Thank you for purchasing Allonis's myServer controller.

myServer is available in several configurations:

• myServer Shelf mount
• myServer USB
• myServer Windows Download
• myServer Modular Rack Mount Case

Allonis / myServer Vernacular

Like all control systems, Allonis has it's own way to describe the system.  Here is a high level list of definitions that will help understanding "Allonis speak" especially if you already have control system or remote control setup background.

Devices:  A device is  hardware or software product that myServer can communicate with and / or control. 

Device Driver:  Software that understands a devices communication low level detail

Macro: A Macro is a sequence of instructions that myServer executes in order.  These can also perform basic math functions. And If / Then / Else functions.

Automation Events: These are configured in myServer's "Dashboard" to tell myServer "watch for THIS to happen and when it does, do THIS".   Use examples include "if the House Generator starts, then send me a text message that it's now on".

Controller: A Controller (like the "myServer Controller") is the brains of the system.  It's software that runs on hardware.  It usually has communication ports that can communicate to devices or other software.

Apps: Software that has business logic in it like the Weather App, or Irrigration App.  It's extensive software that solves a particular purpose.

Scheduler:  An easy to use interface to configure myServer to do things at a particular time or date.  Like "Run the Wake Up Macro at 9am Monday thru Friday".

Variables:  These are named values that can be used for the user interface or macros or automation events.  like:  "weather_current_temp" might be equal to 70...so you might use that on a user interface in a "Text Object" to display the temperature outside.  The variables are by their naming convention can be grouped.  Like all "weather" related variables are typically in a group that can be viewed by filtering the list of all variables by "weather".

Dashboard:  This is Allonis name for the myServer "back end" configuration environment.  All accesible via a web browser so no "App" is required to be installed on the device your are viewing / using to configure the system.

Front End:  This is Allonis's name for the "run time" user interface or what end users see and click on to operate their home / project.

Commands:  Each App and Driver supports a certain set of functions.  Examples might include "Play / Pause / Select / Sync / Remove Devices / Discover", etc  There is a list of those supported commands documented in the particular driver's configuration and discussed in the Allonis documentation.  Commands are reused across all similar types of devices ("Command Classes") so that it's easy to replace a Sony TV with a Samsung TV and macros, etc will work same (usually requires some tweeking).

Discover: A special command that asks myServer to go out on the network(s) that myServer is connected to and try to find a device that "looks like" a "Android TV" (one example).  And if found, add it to the list of devices to control.

myDesigner:  Software that is used to make modifications to the user interface.  A HIGHLY powerful and unique way for non programmers to design best in industry user interfaces.

User Interface Devices:  Since myServer is a web server, virtually any web browser equipped device can be used to view and operate a myServer system.  Examples include PCs, Tablets, Smartphones, and even "Samsung Refrigerator" or Allonis's SmartRemote.  This open method signifcantly reduces the cost of the system as it doesn't require proprietary devices like Crestron / Control4 and many others.

 

 

All Systems:

It is very important to follow the text documentation (starting below).  There are some YouTube tutorials that should be used as an overview, but the text documentation should be followed as it has more detail, ability to "copy / paste" from, and it updated much more frequently.  Check off each step that you accomplish.

The documentation assumes you have some computer networking background.  "Ping", "DHCP", "Static addressing" "Conflicting IP Address", "WiFi Access Point", are basic networking concepts that there are tons of online documentation to learn from.  Or ask questions on Allonis's forum.

myServer should not be "power cycled".  This is "Russian Roulet" if you power cycle the system while it is in a "Write" cycle, it will corrupt the memory forcing a complete system reprogramming (not a good day).  Connecting the Controller to a good Uniteruptible Power Supply (UPS) helps prevent inadvertant power cycling events.  Allonis also has an optional small two Lithium battery UPS that mounts as a daughterboard to the Pi4 / Pi5 that myServer can monitor.

All systems ship configured with DHCP networking...so the IP address will be what your DHCP server (typically the router) gives to it.  You can assign a static address to it once you have it booted.  You can also reserve an IP address in your DHCP server.  It is important that your IP address does not change or your web client devices (like the SmartRemote) won't be able to connect to it.

TeamViewer software is used by Allonis to provide remote assistance.  If you would like to shut TeamViewer access off, click on Dashboard (once you get myServer up and running) and the icon to the left of the TeamViewer icon at the top of the page.  Select Yes to shut off TV.  You can also click on the Raspberry Desktop on the T icon on the lower right tray if you have a monitor / mouse connected to myServer.  Follow the directions in the link provided here.  When TeamViewer is running (the default), Allonis can easily log in and provide support.  If you want to lock this down from happening, simply shut TeamViewer off.

