Page 1 Remote Management Card User’s Guide MAN-ARMC 03/03/03...
Page 2: Revision History
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Acer, Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
Page 3: Table Of Contents
Other Laws in Other Areas... 8 Step 3 Install the Optional Modem Daughterboard ... 9 Step 4 Plug in the ARMC Card into the Host System and Attach Internal Cables ... 9 Step 5 Connect External Cables... 10 Step 6 Confirm the Motherboard’s BIOS Settings ... 10 Step 7 Install the Operating System and ARMC Drivers ...
Page 4 Removing an Administrator ... 87 Networking Options ... 89 Setting up Date and Time... 91 Maintenance/ Flash ... 92 Updating Your ARMC Card’s Firmware ... 93 Mail Configuration ... 98 Alert Recipients ... 99 Select Your Event Log Policy ... 100 Advanced ARMC Card Configurations ...
Page 5 Table of Contents Appendix A ARMC IPMB I2C Cable ... 107 ARMC IPMB I2C Cable Layout... 107 Appendix B WinCuri, LinCuri, and RMConfigApp... 109 Overview ... 109 RMConfigApp... 109 User Manager Tab ... 111 About ... 112 Network Configuration Tab... 113 Firmware Flash Tab ...
Page 6 File Description ... 157 Check Your AMIBIOS Settings ... 157 USB Keyboard ... 157 USB Mouse ... 158 If linking to XFree86…... 158 Appendix L GtkRConsoleARMC for Linux ... 159 Installation ... 159 Index ... 161 Acer Remote Management Card (ARMC) User’s Guide...
Page 7: Limitations Of Liability
Limitations of Liability Acer, Inc. shall in no event be held liable for any loss, expenses, or damages of any kind whatsoever, whether direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential (whether arising from the design or use of this product or the support materials provided with the product). No action or proceeding against Acer may be commenced more than two years after the delivery of product to Licensee of Licensed Software.
Page 8: Packing List
(even if Acer has been advised of the possibility of such damages). Any questions or comments regarding this document or its contents should be addressed to Acer at the address shown on the inside of the front cover.
Page 9: Optional Components
Optional Components The following components do not come with your ARMC Card. You must order these components separately. • internal modem daughterboard (not designed to support Console Redirection) • internal battery backup with battery clip • 20-pin to 3-pin and 4-pin ARMC IPMB I2C cable Note: The optional modem is NOT designed for Console Redirection.
Page 10 Acer Remote Management Card (ARMC) User’s Guide...
Page 11: Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 1 Introduction Features Feature Description Key Feature • 100% out-of-band • 100% operating system independent • Service Processor provides out-of-band connectivity • plugs into a mission critical server • half-sized PCI form factor plugs into any PCI slot • Remote Client industry standard Internet browser (any JavaScript 1.2 capable) •...
Page 12 Virtual Boot CD-ROM • Floppy • allows remote operating system boot up and installation Host Side Operating • Windows 2000/XP and above System Support • RedHat 7.3 and above Server Development Kit available (SDK) Acer Remote Management Card (ARMC) User’s Guide...
Page 13: Chapter 2 Installing Your Armc Card
Avoid Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) can damage the ARMC card and other system components. Keep your ARMC card in its anti-static bag until it is to be installed. Avoid contact with any component or connector on any adapter card, printed circuit board, or memory module.
Page 14: Step 1 Unpack The Armc Card (And Check Jumper Settings)
ARMC Card Layout ARMC MAC Address Your ARMC card has a unique MAC address. The MAC address is the only way to distinguish one ARMC card from another when you run programs such as WinFlash and RMseek. You can write down your ARMC card’s MAC address in the table below or in Appendix I, ARMC MAC Address Map.
Page 15: J5 Armc Feature Connector
Not Connected Not Connected Not Connected JP2 Flash Write Enable/Disable You can write-protect your ARMC card’s firmware so that it cannot be flashed. By default, pins one and two are shorted so that you can flash the firmware. Description VCC3...
Page 16: Jp6 Diagnostic And Recovery Mode Jumper
This jumper is primarily used to recover a failed flash attempt. By shorting pins one and two, you can place your ARMC card into Diagnostics Mode. By shorting pins two and three, you can place your ARMC card into Recovery Mode. See Appendix D, WinFlash.exe for more information on how to recover your ARMC card.
Page 17: Charging The Battery Pack
The optional battery pack is shipped uncharged. The ARMC card automatically starts to charge the battery after you install it. You must charge the battery pack before it can be used to provide backup power to the ARMC card. The minimum time that the battery must be charged is:...
Page 18: Disposing Of A Battery Pack
Disposing of a Battery Pack Do not dispose of the ARMC optional battery pack by fire. Do not mutilate the battery pack. Do not damage it in any way. Toxic chemicals can be released if it is damaged. Do not short-circuit the battery The material in the battery pack contains heavy metals that can contaminate the environment.
Page 19: Step 3 Install The Optional Modem Daughterboard
20-pin feature connector on your motherboard and have it connected to ARMC card at J5. Attach the optional ARMC feature connector to the motherboard. Plug the ARMC card into an open 32-bit PCI slot and secure it to the chassis. Chapter Two : Installing Your ARMC Card...
Page 20: Step 5 Connect External Cables
Step 5 Connect External Cables • Connect the USB cable from the back of the ARMC card to the motherboard’s USB port. • Connect your VGA monitor. • Connect the RJ45 LAN cable from your local network. • Connect your phone cord from the back of the ARMC card to the telephone wall outlet.
Page 21: Step 8 Install The Acer-Armc Windows Host Components
