Software FAQ

• What are the operating systems supported by your software?

  Basically there are two main differences: OS support and Remote Control capability. Sentinel supports only Microsoft Windows OS family, and is only for 1 UPS to 1 PC configuration. This software package is small, simple, and satisfies well all personal user's needs.

• When I try to access the software, it shows SNMP community incorrect, how do I solve this?

  The software merely provides the user with the capability of initiating a PC shutdown sequence when there is a power failure, plus it provides with UPS status information, and offers additional features. UPS itself will function with or without the prescribed software.

• I would like to shutdown my PC when power fails, how do I configure to the correct settings?

  For OPTI-SAFE Sentinel, it is done in System -> System Configuration.

  There are several things to keep in mind while doing the configuration:

  1. The Event Notification delay is for preventing OPTI-SAFE software from showing power failure notifications for short few seconds blackouts.
  2. The Windows shutdown delay is the time OPTI-SAFE software awaits for power to be restored before it decides to safely shutdown your operating system.
  3. UPS shutdown delay is the time you allocate for your OS to be shut down. The time necessary for OS shutdown depends on many factors: the speed of your PC, the OS you are using, the number of programs running, etc. When OPTI-SAFE software decides that it is time to shutdown the OS, it sends out two signals: one signal to OS to initiate the OS shutdown sequence, the other command to UPS to cut off the power in n minutes/seconds. You need to set enough time as to enable your OS to shutdown safely and completely.

• I'm not receiving any reading through software, why?

  Please check your COM port setting in OPTI-SAFE software; make sure the COM port number specified is the one you have connected the cable to; verify that you're using the correct cable that came with the UPS; make sure your COM port is operational.

• I am using a USB-to-COM cable, with proper driver installed, I still see "communication lost" message when Sentinel boots up. Why?

  Please verify the COM port number assigned to the cable through device manager, by right clicking on My Computer->Properties->Hardware->Device Manager. Usually COM1 and COM2 are marked as being used, we would recommend using either COM3 or COM4. Once you make changes to the COM port assignments, remember to restart your PC for it to take effect.

Hardware FAQ

• My UPS is malfunctioning, where can I send it for repair?

  Please contact our local branch, or our customer service team at optitech@opti-ups.com for further assistance.

• For replacing batteries, can I use the battery that is of a different rating than the one that came with the UPS ?

  For user replaceable batteries, we would strongly recommend to use the same rating battery as the one that resides in the UPS. Using the battery that is of a higher rating might result in the UPS electronics being damaged due to overheat.

• My VS-C or ES-C UPS keeps shutting down after 3 minutes in battery mode. The equipment connected to this UPS consumes very little power. Is my UPS or battery bad?

  VS-C, CS-B, TS, TS-B and ES-C series UPS have a built-in feature of shutdown at no load. This is necessary to prevent deep battery discharge (which causes battery to fail) if UPS is left on with no load for a long time (days or weeks). The UPS determines the No Load condition by measuring the value of the load connected. If this value is lower than approximately 30 Watt, the UPS assumes that there is no load connected to it, and shuts off in 3 minutes time. To disable this function, if you are using TS, TS-B or ES-C UPS, when turning on your UPS hold the ON button longer, for 5 seconds, until you hear 2 quick beeps. In VS-C and CS-B UPS the feature cannot be disabled.

• Do I have to charge the UPS when I receive it or I can start using it right away?

  You can start using it right away, but to ensure best performance of your battery, we would recommend charging the UPS for at least 8 hours before starting using it.

• Can I connect my UPS to surge strips?

  OPTI-UPS does not recommend connecting UPS to any surge protectors, power strips or extension cords. The UPS should be always plugged directly into the wall receptacle. If you plug the UPS into the socket of an extension cord, and use other sockets of your extension cord for other equipment, it might happen so that the current going through your extension cord is too high, which potentially may cause the fire. If you are to use the extension cord, you must make sure that the ampere rating of your wall outlet and of your extension cord is higher than the total ampere rating of all the equipment directly or indirectly connected to this wall outlet. Connecting a power strip to a UPS outlet can be done if your UPS is a sine-wave type (PS-B, DS-B). If your UPS is step-wave type, please use the power strip without the function of surge protection.

• Why won't my OPTI-UPS power up? How to determine if my OPTI-UPS needs to have a battery replaced?

  OPTI-UPS systems must be charged for 8 hours before initial boot up. If your OPTI-UPS has been stored for an extended period, it must be plugged in and allowed to charge for 24 hours once every 3 to 6 months. Otherwise the UPS batteries would start loosing their capacity. Another reason for a bad battery would be the normal tear and wear through years of operation. When your OPTI-UPS¡¦ ¡§Battery Fault¡¨ LED illuminates and audible alarm is given, this is an indicator that the battery might have deteriorated and requires a replacement.

• What do different UPS audible alarms mean, and how can I disable the alarm?

  When your OPTI-UPS is producing an audible alarm, it is also accompanied by a visual alarm (LED or LCD Display) as well. The main reasons for an audible alarm are:

  UPS is in battery mode: Audible alarm will beep once every 2 seconds, and the amber ¡§on-battery¡¨ LED will also be illuminated. This process will continue until AC power is restored and the UPS is transferred back to normal AC power. To disable this audible alarm, simply press the Test/Silence button. The alarm will resume with a faster beeping when the battery is low, and the next time the UPS switches into battery mode, the alarm will beep again and need to be disabled again.

  UPS battery low: Audible alarm will beep twice every 2 seconds if the battery capacity is low. This indicates the battery is almost out of power and UPS will soon turn off. This audible alarm cannot be cleared.

  UPS is overloaded: Audible alarm will beep loudly and constantly until the load is reduced or system shutdown automatically. The red ¡§overload¡¨ LED will also be illuminated. This audible alarm cannot be disabled.

• What are the possible reasons for my OPTI-UPS product being not able to turn on?

  The most common reasons are as follows:

  Battery connection is loose. Please check battery connection.

  Battery voltage is too low or battery is defective. If battery has not been used or charged for a long period of time, or if battery is defective. Please check battery voltage and contact OPTI-UPS for battery replacement if needed.

  AC utility power is not currently present and the battery power is depleted. Wait for mains power to restore to recharge the batteries.

  Safety fuse burned or circuit breaker tripped. Please check safety fuse and replace it if it is burned. Or check and press the circuit breaker button on the rear of the UPS if it has popped out.

Accessories FAQ

• What is an USB Adapter?

  A USB Adapter is a device designed to connect your COM port only OPTI-UPS directly to the Universal Serial Bus (USB) on your PC and still allow you to have the full functionality of the OPTI-SAFE Sentinel software. The Adapter is directly connected to both the computer and the UPS. The Adapter is an optional item and can be purchased from us. (Refer to Accessories for more information)

• Why do I need a USB Adapter?

  Some computer systems are short of COM ports and IRQs. The USB Adapter allows you to connect your OPTI-UPS unit (in case it has only COM port interface) directly to the USB port and save your serial ports for other devices.

• How to replace a battery?

  Please find the procedures in the user's manual or refer to the battery replacement page on this web site.