HOWTO: TrippLite BC PRO 850 UPS - For SuSE Linux 7.3 (1) Note that the cable pin-assignments on the TrippLite and other UPS's are not compatible with standard DBD-9 pin assignments. Cables often have resisters, or even a diode, built in. The info below will tell you how to make a cable that works. Or, you can order one from TrippLite. (73-0724 might work) The following shows the TrippLite DBD-9 male cable pins, and how to connect them to the computer female DBD-9 connector. I did this by making an adapter module. Note that you need two 10K resistors, and one small-signal diode (almost any will do). pin description 1 "gnd", actually -12v derived from computer's SD pin-3 This feeds the emitter side of two opto isolators. 5 AC Fail, collector side of opto isolator, pulled up to +12 by 10K res in cable connected to computer's DTR pin-4. Connect pin-5 to computer's CTS pin-8. -12 volts means AC Fail. 6 Low Batt, collector side of opto isolator, pulled up to +12 by 10K res in cable connected to computer's DTR pin-4.. Connect 6 to computer's DCD pin-1. -12 volts means Low Batt. 2 Inverter shutoff +, controlled by +12 from computer's RTS pin-7. Insert a diode between UPS pin-2 and computer pin-7, anode (arrow-side) to computer. +12 volts from computer causes inverter to shut down. 4 Inverter shutoff -, connected to computer's sig gnd pin-5. The above works if you configure SMARTUPS_MODEL = genericups and GENERICUPS_MODEL = 5. genericups 5 puts -12 on SD, +12 on DTR, and -12 on RTS. (2) Using YaST2, install ups software from SuSE disks. (3) Go to the KDE or SuSE control center. YaST2 modules -> System -> RC-Config Editor Enter root password where needed. Edit RC-Config -> Hardware -> Power Mgt -> UPS Setup: GENERICUPS_MODEL = 5 SMARTUPS_DEVICE = ttyS1 (for com2 port) SMARTUPS_MASTER = localhost SMARTUPS_MODEL = genericups (4) In same menu area, set start-variables. Edir RC-Config -> Start-Variables -> Hardware Setup: START_UPS = yes (5) As root, start it up. rcups start (6) Test it. upsc localhost This will display status info about your UPS. Try pulling the power plug, and see the status change. Your computer will not be shut down until the Low Battery event occurs. -- Reed White - ALTA RESEARCH - www.alta-research.com Phone: 877-360-2582 - Email: alta@alta-research.com