Components: Step Description Insert your ARMC CD into the host system. The host system is the system that has the ARMC card installed into it. Browse to the following folder and file: CDROM\HostSide\Win32\Setup.exe Double left click the Setup.exe icon to begin the installation of the Acer-ARMC Windows Host Component.
Page 22 Step 8 Install the Acer-ARMC Windows Host Components, Step Description The Customer Information window opens. Enter your name and your organization’s name in the appropriate fields. Select the option for Install this application for and left click the Next button.
Page 23 Step 8 Install the Acer-ARMC Windows Host Components, Step Description The Install Program window opens. Left click the Install button. The Installation Progress window opens. Continued Cont’d Chapter Two : Installing Your ARMC Card...
Page 24 Step 8 Install the Acer-ARMC Windows Host Components, Step Description The installation is complete. Left click the Finish button. Acer Remote Management Card (ARMC) User’s Guide Continued...
Page 25: Step 9 Setup Your Client Internet Browser
Crash screen. Follow the instructions in the table below: Step Description Open Internet Options. To get there, open your Internet Explorer browser, left click Tools and then Internet Options. The Internet Options window opens. Left click the Settings button. Cont’d Chapter Two : Installing Your ARMC Card...
Page 26 OK button to apply the change and to go back to the Internet Options window. Note: Other settings can cause old data to be displayed when performing operations on the ARMC. Next, you must setup Internet Explorer to allow the downloading of Signed ActiveX controls and also allow it to run Signed ActiveX controls.
Page 27 The Security Settings window opens. Left click the Enable button under the Download signed ActiveX controls section. Scroll down and left click the Enable button under the Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins section. Left click the OK button. Continued Chapter Two : Installing Your ARMC Card Cont’d...
Page 28 Left click the Apply button and then the OK button to make the changes. Note: You must restart Internet Explorer before the changes take effect. Note: Remote Console cannot run with any other security settings in Internet Explorer. Acer Remote Management Card (ARMC) User’s Guide Continued...
Page 29: Step 10 Connect To The Armc From A Client System
This document refers to this other system as the client system. To do this, you must know the ARMC card’s IP address. If you have installed the ARMC on a network that uses DHCP, you can search the network for the ARMC card. To locate and find out its IP address, you must install and run RMseek.
Page 30 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.1.0. Left click the Add>> button when finished. The name and IP range of the ARMC will display in the right field. Place a check in the box next to the range of IP addresses. Left click on the Next button.
Page 31 Step Description The name and IP range of the ARMC will display in the Selected IP Range window. Left click on the Next button. If the IP range is correct, RMseek will locate the ARMC card. It will list all ARMC cards it has discovered.
Page 32 Step Description In this example, the ARMC card’s IP address is 192.168.0.14. Double left click on the IP address to start managing the ARMC card and write down its IP address. Left click on the Finish button after RMseek discovers all ARMC cards.
Page 33: Step 11 Load The Armc Sdk File For Your Model
Step 11 Load the ARMC SDK File for Your Model The following table is a pictorial description of how to load an SDK file: Step Description The quick navigation bar on the left side of the GUI has a series of section buttons. Left click on the Information button and then left click the Host Health icon.
Page 34 Step Description Insert the ARMC CD and browse to it. Select the SDKPorts directory. Select your motherboard manufacturer. In this example, we are using the Acer Altos (G301) serverboard, so we will select the Acer folder. Note: The Choose File browse window differs from operating system to operating system. However, the procedure is similar.
Page 35 If the reading displays access failed, try the following: • If your serverboard does not have or support a BMC, check the ARMC 20-pin cable or the 3-pin or 4-pin IPMB connector to see if the cable is plugged in correctly.
Page 36 Acer Remote Management Card (ARMC) User’s Guide...
Page 37: Chapter 3 Locating Your Armc Card
This document refers to this other system as a client system. To do this, you must know the ARMC card’s IP address. If you have installed the ARMC on a network that uses DHCP, you can search the network for the ARMC card.
Page 38 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.1.0. Left click the Add>> button when finished. The name and IP range of the ARMC will display in the right field. Place a check in the box next to the range of IP addresses. Left click on the Next button.
Page 39 Step Description The name and IP range of the ARMC will display in the Selected IP Range window. Left click on the Next button. If the IP range is correct, RMseek will locate the ARMC card. It will list all ARMC cards it has discovered.
Page 40: Ip Address Range
Description In this example, the ARMC card’s IP address is 192.168.0.14. We can double left click on the IP to begin managing the card or we can write down the IP and access it from an Internet browser. Left click on the Finish button after RMseek discovers all ARMC cards.
Page 41 Continued Note: The Start and End IP addresses can be the same if you only wish to scan for one ARMC card with that specific IP address. When you have finished entering all the IP address ranges to be scanned, make sure that they appear correctly in the list box.
Page 42: Schedule Discovery
IP Address Range, Continued If the IP range is correct, RMseek will locate the ARMC card. It will list all ARMC cards it has discovered. Left click on the Finish button after RMseek discovers all ARMC cards. Schedule Discovery To schedule a scan, left click on the Set button in the Schedule Discovery box.
Page 43: Usage
