I managed to get around it, gees it was a bit of a stuff around. For anyone else with an APC Smart-UPS here is my solution:
IssueAPC SMX3000RMHV2U firmware version was too old to update via USB and no APC serial cable was available.
SolutionThe only way around this was to purchase an AP9630 or AP9631 network management card (NMC).
1. Install the NMC into the UPS.
2. (Optional
*1) Complete a factory reset on the NMC by allowing the NMC to boot then hold the reset button down until the status LED changes from flashing green to amber (about 20 seconds)
3. Download
*2 and update the NMC firmware to version 6.4 or later (in my case I used 6.6.4). Link:
https://www.apc.com/au/en/tools/download/4. Download the appropriate firmware file for your UPS from
https://www.apc.com/au/en/faqs/content/?id=FA170679 and extract this file for use in Step 7 (e.g.: to a USB flash drive).
5. Power down all loads connected to the UPS and turn off all outlet groups (you
cannot perform the update with the outlets powered on).
6. Connect an Ethernet cable directly between the NMC and a laptop/computer that is
not powered by the UPS (the power should be off by this stage anyway).
7. Login to the web console (default username/password is: apc/apc). Using the file you downloaded/extracted in Step 3, upload the .ENC file via
Configuration > Firmware Update8. Wait - Do not touch anything! The LEDs on the UPS will flash and the LCD will indicate the update is in progress. This took about 5-7 minutes to complete.
9. Once the update finishes, the UPS will power-off completely. At this point you can power up the UPS/outlet groups via the front panel or via the NMC and resume normal operation.
Note 1: A good idea if this NMC is from another UPS or you've just purchased the card in used condition (e.g.: ebay).
Note 2: Double-check you are downloading the correct firmware for your NMC/UPS combination. There are different firmware files for Symmetra and Smart-UPS/Galaxy UPS models!
Other lessons learnedAPC SmartSlot 1 cards such as the AP9619 are NOT compatible and will not fit into newer UPSs with a SmartSlot 2 expansion port. You need to check the back of your UPS for plastic tabs which protrude from the expansion slot. If it does, you need a SmartSlot 2 card such as a the AP9630 or AP9631 (there are others). An easy way to tell if a card will fit into a SmartSlot 2 is to look for the vertical cutouts on the NMC itself next to each screw hole (as pictured below).
The temptation will be just to break/cut off the plastic tabs to make a SmartSlot 1 card seat properly, don't do it!