Smart-UPS blinks and chirps every second

Sounds like battery to me.

Also, I am trying to use the PowerChute software to get some sort of confirmation on my own battery "hunch."  However, it does not automatically recognize the UPS (through USB) on any of the com ports and even if I manually change the com ports in the program it does not recognize it.

I agree with lee..
Have you an SNMP module on the UPS that you can have a look at its status?
If  the UPS is a big enough one  then you should have a serial port at the back (or USB on the newer ones) that you can get status off with..

I'm having problems there too.  PowerChute is having a problem recognizing there is a UPS attached via usb.

What does Powerchute do...?

It's the monitoring software that comes with the Smart-UPS.

Sorry, I didnt mean what does it do.. I know that much ;O) I meant what error does it produce...!!!

I installed PowerChute Business Edition, the agent, console, and server.   When I launch the console, it tries to detect a device by use of an IP address.  It selects the loopback 127.0.0.1 since it installed on the same computer as the server.  It doesn't find a device and I can't manually add one either.  When I go to the website (localhost:3052) it says under the System Status Summary, "Device Communications Not Established."

Now the beeping and flashing is down to once every 7 to 15 seconds.

Also I just noticed if I do plug anything into the UPS, it will not power the device.  

I dont use pwerchute, I use SNMP modules directly on the UPS...
I hope you can get it working.. But if you do have another UPS then do try swapping the batteries to see if it makes any difference..

I only have these two identical units, doing exactly the same thing.  

Thanks for your help though.

>two identical units, doing exactly the same thing.

How did you acquire these units?  I suggest return to seller for full refund.  They are DOA.  If it is a legitimate dealer, they will have no problems with that.

One method to troubleshoot battery condition:  disconnect the battery pack.  The UPS is designed to run off mains power alone.

Shut down the UPS.
Unplug mains power.
Pull the battery disconnect (usually yellow with a pull-string attached).
Remove battery completely.  Inspect for damage.
Plug in mains power.
Turn on UPS and watch the self test.
Does it work properly (except for the missing battery error)?

Normally, you can disconnect the battery while the unit is powered up, even with a running load.  But, you may have a damaged controller board or physical damage to the circuits or chassis.

Now the beeping has stopped, no lights are on the unit, it won't power anything, and the fan isn't spinning in the back.  Pressing the buttons on the front have no affect.

Do you have an built-in circuit reset?  On APC they look like a white button (think pop-up turkey timer).

This sounds like more than a dead battery.  Seriously consider calling APC for troubleshooting support.

Also, did you contact the seller?  If this was a eBay item, you were definitely robbed.

They worked fine in our racks and then we relocated to a new building.  In the new building we didn't need them, so they sat in my office.  I needed one  yesterday and noticed its strange behavior, so I tried the other one and the same thing happened.

I just contacted support, they told me to do a cold start by unplugging everything plugged into it, pushing the Test/I button, holding the on button until it beeps twice and then let go during the second beep for an internal diagnostics test.  Thing is the Test/I button didn't turn it off and holding the on button did create any beeps.

If they were both working before then it suggest there is somehting wrong with your new location.. Are you sure tha the voltage entering the UPS is correct...?

95% sure.  We had 3 units to begin with, one of them is working fine still.

ITDeptAtPCS, Have you had any joy? Are there any other questions you want to ask?

not an issue anymore