Once the program has been installed and setup, you can access it any time by double left clicking on its icon on the task bar. The screen that was last viewed will appear. Chapter Three : Locating Your ARMC Card...
Page 44 Acer Remote Management Card (ARMC) User’s Guide...
Page 45: Chapter 4 Using Your Armc
The ARMC has a user-friendly Graphics User Interface (GUI) called Remote Access Companion for ARMC. It is designed to be easy to use. It has a low learning curve because it uses a standard Internet browser. You can expect to be up and running in less than five minutes.
Page 46 This page contains general information describing the ARMC card's firmware and the host system. This page contains the monitored voltages on the ARMC card. These voltages are measured both at the PCI bus directly, and on-board the ARMC card itself.
Page 47 This page allows you to set what happens when the event logs are full. You can either set up the ARMC card to stop logging events or roll over the log files. This page allows you to perform advanced I2C configurations.
Page 48: Default User Name And Password
Default User Name and Password When you first try to access your ARMC card, you will be prompted to enter a user name and password. The default user name and password are as follows: Field User Name Password Note: The default user name and password are in lower-case characters.
Page 49: Armc Information
The Acer Online icon is a hyperlink to the Acer website. ARMC Information You can left click on the Information section button to view the ARMC card’s firmware build and version date, health, and event log information. These functions are divided into four subsections.
Page 50: System Information
Acer Remote Management Card (ARMC) User’s Guide Description This field gives the ARMC card’s firmware version number. This field gives the ARMC card’s build date. It is in the following format: DAY MONTH DATE HOUR:MIN:SEC TIMEZONE YEAR This field displays the name of the host system.
Page 51: Health Of The Armc Card
Health of the ARMC Card The ARMC Health Information screen is a subsection of the Information group. The following table describes the information listed in this subsection in detail: Field ARMC Health Status Overall Host Health Status ARMC 3.3V ARMC 5V PCI 12V PCI 3.3V...
Page 52: Host Health Information
Sensor Definition Kit (SDK) file from this screen. An SDK file is a file that contains all the hardware monitoring values and thresholds for your given motherboard. In this manual we use the Acer Altos (G301) serverboard and SDK file. Acer Remote Management Card (ARMC) User’s Guide Continued Cont’d...
Page 53: Loading An Sdk File
Loading an SDK File The following table is a pictorial description of how to load an SDK file: Step Description Left click the Upload SDK File button. Left click the Browse button. Cont’d Chapter Four : Using Your ARMC Card...
Page 54 Step Description Insert the ARMC CD and browse to it. Select the SDKPorts directory. Select your motherboard manufacturer. In this example, we are using the Acer Altos (G301) serverboard, so we will select the Acer folder. Note: The Choose File browse window differs from operating system to operating system. However, the procedure is similar.
Page 55 If the reading displays access failed, try the following: • If your serverboard does not have or support a BMC, check the ARMC 20-pin cable or the 3-pin or 4-pin IPMB connector to see if the cable is plugged in correctly.
Page 56: Sdk Explained
Indicates that the value has reached set critical levels. Indicates that the value has reached set warning levels. Acer Remote Management Card (ARMC) User’s Guide Description Gives the CPU temperature reading in Celsius. Gives the CPU voltage reading. Gives the power supply 3.3 V voltage reading.
Page 57: Show Thresholds
Host Health Information, Continued Show Thresholds The following table is a pictorial description of how to display the hardware health thresholds: Step Description Left click the Show Thresholds button. The following screen appears. Cont’d Chapter Four : Using Your ARMC Card...
Page 58: Acer 301 Thresholds Explained
Low Critical Low Warning High Warning High Critical Acer Remote Management Card (ARMC) User’s Guide Description This column displays the SDK parameter and graphical health icon. This column displays the current reading. For example, a temperature, voltage, or RPM represented by a numeric value.
Page 59: Hide Thresholds
Host Health Information, Continued Hide Thresholds The following table is a pictorial description of how to hide the hardware health thresholds: Step Description Left click the Hide Thresholds button. The following screen appears. Cont’d Chapter Four : Using Your ARMC Card...
Page 60: Deleting An Sdk File
The SDK File Delete confirmation page appears. This page allows you to delete the SDK file currently stored on the ARMC card. Note: Without an SDK file, host system health monitoring is not possible. Acer Remote Management Card (ARMC) User’s Guide Cont’d...
Page 61 Host Health Information, Continued Deleting an SDK File, Continued Step Description Left click the Delete Current SDK File button Left click the OK button. Cont’d Chapter Four : Using Your ARMC Card...
Page 62 Host Health Information, Continued Deleting an SDK File, Continued Step Description The following screen appears. Acer Remote Management Card (ARMC) User’s Guide...
Page 63: Event Log
Gives the date in the following format: MM/DD/YY Gives the time in the following format: HH/MM/SS Note: In 24-hour military time. Gives the error code and description of the problem or event. Gives the event data reading. Chapter Four : Using Your ARMC Card Cont’d...
Page 64: Clear Event Logs
The Clear Event Log confirmation page appears with the number of events you are clearing. This page allows you to clear the event logs stored on your ARMC card. Left click the OK button. Acer Remote Management Card (ARMC) User’s Guide...
Page 65 Event Log, Continued Clear Event Logs, Continued Step Description The following screen appears showing that all events are cleared. Cont’d Chapter Four : Using Your ARMC Card...
