Raptor Computing Systems Community Forums (BETA)

Software => Firmware => Topic started by: MauryG5 on February 22, 2020, 08:59:28 am

Title: New firmware V2.00 BMC procedure
Post by: MauryG5 on February 22, 2020, 08:59:28 am
Guys, I'm not finding discussions aimed at the new BMC update firmware, more generally, in my opinion there is no real complete guide to updating, perhaps because the news is scattered among the old guides and you go to take parts of them. In any case I would like if it were possible, to group everything in one guide because there are people like me who have never entered yet via external computer, inside the Blackbird and therefore I still cannot do anything to update the firmware. Also it seems that someone is encountering critical issues so before starting any operation, I would like to be sure of both the exact procedure and the possibility of doing it or waiting ...
Title: Re: New firmware V2.00 BMC procedure
Post by: ClassicHasClass on February 22, 2020, 10:35:27 pm
You've never updated the firmware on your system before? Even with the old ssh method?
Title: Re: New firmware V2.00 BMC procedure
Post by: MauryG5 on February 23, 2020, 03:25:20 am
Hi ClassicHas, no never done, I never understood how to do it. RAptor did the first update directly to me as I had to send the Blackbird card back due to technical problems. I read the procedure but I didn't understand it very much. Above all, I asked RAptor directly something I don't understand. The procedure says that I have to connect the active heternet port on the BlackBird, the one near the USB ports that we all know, to the internet to get the IP address of the motherboard. My question however is how do I then connect the second computer I need to run the procedure, if the heternet port is already busy for the network? Another problem that I have personally, having as a second computer a Mac with linux loaded in dual boot with Debian, when I am in Debian, if I occupy the heternet port to connect to the Blackbird, consequently I can no longer connect the Mac to the internet because the Mac wifi module is not seen by Debian ... I actually have a few problems as you can see, it's not easy for me ...
Title: Re: New firmware V2.00 BMC procedure
Post by: xilinder on February 23, 2020, 09:41:00 am
@MauryG5
Just a shot in the dark here.

Your Mac has one ETHERNET port and one wifi port. Yes?
and Debian uses the wired ETHERNET port.(?)

How many inputs does your router have for you to use?

If you only have one input available then I suggest you get a ETHERNET switch.

You can then plug several devices into the switch and plug the switch into your router. The modem should see all the devices on the switch and assign each a different IP address. Once you have the address of the BB then your Mac/Debian can talk directly to the BB through the switch.

This is the switch I use. https://www.trendnet.com/products/unmanaged-switch/8-port-gigabit-greennet-switch-TEG-S80g-v4

Be sure to unplug that BB port when you finish or block that ports mac number in the router so it does not connect to the internet.
Title: Re: New firmware V2.00 BMC procedure
Post by: MauryG5 on February 23, 2020, 10:28:33 am
Xlinder so you're telling me that to do this type of procedure you have to connect both systems directly to the router in order to access the Blackbird ... I hadn't thought of that ... I use a device that connects to the router via the electricity network to the socket where I then go to connect this device. So I only have one port actually available for Ethernet ... I should expand that one because I don't have the router in the room where I use the computers so I can't connect directly to the router ... A problem then ... If I use the switch on the device connected to the network do you think I can still do what you say?
Title: Re: New firmware V2.00 BMC procedure
Post by: xilinder on February 23, 2020, 11:10:16 am
Yes, I believe so.
Connect one port of the switch to the device that connects to the router and your two computers to other ports on the switch. Works for me.
Title: Re: New firmware V2.00 BMC procedure
Post by: MauryG5 on February 23, 2020, 01:18:35 pm
Well thank you for your information, now I started to understand how to connect at least both computers to the network, I hadn't really thought about it. I will buy a switch and make this connection in the meantime to see if I can get into the Blackbird. Another thing I wanted to ask you, when you are connected, what is the best method to find the IP address of the Blackbird?
Title: Re: New firmware V2.00 BMC procedure
Post by: xilinder on February 24, 2020, 07:34:14 am
Generally I log into my router and see which IP address is assigned to the mac number.

I also mark that mac number as 'denied' for the internet. That way there is less chance of being hacked. The switch will still allow you to talk to the BB from another computer, but you will not be able to go out on the internet with that RJ45 connection.

I don't have a Blackbird so your mileage may vary.
Title: Re: New firmware V2.00 BMC procedure
Post by: MauryG5 on February 24, 2020, 07:44:33 am
well, as soon as I have the switch I immediately try to connect to BB and see the IP address via router. I also wanted to understand if there are currently problems in this update or it can be done without problems. I read the ClassicHas article on Talospace and I was worried about telling the truth, I would not like after problems I have problems due to some bugs ...
Title: Re: New firmware V2.00 BMC procedure
Post by: MauryG5 on February 24, 2020, 02:31:11 pm
Xlinder, I managed to see the Blackbird door, I put the command to enter but nothing, after a while I get this message and it doesn't even let me enter the password ... What happens?
Title: Re: New firmware V2.00 BMC procedure
Post by: xilinder on February 24, 2020, 02:49:37 pm
For one thing the address should not have any spaces. root@number.

