85.1. How to set up an Abilis VMX environment

To complete the installation of the Abilis VMX os on a Abilis machine, you need the abilis-vmx installer, at least one abilis-vmx image, the cpx installer (the vmx compatible version), a pen drive and a compact flash.

85.1.1. Prepare a pen drive with the Abilis VMX installer

  1. Extract the abilis-vmx installer zip file.

  2. Insert the pen drive into the computer.

  3. Run make_pendrive.bat. If you are running Vista/Seven right click on make_pendrive.bat and choose Run as Administrator.

  4. Follow the instructions printed at video.

  5. Copy the abilis-vmx images you want to provide with the installer to the directory \abilis-vmx\images of the pen drive.

    Copy the .7z files, do not extract them!!

  6. Once finished, securely remove the pen drive.

85.1.2. Prepare the Compact Flash with the Abilis part of an Abilis-VMX system

  1. Expand cpx-XXXXX-vmx-package.exe.

  2. Run install.bat. If you are running Vista/Seven right click on install.bat and choose Run as Administrator.

  3. Follow the instructions printed at video.

  4. Copy the drivers.cfg configuration file.

  5. Once finished, securely remove the Compact Flash.

85.1.3. Install the Linux part of an Abilis-VMX system

  1. Power off the Abilis-VMX hardware.

  2. Insert the Compact Flash into the Primary CF slot. On some system there is only one slot.

  3. Insert the pen drive into a USB port directly on the Motherboard. For the Compact Abilis any USB port can be used.

  4. The installation can be executed either via a serial terminal or via a monitor and a keyboard:

    • Serial: connect a serial terminal to the serial port of Abilis-VMX, 115200-8-n-1, Linux emulation, UTF-8.

    • Monitor + keyboard: connect a monitor and a keyboard.

    The installation starts as default using the serial. To use video/keyboard you have to press any key when the request "press any key to continue." appears on the screen, then choose the VGA/Keyboard entry from the menu.

  5. Power on the Abilis-VMX hardware. The bios will boot the Compact Flash which will detect the installer on the pen drive and will pass the control.

  6. When the message "Do you want to begin Abilis VMX installation (y/n)?" appears on the screen you can press y<enter> and start the installation.

  7. Follow the instructions that appear on the screen.

  8. When the installation is finished remove the pen drive prior to reboot.