Page 66: Refresh Event Logs
This button allows you to refresh the event log. The following table is a pictorial description of how to refresh the event logs: Step Description Left click the Refresh button. The event log appears with the newest list of events. Acer Remote Management Card (ARMC) User’s Guide...
Page 67: Armc Card Management
You can left click on the Management section button to remotely control and redirect your ARMC card and host system. This is the most powerful feature of the ARMC card. These functions are divided into two subsections. The following table gives you a brief description of each.
Page 68: Remote Console
Acer Remote Management Card (ARMC) User’s Guide Description This option allows the ARMC card to send 16 bits per pixel color. This setting is recommended for faster connection speeds or over a LAN connection. This is the default setting.
Page 69: Redirection
Redirection The most powerful feature of your ARMC card is the ability to redirect the host system’s console. To redirect the host system’s console is the ability to manage your host system as if it were physically in front of you, but not.
Page 70 OK button to apply the change and to go back to the Internet Options window. Note: Other settings can cause old data to be displayed when performing operations on the ARMC. Next, you must setup Internet Explorer to allow the downloading of Signed ActiveX controls and also allow it to run Signed ActiveX controls.
Page 71 The Security Settings window opens. Left click the Enable button under the Download signed ActiveX controls section. Scroll down and left click the Enable button under the Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins section. Left click the OK button. Cont’d Chapter Four : Using Your ARMC Card...
Page 72 Left click the Apply button and then the OK button to make the changes. Note: You must restart Internet Explorer before the changes take effect. Note: Remote Console cannot run with any other security settings in Internet Explorer. Acer Remote Management Card (ARMC) User’s Guide Cont’d...
Page 73: Staring Redirection
The Remote Console Key Help window remains open during your Remote Console session. After your Remote Console session is over, you can close this window by left clicking the Close button or the upper right corner of the window. Cont’d Chapter Four : Using Your ARMC Card...
Page 74: Remote Console Shortcut Key Combinations
The Console Redirection window will open. Remote Console Shortcut Key Combinations The most powerful feature of your ARMC card is the ability to redirect the host system’s console. To Redirect the host system’s console is the ability to manage your host system as if it were physically in front of you, but not.
Page 75: Console Redirection Window
See Appendix C, HostMouseWin.exe for more information. This menu item can be used to start redirection of the CD-ROM drive. This menu item can be used to stop redirection of the CD-ROM drive. Chapter Four : Using Your ARMC Card Cont’d...
Page 76 F10 Key F11 Key F12 Key Acer Remote Management Card (ARMC) User’s Guide This menu item can be used to act as the right-side key when in Console Redirection. This menu item can be used to act as the right-side key when in Console Redirection.
Page 77 The following window is a screen capture of the Console Redirection toolbar. Help This dropdown menu item contains the About RConsoleOCX Control menu item that allows you to view the RConsoleOCX Control version number and copyright information. Cont’d Chapter Four : Using Your ARMC Card...
Page 78: Console Redirection Toolbar
This displays if you are using high or low color mode during your redirection. Compression This displays if you are using compression or not. Frame Rate This displays the current frame rate you are getting. Acer Remote Management Card (ARMC) User’s Guide Cont’d...
Page 79: Console Redirection Toolbar Toggle Buttons
Left click to toggle the use of the key. Left click to toggle the use of the key. Left click to use the ~~keys together. Cont’d Chapter Four : Using Your ARMC Card...~~
Page 80: Setting Up Virtual Floppy On Windows 2000/Xp
Virtual CD-ROM device does not require any special drivers. You can select the default option Microsoft Windows provides. Left click the Don’t search I will choose the driver to install option and left click the Next button. Acer Remote Management Card (ARMC) User’s Guide Cont’d...
Page 81 Description Left click the Have Disk button. Left click the Browse button and browse to the ARMC CD. Select the amivirtfl.inf file located on the ARMC CD located in the USB Floppy folder. Left click the Open button. Cont’d Chapter Four : Using Your ARMC Card...
Page 82 Windows 2000/XP may ask you to reboot of the host system. Note: Virtual floppy is not supported on all versions of the ARMC card. Note: You only have to install the amivirtfl.inf file once onto the host system. Once it is installed, you can redirect that host system’s floppy drive without the need for the above...
Page 83: Start Floppy Drive Redirection
There are two ways to start the Floppy Drive Redirection. One way is to use the Console Redirection toolbar. The second way is to use the Console Redirection dropdown menu. Left click the Floppy Redirection radial button. Cont’d Chapter Four : Using Your ARMC Card...
Page 84 Select the Floppy Drive you want to redirect. Left click the OK button. Floppy Drive Redirection will begin immediately. If you used the Console Redirection toolbar to start the Floppy Drive Redirection, you will see the following: Notice that the Drive Redirection icon changes. Acer Remote Management Card (ARMC) User’s Guide Cont’d...
Page 85: Stop Floppy Drive Redirection
The second way is to use the Console Redirection dropdown menu. If you used the Console Redirection toolbar, simply left click the Floppy Drive Redirection icon. If you used the Console Redirection dropdown menu, simply left click the Stop Device Redirection. Cont’d Chapter Four : Using Your ARMC Card...