Try, ping 192.168.1.4, and see if the BB port is active.
Title: Re: New firmware V2.00 BMC procedure
Post by: MauryG5 on February 24, 2020, 02:58:51 pm
I think it's active ... put the exact command syntax then please ... let's see if it's a space or command problem ... I've tried both as root and as normal user ...
Title: Re: New firmware V2.00 BMC procedure
Post by: xilinder on February 24, 2020, 03:05:28 pm
I wish I knew more about the BB.  :(
Perhaps a BB owner could help more. It could be the server is not running :-\ . ???
Title: Re: New firmware V2.00 BMC procedure
Post by: MauryG5 on February 24, 2020, 03:14:33 pm
I don't know I should ask Raptor at this point ... only they can know ... I'll try ... thanks for now
Title: Re: New firmware V2.00 BMC procedure
Post by: MauryG5 on February 24, 2020, 04:59:30 pm
guys it will seem a bit curious but with the Mac I managed to get in ... absurd ... Ok that Mac osX always comes from Unix but from Debian I had tried several times with spaces, without spaces ... I don't know .. .at this point what is the procedure?
Title: Re: New firmware V2.00 BMC procedure
Post by: MPC7500 on February 24, 2020, 05:05:33 pm
You know you can take screenshots too? You don't have to take pictures with your cell phone. The easiest thing would be C&P.
Title: Re: New firmware V2.00 BMC procedure
Post by: MauryG5 on February 24, 2020, 05:10:37 pm
You're right but if I have to tell you the truth I don't know well from a computer I've never done it, yes I know it may seem stupid but I've never done it, my mistake ... :P
Title: Re: New firmware V2.00 BMC procedure
Post by: MauryG5 on February 26, 2020, 01:04:25 am
Did you guys run aground right now that I entered the Blackbird ?! Are you there? What do you recommend at this point? ClassicHas you who did the update, are there problems for which it is better to wait or can you run? Another question, what commands can be used to exploit this root inside the Blackbird and to have more specific information on the various parts such as working CPU cores, CPU temperature and more?
Title: Re: New firmware V2.00 BMC procedure
Post by: ClassicHasClass on February 26, 2020, 10:46:23 pm
Quote
ClassicHas you who did the update, are there problems for which it is better to wait or can you run?

The basic functionality works. Where I had the issue was trying to change the network address. If you're not doing that, or one of those people who altered the password file, then it will probably work just fine for you.
Title: Re: New firmware V2.00 BMC procedure
Post by: MauryG5 on February 27, 2020, 01:19:27 am
no Classic I haven't changed anything, the BMC password that Raptor gave me is still the same. Listen how do I go about making sure I'm not wrong? I'm afraid of doing some damage since I've never done it. Then I would like to know some commands to run to see from the information when you are inside the BMC
Title: Re: New firmware V2.00 BMC procedure
Post by: MauryG5 on March 08, 2020, 02:35:55 pm
well since no one can answer me I will try to be more precise in my problem. So at first Raptor tells me to download, extract and unzip the file and then turn off the Power System. First question: where should I download, extract and decompress the file from the Power System or from the second computer connected to the Blackbird ??? Let's go step by step so I also understand how to do it ...
Title: Re: New firmware V2.00 BMC procedure
Post by: ClassicHasClass on March 08, 2020, 06:14:32 pm
You download and extract on whatever system you want to use, but the file to be uploaded needs to be on the "helper" computer, obviously.
Title: Re: New firmware V2.00 BMC procedure
Post by: MauryG5 on March 09, 2020, 07:49:42 am
Perfect up to here we are, in the guide it says download and then turn off everything, when my doubt was in this, if I download on Power System and then turn off as I do, however I don't know if he wants it for some reason in any case even the Power System . Well done this, once the files are downloaded and unzipped, does it take a specific directory where to put these files?
Title: Re: New firmware V2.00 BMC procedure
Post by: MauryG5 on March 11, 2020, 04:32:29 pm
It seems that no one answers the second question ... In any case, let's unzip these files that I downloaded, after doing so it tells me to turn off the Backbird system, reboot the BMC so I suppose I have to disconnect completely, restart the BMC, then tells me to transfer the unzipped file to the BMC by typing this command: / run / initramfs / image-bmc, is it correct or does it take anything else? Then it tells me that I have to run the command: fw_printenv | grep eth1addr and write down the MAC address, then it tells me that I have to reboot again then turn off the board completely and restart, wait 5 or 10 minutes after which this other command must be done: fw_setenv ethaddr <IPMI MAC address written down earlier> and if I have not misunderstood what is written in parentheses I have to replace it with the MAC address previously marked, up to here have I understood everything well or am I missing something?
Title: Re: New firmware V2.00 BMC procedure
Post by: ClassicHasClass on March 12, 2020, 11:17:19 pm
Yes, that's right, or you can get the IPMI address from the sticker on the motherboard.
Title: Re: New firmware V2.00 BMC procedure
Post by: MauryG5 on March 13, 2020, 07:45:49 am
ok Classic thanks, I'll try to do all this procedure as I wrote. After this do I have to do anything else?
Title: Re: New firmware V2.00 BMC procedure
Post by: MauryG5 on March 15, 2020, 05:27:36 am
Guys good morning everyone, I need a clarification because I have the impression of having made a bit of confusion and therefore not being aware of the versions. Then the procedure I described is that of version 2.00 but that version I actually have already installed it when they installed it directly in Raptor when I had to replace the motherboard. In fact, when the BMC loads, below I release version V2.00 and therefore I start from version V2.00 at this point. I have to install this directly: https: //wiki.raptorcs.com/wiki/Updating_Firmware#Updating_the_OpenPOWER_firmware. Give me confirmation or denial, thank you.
Title: Re: New firmware V2.00 BMC procedure
Post by: MauryG5 on March 15, 2020, 07:17:17 am
sorry guys rectification, all files have been released now so they are both new and to be installed. So I tried to do the procedure but it doesn't work because I don't know where to put the image-bmc file and he rightly doesn't find it. Can you tell me how to do it please? Thank you