 

myServer Shelf Mount Getting Started

1. Remove the myServer controller from it's shipping and packaging box.
2. Inside, you will find a black box with the power supply and the USB daughterboard connector.
3. Plug the USB daughterboard connector into the middle USB 3.0 blue connector and the top most connector.  If it doesn't go in, turn the connector around and try again.  It should fit firmly but not very difficult to insert.
4. Connect the ethernet port to your "Control Network" ethernet switch.  The Control Network is the ethernet / wifi network that all of your devices are connected to.
5. Connect the included wall mounted power supply into a properly scaled UPS that minimizes unintended power cycles.  
6. Plug the coaxial mini jack on the end of the power supply into it's corresponding jack at the very far end of the case, next to the Primary HDMI port.
7. You can optionally plug the Primary HDMI port into a PC monitor (recommended for ease of monitoring progress).  You can also optionally plug a wireless keyboard / mouse into the USB2.0 port (recommended for ease of initial configuration).
8. The system should boot upon seeing power.  Under the power button side cover (viewable by removing the allen head screws to remove the side panel and expose the small switch), there is a slide switch to change the power behaviour.  Slide to the right to boot on button push.  It comes from Allonis slid to the left (boot on power available).
9. Once the system is booted (about 3 minutes), from any Browser device (like a PC running Chrome), go to "http://yourlastname/dashboard"  Your last name the system was configured for might be on the blue tape on the outside of the box.  If that doesn't load a webpage, you can also use http://ipaddress/dashboard.  You can determine the IP address by looking in your Router's connected client list.  You can also see the current IP address on the Raspberry OS desktop if you have a monitor / mouse connected.
10. If you have a monitor / keyboard connected, and are viewing the Raspberry OS desktop, on the bottom right tray might be a software Updater button.  If that displays, you can update the operating system by clicking it an choosing Update.    This can take a few minutes.  Reboot the system post update.  You may need to connect an HDMI monitor for the Pi4/5 to boot post some updates.

11. All Raspberry OS / Linux systems:

    You can change the computer name to whatever you want (keep it simple with no symbols and no spaces) by clicking on the computer name field in Dashboard.  Hit the "Play" button to the field left after you edit the SetHostName command with your wanted computer name.  System will reboot post updating.  This myServer function also updates the TeamViewer alias to the same as Computer name which helps Allonis manage Remote Assistance.  Changing the computer name via the Raspberry OS directly, doesn't update TeamViewer so use the SetHostName command in myServer instead.

    Allonis uses a computer naming convention - default is customer's last name.  If the system has been upgraded with a new boot image, we put a "b" to denote the second image for the same customer's system.

12.  Download and install latest myServer from the myServer Software Updater.  Once done, you can update the Operating system by clicking on Dashboard's Utilities Tab / Linux OS updates.  If there are updates, the tab will illuminate that there are updates available for the OS.    Click on Check for Updates. You can update them by clicking Apply Updates.  You should then click on Utilities / Reboot Host for all updates to be applied.

myServer USB Getting Started

1. Remove the small 128gb USB stick from it's shipping package.
2. Plug the USB into the bottom USB3.0 (blue) slot on your Raspberry Pi4 (4 or 8gig).  If it doesn't go in, turn the connector around and try again.  It should fit firmly but not impossible to insert.  Often we need to push the USB stick side to side as it is being inserted to push the side pins wide to allow the USB stick to enter.  It's a balance between too much force which can damage the USB connector on the PI vs. not inserting the USB stick.  If by chance you do damage, you can carefully use a probe to fix the internal pins.  Or, try again on the Top USB3.0 (blue) connector. 
3. Connect the ethernet port to your "Control Network" ethernet switch.
4. You can optionally plug the Primary HDMI port into a PC monitor using a Micro HDMI cable adapter.  You can also optionally plug a wireless keyboard / mouse into the USB2.0 port (not a blue one).
5. Connect the Pi's power supply into the USB-C connector.  The power supply should be plugged into a UPS for protection.
6. The system should boot upon seeing power.
7. The system will reboot on it's own multiple times.  Have patience.  This can take 15 minutes.  Don't stop the process by shutting off power etc.
8. Once the system is booted, from any Browser device (like a PC running Chrome), go to http://ipaddress/dashboard.
9. If you have a monitor / keyboard connected, and are viewing the Raspberry OS desktop, on the bottom right tray might be a software Updater button.  If that displays, you can update the operating system by clicking it an choosing Install Update.  In a minute, enter the password "allonis" to allow for updates.  This can take a few minutes.  Reboot the system post update.