Page 86: Start Cd-Rom Drive Redirection
Step Description There are two ways to start the CD-ROM Drive Redirection. One way is to use the Console Redirection toolbar. The second way is to use the Console Redirection dropdown menu. Acer Remote Management Card (ARMC) User’s Guide Cont’d...
Page 87 Select the CD-ROM Drive you want to redirect. Left click the OK button. CD-ROM Drive Redirection will begin immediately. If you used the Console Redirection toolbar to start the CD-ROM Drive Redirection, you will see the following: Notice that the Drive Redirection icon changes. Cont’d Chapter Four : Using Your ARMC Card...
Page 88: Stop Cd-Rom Drive Redirection
The second way is to use the Console Redirection dropdown menu. If you used the Console Redirection dropdown menu, simply left click the Stop Device Redirection. The Console Redirection message box will appear as it stops device redirection. Acer Remote Management Card (ARMC) User’s Guide Cont’d...
Page 89: Stopping Console Redirection
Once Console Redirection has stopped, you can close both the Console Redirection and Remote Console Key Help window. You can also leave these two windows open and start redirection again once you are ready. Chapter Four : Using Your ARMC Card...
Page 90: Crash Screen
The Crash Screen function starts automatically once the ARMC Server Heartbeat program is installed. The ARMC Server Heartbeat program is located on your ARMC CD and must be installed on the host system. The host system is the system that has the ARMC card physically installed into it.
Page 91: Armc Card Configurations
This page allows you to set what happens when the event logs are full. You can either set up the ARMC card to stop logging events or roll over the log files.
Page 92: Administrator Setup
Administrator Setup The Administrators screen is a subsection of the Configuration group. This page allows you to configure the administrators who have access to the ARMC card. The following table describes the information listed in this subsection in detail: Item...
Page 93: Adding An Administrator
(@), and the hash sign (#) are not allowed. The at sign (@) and the hash sign (#) characters have special meanings on some UNIX based server. Continued Chapter Four : Using Your ARMC Card Cont’d...
Page 94 ARMC Card Configurations, Adding an Administrator, Continued Step Description Left click the OK button. Acer Remote Management Card (ARMC) User’s Guide Continued Cont’d...
Page 95: Editing An Administrator
Confirm your new password by entering your password again in the Confirm Password field. You can edit the SNMPv3 Access on this page. After you edit the administrator’s information, left click the Edit button. Continued Chapter Four : Using Your ARMC Card Cont’d...
Page 96 ARMC Card Configurations, Editing an Administrator, Continued Step Description Left click the OK button. Acer Remote Management Card (ARMC) User’s Guide Continued Cont’d...
Page 97: Removing An Administrator
Left click an administrator from the Select Administrator field. Once the administrator you want to remove is highlighted, left click the Remove button. A confirmation dialog box will open. Left click the OK button to confirm deletion or left click the Cancel button to cancel. Continued Chapter Four : Using Your ARMC Card Cont’d...
Page 98 ARMC Card Configurations, Removing an Administrator, Continued Step Description Left click the OK button. Acer Remote Management Card (ARMC) User’s Guide Continued Cont’d...
Page 99: Networking Options
ARMC Card Configurations, Networking Options The Networking Information screen is a subsection of the Configuration group. This page allows you to configure the network parameters for the ARMC card. The following table describes the information listed in this subsection in detail: Item...
Page 100 This field allows you to configure the ARMC card’s IP address statically or dynamically. This field allows you to set the ARMC card’s IP address. You can only set the IP address if the Configuration Method is set to Static.
Page 101: Setting Up Date And Time
The Date-Time Configuration screen is a subsection of the Configuration group. This page shows the date and time on the ARMC card. You can also set the ARMC card's date and time by entering appropriate values in the Set boxes and left clicking the Sync button.
Page 102: Maintenance/ Flash
Once you enter into Flash Mode and choose to cancel the firmware flash operation, the ARMC card must be reset. This means that you must close the Internet browser and log back onto the ARMC card before you can perform any other types of operations.
Page 103: Updating Your Armc Card's Firmware
ARMC Card Configurations, Updating Your ARMC Card’s Firmware Follow the steps in the table below to update your ARMC card’s firmware: Step Description Left click the Enter Flash Mode button. A warning box will open. Left click the OK button.
Page 104 ARMC Card Configurations, Updating Your ARMC Card’s Firmware, Continued Step Description Left click the Browse button to locate the firmware (*.IMA) update file. Left click the Open button. Acer Remote Management Card (ARMC) User’s Guide Continued Cont’d...
Page 105 Step Description Left click the Next button to go to the next step. The ARMC card firmware wizard will begin to check the existing firmware against the firmware file you are trying to load. Continued Chapter Four : Using Your ARMC Card...
Page 106 Cancel button. Note: Even if you choose to cancel the firmware flash operation, the ARMC card must be reset. This means that you must close the Internet browser and log back onto the ARMC card before you can perform any other types of operations.
Page 107 When you see this screen, it means that the firmware image is being upgraded. Once the upgrade’s progress reaches 100%, it is complete. The ARMC card will reset itself. You must close the browser and reconnect to the ARMC card once this process is complete.
Page 108: Mail Configuration
