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Laboratory stand dedicated to NovaCustom platforms assembly guide

Introduction

This document describes platform-specific details for assembling NovaCustom platforms in the rack. Use this document as reference while going through Generic Testing Stand Setup

Prerequisites

The below table contains platform-specific information about all elements which are needed to create testing stands for NovaCustom machines.

  • RTE v1.1.0
  • RTE power supply 5V 2A Micro-USB
  • Sonoff S26R2
  • PiKVM
  • FTDI FT232 USB-UART adapter
  • 3x standard female-female DuPont 2.54mm wire

Theory of operation

The following sections describe how to use all of the enabled features:

  • serial connection to the platform,
  • controlling power supply,
  • enabling basic power actions with the platform (power off/power on/reset),

Preparation

Prepare the platform for remote control:

Power on AC

Due to the lack of an exposed power button signal, we're depending on the Power on AC feature to remotely power the device on and off. Follow the steps below to prepare the platform:

  • Go to the UEFI Setup Menu -> Dasharo System Features -> Power Management Options
  • Switch the option Power state after power/AC loss to Powered On
  • Save and reset the platform
  • Disconnect the internal battery

Internal display

The internal display may be automatically used by the operating system or firmware, preventing the use of PiKVM. To work around this, ensure the internal display is disconnected.

The internal display eDP connector is typically located near the CPU and the heatsink, and requires some force to pull out:

Serial connection

The platform does not have an exposed native serial interface. Instead, an FTDI FT232 USB to UART adapter is used.

Follow the steps described in this article on the OSFV repo for a detailed serial setup guide and theory of operation.

Power supply control

Power supply control is performed by Sonoff smart plug connected between AC mains power and the laptop AC / DC power supply.

External flashing

External flashing is currently not available on these platforms.