 99 minutes, with the default being 5 minutes.

The value you choose instructs CheckUPS to wait until n minutes of available Battery Runtime to start the automatic shutdown of the NetWare server - only during a power failure condition.

Please note that the occurrence of a UPS-generated Low Battery Alarm before the amount of Battery Runtime remaining you choose is reached, causes the start of an immediate shutdown.

If you have other CheckUPS II Advanced clients that obtain their UPS data from the Data Server function in CheckUPS running on this NetWare server, then in most cases they should all have the same shutdown settings. However, you may choose to set some to a larger Battery Runtime remaining value to conserve Battery Runtime for more important systems. The system running the CheckUPS II Data Server should be the last system to start its shutdown in all cases and should have the smallest value for the Battery Runtime remaining.

Minutes Required for Operating System Shutdown (Default: 2)

The user must set the time required to complete the NetWare Operating System Shutdown from 1 to 60 minutes, but must be conscious of the other numerical settings to ensure enough time is allowed for the system to complete its shutdown prior to the UPS running out of battery runtime.

Execute Batch File prior to Operating System Shutdown (Default: No)

If you need to run a batch file prior to the actual NetWare shutdown, you may instruct CheckUPS to do so.

To change the value, press Y for Yes or N for No, followed by pressing Enter.

Minutes Required for Batch File Execution (Default: 1)

If you enable the Execution of a Batch File prior to the NetWare shutdown, you must instruct CheckUPS how long it needs to wait for the batch file to complete its execution.

This time can range from 1 to 60 minutes, but the user must be conscious of the other numerical settings to ensure enough time is allowed for the system to complete its shutdown prior to the UPS running out of battery runtime.

To change the numerical value, press Enter to select the setting. Then type in the number of minutes required, followed by pressing Enter again to accept the setting.

Batch File Name: SYS:SYSTEM\UPSDOWN.NCF

If you enable the Execution of a Batch File prior to the NetWare shutdown, you must tell CheckUPS the path and filename of the batch file (.ncf file) to be executed.

To change the path and filename, press Enter to select the setting. Then type in the new path and filename or edit the current one. Press Enter to accept the new setting.

Edit Batch File SYS:SYSTEM\UPSDOWN.NCF

Pressing Enter to select this setting, allows the user to edit the actual batch file from within CheckUPS.

Enable Event Logging (Default: Yes)

By default, UPS-related events are logged into the file SYS:SYSTEM\CHECKUPS.LOG. You may instruct CheckUPS not to log the events as they happened, but this is not recommended.

To change the value, press Y for Yes or N for No, followed by pressing Enter.

Enable Event Message Broadcasting (Default: No)

By default, UPS-related events are broadcast as messages to logged-in users. In most cases it is desirable to keep users informed as UPS-related events take place.

To change the value, press Y for Yes or N for No, followed by pressing Enter.

Start Monitoring when NLM is loaded (Default: No)

Once you successfully establish communications with a remote CheckUPS II Data Server, CheckUPS automatically updates this setting to Yes. By doing so, CheckUPS will start monitoring each time the CheckUPS NLM is loaded.

F8 key Options continued

View Event Log

Select View Event Log to allow you to scroll up or down in the Event Log found at the bottom of the CheckUPS II Advanced main screen. The up and down arrow keys found on your keyboard will then be active. Press the Esc key to exit the log.

View Event Log File

Select View Event Log File to allow you to view the physical CheckUPS log file found at SYS:SYSTEM\CHECKUPS.LOG. All four arrow keys found on your keyboard will then be active. Press the Esc key to exit the log.

Stop Monitoring

Select Stop Monitoring to instruct CheckUPS to discontinue monitoring the UPS in the current manner. This is useful during initial testing, but should be used with caution since no UPS monitoring or automatic shutdown functionality will be active if monitoring has been discontinued.

Exit

Selecting Exit is like pressing the Esc key. It removes the currently displayed menu window from your screen, returning you to the previous display.

