Communication Specification
| Format | RS-232 | 
| Baud rate | 1200 bps | 
| Data | 8 bits | 
| Start Bit | 1 bit | 
| Stop Bit | 1 bit | 
| Parity | None | 
"MiniCOL" for MonUPS III (revision 1.2)
Query the status of UPS
Command from PC to UPS
| Header (1 byte) | Command (1 byte) | CSUM | 
|---|---|---|
| 
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CSUM = 2’s complement of the SUM of the total package
UPS Status Feedback / Shutdown Request
Command from UPS to PC
| Header (1 byte) | Command (1 byte) | CSUM | 
|---|---|---|
| 
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| 
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| 
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| 
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| 
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QE - UPS requests for System Shutdown. PC to read three consecutive QE bytes and acknowledge before proceeding with normal shutdown.
System & UPS Shutdown
- Step 1. Command from PC to UPS
- 
Header (1 byte) Command (1 byte Integer) CSUM TXX(1~255)YY( T- stands for Time-delay,XXis the delay factor in multiple of 10 seconds. So, max. delay time = 42:30 min.)
- Step 2. Command from UPS to PC
- 
Header (1 byte) Command CSUM (same as MCOL checksum) TAXX( TA- stands for Time-delay command acknowledged)
- Step 3. Command from PC to UPS
- 
Header (1 byte) Command (1 byte) CSUM SDXX( SD- stands for shutdown)
- Step 4. Command from UPS to PC
- 
Header (1 byte) Command (1 byte) CSUM SAXX( SA- stands for shutdown acknowledged)
Miscellaneous
- 
Software to poll the UPS at least 6 times in 2 seconds at program startup to determine if there is "NO COMMUNICATION" and advise "Please check cable connection", etc. 
- 
During normal operation, if software receives five checksum error, display "Communication Error". 
- 
If there is no response from the UPS, display "No Communication" (after 5 consecutive times) in RED colour (must be outstanding) . 
- 
PC to send a UPS shutdown delay TXXand continue sending command until it receives a confirmation commandTAbefore sending ups shutdown commandSD.TXX- whereXXis a multiple of 10 seconds. So, maximum time delay is 42 minutes and 30 seconds (255 * 10 = 2550 seconds).
- 
Software to have a UPS Off Delay setting screen to accommodate item d. above. 
- 
PC must send a SDcontinuously until it receives aSAfrom the UPS before system can perform shutdown.
- 
Baudrate = 1200 bps. 
- 
Software to perform system shutdown when it receives three consecutive system shutdown request bytes ( QE) from UPS. A pop-up message with 5 seconds countdown, and message ‘System powering down, shutdown in 5 seconds’ is to be displayed. The usual system shutdown (with autosaving of files) will take place (to include item d. & f. above).
Shutdown timeline
 

 
