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ClearCube A–Series Setup And Installation Manual

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A–Series
Setup and Installation Guide
Revision 1.6.05.10.2013

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Summary of Contents for ClearCube A–Series

  • Page 1 A–Series Setup and Installation Guide Revision 1.6.05.10.2013...

  • Page 2: Technical Support

    ClearCube Technology, Inc. This information is subject to change without notice and ClearCube shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages in connection with the use of this material.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Medical and Clinical Use of ClearCube Products ........
  • Page 4 2.4 Chassis Expansion Backplane and Cabling ........16 2.4.1 Chassis Ports and Supported Protocols .
  • Page 5 3.5 Removing Blade PC from a Chassis ..........39 Chapter 4.

  • Page 7: How To Use This Guide

    How to Use This Guide This guide explains how to install and set up ClearCube Technology, Inc. A–Series chassis, blades and components necessary for managed desktop environments. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the ClearCube architecture and product descriptions and read through all installation and setup procedures before beginning installation.

  • Page 8: Medical And Clinical Use Of Clearcube Products

    Because each end-user system environment is customized and differs from ClearCube testing platforms and because a user may use ClearCube products in combination with other products in a manner not evaluated or contemplated by ClearCube, the user is ultimately responsible for verifying and validating the suitability of ClearCube products whenever ClearCube products are incorporated in a system, including, without limitation, the appropriate design, process and safety level of such system or application.

  • Page 9: Symbols

    Symbols are displayed on the hardware described in this document to convey specific information to the operator and service person. It is important to understand the intended meaning of these symbols. The following list shows each symbol displayed on ClearCube Technology, Inc. products and explains the meaning of each symbol.

  • Page 10: Safety Guidelines

    — Laite on liitettävä suojamaadoituskoskettimilla varustettuun pistorasiaan.— • Power cord selection—ClearCube or ClearCube distributors provide power cords that are specifically designed for use with particular pieces of equipment and are approved for use by the local authority having jurisdiction in the country where the equipment is put into service.
  • Page 11 Appendix C. “Support” on page 61. • IT power systems—ClearCube equipment has been evaluated and found to be compatible with IT power distribution systems with a phase-to-phase voltage not to exceed 240 V. • Live circuits—Operating personnel and service personnel must not remove protective covers when operating the ClearCube chassis.
  • Page 12 A–Series Setup and Installation Guide...

  • Page 13: Chapter 1. A-Series Architecture And Product Overview

    This architecture increases IT manageability and security, and provides mission-critical reliability, performance, and uptime improvements with lowered costs. Replacing a traditional PC with a ClearCube Cloud Desktop (zero client or thin client) saves space, eliminates or reduces fan noise, and simplifies cabling. The key components of the...

  • Page 14: A-Series Blade Pcs

    Figure 1. A–Series architecture A–Series Blade PCs ClearCube A–Series Blade PCs are computers with Intel processors that deliver full PC functionality to users, including USB functionality, from a centralized location. Each A–Series Blade PC contains all the industry-standard components of a desktop PC: •...

  • Page 15: Blade Pc Overview, Identification Labels, And Serial Number

    1.1.1 Blade PC Overview, Identification Labels, and Serial Number This figures in this section show • An overview of an A–Series blade detailing the LCD bezel, buttons, and indicators, and • all identification labels on a blade. ClearCube Technology, Inc.

  • Page 16: Blade Pc Components

    Press to power on or power off blade. Press and hold for 3 seconds Power button to force power off. Displays boot codes and blade serial number. ClearCube Sentral Display management suite enables the LCD to display user-defined strings and to blink for identification purposes.

  • Page 17: Blade Pc Identification Labels

    The following sections detail the features of each A–Series blade. 1.1.2 A6106D Blade PC Features of the A6106D include: • Intel Q77 Express Chipset. • Two Intel PRO 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports. • One DVI-I port (for bench top configuration and setup only). ClearCube Technology, Inc.