SMTP parameters. The ARMC card sends out E-mail alerts using the SMTP protocol. The ARMC card tries the second mail server if it cannot contact the first mail server. Some SMTP servers also require a valid From Address to send out mail. You can use the From Address fields to specify a valid address that your mail server will accept.
Page 109: Alert Recipients
PPP, you can enter your log in ID or user name in this field. If your Notification Method is set to Mail via PPP or SNMP via PPP, you can enter your password in this field. This button allows you to save your configuration. Chapter Four : Using Your ARMC Card Cont’d...
Page 110: Select Your Event Log Policy
Select Your Event Log Policy This page allows you to set what happens when the event logs are full. You can either set up the ARMC card to stop logging events or roll over the log files. Acer Remote Management Card (ARMC) User’s Guide...
Page 111: Advanced Armc Card Configurations
I2C configurations on your ARMC card. The ARMC card uses I2C to communicate with host system sensors as well as with a BMC using IPMI. If the host system or BMC are using the same I2C slave address, problems with sensor access can occur.
Page 112: Ipmi Configuration
I2C bus. If there is a BMC present, you can configure the ARMC card to use IPMI to power on and off the host system. You can also use the BMC's Sensor Data Records (SDR) for health monitoring. This precludes the need to create or upload an SDK.
Page 113: Modem Configuration
This check box allows you to monitor the host system’s health through the BMC’s Sensor Data Record (SDR). This check box allows the ARMC card to store all the host system’s event logs. This button allows you to save your configuration.
Page 114 ARMC card’s modem to use. This field allows you to enter a phone number that you want the ARMC card’s modem to use when it sends an alert through PPP (Mail via PPP or SNMP via PPP). This section is used to configure the ARMC’s behavior when you connect to the ARMC by dialing to its modem.
Page 115: Host Heartbeat
The ARMC Server Heartbeat program is located on your ARMC CD and must be installed on the host system. The host system is the system that has the ARMC card physically installed into it.
Page 116: Armc Server Heartbeat
Do NOT double click on the ARMC Server Heartbeat icon to install it. Step Description To install the ARMC Server Heartbeat Time Interval program, left click the START button and then left click RUN. Do NOT double click on the ARMC Server Heartbeat icon to install it. Note: The ARMC card expects a heartbeat from the host system after every configured elapsed time interval to know that the operating system on host system is up and running.
Page 117: Appendix Aarmc Ipmb I2C Cable
PI N ON E IDPE Pin Number IPMI Pin Number Quantity M B 12C IP M I PI N ON E Signal Name I2C Clock Power Off I2C Data Reset # Ground Ground Ground Appendix A : ARMC Feature Cable 107...
Page 118 Acer Remote Management Card (ARMC) User’s Guide...
Page 119: Appendix B Wincuri, Lincuri, And Rmconfigapp
The following window appears: If you are running the RMConfigApp program from the host system, select the first radial button labeled ‘I am on the server which has an ARMC plugged in’ and left click on the Ok button. Note: Make sure that the ARMC card is connected to the host system’s motherboard through the...
Page 120 If you are running the RMConfigApp program from a remote system, select the second radial button labeled ‘I want to connect to an ARMC on the network’. Type in the ARMC card’s IP address in the field to the right of Card IP. Type in your user name and password in the appropriate fields and left click on the Ok button.
Page 121: User Manager Tab
RMConfigApp, Continued User Manager Tab The User Manager tab allows you to manage the ARMC card’s users. Here you can add, delete, and modify users. Note: All ARMC users are considered administrators. You cannot allow partial access to the ARMC card. Be careful who you give access to the ARMC card.
Page 122: About
Dropdown Box privacy protocol. Add New User Button The Add New User button allows you to add a new administrator to the ARMC card’s user list. The user name must be no more than eight characters long. Delete User Button The Delete User button allows you to delete an existing administrator from the user list.
Page 123: Network Configuration Tab
The Network Configuration tab allows you to change the way the ARMC card connects to the network. By default, the ARMC card obtains an IP address dynamically via DHCP. You can change this by specifying the IP address, network mask, and gateway.
Page 124: Firmware Flash Tab
Flash Button The Flash button allows you to begin flashing the new firmware image to the ARMC card. Note: The firmware upgrade process is a crucial operation. Make sure that the chances of a power or connectivity loss are minimal when performing this operation.
Page 125: Advanced Tab
The New MAC Address field allows you to specify a new MAC address. Apply Button The Apply button allows you to set the ARMC card with the MAC address that you entered into the New MAC Address field. Reset the ARMC The Reset the ARMC Card Now button allows you to reset the ARMC card’s firmware.
Page 126: Server Information Tab
The Server Information tab allows you to enter a description for the host system. This information can be viewed from the System Information page via a web browser. This information is also attached to alerts. This helps you identify the ARMC’s host system and the host system’s physical location.
Page 127: Wincuri
WinCuri The WinCuri program is a command prompt-based program that you can use to configure the ARMC card. It allows you all the functionality of both the Internet browser-based Remote Access Companion for ARMC and the RMConfigApp program. To run the WinCuri program, double left click the WinCuri.exe icon.
Page 128 ----------------------------- -Net -GetMac -Net -SetMac - -Net -GetConfig -Net -SetDHCP -Net -SetSTATIC IP Netmask Gateway Acer Remote Management Card (ARMC) User’s Guide NotifyMethod can be "Mail" or "SNMP" and AlertType can be All,Disable or Critical Cont’d...
