Need help with an APC SmartUPS 1400

[ComputerBox34]

I have an APC SmartUPS 1400 with a relatively new battery (less than a year) The problem I'm having is that the battery indicator level is constantly flashing (even when full). According to PowerChute, the battery is discharged and if the power were to go out, the UPS would only last 2 minutes.

I decided to test this by unplugging the battery to see how long it would last. As soon as I unplugged it, it went from 5 bars to 1 bar but with a 50-60% load, the battery lasted for 30 minutes. The battery then switched itself off but the power indicator lights on front panel began to flash row by row. I then switched the battery back on (still unplugged) and there was still another 8 minutes of power left in it.

So obviously, the battery itself is fine but the fact that the battery level indicator lights are constantly flashing is bothering me. According to the APC knowledge base, they say to completely discharge the battery and let it "reset" itself. Well, I tried that but it didn't work. My PC still says the battery has 4 min of power when I know for a fact it does not. Now, I did replace the battery in this unit about 9 months ago and followed the instructions to the letter.

Can anyone tell me if there is any way to remedy this problem? My computer keeps shutting itself down unnecessarily when the power goes out. I need at least 5 minutes to save everything but it doesn't give me the chance. (PC and UPS are connected to each other via some special COM cable)

 

[ComputerBox34]

No suggestions at all?

 

[SockMan!]

My computer keeps shutting itself down unnecessarily when the power goes out.

So does that mean the UPS isn't doing it's job? How much stuff is connected to it anyway?

I would give APC a call. They tend to have good support (in my experience anyway) and should be able to help you diagnose the problem.

 

[ComputerBox34]

So does that mean the UPS isn't doing it's job? How much stuff is connected to it anyway?

I would give APC a call. They tend to have good support (in my experience anyway) and should be able to help you diagnose the problem.

The UPS IS doing it's job but the software/firmware doesn't think it is. The battery gives me a good 30 minutes of power with about a 55% load.

The problem is that Powerchute (and the UPS itself) thinks that the battery is discharged and my computer shuts itself down to make the battery last for as long as possible. In actuality, the battery is not discharged and works fine. I just need to find a way to reset the firmware in the UPS somehow. APC's FAQ said to unplug and let the battery completely discharge (which I already did) but the firmware did not reset itself.