  • Page 18: A6105D Blade Pc

    • Front-mounted LCD: – Displays last three number of serial number by default. – Able to display user-specified text through ClearCube Sentral and to blink to aid in identification. 1.1.3 A6105D Blade PC Features of the A6105D blade include: •...

  • Page 19: A-Series Chassis And Expansion Backplane

    • Removable front bezel. • Expansion backplane—A modular component that provides signal connectors and a chassis ID, or an electronic asset tag, for blades. The picture below shows a rack containing A3100 chassis and A–Series blades. ClearCube Technology, Inc.
  • Page 20 Chapter 1. A–Series Architecture and Product Overview The following figure shows an A3100 chassis with front bezel, rack ears, and expansion backplane. Chassis with Front Bezel and Rack Ears Front Bezel Removed Rear of Chassis with Expansion Backplane Figure 4. The A3100 chassis with front bezel, rack ears, and expansion backplane The A3100 chassis contains an expansion backplane, a modular component that contains all signal connectors and a chassis ID for A–Series blades.

  • Page 21: Cloud Desktops: Zero Clients And Thin Clients

    Blade PC, allowing users to work over standard switched networks. Cloud Desktops extend the ClearCube product line to let IT managers use their existing IP network and cabling infrastructure, regardless of the distance between users' physical locations and their centralized Blade PCs or other remote computing devices.

  • Page 22: Monitor Support And Requirements

    Chapter 1. A–Series Architecture and Product Overview Monitor Support and Requirements A–Series Blade PCs support up to four monitors. The table below shows GPU, host card, and zero client combinations that provide the specified number of monitors and resolutions. Various GPU and zero client options are available. Table 1.

  • Page 23: Chapter 2. Site Preparation And Network Planning

    Chapter 2. Site Preparation and Network Planning This chapter describes preliminary steps to take after receiving your A–Series shipment, and describes the hardware and environmental requirements for your A–Series products. The following list identifies each of the topics discussed in this chapter. •...

  • Page 24: Unpacking Your Shipment

    ClearCube components are typically shipped in separate containers. The following list describes the components shipped for typical installations and specifies the order in which you should unpack your shipment. To protect ClearCube devices, keep them in their shipping containers until you NOTE install, insert, or connect the devices.

  • Page 25: Rack And Cabinet Requirements

    Rack and Cabinet Requirements Rack and Cabinet Requirements Before installing ClearCube components, it is important to properly prepare the site where you will install the chassis and Blade PCs. This section explains how to plan for cabinet, rack and chassis installation. The pictures below show two options for holding ClearCube chassis. A standard 42U rack or cabinet can hold as many as seven A3100 chassis.

  • Page 26: Space And Floor Support

    Select a cabinet that has an adjustable center rail or rear rail in addition to the front rail. ClearCube's adjustable mounting kit is required to attach the chassis to both the front and center/rear rails.

  • Page 27: Chassis And Blade Power Requirements

    Chassis and Blade Power Requirements Your ClearCube system centralizes computing components in a single location, which centralizes power requirements in one area. Although the ClearCube solution reduces the overall power required when compared to traditional PCs, the power demands in the IT center are increased.

  • Page 28: Power Circuit Considerations

    Ensure that any extension cords used meet local safety regulations and local fire codes. Contact ClearCube for detailed power and cooling requirements tables. See Appendix C. “Support” on page 61 for information about contacting ClearCube Support.

  • Page 29: Ethernet Cable Requirements

    The number of Ethernet cables by Blade PC model and for fully-loaded chassis Purpose of Cable or Total A6106D Blade PC A6105D Blade PC PCoIP cable Primary Network Adapter cable Secondary Not supported Network Adapter cable Total cables for each Blade PC Maximum cables for each chassis ClearCube Technology, Inc.

