These are my notes and discoveries as I start to use my APC SMT1500IC UPS.

Battery Installation

• When you initially setup the UPS and you come to the install date, use only the arrow keys to configure the date as pressing enter accepts the date and sets it. This can be awkward to change. This does not affect any of the performance of the UPS but does change the predicted fail date of the battery which is about 4.5+ years.

• When you connect the UPS to the mains power (Utility) the control unit is on i.e. the menu display and configuration options. The output power to which you will connect your protected devices is not on.
• Power Button
  • The power button controls the power to the outlets only, not the menu and config control circuitry.
  • If the unit is 'on' and you press the power button, a menu with different options is presented rather that the power outputs just being terminated.
• The battery tab at the back
  • This is the blade connector you had to connect when setting the unit up
  • It can be safely removed while the unit is on as I have to do this while on the phone with an APC support tech. I have done this several times and caused me no issue.
  • If possible I would make sure you kit is turned off and unplugged from the UPS when doing this.
  • I believe this is to allow hot swapping of batteries.
  • The tab at the back just connects the battery circuit to allow charging and to be able to use them as the power supply.
• The UPS will charge the batteries whether the unit is on or off as long as it has a good mains connection (and of course the battery tab is installed)
• SmartConnect - Smart-UPS™ - Welcome
  • This is great for basic monitoring for people at home or small installs.
  • You cannot configure the device remotely with this platform.
  • It allows you to do remote firmware updates.
  • The platform emails you when there are issues with your UPS.
  • Limited for professionals but useful for the small guy.
  • Registering your UPS gives you +1year warranty on the battery. This alone is worth registration.
• The SMT range uses PowerChute Business Edition software. Available for Windows and Linux.

Changing the Battery Install date

Do not have any kit connected as I am not sure if this will cause any issue.

Method 1 (unverified)

How to Update Battery Date for Smart UPS during Battery Insertion - YouTube

This example shows the procedure using a rack mount UPS, the only difference is that the battery connection for my UPS is at the back, the 'Battery Tab'

• Pull Battery Tab out
• Wait for the UPS to give a battery warning.
• Plug the Battery Tab bag in
• Follow the menu and set the new battery install date.

Method 2 (didn't work)

• Pull Battery Tab out
• Factory reset
• Power Off via menu
• Disconnect mains supply (Utility)
• Wait 30 seconds
• Re-Install battery Tab
• Reconnect the mains supply (Utility)
• Access menu by pressing the enter Key
• Follow the wizard

Method 3 (didn't work)

• Pulled tab out at the back
• Reset to Factory
  
  to
  
• (Optional) Instead of doing a factory reset you can just run the setup wizard from the menu and should have the same effect as a factory reset without loosing your settings.
  • Enter Setup
      Wizard:
    
    to
    
• Follow the setup wizard
  • Setup Wizard
      Press any key
    
  • Language:
      English
    
  • Output Voltage:
      230v
    
  • Local Power:
      Quality
    
  • Menu Type:
      Standard/Advanced
    
    to
    
  • The unit will reboot
  • New Battery
      Installed
    
    to
    
      (now when you select Yes, this just goes to the 'Setup Complete',
      it should go to the 'Battery Install
      Battery Install
      Date: 05-may-2021
      just use the arrow keys for setting the date and then enter when finished
  • Setup Complete
    

Method 4 (doesn't work)

These are the official guides from APC.

The reason they are no good is that they tell you to go to the  "Install New Battery" from the configuration menu, but this does not exist.

• The Replace Battery Date on my new SMT series Smart-UPS is incorrect. | Schneider Electric Global
• The Replace Battery Date on my new SMT series Smart-UPS is incorrect. | APC Australia

Method 5 - Using PowerChute

I have not used this to change my 'Battery Installation Date' but I cant see why it will not work.

• Install PowerChute
• Connect your UPS
• Change your date and apply.

NB: This method does not have an option to change the day, only the month and year.

Why is my new battery only charging up to 99%

It could take 24-48hr to get upt to 100% so dont worry it it takes a whiel

• Why does the UPS show that the battery is full and does not charge it even if it is empty? - Quora
  • All the batteries looses some charge when kept idle. To maintain this 100% charged state, UPS charges it at a very low rate , hence you get full battery even when you are not using it.

General Notes

• There are two versions of PowerChute. The Personal Edition and the Business Edition. The personal Edition does not recognize the professional UPS.