|
OPTI-SAFE+ (All types)
Q: Which operating systems
work with OPTI-SAFE+?
A: OPTI-SAFE+ works with Novell,
Windows, (3.1x, 95/98, ME, 2000, NT & XP), OS/2 Warp and DOS.
Q: What are the hardware
requirements for running OPTI-SAFE+?
A: (1) A personal computer with
a supported operating system (OS); (2) An available serial port (RS232)
or USB; (3) An OPTI-UPS VS, BT, ES, or PS uninterruptible power supply.
Q: What if there is no free serial port? Can OPTI-SAFE+ share serial ports?
A: OPTI-SAFE+
requires a dedicated serial port. In this case you are suggested
to: (1) use the USB port if your PC supports it. USB adapters
can be purchased from OPTI-UPS sales
department; (2) Add an additional I/O card (call any computer
shop) to create a new serial port in your PC.
Q: Why would I want
to use OPTI-SAFE+?
A: OPTI-SAFE+
provides the combined power control system capability to: (1)
Perform an unattended shut down of operating systems and save
work in progress; (2) Perform tiered shutdowns of networks to
insure that no information is lost; (3) Schedule automatic self-testing
to insure that the system will always work when needed; (4)
Record power conditions so that data may be analyzed to find
power problems; (5) Contact users via network pop-ups, e-mail,
and pagers in the event of a power failure; (6) Provide at a
single glance all pertinent information about current power
conditions.
Q: Can OPTI-SAFE+ be
used with UPS's from other manufacturers?
A: No.
Usually UPS manufacturers design their management software on
its own protocal (communication method between PC and UPS),
so you can not use an APC software on Tripplite UPS or OPTI-UPS.
Some small UPS vendors outsource software, so you might be able
to use A-brand software on B-brand UPS. Besides, the cables
that come with the UPS are also different.
Q: I get the message
"Communication Lost" (or "No Local Agent"), what could
cause this?
A: (1)
Check if your UPS is turned on; (2) Check if the cable is well
pluged into the serial port; (3) Enter "OPTI-SAFE+ manager",
find the botton "settings" and check if the selected
port (COM1 to COM4) is the same as where your PC serial port
is located. OPTI-SAFE+ default port is COM2; (4) Find "OPTI-SAFE+
monitor" on the system tray of the Windows desktop.Click
the mouse right button, find the "option", check if
the correct "communication port" is selected.
OPTI-SAFE+
for Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP
Q:
I get the message "TCP/IP Protocol is not installed, Remote
Management of this stations UPS from other stations will be
disabled". What does this mean?
A: TCP/IP is the
protocol OPTI-SAFE+ uses for remote management over a network.
If this protocol is not loaded on your network, or if your computer
is a stand alone system, then you will not be able to use the
remote management features of the software. The software will
still provide full management capabilities of your UPS.
OPTI-SAFE+
for DOS/Windows 3.1x
Q: I get the message
"OPTI-SAFE+ for Windows DOS TSR is not loaded." What is wrong?
A: The DOS monitoring program
did not load. Check the Autoexec.bat file to see if the command line optiplus.exe
is loaded before the command line that loads Windows.
Q: The system reports
that communications is lost in both Windows and DOS. How is this fixed?
A:
(1) Make sure that the communications cable connects the communications
port of the UPS to a dedicated serial port on the host system;
(2) Make sure that no other driver is trying to access the same port;
(3) Verify that OPTI-SAFE+ is set to the correct communications
port. If it is not set to the correct port, the setting must
be corrected and the system rebooted to incorporate the change.
(Please note that some computer motherboards may require jumper
changes to alter the communication port settings.)
(4) Test the communications port with another device, such as a serial
mouse, to verify that it is working properly.
Q: OPTI-SAFE+ loops
continuously during DOS shutdown when using DOSShell or other DOS applications.
How can this be fixed?
A: The exit procedure for DOSShell
or the other DOS applications needs to be defined in the Keys section
of OPTI-SAFE+ (DOS version only).