Title: Re: New firmware V2.00 BMC procedure
Post by: madscientist159 on March 17, 2020, 05:19:39 pm
First, I need to remind you that if the BMC update is done incorrectly (i.e. if the instructions are not followed exactly, including decompressing the image-bmc file BEFORE transferring it to the BMC, or if your power fails in the middle of the update process), you will need to externally flash the ROM.  Given the realities of COVID-19 worldwide, I wouldn't update the firmware at this point unless you knew you had all the parts on hand to be able to recover a bad Flash (Beaglebone Black / Raspberry Pi, SOIC-16 clip, wires, and a power supply).

That being said:

You need to scp the image-bmc file to /run/initramfs on the BMC, like so:

scp image-bmc root@<blackbird BMC IP address>:/run/initramfs/

Make sure the image-bmc file is ~32MB in size before you do this, and that the host power is off.

That will put the file in the right spot on the BMC.  Once that is done, SSH to the BMC and:
fw_printenv
<write down the MAC>
reboot

WAIT 15 MINUTES BEFORE DOING ANYTHING, INCLUDING POWERING UP OR TOUCHING THE POWER CORD

After this delay, SSH back in to the BMC and run the fw_setenv commands as mentioned in the instructions.

If you did it correctly, the BMC will now be online, but the host will not IPL until you update the PNOR.  There is nearly zero bricking potential there however, so it should be simpler for you to follow (in fact, I would recommend going to https://<BMC IP address> and using the new point+click firmware updater -- it's a lot easier!)
Title: Re: New firmware V2.00 BMC procedure
Post by: MauryG5 on March 17, 2020, 05:53:50 pm
Well, so for the time being, I'll do as I'm told, avoid doing it until the emergency passes, maybe it's better. Anyway, at least I want to know when I'm gonna do this update. Your explanation is much more complete for me that I've never done anything like this before, but I'm asking for a clarification if that's possible. The exact syntax of the command I have to execute is this:

cp image-bmc root @ <BMC blackbird IP address I find on the card>: / run / initramfs / ?

If there's something to modify, please let me know so I don't risk making mistakes and not succeed next time either... Thank you very much Tim, very kind!

The unzipped file I think is correct because up to that point I was able to follow the Wiki guide without problems and I got the image-bmc file.

My problem is in the procedure and the commands to execute, the exact syntax because as I told you, I've never done it before, the first update was done by you in the company.


Title: Re: New firmware V2.00 BMC procedure
Post by: MPC7500 on March 18, 2020, 09:02:10 am
If I were you, I wouldn't do it. Learn the basics first.

Best case scenario, nothing happens because you don't get it right.
Worst case, you're gonna brick the BMC.
Title: Re: New firmware V2.00 BMC procedure
Post by: xilinder on March 18, 2020, 11:46:40 am
The exact syntax of the command I have to execute is this:

cp image-bmc root @ <BMC blackbird IP address I find on the card>: / run / initramfs / ?


It is secure copy = scp. Not cp.
Title: Re: New firmware V2.00 BMC procedure
Post by: MauryG5 on March 18, 2020, 02:02:43 pm
In fact I'm not doing it now MPC, I'm following the advice TIM gave me so I won't be doing it anytime soon. I'm just trying to get as much information as I can to run it when I can... Okay Xlinder then that should be the correct syntax:


scp image-bmc root @ <BMC blackbird IP address I find on the card>: / run / initramfs /

2 more questions but I need to ask, the first one is if the brackets <> are part of the command or are they put here just to indicate that you have to put the code on the motherboard? Second question where exactly do I find the code on the board?

Thank you all!


Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
Title: Re: New firmware V2.00 BMC procedure
Post by: xilinder on March 18, 2020, 03:52:21 pm
Just the correct address. For example 192.168.1.13:
Title: Re: New firmware V2.00 BMC procedure
Post by: MauryG5 on March 18, 2020, 05:36:04 pm
I begin to understand Xlinder then. Using your example BMC number, it should look like this:
scp image-bmc root@192.168.1.13:/run/initramfs/

after the last number there are 2 points and I left them. The command should therefore be this in the room ...
I just have to find the place where the BMC number is written on the card ... Thanks Xlinder