  • Page 30: Supported Cables

    Chapter 2. Site Preparation and Network Planning 2.4.3 Supported Cables The A3100 chassis uses standard network cables with RJ-45 connectors to connect to Ethernet networks. The list below shows supported network cable types: • CAT5 • CAT5e • CAT6 • CAT6e Network connections follow standard Ethernet guidelines.

  • Page 31: Dedicated Pcoip Network

    The picture below is a high-level diagram of a deployment where PCoIP host cards and zero clients are optimized by isolating PCoIP traffic on a dedicated PCoIP network (using physical or virtual LANs). Figure 8. A–Series deployment optimized by isolating PCoIP traffic ClearCube Technology, Inc.

  • Page 32: Shared Network

    The picture below is a high-level diagram of a deployment where PCoIP traffic (from host cards and zero clients) and regular network traffic is on the same network. To optimize PCoIP traffic, ClearCube recommends using dedicated networks NOTE (physical or virtual LANs) as shown above.

  • Page 33: Chapter 3. Chassis And Blade Pc Installation

    Chapter 3. Chassis and Blade PC Installation Installing ClearCube products is a series of simple tasks that you can perform in a short amount of time. The following instructions are intended for IT technicians who are familiar with computer systems and familiar with configuring hardware. This chapter discusses the following topics: •...

  • Page 34: Chassis Container Contents

    Chapter 3. Chassis and Blade PC Installation • Expansion backplane—Provides signal connectors for Blade PCs. This modular component might be shipped separately from your chassis. If the expansion backplane is not included in your A3100 chassis, see "Attaching and NOTE Removing the Expansion Backplane"...

  • Page 35: Chassis Ac Power Cords

    If the cabinet enclosure front doors are not vented, add an additional 4 inches (11 cm) in front of the chassis for proper airflow. • The spacing between the front and back rails is no more than 30 inches (76 cm). ClearCube Technology, Inc.

  • Page 36: Using A Chassis Accessory Kit

    Chapter 3. Chassis and Blade PC Installation 3.2.3.2 Using a Chassis Accessory Kit Using the brackets and hardware included in your kit, you can install an A–Series chassis from the front or from the rear of the rack. To install a chassis using the chassis accessory kit, perform the following steps. 1.

  • Page 37: Using A Chassis Rapid-Mount Kit

    (included with your chassis) to secure the power cables. ClearCube products shipped to countries using 100-130-volt power systems include power cords rated at 15 amps. ClearCube products shipped to countries NOTE using 208-240-volt power systems include power cords rated at 10 amps. See "Safety Guidelines"...
  • Page 38 Chapter 3. Chassis and Blade PC Installation 4. Mount the chassis bracket to the chassis with four flathead screws included in your kit. Repeat on the other side of the chassis. You can use the chassis and rack brackets on either side of your rack or cabinet; NOTE that is, the brackets are not specific to either side of your enclosure.

  • Page 39: Removing A Rapid-Mount Kit Bracket

    (UPS) or power strip, and use the cable retention clamps to secure the power cables. ClearCube products shipped to countries using 100–130-volt power systems include power cords rated at 15 amps. ClearCube products shipped to countries using NOTE 208–240-volt power systems include power cords rated at 10 amps. See "Safety...

  • Page 40: Attaching And Removing The Expansion Backplane

    Chapter 3. Chassis and Blade PC Installation 3.2.4 Attaching and Removing the Expansion Backplane This section describes how to attach and remove the expansion backplane from the A3100 chassis. The following figure shows the rear of an A3100 chassis with an expansion backplane attached.

  • Page 41: Removing The Expansion Backplane

    Figure 16 above shows the location of the screws. 3. Gently lift the expansion backplane straight up to remove the hooks on each side of the backplane from the slots on the chassis. ClearCube Technology, Inc.