Q: How much memory is
taken up by the OPTI-SAFE+ DOS TSR?
A: The file size is 39K.
Q: How do you remove
the TSR from memory?
A: From a DOS prompt, type <
optiplus -r >. TSRs must be removed in the reverse of the order in
which they were installed or you will be unable to remove them.
OPTI-SAFE+
Novell and Netware
Q:
The Novell Netware file server reports that communications is lost. What
is the problem?
A:
(1) Make sure that the communications cable is securely fastened to the
appropriate ports on the UPS and the host system.
(2) Check that no other drivers are trying to use the same port as the
UPS.
(3) Be sure that OPTI-SAFE+ is set to the correct communications port.
Make sure that AIO has been loaded. Also make sure that the AICOMX has
been loaded once for Board 0 Port 0 (COM 1) and twice for Board 1 Port
0 (COM2).
Q: The
server gives the message "Hardware interrupt controller
error, lost hardware interrupt." What should be done?
A: Make sure that
you are using the original AIOCOMX.NLM driver that came with
your version of Netware. If you have updated your AIOCOMX driver
with the patch program from Novell, you must get the original
driver from Novell.
General
UPS Questions
Q:
When replacing the battery, how can we know if the battery is good or
bad? If the problems comes from battery or unit?
A:
(1) After changing the battery, turn on the UPS and plug your
system into the UPS battery outlet. (2) Press the test switch
or pull out the UPS input power cord to test if the battery
can backup the system. If yes, then the battery is good. Then
drain the battery until the UPS shutdown, plug in the AC power
to turn on the unit. Keep charging the battery for 6 ~8 hours,
then recheck if the UPS can backup your system or not. If yes,
your battery is very healthy.
If the
UPS is operational on AC mode but shuts down when there is a power failure,
this signifies that the battery is bad and needs to be replaced. Some
OPTI-UPS models can show the battery status even on the front panel.
Q:
What does the light indicator mean?
A: Please
see the chapter 1 in user's manual "front panel indicator",
you will get very clear information for each light indicator.
Q:
UPS unit won't power up, what can I do?
A:
Should your UPS unit fail to turn on while its power cord
is unplugged from the AC outlet, the unit's battery is
out of power and needs recharging. If the power cord is
plugged into the AC outlet, please contact OPTI-UPS technical
support: info@opti-ups.co.uk
Q:
How do you determine if the battery needs to be replaced?
A:
(1) If the UPS shutdowns immediately when you press the "test"
botton on the front panel on AC mode;
(2) If the UPS is working on AC mode, but not working on backup mode =>
both symptoms mean you should replace the battery. You are suggested to
replace the battery every 2 years.
Q: What is the warranty
for OPTI-UPS units?
A:
OPTI-UPS offers 3 year limited warranty in the US.
Q: What standards do
the OPTI-UPS units meet?
A: All
of our OPTI-UPS products meet important safety standards which
are required not only in the USA, but also in other countries,
such as "The Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standard",
the equivalent CUL (Canadian UL) standard, FCC, CE TUV, C-Tick,
A-Tick, Rostest (in Russia) and etc.
Q: I need to connect
more items to the UPS than there are outlets. Can a power strip be used
with your UPS?
A: Yes,
under some conditions. If your UPS is a sine-wave type, you
can use a power strip with no problem. If your UPS is step-wave
type, please use the power strip without the function of surge
protection.
Q: What are examples
of items that I can plug into my UPS?
A: For
any type of UPS, it can be used in conjunction with a PC, server,
inkjet printer, monitor (CRT & LCD), scanner. For the sine-wave
UPS: it truly is needed for audio recording systems . For the
step-wave UPS: home entertainment systems benefit greatly. If
you need to connect some special items, please check with OPTI-UPS Customer Service.
Q: How do I determine
the size of UPS needed?