Your CheckUPS II Advanced software for NetWare is now configured based on the scenario you selected.


BestLink SNMP/WEB Adapter

If you chose Scenario 4 because the NetWare server will connect remotely to a BestLink SNMP/WEB Adapter to obtain UPS status data, then continue with this section.

Upon selecting BestLink SNMP/WEB Adapter as the Monitoring Option, you will then be presented with the following BestLink Options:

Discover BestLink SNMP/WEB Adapters

Enter BestLink IP Address or Hostname

Use Current BestLink Configuration

Exit

To begin monitoring the UPS, follow the steps listed below:

  1. Select Discover BestLink SNMP/WEB Adapters to instruct CheckUPS to attempt to locate any BestLink SNMP/WEB Adapters on your network. Upon doing so, CheckUPS will present a BestLink SNMP/WEB Adapters list from which you can select the IP Address (or Hostname) of the BestLink you wish to obtain your UPS status data from. Typically, you would pick the one that is monitoring the UPS that provides power to the NetWare server you are currently configuring CheckUPS software for. Selecting a valid IP Address from the list and pressing Enter starts the communications process with the BestLink SNMP/WEB Adapter.
  2. If for some reason, the BestLink SNMP/WEB Adapter you wish to monitor is not listed, then you may enter its IP Address or Hostname manually by selecting Enter BestLink IP Address or Hostname. Upon entering the valid IP Address or Hostname, the communications process with the BestLink SNMP/WEB Adapter will be started.

Once communications has been established with the BestLink SNMP/WEB Adapter to be monitored, the CheckUPS II Advanced main screen is updated, showing the current BestLink (monitoring) Configuration and the current (simple) status of the UPS being monitored.

Proceed by configuring CheckUPS to correctly handle UPS-related events, including possible operating system shutdown. To do so, press the F8 key for more options.

Upon doing so, you will be presented with the following options:

Edit Configuration

View Event Log

View Event Log File

Stop Monitoring

Exit

Select Edit Configuration and continue with the following.

Operating System Shutdown Options:

There are four shutdown options to choose from. They are:

  1. Operating System Shutdown Disabled
  2. Start Shutdown after Operating on Battery for 5 min (Default)
  3. Start Shutdown only on UPS-Reported Low Battery Alarm
  4. Start Shutdown when Battery Runtime Reaches 5 min

Selecting the current shutdown option and pressing the Enter key displays the four choices (in alphabetical order as shown above). Once you make a new selection, CheckUPS requires that you provide any timing value associated with that choice. The shutdown options are explained in detail below.

Operating System Shutdown Disabled

By default, this selection is disabled. If a power failure occurs and the UPS runs out of battery runtime, the UPS will turn off. If you select this option, the server will not be properly shut down.

Start Shutdown after Operating on Battery for 5 min (Default)

By default, this selection is enabled. This allows the CheckUPS II Advanced NLM to start the automatic shutdown of the NetWare server at a specific amount of time following the start of a power failure as reported by the BestLink SNMP/WEB Adapter.

The user is allowed to select a length of Power Failure value (m) from 1 to 99 minutes, with the default being 5 minutes.

The value you choose instructs CheckUPS to wait m minutes after the start (and continuation) of a power failure before starting the automatic shutdown of the NetWare server.

Please note that the occurrence of a UPS-generated, BestLink-reported Low Battery Alarm before the length of the power failure reaches the number of minutes selected, causes the start of an immediate shutdown.

Start Shutdown only on UPS-Reported Low Battery Alarm

By default, this selection is disabled. However, it is available whether your UPS calculates Battery Runtime remaining or not. By enabling this selection, you can instruct the CheckUPS II Advanced NLM to only start the automatic shutdown of the NetWare server whenever a UPS-generated, BestLink-reported Low Battery Alarm occurs.

