Windows Home Server Add-in
Grid Junction is an easy to use Windows Home Server Add-in for managing an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) via the Windows Home Server Console.
Grid Junction integrates seamlessly to issue power alerts and help protect Windows Home Server from power problems such as brownouts, or blackouts by safely powering down the Windows Home Server when battery levels reach a set threshold.
Screenshots
Protect your Windows Home Server!
Whenever your Windows Home Server suddenly loses power or otherwise halts or restarts without warning there’s a possibility that the Windows Home Server file system may have been in an inconsistent state at that time due to data writing or disk balancing activities. If you are unlucky, this can not only corrupt your file system requiring a re-installation of the Windows Home Server Operating System but possibly destroy important data.
Grid Junction Requirements
- Windows Home Server with Power Pack 2 or greater
- Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0
- Supported UPS connected via USB connection
Which Battery Backup (UPS) Devices are Supported?
Generally speaking, the most commonly used industry leading uninterruptable power supply manufacturers such as APC, Belkin and Tripp Lite (among others) are known to be supported. But given the vast number of models and variations please check the supported UPS devices list.
Do I need Special Drivers or Software?
In most cases the vendor supplied battery driver or the generic windows battery driver should be sufficient. Unless the manufacturer included specialized software for explicit use on Windows Home Server(s) we do NOT recommend any manufacturer supplied software to be installed besides the driver (if required). In addition we recommend that any users who already installed any of such software to uninstall it before installing the Grid Junction Windows Home Server Add-in.
Support Forum
Change Log
Grid Junction 1.6
- Improved existing communication protocols
- User interface enhancements
- Improved scripting support with GJ client
- Added additional UPS hardware support
Grid Junction 1.5
- Various UPS device support improvement and fixes (see supported list)
- Improved existing communication protocols
- New expert feature to sleep/hibernate or standby the server instead of shutdown
- New expert debug mode toggle
- User interface enhancements and fixes
- Improved update checking and product feedback based on Add-in Central technologies
Grid Junction 1.4
- New real-time Hardware Monitor feature
- New Improve Grid Junction feature
- USB unplugged GUI refresh fixed
- Revised update checking workflow and mechanics
- Potential memory leak in .NET garbage collector fixed
- Various UPS device support improvement and fixes
Grid Junction 1.2
- Improved Graphical User Interface
- Windows Home Server Power Pack 1 PP1 RTM Ready
- NEW brownout / dropout / self-test filter
- NEW Grid Junction Update Notification feature
- NEW event overview and event logging revisions
- Code optimization / performance improvements
- Improved battery-name detection algorithm with manufacturer name override (applicable models i.e. Belkin UPS)
- Previously configured Grid Junction settings and event entries will be cleared/reset to default
Grid Junction 1.1
- Revised: Windows Home Server Shutdown graceful methodology
- Revised: event notifications and logging system
- Windows Events auditing improvement
- Fixed: battery name issue
- Fixed: Event hyperlinks in client environments
- Fixed: Battery Critical event raised when battery levels reach within 10% relative to shutdown margin
- Fixed: Critical Error! Please try to uninstall and re-install GridJunction message at shutdown
- Fixed: Battery Name Exception or Generic Failure
- Added: Windows UPS Battery Alerts deactivation
- Serial RS232 connections are no longer supported; USB connection is required
Grid Junction in the Press
Installing the Grid Junction Add-In to Windows Home Server on a Friday night
“I have been using the Grid Junction add-in since last year with excellent results. A new version was released Tuesday, and since I must uninstall the old version first, I thought I would walk you through the easy setup before I retire to the couch and the three episodes of Stargate Atlantis awaiting me on my DVR.” -usingwindowshomeserver.com (07 Mar, 2009)
Add-In: Grid Junction RC1
“The add-in for managing an Uninterruptible Power Supply Battery Backup System via the Windows Home Server Console has been updated. Version 1.3 Release Candidate (RC1) of Grid Junction improves stability, performance and enhanced UPS compatibility. Also some UI changes and a “custom action” script facility has been added as well as bug fixes.” -mswhs.com (31 Dec, 2008)
Add-In: Grid Junction 1.2
“The latest version of the add-in Grid Junction is now available for download. The add-in which enables you to manage an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) Battery Backup System via the Windows Home Server Console helps protect your Windows Home Server.” -mswhs.com (11 Aug, 2008)
Setting up my Windows Home Server Part 4 – Add-ins
“GridJunction will recognize a variety of UPS systems and play the role of the software that you normally would install from their CD to control your computer. It will monitor the UPS, and if the unit goes to battery power, it will turn your WHS icon in the system tray yellow and alert you as to how much power is left before shutdown.” -howtogeek.com (16 Jun, 2008)
Add-In: GridJunction 1.1 Beta Released
“This add-in has been rated very highly by our members with 83% of those voting in our satisfaction poll rating it as “It’s the Best – Install It Now.” -wegotserved.com (15 Jun, 2008)