A: UPS's
are rated in Volt Amps (VA). It equals to voltage times amps
(12V times 3A = 36VA on 15 inch LCD monitor, for example). The
easiest way find out the total load (VA) of your equipments
is just to look at the back of the device. Usually a desktop
computer and a 15 inch LCD monitor require 186VA (PC:1.25Ax120V=150VA
+ Monitor: 12Vx3A=36VA). Then sum up the total VA of the equipments
in which you are going to use with the UPS. Choose a UPS with
more VA than you are actually required (for future upgrades
and to avoid overloading the ups).
Q: Can I use an OPTI-UPS
in my home office?
A: Absolutely.
We recommend the ES and PS series.
Q: What causes the UPS
to switch to battery or into Boost/Buck mode often?
A: Usually
it is caused when the input voltage is beyond the highest or
the lowest transfer point of the UPS with AVR (automatic voltage
regulator). If your UPS switches to battery power very frequently,
we recommend you to lower the low voltage transfer points through
OPTI-SAFE+ software or adjust the rear panel dip switches (ES/PS
models). (Note: transfer points are not adjustable on the VS/BT
models).
Q: The UPS will not
turn on and the alarm is not sounding. What could cause this?
A:
Check if the circuit breaker on the back of the UPS has
popped out. Push the breaker button to reset it. If the
UPS still doesn't work, contact info@opti-ups.co.uk.
Q: Can a single OPTI-UPS
be used for both 120V and 230V input power?
A: No. UPS is a power product
and therefore you must use the UPS with the correct input voltage.
Q: Can a single OPTI-UPS
be used for both 50Hz and 60Hz input power?
A: Yes. Our models can automactically
detect and adapt the input power frequency.
Q: How long should the
UPS be charged before connecting equipment to it?
A: 4-6 hours.
Q: Why is the Site Wiring
Fault Indicator (rear red LED) on continuously?
A: This is caused by a faulty
ground or the reversal connection of the Line and Neutral wires. Some
older houses do not have their power plugs grounded, in this case, the
indicator will continously be on. However, that will not affect the UPS's
performance, so don't worry and simply leave it alone.
Q: What is a Data Line
Surge Suppresser Port?
A: This port is designed to
protect phone/modem line (RJ-11) and 10/100Base T (RJ-45) network line
(LAN). This protects your data lines from surges.
Q: How long should a
UPS battery be expected to last before needing replacement?
A: Under normal
conditions, a battery should last from three (3) to five (5)
years. However, we suggest to replace the battery every 2 years.
Q: Where can replacement
batteries be purchased?
A:
Please refer to OPTI-UPS
accessories. If you can not find the required battery, please
contact info@opti-ups.co.uk.
Q: Will the UPS have
to be shut off to change the batteries?
A: No. OPTI-UPS batteries are
hot-swappable. That means the batteries can be replaced without turning
off the connected equipment or unplugging the UPS. Refer to the safety
instruction in your User's Manual.
PowerVS
Questions
Q: Why should I buy
a PowerVS model OPTI-UPS?
A: The
OPTI-UPS PowerVS value series models are designed to protect
your computer equipment from blackouts, brownouts, spikes, surges
and sags. With more battery backup power than any other models
in their class, the PowerVS models feature user changeable batteries
and include Internet/network surge protection for your RJ11/RJ45
lines. They also provide a surge only outlet for your laser
printer, or another device which does not require battery backup.
Nothing else comes close to offering this level of performance
for the money.
Q: When I connect the
input power cord to the wall outlet and turn on the power button, nothing
happens. What does this mean?
A:
Check if the circuit breaker on the back of the UPS has
popped out. If yes, push it in to reset it. If the UPS
still doesn't work, contact info@opti-ups.co.uk
PowerES Questions
Q: Why should I buy
a PowerES model OPTI-UPS?
A: The
OPTI-UPS PowerES enhanced series models are an advanced line
of intelligent UPSs designed to protect your computer equipment
from blackouts, brownouts, spikes, surges and sags. All ES models
support Plug and Play for Windows 95/98, feature automatic voltage
regulation, hot-swappable batteries, and include the OPTI-SAFE+
Power Management Suite CD-ROM. They also provide Internet/network
surge protection for your RJ11/RJ45 lines. Nothing else comes
close to offering this level of performance for the money.