  • Page 42: Chassis Power And Failover Power Feature

    Blades 6 to 10 Figure 17. The A3100 chassis power receptacles To ensure the most reliable operation of the A3100 chassis, ClearCube recommends that all chassis power sources are connected to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). If excessive power surges or voltage spikes damage the failover power feature, the NOTE damage might not be externally evident.

  • Page 43: To Power Chassis Without Failover Power Feature

    Ensure that any extension cords used meet local safety regulations and fire codes. Use peak current draws when specifying uninterruptible power supply (UPS) capacity. Contact ClearCube Support for detailed power and cooling requirements tables. See Appendix C. “Support” on page 61 for contact information.

  • Page 44: Before You Begin

    120 V, IEC 60320 C13 connector with NEMA 5-15 inlet) • a ClearCube zero client compatible with the blade’s video configuration (a dual zero client for a dual host card or a quad zero client for a quad host card). The blade’s video...

  • Page 45: Create Session And View Video

    The steps below show how to create a PCoIP session to view pre-OS video. 1. Connect a power cable to the external power connector at the rear of the blade and then plug the cable into a power outlet. ClearCube Technology, Inc.

  • Page 46: Operating System Images

    Chapter 3. Chassis and Blade PC Installation 2. Press the power button on the front of the blade to power it on, and then press the power button on the front of the zero client to power it on. 3. From the monitors connected to the zero client, click the Connect button. After several moments, the zero client will identify host cards to which it can connect.

  • Page 47: Using The Default Operating System Image

    You can now deploy the blade. 3.3.2.2 Custom Operating System Requirements If you are re-imaging a ClearCube blade or are installing a custom image on a blade, note that your blades require specific firmware, motherboard chipset drivers, device drivers, and more.
  • Page 48 MAC address and the corresponding IP address assigned to the host card and to the zero client. 1. Ensure that you obtain drivers for your blade or VM from the ClearCube Support site at http://www.clearcube.com/support/. All drivers and downloads cited in this procedure are available on the Support site.

  • Page 49: Installing A Custom Image From An Image File Server

    4. Hard disk drive where item 1 above is the highest boot priority, and item 4 above is the lowest boot priority. This boot device priority can change if a user loads BIOS defaults from the BIOS NOTE setup menu. ClearCube Technology, Inc.

  • Page 50: Installing Blade Pc In A Chassis

    Chapter 3. Chassis and Blade PC Installation To boot (or download a custom operating system image) from a network: 1. Ensure that blades can access the same network that the image file server uses. 2. Perform the steps in “Viewing Pre-OS Video (BIOS and Network Boot, PXE Boot)” page 31 to connect to a blade and boot from a network.

  • Page 51: Removing Blade Pc From A Chassis

    Be sure to support both ends of the blade when you remove it completely from the chassis. Never leave a Blade PC unprotected when not in use. A blade should always be in a chassis or in a storage box. Dust, dirt, and other debris can damage blades. ClearCube Technology, Inc.
  • Page 52 Chapter 3. Chassis and Blade PC Installation A–Series Setup and Installation Guide...

  • Page 53: Chapter 4. Upgrading And Maintaining Blade Pcs

    Chapter 4. Upgrading and Maintaining Blade PCs ClearCube’s A–Series architecture simplifies computer and component upgrades. You can easily upgrade or replace Blade PC components. CAUTION: Some surfaces on blades can be hot, especially when the blade has been powered on. Remove and handle Blade PCs with care.

  • Page 54: Use Authorized Components

    Use Authorized Components Customers and qualified technicians can upgrade and replace blade components such as memory and hard drives. To ensure proper operation and to maintain your ClearCube warranty when performing upgrades, only use commodities that you obtain from ClearCube or from your Authorized ClearCube Reseller.

  • Page 55: Memory

    Blade power supplies – Blade fans – Blade motherboards Removing any of these FRUs voids your warranty. Contact ClearCube Support Engineers for information about replacing CRUs or FRUs. See Appendix D. “Warranty” on page 63 for information about your warranty.

