Blackcore Quick Setup Guide

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Environment
• Power
• General Safety
• Checklist
• Chassis Overview
• Racking
• Setup and Initialisation
  • Step 1: Powering on
  • Step 2: Loading a profile
  • Step 3: Configuring the IPMI
• The Next Step
• Safety Information
• Usage
• Product Documentation
• Safety during Installation
• Operating Electrical Safety
• Dual PSU
• CMOS Battery
• Support/Further Information

Environment

Blackcore systems are designed to operate in the following environmental conditions:

Operation Temperature: 10°C – 27°C (50°F – 80°F)

Operation Relative Humidity: 2% - 85% (non-condensing)

Non-Operation Temperature (Storage): 10°C – 70°C (50°F – 158°F)

Non-Operation Relative Humidity (Storage): 20% - 90% (non-condensing)

Power

1300W Redundant High Efficiency (92% 230VAC) 80 Plus Platinum Power Supply

Power rating: 100-240V AC 50-60Hz 12-8A

General Safety

Equipment must be connected to an earthed power supply with sockets nearby and easily accessible. Please ensure all vents are kept clear from obstruction to prevent overheating during usage. Power cords must be appropriately rated and approved accordingly to the regulations of the country of use.

Always turn off your Blackcore server and unplug the power cord before replacing the motherboard CMOS battery. Always replace battery with an equivalent one; there is a danger of explosion if the battery is replaced with an incorrect model. Used batteries must be handled and disposed of in accordance with local environmental regulations.

Blackcore Technologies cannot be held responsible for injury or equipment damage if the product is used for anything other than its intended purpose. If you have any questions regarding the safe and proper use of your server, please contact Blackcore support.

Checklist

Please ensure that the following peripherals are included in the box with your Blackcore unit:

• Rail kit
• 2x Power cables

If any of these items are missing, please notify Blackcore support.

Chassis Overview

Front Bezel

Basic rear input/output

Racking

Step 1: Install both rails into your rack, extend to the correct length and clip in.

Step 2: Fully extend both slides.

Step 3: With the slides fully extended carefully lower your Blackcore unit into place, starting with the rear spools first.

Step 4: Lift the release tab on both rails and push the unit into the rack.

If you are having difficulty with this process and require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Blackcore support.

Setup and Initialisation

Step 1: Powering on

• Connect power cables to both power supply modules located at the rear of the unit.
• Connect mouse & keyboard.
• Connect a monitor to the VGA port.
• Connect any required network cables.
• Press the power button located at the front of the unit.

Step 2: Loading a profile

Your Blackcore unit will arrive with pre-configured BIOS profile:

To load a profile, you will need to enter the BIOS, after powering on your unit press ‘F2’ or ‘Delete’ when prompted on screen. Once the BIOS has loaded, you can use either the arrow keys to navigate or a mouse.

From the main screen navigate to the ‘Tool’ menu.

Select ‘ASUS User Profile’.

Here you will see an overview of the pre-configured profiles, in the ‘Load from Profile’ section input the number of the profile you wish to load and press enter.

You will be prompted to accept the changes, click yes or press enter.

The new profile settings are now loaded, the changes will need to be saved and the unit reset. To do this press ‘F10’, the changes will be listed for review click ‘OK’ or press enter to accept.

Once the unit has reset and powered back on the changes will be implemented and live.

Step 3: Configuring the IPMI

In order to access the Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) you will need to complete network configuration for the management port in the BIOS. First, please ensure you have a network cable connected to the management port.

Power on or reset your Blackcore unit and enter the BIOS by pressing ‘F2’ or ‘Delete’ when prompted.

Use the arrow keys to navigate to the ‘Server Management’ section and press enter, then select ‘BMC network configuration’.

Under ‘DM_LAN’ select static from the drop down menu and input IP details. Ensure IP Address, Subnet Mask, and Gateway IP Address are all configured correctly.

The network configuration can also be done via DHCP, from the drop-down menu select ‘DynamicBmcDhcp’.   When the network configuration is done press ‘F10’ to save changes and reset the unit.

Once the unit has powered up you can access the IPMI by typing in the IP address you configured into the browser of your choice, log in with the username ‘admin’, password ‘admin123’

Once you have logged in you will see the IPMI ‘Dashboard’

Using the menu you can view system information, server health, remote control your Blackcore, perform maintenance and firmware updates.

The Next Step

Now you have successfully racked, powered and configured your Blackcore you’re ready to install the Operating System of your choice...

Safety Information

It is imperative to adhere to the safety information presented in this chapter, along with specific safety warnings found at relevant points in this manual, throughout every stage of the device's installation, operation, and removal from service. It is also essential to heed any safety warnings attached to the product itself. Failure to comply with these safety guidelines, warnings, and other critical operating instructions in the product documentation, or engaging in improper usage of the product, may lead to unpredictable behaviour and pose a risk of injury or death.

It's important to note that depending on your specific device configuration and installed options, certain safety information may not be applicable to your device.

It is the responsibility of the operator to ensure that the product is safely and properly used.

