Cabling the server and accessing Operations Console

You can use Operations Console to manage a server that is running the IBM® i operating system whether you have logical partitions or not. However, you must first use an alternative tool to create the logical partitions.

Before you begin, make sure your server is already installed as a stand-alone server or installed in a rack.

Operations Console is a component of System i® Access for Windows. You can install the complete product or select only the two console components, which are the Operations Console support and the 5250 emulator support.

Important: The server must be powered off. Do not power on the server until you are instructed to do so.

Follow these steps to cable the Operations Console PC to your server, and to install System i Access for Windows:

If you are using a LAN connection, attach an Ethernet cable from the PC to the LAN, and another Ethernet cable from the LAN to the top Ethernet port on the server (labeled T1).
If you are using a direct attach connection using the Operations Console serial cable, perform the following steps:
1. Shut down and unplug the PC that will serve as the system console.
2. Connect the Operations Console serial cable (97H7557 or 39J5835) to the serial port (also called COM port or joystick port) on the back of the PC to the matching serial port on the back of your server.
  Note: If you are using the 2742 adapter, the Operations Console cable must be attached to the lower connector.
Plug-in and turn on your console at this time if you have not already done so.
Insert the System i Setup and Operations CD-ROM in the CD-ROM drive of the PC you will be using for Operations Console.
Note: The System i Setup and Operations CD-ROM is included with the server.
Select the System i Access for Windows option to start the installation.
When the IBM System i Access for Windows window is displayed, click Next.
Select either Custom or Full installation and select at least the following components:
- Required Programs
- 5250 Display and Printer Emulator (if IBM Personal Communications V5.8 (V5.7 CSD 1 minimum) is not installed)
  You do not need a license to use 5250 Display Emulation just for Operations Console, even though the window indicates that one is required.
  
  Important: If your Operations Console configuration is going to support only the remote control panel, you do not need to install an emulator.
- Operations Console
  Note: The Operations Console component is not available using the Typical or PC5250 User options.
Click Next and follow the prompts. You will be asked to reboot your system at this time. Before applying the latest service pack, you must reboot the system.
Apply the latest service pack for System i Access for Windows, and ensure that you have the latest level of System i Access for Windows on your PC. For details, see the following Web sites:
- System i Access Web site at http://www-03.ibm.com/systems/i/software/access/windows/casp.html
- IBM FTP site at ftp://ftp.software.ibm.com/ and navigate to the directory path: as400/products/clientaccess/win32/v5r4m0/servicepack.

Next, you need to install an operating system and enable service and support functions for your server. For instructions, see Completing server setup if you do not have an HMC. After you finish this task, you will be directed to finish configuring the Operations Console.