Q: When I connect the
input power cord to the wall outlet and turn on the unit nothing happens,
what does this mean?
A: Check
if the circuit breaker on the back of the UPS has popped out.
If yes, push it in to reset it. If the UPS still doesn't work,
contact info@opti-ups.co.uk
Q: What causes the UPS
Replace Battery LED (red) to be lit?
A: That means battery is dead.
Please replace the battery.
PowerPS
Questions
Q: Why should I buy
a PowerPS model OPTI-UPS?
A: The OPTI-UPS PowerPS professional
series models are intelligent true sine wave UPSs designed to protect
your computer equipment from blackouts, brownouts, spikes, surges and
sags. All PS models support Plug and Play for Windows 95/98, feature automatic
voltage regulation, hot-swappable batteries, and include the OPTI-SAFE+
Power Management Suite CD-ROM. Other features include data-line protection,
independent outlet control, and a built-in SNMP slot on the PS1100 and
PS1440 models.
Q: When I connect the
input power cord to the wall outlet and turn on the unit nothing happens,
what does this mean?
A: Check
if the circuit breaker on the back of the UPS has popped out.
If yes, push it in to reset it. If the UPS still doesn't work,
contact info@opti-ups.co.uk
Q: What causes the UPS
Replace Battery LED (red) to be lit?
A: The
battery voltage is low. Let the UPS recharge the battery overnight
and restart the UPS by turning it off and on again. If the LED
is still lit, replace the battery.
Q: Why is there
no output power on two or more of the PS model outlets
A: To
save power for more important equipments, PS model has smart
"independent outlet control" function. That means
you can turn off the 3rd and 4th outlets through software setting.
Please refer to PS
user's manual for the setting. In default the 3rd and 4th
outlets will be turned off automatically 1 min. after the battery
starts the backup power.
Q: What are the advantages
of using OPTI-UPS and OPTI-SAFE+ with a network?
A: All
of OPTI-UPS models along with our OPTI-SAFE+ power management
software give network managers total control over the power
to their network. OPTI-SAFE+ monitors the power to each of the
servers, hubs, and workstations and immediately warns of problems
as they happen. This combination guarantees that data will be
protected by logging off and saving files on workstations before
shutting down affected file servers. Furthermore, with our SNMP
Adapter, managers are able to control our UPS in remote locations
for both monitoring and remote restarts.
Q: Can I use a single
UPS to power multiple systems and still have them all shut down using
OPTI-SAFE+?
A: Yes, OPTI-SAFE+ has a "dependent
shutdown" function which helps to shutdown all of the systems plugged
into UPS. Besides, the major system (where you install OPTI-SAFE+) can
be set to be shut down after all of the other equipments are turned off.
Q: Which client/servers
programs are supported by OPTI-SAFE+?
A: Novell Netware, Windows series,
Linux.
Q: Which E-Mail systems
are supported by the OPTI-SAFE+ E-Mail function?
A: Under Novell Netware, MHS
is supported. Microsoft Mail is supported under Windows NT2000/XP and
Microsoft Exchange is supported under Windows 95/98/ME.
USB
Adapter Questions (PN: USB-ADP)
Q: What is an USB Adapter?
A: A
USB Adapter is a device designed to connect your OPTI-UPS directly
to the Universal Serial Bus on your PC and still allow you to
have the full functionality of the OPTI-SAFE+ software. The
Adapter is directly connected to both the computer and the UPS.
The Adapter is an optional item and can be purchased from or
OPTI-UPS sales department.
Q: Why do I need a USB
Adapter?
A: Most computer systems these
days are short on com ports and IRQs. The USB Adapter allows you to connect
your OPTI-UPS unit directly to the USB port and save your serial ports
for other devices.
Q: How to replace a
battery?
A: Please
find the procedures in the user's
manual or refer to the battery
replacement page on this site.
|