Start Shutdown when Battery Runtime Reaches 5 min

By default, this selection is disabled. However, if the UPS to be monitored calculates Battery Runtime remaining, the user may choose this selection to allow the UPS-protected systems to run as long as possible before the automatic shutdown starts. For UPS models that do not calculate Battery Runtime remaining, this selection cannot be enabled.

Upon selecting this option, the user is required to select a Battery Runtime remaining value (n) from 3 to 99 minutes, with the default being 5 minutes.

The value you choose instructs CheckUPS to wait until n minutes of available Battery Runtime to start the automatic shutdown of the NetWare server - only during a power failure condition.

Please note that the occurrence of a UPS-generated Low Battery Alarm before the amount of Battery Runtime remaining you choose is reached, causes the start of an immediate shutdown.

Execute Batch File prior to Operating System Shutdown (Default: No)

If you need to run a batch file prior to the actual NetWare shutdown, you may instruct CheckUPS to do so.

To change the value, press Y for Yes or N for No, followed by pressing Enter.

Minutes Required for Batch File Execution (Default: 1)

If you enable the Execution of a Batch File prior to the NetWare shutdown, you must instruct CheckUPS how long it needs to wait for the batch file to complete its execution.

This time can range from 1 to 60 minutes, but the user must be conscious of the other numerical settings (specifically those on the BestLink SNMP/WEB Adapter) to ensure enough time is allowed for the system to complete its shutdown prior to the UPS running out of battery runtime or turning off under the control of the BestLink SNMP/WEB Adapter.

To change the numerical value, press Enter to select the setting. Then type in the number of minutes required, followed by pressing Enter again to accept the setting.

Batch File Name: SYS:SYSTEM\UPSDOWN.NCF

If you enable the Execution of a Batch File prior to the NetWare shutdown, you must tell CheckUPS the path and filename of the batch file (.ncf file) to be executed.

To change the path and filename, press Enter to select the setting. Then type in the new path and filename or edit the current one. Press Enter to accept the new setting.

Edit Batch File SYS:SYSTEM\UPSDOWN.NCF

Pressing Enter to select this setting, allows the user to edit the actual batch file from within CheckUPS.

Enable Event Logging (Default: Yes)

By default, UPS-related events are logged into the file SYS:SYSTEM\CHECKUPS.LOG. You may instruct CheckUPS not to log the events as they happened, but this is not recommended.

To change the value, press Y for Yes or N for No, followed by pressing Enter.

Enable Event Message Broadcasting (Default: No)

By default, UPS-related events are broadcast as messages to logged-in users. In most cases it is desirable to keep users informed as UPS-related events take place.

To change the value, press Y for Yes or N for No, followed by pressing Enter.

Start Monitoring when NLM is loaded (Default: No)

Once you successfully establish communications with a BestLink SNMP/WEB Adapter, CheckUPS automatically updates this setting to Yes. By doing so, CheckUPS will start monitoring the BestLink SNMP/WEB Adapter each time the CheckUPS NLM is loaded.

F8 key Options continued

View Event Log

Select View Event Log to allow you to scroll up or down in the Event Log found at the bottom of the CheckUPS II Advanced main screen. The up and down arrow keys found on your keyboard will then be active. Press the Esc key to exit the log.

View Event Log File

Select View Event Log File to allow you to view the physical CheckUPS log file found at SYS:SYSTEM\CHECKUPS.LOG. All four arrow keys found on your keyboard will then be active. Press the Esc key to exit the log.

Stop Monitoring

Select Stop Monitoring to instruct CheckUPS to discontinue monitoring the UPS in the current manner. This is useful during initial testing, but should be used with caution since no UPS monitoring or automatic shutdown functionality will be active if monitoring has been discontinued.

Exit

Selecting Exit is like pressing the Esc key. It removes the currently displayed menu window from your screen, returning you to the previous display.

Your CheckUPS II Advanced software for NetWare is now configured based on the scenario you selected.

 

 

 


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