Page 129: Lincuri
The LinCuri program is a command prompt-based program that you can use to configure the ARMC card in RedHat Linux. It allows you all the functionality of both the Internet browser-based Remote Access Companion for ARMC and the RMConfigApp program.
Page 130: Lincuri Help File
-user -add username password auth -user -listAllUser -user -listAll -user -getSnmp System Event Log (SEL) Commands ----------------------------- -sel -listAll -sel -selInfo -sel -clear -sel -setPolicy -sel -getPolicy Acer Remote Management Card (ARMC) User’s Guide -sel -listall to connect on network Cont’d...
Page 131 LinCuri, Continued Platform Event Filtering (PEF) commands ----------------------------- -pef -ARInfoSet index name mailId SNMPDest PPPID NotifyMethod NotifyMedium PPPPass AlertType NotifyMedium can be "Lan" or "PPP" -pef -ARInfoGet index Firmware flasher commands ----------------------------- -flash -read filename -flash -update [-boot] filename -flash -saveconfig -flash -saveSDK -flash -getconfig filename -flash -putconfig filename...
Page 132 Acer Remote Management Card (ARMC) User’s Guide...
Page 133: Appendix Carmc Mouse Booster
Console Redirection. Note: When the ARMC Mouse Booster program is running, you will see two cursors. One is the cursor on the host system. The other is the cursor on the client system. Follow the instructions in the table below to use the ARMC Mouse Booster program.
Page 134 Acer Remote Management Card (ARMC) User’s Guide...
Page 135: Appendix Darmc Flash Utility
ARMC Card Flash Utility The WinFlash.exe program is a recovery tool that can be executed from a remote client system located on the same network as the ARMC card. You can use it to recover a failed flash attempt. To run the ARMC Flash Utility program, double left click on the WinFlash.exe icon.
Page 136 Step Description Left click the Card Settings button to begin. The Active Cards in Recovery Mode screen appears and starts to search for ARMC cards in Recovery Mode. Left click the ARMC card’s MAC address that you want to configure.
Page 137 MAC Address Do not change or modify this field. It displays the ARMC card’s MAC Address. IP Address This field allows you to specify your ARMC card’s IP address. The IP address you assign is only valid during Recovery Mode. Netmask This field allows you to specify your ARMC card’s network mask.
Page 138 When you left click the Get Flash Information button, the Flash Information screen appears. Note: Pay special attention to the size of the Erase Block Size (in Kbytes). You need to select the correct Flash Block Size in the Program (Write) Flash section. Acer Remote Management Card (ARMC) User’s Guide Cont’d...
Page 139 Make sure that the file attributes of the image file are NOT Read-Only. If they are, you will receive and the following error message: Left click the Open button to select the image. Cont’d Appendix D : ARMC Flash Utility 129...
Page 140 Continued Step Description Select how you want to flash the image to the ARMC card. You can select to flash one or multiple sections or simply flash the Full Image. Note: It is recommended that you flash the Full Image if a failed flash has occurred. If you select Full Image, you also have the option to flash the Boot Loader.
Page 141: Appendix E Troubleshooting : Screen Distortion
Image Normal Blurry Symptom The ARMC card's VGA chip has both a digital and analog signal. See the picture below. The digital signal is the FPD. The analog signal is the Monitor. Appendix E : Troubleshooting Screen Distortion 131 Cont’d...
Page 142: Solution
Symptom, Continued When the analog signal is set lower than 1024x768 (for example: 800x600), the ARMC card’s video controller will use ratio metric expansion to bring the screen to 1024x768. Because of this, the screen will become blurry. Solution To correct this, set the screen resolution on the host system to 1024x768.
Page 143: Appendix F Serial Over Lan
Appendix F Serial Over LAN Hardware Setup There are two ways to attach the host system’s serial port to the ARMC card’s serial port. • Internally using a 9-pin ribbon cable • Externally using a null modem cable Internal One way is to use a 9-pin flat ribbon cable as illustrated below (if the system board has an...
Page 144: External
The other is to use an external serial port connector and null modem cable. To do this, you must have an external 9-pin serial port connector and cable plugged into the ARMC card’s serial port connector at JP1. Once the external 9-pin serial port connector is...
Page 145: Bios
Set the Serial Port Mode baud rate you desire. By default, it is set to [19200 8,n,1]. If available, you can set the Post-Boot Support option. When enabled, the ARMC attempts to output the DOS screens or the initial windows text screens. This is really handy when you want to see the OS Boot Menu.
Page 146: Connecting Using Hyper Terminal
Connecting using Hyper Terminal The best way to connect to telnet into the ARMC card is through Hyper Terminal. It is assumed that you know how to use Hyper Terminal. Usage of Hyper Terminal is therefore not documented in this appendix.
Page 147 Connecting using Hyper Terminal, Note: To invoke the ~~key, map the ~~key to the key in the Hyper Terminal Properties window. Continued Appendix F : Serial Over LAN 137...~~~~
Page 148 Acer Remote Management Card (ARMC) User’s Guide...
Page 149: Appendix G Modem Daughterboard
Appendix G Modem Daughterboard Overview The optional modem allows the ARMC card to do the following: Feature dial out and send alerts configure and reset the ARMC card update the ARMC card’s firmware view the ARMC card’s health information and event view the host system’s health information...
Page 150: Modem Daughterboard Installation
Action Unpack the modem daughterboard. Locate JP4 on the ARMC card. It has a series of pinholes that allow you to insert the modem daughterboard. Match the modem daughterboard and the pin holes so that the pins align properly. Insert the modem daughterboard by sliding it straight down into the ARMC card.
