Allonis Master Image for Raspberry Pi4

The myServer 6 Master Image for Raspberry Pi 4 includes:

  • myServer 6
  • TeamViewer for remote management of the server
  • Installation utilities for headless installation like WiFi Access Point mode
  • Raspberry Pi OS w/Desktop pre-configured for use as an automation server
  • Docker software to install optional packages
  • Firmware update files to boot from USB or NVME M.2 drive

Notes:

  • Due to support issues, Allonis does not support installing myServer 6 to a non Allonis Master Build.  Sure it's possible, but there are a lot of steps...Allonis can be contracted to assist if this is really needed.
  • It is highly recommended to purchase myServer 6 controllers direct from Allonis.  A pre loaded USB stick is also available (must have Pi4 4/8gig on latest firmware set to boot from USB).
  • One of the possible reasons to install a Master Image on a new USB drive (recommended is 400mhz 128 gig) is that the boot sector of the USB has been corrupted due to power cycling.  Power cycling is NOT recommended as it is very possible that that will damage the USB drive, which prevents system boot.  See notes at the bottom of this article for specific corruption assistance after the Master Image has been created.

Required:

  • Windows PC connected to the Internet.  MacOS can be used to burn the image (using Etcher) as well.
  • USB 3.0 flash drive (ideally 400mhz) 16gb or larger (Samsung 128gb 400mhz is recommended) or SDMicro read / write hardware (or an SD reader and use the SDMicro adapter that a lot of SDMicro sticks come with)
  • If SDMicro as a boot drive (USB 3.0 recommended): SDMicro 8gig / Class 10 memory stick
  • Best is NVME M.2 drive as it is fastest read / write and can be signficant capacity
  • M.2 to USB drive adapter (if you are using the M.2)
  • "Etcher" software to burn the Master Image to the SDMicro / USB / NVME stick (NVME requires usb adapter)

Screenshot of the Etcher software showing the select target button highlighted.

Select the USB Flash drive you want to use for your Raspberry Pi (NOT the Boot Drive! - which is typically hidden from view)

Screenshot of the Etcher software showing teh targets available.

Click on “Flash!” to start writing the image:

Screenshot of the Etcher software showing the Flash button highlighted.

When Balena Etcher is finished writing the image you will get this confirmation:

Screenshot of the Etcher software showing that the installation has completed.

  • Raspberry Pi4 4 gig minimum (4 is recommended, 8 gig is "overkill").  A Pi5 can also be used for higher performance (but overkill for most applications).
  • Optional: "Putty" for Mac or "Putty" for Windows software to remotely connect to the Pi
  • Optional (but makes this all way easier): HDMI Micro to HDMI video adapter cable connected to an HDMI monitor
  • Optional (makes install way easier): wireless keyboard / mouse

 Please remember to ensure you’re using an appropriate power supply with your Raspberry Pi. Mobile chargers may not be suitable, since some are designed to only provide the full power with that manufacturer’s handsets. USB ports on your computer also will not supply enough power and must not be used.

Instructions:

Download myServer 6  (Raspberry Pi OS w/ Desktop) Master Image HERE 

PI5-4-Master arm64 for either a Pi4 or Pi5 (4 or 8 gig).

Once download has finished, you’ll have a zip file.  Unzip it.

Click HERE to learn how to create a bootable image device.

Once you have the boot image to an SDMicro card, follow instructions in same document to update the firmware so you can also boot from an USB 3.0 drive.  Highly recommended for speed and reliability.  Old Pi4's original firmware cannot boot from USB until updated with latest firmware.

Once you have a bootable SDMicro / USB drive, click HERE on how to get it running.

The system will reboot several times (you will see the "Allonis" logo three times) as it reconfigures its settings for your network.  Be patient until it finally reboots and stays running.  This will take about 10 minutes total.

 

All Allonis software resides in the /home/allonis/applications folders  

Debian OS Username / password is allonis / allonis

 

Open browser to myServer's dashboard (http://127.0.0.1/dashboard).  You may have to click "Unlock Profile and Relaunch" (one time).  Enter command for  SetHostName|<<name of computer>> Or click on the computer name on Dashboard home name.  System will restart and the computer name on the network will be what you set.  This also shares folders on your network to make it easier to do server file maintenance.

Once system reboots, connect again and add all project relevant software  using the Software Updater in Dashboard.  System will reboot after it downloads all files.

Update the OS image by ensuring the Pi is on the Internet and then clicking on the desktop's menu / Accessories / Get Updates.  A command window will open and a list of new files will be generated.  The window will then close.  Next, perform a Get Upgrades.  This will have prompts that need to be read and selected.  When the upgrade is complete, reboot Pi.  The upgrade will take several minutes depending on your network speed.  HAVE Patience!!!

Once booted, if you are using a monitor and keyboard / mouse, you can change the computer name in the Desktop.  Menu / Preferences / Raspberry Pi Configuration / change the Hostname and reboot.

You can also change the TeamViewer name.  Right click on the TeamViewer icon, select Options, change the display name.  Reboot.

Once the Pi reboots, myServer 6 should be running as a service.  You can then configure the system for your facility HERE.

Go to myServer's webpage:  http://myServerIPAddress/dashboard  first thing is update myServer from Utilities / Software updater.  You can also use http://computername/dashboard.

 

 If you are doing the Master Image installation as a result of an older myServer boot issue, you can boot the new image system, and put the OLD USB into the second USB3.0 slot (blue).  Let Allonis know and we can remote into the NEW image, and attempt to restore the OLD system onto the NEW USB.  If this is successful, then you will save many hours of programming and reconfiguration.  Provide the TeamViewer ID of the NEW system to Allonis.  You can see this by going to:  http://myserverlocalipaddress/dashboard

The Teamviewer ID will be displayed top middle of that webpage.

 

Advanced:

myServer 6 installs to: /home/allonis/applications/Allonis/myServer

Notes:

If the "activate.video" macro has server variables using {{vout*} then it is old and cannot be updated to a later version of myServer 6 software suite (all macros must be updated to latest syntax first).

 

On some myServer 6 devices, you may run into an issue where the myServer Event Viewer (launched from Raspberry PI Desktop menu) won't load.  This can be due to Chrome permissions need to be reset:

 sudo rm -rf ~/.config/chromium/Singleton*

 sudo rm -rf ~/Documents/Singleton*

Later versions of myServer automatically run these commands when the computer name is changed using SetHostName command in myServer command builder.