Usage

The device should be used strictly in accordance with the specifications outlined in the product documentation. Proper usage is exclusively defined by this manual and any other pertinent documentation directly provided by Blackcore.

Appropriate usage includes compliance with specified limits! The device’s operating parameters must never exceed or fall below these limits!

Product Documentation

The information in this Quick Setup guide is intended for readers with an appropriate degree of safety awareness.

The following are deemed to possess such an appropriate degree of safety awareness:

• skilled persons with a familiarity with relevant national safety standards and regulations,

• instructed persons having received suitable instruction from a skilled person on relevant national

safety standards and regulations. Read the product manual carefully and completely before you set the product up for use. If any of the safety information in the product documentation is unclear for you, do not continue with the set-up or operation of the device!

Blackcore’s Technical Support team is also always available at support@blackcoretech.com if you require additional assistance or advice on safety aspects of your system.

Safety during Installation

The design and testing of this rack-mounted device adhere to the specifications outlined in the IEC 62368-1 standard (Audio/Video, Information and Communication Technology Equipment—Part 1: Safety Requirements). If the rack-mounted device is to be installed within a larger unit, such as an electrical enclosure, additional requirements from the IEC 62368-1 standard may be applicable and must be observed. It is crucial to comply with general safety requirements for electrical equipment, including standards such as IEC, VDE, DIN, ANSI, and relevant national standards.

If the unit has been transferred from a cold environment to the usage area, there is a possibility of condensation formation. In such instances, it is advisable to wait until the unit has acclimated to the ambient temperature and is completely dry before proceeding with the setup.

Before unpacking, setting up, and operating the equipment, it is crucial to review the information related to hardware installation and device specifications. This includes dimensions, electrical characteristics, and the necessary environmental conditions.

The device must adhere to fire safety standards in its installed state. To ensure stability and minimize the risk of rack tipping over, the device with the highest mass should be positioned at the lowest point in the rack. Subsequent devices should be installed from the bottom and progress upward.

The device must also be shielded from mechanical and physical stresses such as vibration or shock.

Avoid drilling holes into the device for mounting purposes. In case of challenges with rack installation, seek assistance from Blackcore's Technical Support team.

Before installation, carefully examine the device housing. It should be devoid of any damage at the time of installation.

Operating Electrical Safety

Only a skilled person or an instructed individual who has received appropriate technical and safety training from a skilled person should undertake the setup and connection of this system. Custom cables should only be assembled by a qualified electrician. It is crucial never to work on cables carrying a live current. The use of visibly damaged or known-to-be-defective cables or connectors should be strictly avoided, as faulty, defective, or improperly connected components can pose a risk of injury, death, and fire hazards.

Before operating the device, ensure that all cables are in good condition, free from damage such as kinks, not wound too tightly around corners, and not obstructed by objects. Cables should be laid to prevent tripping hazards.

When connecting the power supply, use a short, low-inductance cable. If the use of power strips or extension cables is necessary, ensure they are explicitly rated for the currents of all connected devices. Never connect or disconnect power, data, or signal cables during a thunderstorm, as this poses a risk of injury or death due to the potential for high voltages during lightning strikes.

Follow the specified order in the user documentation for connecting or disconnecting device cables. All connections should be made while the device is de-energized before connecting the power supply. When working on connectors, always pull cable connectors out at both ends. Improper connection or disconnection of the Meinberg system may result in electric shock, potentially leading to injury or death.

Avoid pulling on the cable itself when removing a connector, as this may detach the plug or cause damage to the connector, posing a risk of direct contact with energized components. Ensure secure plug connections.

Before connecting the device to the power supply, ground the device housing by attaching a grounding conductor to the grounding terminal. During installation in an electrical enclosure, ensure adequate clearance, maintain minimum creepage distances to adjacent conductors, and eliminate the risk of short circuits.

Protect the device from the ingress of objects or liquids.

In the event of a device malfunction or the need for servicing (such as damage to the housing, power supply cable, or the entry of liquids or objects), the power supply may be interrupted. In such cases, it is imperative to promptly isolate and physically disconnect the device from all power sources.

Dual PSU

This device is designed to utilize redundant power sources. When shutting down and de-energizing the appliance for any reason, make sure to disconnect all power supply units from their respective power sources. Failing to completely de-energize the appliance by unplugging all power supplies poses a risk of electric shock.

CMOS Battery

The CR2032 lithium battery located on the server mainboard is designed to have a service life of at least 10 years. If a battery replacement becomes necessary, please consider the following precautions:

Use only the same type or a comparable type of battery as recommended by the manufacturer.

Battery replacement should be conducted by the manufacturer or authorized personnel.

Ensure that the battery is not exposed to air pressure levels outside the limits specified by the manufacturer.

Improper handling of the battery may lead to the battery exploding or experiencing leaks of flammable or corrosive liquids or gases. Therefore:

Never short-circuit the battery.

Never attempt to recharge the battery.

Never dispose of the battery in a fire or place it in an oven.

Never use a mechanical shredder for battery disposal.

Support/Further Information

If you require further information or assistance, please contact Blackcore customer support:

Telephone: 01173 510000

Email: support@blackcoretech.com

Website: www.blackcoretech.com