  • Page 56: A6105D Memory Features

    • DDR3 1333 MHz and DDR3 1066 MHz SDRAM DIMMs 4.3.3 General Guidelines • For optimum memory compatibility, use only ClearCube-supplied memory. • Install only identical (same speed, size, and vendor) DIMM pairs for each memory channel. A–Series Setup and Installation Guide...

  • Page 57: Population Guidelines

    5. Insert the new DIMM. Gently press down on the top edge of the DIMM to seat it completely. If the memory socket latches are not fully closed automatically, press the memory socket latches onto the sides of the DIMM. ClearCube Technology, Inc.

  • Page 58: Hard Drives

    Chapter 4. Upgrading and Maintaining Blade PCs 6. Replace the top cover panel, ensuring that the side walls of the cover are on the outside of the flanges on the base frame. 7. Replace the four 6-32 screws that retain the top cover. 8.

  • Page 59: A6105D

    Drive 0 Drive 1 Figure 25. Hard drive order in the A6106D storage drive carrier 4.4.2 A6105D To install or replace a hard drive in an A6105D blade, use a #2 Phillips screwdriver to perform the following steps. ClearCube Technology, Inc.
  • Page 60 Chapter 4. Upgrading and Maintaining Blade PCs 1. Remove the blade from the chassis, as described in “Removing Blade PC from a Chassis” on page 39. CAUTION: Some surfaces on the blade may be hot, especially when the blade has been powered on. Remove and handle the blade with care. 2.

  • Page 61: Bios

    The following sections assume that • BIOS password(s) are set NOTES • the motherboard is installed in the A–Series blade, and • the configuration jumper block is set to normal mode. ClearCube Technology, Inc.

  • Page 62: Before You Begin

    Chapter 4. Upgrading and Maintaining Blade PCs 4.5.1.1 Before You Begin • These instructions assume that SLP discovery is enabled on the zero client and the blade’s host card is enabled to accept any peer. See PC-over-IP System User's Guide for more information.
  • Page 63 If the host card is a Tera 1 card (roughly 11.75 inches long with a silver heat sink and fan), continue to step c below. If it is a Tera 2 card (roughly 6.5 inches long ClearCube Technology, Inc.

  • Page 64: Connecting Zero Client And Blade Pc

    Chapter 4. Upgrading and Maintaining Blade PCs with a black heat sink), remove the end of the silver PCIe ×1 flex cable that is connected to the host card. Remove both screws and gently remove the cable, being sure not to crease or bend it. c.

  • Page 65: Clearing Passwords

    BIOS passwords are now cleared. You can now deploy the blade or create new passwords by viewing the BIOS Security menu. 4.5.2 Updating (Flashing) BIOS A–Series blades use a customized BIOS. Use only ClearCube BIOS updates on A–Series blades. To download BIOS updates from the ClearCube Support site, perform the following steps.

  • Page 66: Recovering Bios

    Chapter 4. Upgrading and Maintaining Blade PCs 1. Go to ClearCube Support at www.clearcube.com/support/. 2. Select the appropriate A–Series blade in the Blade PCs drop-down list box. 3. Click the BIOS link to display a list of BIOS downloads. 4. To download a BIOS, click the appropriate link and save the file to your computer. The .ZIP file contains a readme file with instructions about how to update the BIOS.

  • Page 67: Appendix A. Specifications

    Appendix A. Specifications Table 3. A6106D Blade PC Specifications Component Description Depending on configuration: • Intel Xeon Processor E3-1275 v2 Processor • Intel Core™ i7 • Intel Core i5 ® • Intel Pentium Processor G2120 Chipset Intel Q77 Express Chipset •...
  • Page 68 • DDR3 1333 and 1066 MHz Memory • Four DIMM sockets, unbuffered, non-ECC • Supports up to 16 GB Supports ClearCube V5220 and V5240 dual- and quad-head digital Video host cards with PCoIP technology Gigabit (10/100/1000 Mbits/sec) LAN subsystem using Intel...
  • Page 69 • 12 Amps current required per power input (at 100 VAC) (maximum) AC Input Fuse T15A, 250V (5x20 mm slow-acting 15 amp fuse) 40 pounds empty, 192.5 pounds with 10 blades and expansion Weight backplane Environmental Rack mounted, 0–35º Celsius (C) ClearCube Technology, Inc.
  • Page 70 A–Series Setup and Installation Guide...