Page 151: Modem Daughterboard Installation Illustration
Modem Daughterboard Installation, Modem Daughterboard Installation Illustration Modem Daughterboard Pin Alignment Illustration Empty Continued Plug the modem daughter board into JP4 Empty Empty Empty Appendix G : Modem Daughterboard 141...
Page 152: Configuring The Modem
Outgoing Calls The ARMC card can use its internal modem to send alerts. Before you can do this, you must configure the modem to send outgoing calls. Use the following steps to configure the modem to send outgoing calls:...
Page 153 Configuring the Modem, Continued Outgoing Calls, Continued Step Action Left click the Configuration tab and then left click on the Alerts icon. The following screen appears: Destination This dropdown menu allows you to choose and configure up to eight destination types.
Page 154 PPP Password Enter your password in this field. Left click the Save button. Your ARMC card can now send alerts by dialing out and establishing a Point to Point Protocol (PPP) connection with your Remote Access Server (RAS) or ISP.
Page 155: Incoming Calls
Locate the PPP Server Configuration table. Use the following values: Server IP Address Enter the IP address you want the ARMC card to use during a PPP session. You can type in any valid IP address. For example, 10.0.0.111. Client IP Address Enter the IP address you want the client system to use during a PPP session.
Page 156 Step Action Left click the Save button. Your ARMC card can now be managed via the internal modem. See Chapter 4 : Using Your ARMC for more information on how to do the following: • configure and reset the ARMC card •...
Page 157: Appendix H Port Usage
HTTPS over TCP Web Server & CLIP Direction Bi-directional. Data sent from the ARMC card to the client as well as from the client to the ARMC card. Bi-directional. Data sent from the ARMC card to the client as well as from the client to the ARMC card.
Page 158 Acer Remote Management Card (ARMC) User’s Guide...
Page 159: Appendix Iarmc Mac Address Map
Appendix I ARMC MAC Address Map MAC Address Location Description Windows 2000 Advanced 00-40-D9-02-9B-3C Server Room, Rack 2, 5 Server, Mail Server Appendix I : ARMC MAC Address Map 149...
Page 160: Notes
Notes Acer Remote Management Card (ARMC) User’s Guide...
Page 161: Appendix J : Tree Structure And Description Of Cd Contents 151
Appendix J Tree Structure and Description of CD Contents ARMC CD CD Contents The ARMC CD contains many files that help you use the ARMC card. The main ones you need to be aware of are as follows: File Location armcfwx.x.x.xxxxxx.ima...
Page 162 02/06/2003 12:53 PM 02/06/2003 12:53 PM 2 File(s) Acer Remote Management Card (ARMC) User’s Guide Description ARMC command line utility for Windows 2000/XP ARMC flash utility for Linux Copy this INI file to the following location: ./etc...
Page 163 ARMC CD, Continued CD Contents, Continued Directory of CDROM\HostSide 02/06/2003 12:53 PM 02/06/2003 12:53 PM 02/06/2003 12:53 PM 02/06/2003 12:53 PM 0 File(s) Directory of CDROM\HostSide\Linux 02/06/2003 12:53 PM 02/06/2003 12:53 PM 01/22/2003 06:20 PM...
Page 164 02/06/2003 12:53 PM 02/04/2003 09:37 AM 02/04/2003 09:37 AM 02/04/2003 09:37 AM 3 File(s) Acer Remote Management Card (ARMC) User’s Guide 86,016 WinFlash.exe 86,016 bytes Linux Win32 0 bytes gtkRConsoleRPM-ACER 360,243 LinCuri 360,243 bytes 38,299 gtkRConsoleARMC-1.3-1.i386.rpm 38,299 bytes 278,528 RMconfigapp.exe...
Page 165 ARMC CD, Continued CD Contents, Continued Directory of CDROM\SNMPMIB 02/06/2003 12:53 PM 02/06/2003 12:53 PM 01/22/2003 06:01 PM 1 File(s) Directory of CDROM\USB Floppy 02/06/2003 12:53 PM 02/06/2003 12:53 PM 01/22/2003 06:01 PM 01/22/2003 06:01 PM Win2000 and XP.txt...
Page 166 Acer Remote Management Card (ARMC) User’s Guide...
Page 167: Appendix K : Host System Usb Mouse And Keyboard Considerations For Linux 7.X 157
Appendix K Host System USB Mouse and Keyboard Considerations for Linux 7.x Overview This appendix describes how to set up the USB keyboard and mouse on the host system running RedHat Linux 7.x so that they can be redirected. Note: For RedHat Linux 8.x, disregard these instructions.
Page 168: Usb Mouse
XF86Config-4) file, press the , and keys to restart the X server and let the new settings take effect. If this does not work, type “startx” in text mode or reboot the host system. Acer Remote Management Card (ARMC) User’s Guide...
Page 169: Appendix L Gtkrconsolearmc For Linux
Use the following command to run gtkRConsoleARMC: rpm -Uvh gtkRConsole-1.3-1.i386.rpm You can also double left click the RPM file located on the ARMC CD if you are using X windows. The file is located in the following directory on the ARMC CD:...
Page 170 Acer Remote Management Card (ARMC) User’s Guide...
Page 171: Index
ARMC Card Flash Utility, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, ARMC Card Layout, 4 ARMC Card Management, 57 ARMC CD, viii, 10, 11, 19, 24, 27, 44, 71, 80, 105, 109, 140, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 159 ARMC Flash Utility, 125, 127...
Page 172 Step 2 Install the Optional Battery and Battery Clip, 6, 7, 8 Step 3 Install the Optional Modem Daughterboard, 9 Step 4 Plug in the ARMC Card into the Host System and Attach Internal Cables, 9 Step 5 Connect External Cables, 10 Step 6 Confirm the Motherboard’s BIOS Settings, 10...
Page 173 Index 163...

Acer ARMC User Manual

Chapter 1 Introduction

Chapter 2 Installing Your ARMC Card

Chapter 3 Locating Your ARMC Card

Chapter 4 Using Your ARMC

Appendix Aarmc IPMB I2C Cable

Appendix B Wincuri, Lincuri, and Rmconfigapp

Appendix Carmc Mouse Booster

Appendix Darmc Flash Utility

Appendix E Troubleshooting : Screen Distortion

Appendix F Serial over LAN

Appendix G Modem Daughterboard

Appendix H Port Usage

Appendix Iarmc MAC Address Map

Appendix J : Tree Structure and Description of CD Contents 151

Appendix K : Host System USB Mouse and Keyboard Considerations for Linux 7.X 157

Appendix L Gtkrconsolearmc for Linux

Quick Links

Related Manuals for Acer ARMC

Summary of Contents for Acer ARMC

Table of Contents