10. You can (and should) change the computer name to whatever you want (keep it simple with no symbols) by clicking on the computer name field in Dashboard.  Hit the "Play" button to the field left after you edit the command with your wanted name.  System will reboot post updating.  This myServer function also updates the TeamViewer alias to the same as Computer name which helps Allonis manage Remote Assistance.  Changing the computer name via the Raspberry OS directly, doesn't update TeamViewer so use the SetHostName command in myServer instead.

    Download and install latest myServer.  Once done, you can update the Operating system by clicking on Dashboard's Utilities Tab / Linux OS updates.  Click on Check for Updates. If there are updates, you can update them by clicking Apply Updates.  You should then click on Utilities / Reboot Host for all updates to be applied.

11. Once the system is back online, complete the Dashboard / Configuration / Owner information section.

Optional

If you want to copy your usb stick to a larger flash drive use the SD Card Copier utility that is found in the Accessories menu on the Pi. Make sure you select the correct copy from and to devices. Do not create new partition UUIDs. Once the copy is done shut down the pi and remove the original usb stick and then boot off the new one.

myServer Windows Download Getting Started

It is highly recommended that an Allonis myServer raspberry Pi / OrangePi is used as your controller instead of Windows.  You certainly can install myServer to Windows, but not all features will work as Linux / Raspberry OS are what all feature development and testing is being done on.  Windows is not recommended for reliability and stability of an automation controller.

1. Create an account on https://allonis.com
2. Go to the SHOP tab and search for myServer Windows
3. You will need to purchase the download for Allonis to activate the software license.
4. Go to Allonis.com and click "Support / Documentation / Downloads". Look for myServer Windows x64.  Download to your Windows 64bit  PC that file.  You might also want to download myDesigner as well.
5. Move the file to your target Windows 10 or 11 PC you would like to install to.
6. Assumed is you have a HDMI monitor and keyboard / mouse connected to the PC.
7. Use a UPS on the PC's power supply for protection against power cycling.
8. Unzip the myServer installation files to "c:/program files (x86)/Allonis folder"
9. Ensure that the myServer.exe has read / write / execute (all) permissions).  Ensure all folders in the myServer folder can be read / written to (use Windows file sharing utilities)
10. Create a shortcut to myServer.exe and put that on the Windows Desktop
11. Once the myServer application is launched, from any Browser device (like a PC running Chrome), go to http://ipaddress/dashboard.

12. Windows OS Systems:

    You change the computer name using Windows software.

    OS updates is done via Windows Updater (as usual).

myServer Modular Case Getting Started

1. Remove the small 128gb USB stick from it's shipping package.
2. Plug the USB into the bottom USB3.0 (blue) slot on your Raspberry Pi4 (4 or 8gig).  If it doesn't go in, turn the connector around and try again.  It should fit firmly but not impossible to insert.  Often we need to push the USB stick side to side as it is being inserted to push the side pins wide to allow the USB stick to enter.  It's a balance between too much force which can damage the USB connector on the PI vs. not inserting the USB stick.  If by chance you do damage, you can carefully use a probe to fix the internal pins.  Or, try again on the Top USB3.0 (blue) connector. 
3. Decide if Shelf mount or rack mount.  The rack ears and screws are in the foam shipping container.
4. Connect the ethernet port to your "Control Network" ethernet switch.
5. Connect the USB-A connector coming out of the back of the case (the fan) to a USB2.0 connector (not the blue ones).  We use the bottom left one.  This will get power whenever the Pi is powered.  If the system gets hot (you can see that on "Dashboard" or on bottom right of the Raspberry Desktop), then ensure the fan is plugged in and spinning.
6. You can optionally plug the Primary HDMI port into a PC monitor using the top (primary) HDMI output.  You can also optionally plug a wireless keyboard / mouse into the USB2.0 port (not a blue one).
7. The system should boot upon seeing power to the usb-c connector located on the back panel.  Connect the power supply to a UPS for protection.
8. Have patience.  This can take 5 minutes.  Don't stop the process by shutting off power etc.
9. Once the system is booted, from any Browser device (like a PC running Chrome), go to "http://yourlastname/dashboard" .  Or http://ipaddress/dashboard.
10. If you have a monitor / keyboard connected, and are viewing the Raspberry OS desktop, on the bottom right tray might be a software Updater button.  If that displays, you can update the operating system by clicking it an choosing Install Update.  This can take a few minutes.  Reboot the system post update.
11. If you decide to take the case top off, note that there may be two small wires connecting the front panel LED to the Pi4 GPIO.  Be careful that you don't yank the wires when removing the top.  Note that the Red wire goes to the GPIO 3.3v pin, and the Black wire goes to Ground.

