Changes in this release:-

  • Installs RaQ XTR's
  • Improved initscripts
  • New base RPMS
  • Faster install
  • NFS timeout problem fixed
  • Installs CentOS 4.4
  • Choice of installing BlueQuartz
  • Editable install scripts
  • Editable partition configuration files
  • Installs MySQL server
  • Better nuonce compatability

Installation

Check your ROM model (RaQ 3/4's only)

Take the cover off your Cobalt appliance and check the ROM type. You will be prompted for your ROM type by the installer. Click here to identify your ROM model

Connection Method 1 (PREFFERED)

Use a crossover cable to connect a pc to your RaQ Server on the first network port, insert the installer CD into the pc and boot


Connection Method 2

As above, except the computer is connected to the raq through a hub or switch.
This method will fail if there is other computers on the network running DHCP services,
or if there is another pc with the IP : 192.168.0.100

Setup

  1. Hold down 'S' whilst powering up the server appliance
  2. When the LCD reads "Select Option" press 'S' until it reads "Configure boot"



  3. Now press the 'E' button
  4. The LCD should now read "Select Default"
  5. Press the 'S' button until the second line reads "From network"



  6. Press the 'E' button
  7. The LCD should now read "Select Option"
  8. Press 'S' until it reads "Boot from net"
  9. Press the 'E' button
  10. Wait for a few seconds, and the installer will check your current rom software version.



  11. Select "Y" by pressing the left arrow once, and pressing "E"
  12. If you needed the rom update, it will now reboot to the new rom. You may need to start from the beginning again.
  13. If your rom is up to date (2.10-ext3), the LCD will now read "Install System?"
  14. Select "Y" by pressing the left arrow once, and pressing "E"



  15. Your system will now begin the install process

The install process

Throughout the install, you will have messages on the LCD informing you about the status:

  1. Preparing to install
  2. Removing partitions
  3. Formatting partitions
  4. Installing kernel
  5. Bootstrapping System

    Bootstrapping system, means that it is installing base RPMs. This can take quite a while (possibly more than ten minutes). The network and disk lights will flash almost continuously. After the bootstrap, it will reboot to the installed system. Note: If you have two hard drives in the Cobalt server appliance, the root partition will be scanned for consistency and errors. After this scan, the appliance will reboot and continue to install.
  6. Once the system has booted up, the LCD will read Installing Blue Quartz, this takes several minutes.
  7. The system will then reboot.
  8. Once it has booted up the installation is complete.

You will now be able to access the server through SSH and through your browser.

Accessing Through your browser:-

username: admin
Password: admin

Accessing Through SSH:-

username: root
password: admin

Enjoy your new Strongbolt server.

Troubleshooting

Having problems using the installer? Click here to see how to resolve the most common problems.

Support

For details of our support packages and technical support please visit: www.osoffice.co.uk/strongbolt/strongbolt_support.html or call +44 (0)1395 548197

Additional Information

How to use the install disk as a system recovery disk

We have built into the install disk some recovery tools in order to help rescue a system.
The recovery method can also be used to update the rom.

Please follow the following instructions in order to use the install disk as a recovery console.

  1. Boot the recovery disk with the RaQ attached by a network cable (see installation connection methods)
  2. If the LCD reads Install System or Update ROM - DO NOT PRESS ANY BUTTONS ON THE RAQ. The RaQ has now booted to a network OS - and is independent of the hard drive(s) in the RaQ.



  3. Launch a terminal on the PC with the Strongbolt install disk booted. This is done by right clicking on the desktop area and choosing "XShells > Dark"
  4. Type "sudo ssh -l root 192.168.0.254"
  5. At the password prompt - type "admin"

Once logged in you will be able to verify disks, check the ROM version, and use many of the usual Linux tools to recover or perform maintenance on your system.

Performing a manual ROM update using the System Recovery Method on a RaQ 3/4

Once logged into the system recovery console (as described above) the following commands are available to perform a manual ROM update:-

There are 3 rom types for RaQ 3/4's: Intel, AMD, and ST

For RaQ 3/4's with an Intel ROM:

flashtool -w /install/rom/cobalt-2.10.3-ext3-1M.rom

For RaQ 3/4's with an AMD or ST ROM:

flashtool550 -w /install/rom/cobalt-2.10.3-ext3-1M.rom

After performing any of the above methods, reboot using :

reboot

Please note: you will need to start from setup stage 1 again, as a ROM update erases settings.

Performing a manual ROM update using the System Recovery Method on a RaQ 550

For RaQ 550's -

flashtool550 -w /install/rom/cobalt-2.10.3-ext3-2M-flat.rom

Then reboot using :

reboot

Troubleshooting

  1. Nothing happens - it just reads "Loading Kernel" (RaQ 3/4's only)



    The chances are, you have an early ROM. The system will still boot the install disk, but will not show the LCD output. Whilst booting the RaQ from net, you should see the RX/TX light flash lots.
    If this is the case - you will need to perform a "manual rom update". Use the system recovery method described above then perform a ROM update

  2. How to find out the current rom version (only available on some ROM versions)
    Hold down 'S' whilst powering up the server appliance.
    When the LCD reads "Select Option" press 'S' until it reads "System Info"
    Now Press "E".
    The LCD will display the ROM version number.



  3. Make sure that your ethernet cable is plugged into the first network port on the RaQ. This port is marked with a single I.
  4. Reset the cmos - we advice to do this to erase any configuration settings that may disrupt the install. This is done by holding down "E" immediately after powering up the RaQ. The LCD will read "cmos restored".
  5. Check your hard drive jumper settings - They should be set to "Master".

  6. RaQ 3/4's ONLY Check that the primary drive is in the front IDE slot. This slot often has the pins facing towards the front, and has no plastic surround.
  7. If you are installing with one hard drive, ensure that it is in the Primary position.


  8. RaQ550's ONLY If you are installing with one hard drive, ensure that it is in the Primary IDE bay.


Identifying your ROM model

Remove the cover from your Cobalt server appliance, and read the information on the chip as illustrated below. The ROM model will be either AMD, ST or INTEL.