  • Page 71: Appendix B. Regulatory Compliance

    The products described in this document meet the following: • Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) • Various safety compliance standards • CE compliance • Various environmental standards, including RoHS and REACH http://www.clearcube.com/support/ for regulatory and environmental certifications for ClearCube Technology, Inc. products. A–Series Setup and Installation Guide...
  • Page 72 A–Series Setup and Installation Guide...

  • Page 73: Appendix C. Support

    ClearCube Support. If your system is serviced by a local ClearCube service partner (such as an authorized reseller), see the contact information provided by the service partner or see the ClearCube Web site for partner contact information. Use any of the methods shown below to contact ClearCube Support.

  • Page 74: Power Cord Replacement

    If an issue arises that requires a warranty replacement part: • Call Support (+1-512-652-3400 or +1-866-652-3400) • e-mail support@clearcube.com, or • use the RMA form on the Support Web site (www.clearcube.com/support/) to report the product issue. Provide the following information for all product RMAs: • Name and address •...

  • Page 75: Appendix D. Warranty

    Appendix D. Warranty The ClearCube warranty is available on the Support site: http://www.clearcube.com/support/ From the Support site, click the ClearCube Warranty Overview link to view the ClearCube warranty. “Contact Information” on page 61 for information about how to contact ClearCube Support.
  • Page 76 A–Series Setup and Installation Guide...

  • Page 77: Index

    Index NOTE Italic numbers refer to figures, diagrams, and illustrations. A6105D Symbols see also Blade PC BIOS jumper component and feature overview Numerics component layout 42 6105. see A6105D hard drive bracket 6106. see A6106D operating system, supported 6, 56 specifications A6106D , 16–20...
  • Page 78 Index cable requirements bracket 24–27 components chassis, installing authorized hard drive cable A6105D PCIe × 1 flex 41 A6106D PCIe × 16 flex 41 broker. see Sentral GPU (video card) 41 hard drive 41 host card 41 cabinet. see rack , 43–46 memory 41 cable...
  • Page 79 PCoIP port chassis rapid-mount kit primary port electrical codes secondary port 28–29 expansion backplane removal 45–46 memory tools for 30–31 failover power, chassis FCC warning jumper, BIOS firmware revision label fuse symbol labels blade MAC Blade PC ClearCube Technology, Inc.
  • Page 80 Index blade serial number A6105D host card firmware revision A6106D Intel inside OS. see operating system operating system COA regulatory system configuration 49–53 passwords, clearing BIOS video configuration PC. see Blade PC LCD bezel, Blade PC PCIe × 1 flex cable, A6106D 41 lead.
  • Page 81 47–49 A6105D Sentral 46–47 A6106D see also PCoIP; Sentral Administrator’s Guide 43–46 memory serial number AMBnnnnn 5 AVCnnnnn 5 see also I/O access slot on Blade PC 4, 5 label mass storage lockout PC Blade peripherals, connecting ClearCube Technology, Inc.
  • Page 82 Index user types 2 warranty information WEEE information weight A3100 chassis ventilation. see cooling and airflow rack video 31–34 BIOS, viewing configuration label 31–34 pre-OS zero client 31–34 virtualization connect to blade out of chassis VMware View definition monitor support 31–34 view pre-OS video warning notice...
  • Page 84 Rev 1.6.05.10.2013 P/N G020080 clearcube.com...

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