All systems

1. Click on Dashboard / Configuration / Owner Information and complete all fields.
2. Click on the Dashboard / Configuration / Licensing and click the Activate button at the bottom to activate your license to your Raspberry Pi hardware.  Licenseing is a manual Allonis process and typically takes a day.  After your next myServer restart, the license should be made permanent for the number of licenses purchased (typically 175 units).  The system will be in a 30 day trial mode (300 units typically) until it is permanently licensed.
3. You should also download the "AndroidTV Driver" that is needed to support updating the "app" on the SmartRemote hardware and other functions.  This will be discussed in a document that you will read next.
4. Now that you have myServer up and running, you can add device drivers and templates to configure your system using the Software Updater in Dashboard.  Follow the "Configure myServer" link below in sequence.  
5. Tip: to clear the Cache in your browser.  Easiest way is to right click on the webpage (like Dashboard).  Then click Inspect.  A window will pop open.  At the original Dashboard webpage, click and HOLD the browser refresh button.  Slide down and click the Clear Cache and Reload button.
   You should then see the latest and greatest.  Latest Allonis templates auto update browser cache on their own so this tip is for FYI purposes only.
   
   As the software gets updates, many times the Javascript also gets updated.  Clearing Cache forces the browser to grab the latest (and not use the old stuff that is in the browser's cache).  Using cache is really helpful to speed up page loads so all that "stuff" doesn't have to be network dragged in with each page load.  So pages load much faster.
6. You can also connect myDesigner (Windows PC) to myServer to modify the templates and to configure hard buttons for the optional SmartRemote.  We recommend you get the provided user interfaces working fully before using myDesigner to modify or create your own.

Support:

Use the Allonis.com Forum for your questions and answers.  Phone and remote connection assistance is also available as a premium option.  You can purchase support hours in Allonis.com's online Shop.  Look up the TeamViewer ID on the http://ipaddress/dashboard top middle section.  Provide this to Allonis for remote assistance.

Next step - Configure myServer!

 

Tidbits

 

Optional: Enabling Wifi network

By default Wifi is disabled on the Pi4/4 master image.  It is recommended that Ethernet (a cabled connection) is used for increased reliability and performance.  But, Wifi can be enabled if you need it.

From the Raspberry Desktop, open a Terminal Window

Instructions for 64 Bit Allonis Master Image only.

Type: 

sudo nano /boot/firmware/config.txt

Be very careful what you edit in this file.  Incorrect entries can cause the Pi not to boot.

Scroll down with the keyboard up / down keys (don't use the mouse) to this section:

[all]
over_voltage_delta=50000
#pi5 overclocking
#arm_freq=3000
#gpu_freq=1000
dtoverlay=disable-wifi
dtoverlay=disable-bt

put a # in front of dtoverlay-disable-wifi

Click Control O and save the file with the same name.

Click Control X to exit the file editor.

Type reboot at the command line.

Upon reboot, you should now be able to configure the Wifi network clicking on the Network Icon at the bottom right of the Raspberry Desktop

The icon looks like Up / Down arrows.

After clicking on the icon, you should see the available wireless access points.  Click on the AP of interest and then enter it's WiFi security password (if needed).  You should then be on the Wifi network using DHCP (router assigned IP address)

Note that your clients now need to be repointed to the Wifi's assigned IP address (including the SmartRemote Settings).

 

 

 

myServer does not need IPV6 networking.  Some users have had issues of intermittant network disconnects.  We disabled IPV6 networking from the myServer controller PI and this likely resolved the issue.  IPV6 can be disabled from the Raspberry Desktop by clicking on the bottom right networking icon and go into Settings and Disable IPV6 (not exact procedure but should get you close).

Optional: To disable IPv6 on a Linux device, you can perform the following steps:

1) Log in with root privileges

2) Open the /etc/sysctl.conf file with the following command:

$ sudo nano /etc/sysctl.conf

3) Add the following lines to it:

net.ipv6.conf.all.disable_ipv6 = 1
net.ipv6.conf.default.disable_ipv6 = 1
net.ipv6.conf.lo.disable_ipv6 = 1
net.ipv6.conf.tun0.disable_ipv6 = 1

4) Save the file and reboot your device with the following command:

$ sudo reboot

5) Verify that IPv6 is disabled by running the following command:

$ ip a | grep inet6

 

 

Legacy:   64 bit systems changed HDMI handling in latest myServer Master Image (Not necessary with Master Build after 3/8/2024). 

sudo nano /boot/firmware/cmdline.txt

add:

video=HDMI-A-1:1920x1080@60D

to the front of the line with a space inbetween existing content.   Don't duplicate the settings if they have already been updated.