From 0 to NUC/AL/RAM in 2 hours

[elan120]

9 minutes ago, John769 said:

Great thread, thanks.!  Anyone know if there's enough height to fit a JPLAY net or Intel X520 card into the Akasa Plato X7D (A NUC39-M1B)?  Otherwise, will need to get a longer cable, I guess around 25cm?, and use externally.  Thinking of this riser:

 

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/M-2-NGFF-NVMe-M-Key2280-To-PCIe-3-0-4x-Riser-Card-Cable-PCI-Express/32833359557.html

It won't have enough headroom to fit these card vertically, but if you lay the card flat (side ways), there might have enough room in the front section to fit the card, but it will be very tight, and in addition, you will likely be removing the two USB3.0 extension cables to create enough room, as well as having longer Ethernet cables to reach the card.  Fitting card externally likely be better solution.

[auricgoldfinger]

54 minutes ago, John769 said:

Great thread, thanks.!  Anyone know if there's enough height to fit a JPLAY net or Intel X520 card into the Akasa Plato X7D (A NUC39-M1B)?  Otherwise, will need to get a longer cable, I guess around 25cm?, and use externally.  Thinking of this riser:

 

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/M-2-NGFF-NVMe-M-Key2280-To-PCIe-3-0-4x-Riser-Card-Cable-PCI-Express/32833359557.html

 

If I understand Marcin correctly, you will have to keep the lid off the X7D in order to use the JPLAY card together with this riser.

[happydance]

15 hours ago, davide256 said:

?? when you choose option 1 of the configuration menu (show running audio services) does it not show Roonbridge as running?

 

yes I think it does.

[happydance]

15 hours ago, bobfa said:

Remember that that menu always shows up on startup.  Use the status menu to see what is going on.  What are you building an endpoint or a server?

endpoint.

[bobfa]

You are running Roon Serrver!

[happydance]

45 minutes ago, bobfa said:

You are running Roon Serrver!

Quote

BOOT PROBLEMS CHECKLIST

1) Be sure that the image was correctly made with the official how-to.
If by chance you were using this
gunzip -c audiolinux_203.img.gz | dd of=/dev/sda1
instead of
gunzip -c audiolinux_203.img.gz | dd of=/dev/sda
a partition will be missing

 

2) Disable SecureBoot, FastBoot and other Windows options

3) Disable completely all Intel securities options, if you have Intel bios

4) Disable legacy boot, so that you have only UEFI (this is important for Intel NUC)

5) Set the default boot to the USB or the internal HD where you installed audiolinux

6) Disable all other boot options (including network boot), excluding the one you are using

7) Remove all other hard disk and USB drives connected to the computer

08) Try to change USB port (this happens a lot of times, some USB ports are not boot compatible)

9) Check if your USB stick is supporting booting. Some does not. SanDisk Extreme is the one recommended

10) Eventually press F10 or F11 or some other key (see bios documentation) to open the boot menu. If you don't see nothing, most probably the audiolinux copy is corrupted or incorrectly made

11) Poweroff completely the computer, detach the power chord, wait some time and poweron. Uefi will refresh devices. 

1) used the link supplied in the email when I purchased the O/S.

2) done as far as I know?

3) done as far as I know?

4) done as far as I know?

5) done as far as I know?

6) done as far as I know?

7) done

08) tried

9) don't know: 

Brand: Kingston/64GB
MPN:    DT100G3/xxxGB

10)?
11) done

 

anyone have ideas/clues?

[John769]

2 hours ago, elan120 said:

It won't have enough headroom to fit these card vertically, but if you lay the card flat (side ways), there might have enough room in the front section to fit the card, but it will be very tight, and in addition, you will likely be removing the two USB3.0 extension cables to create enough room, as well as having longer Ethernet cables to reach the card.  Fitting card externally likely be better solution.

 

Cheers, I was expecting that to be the case (pun intended)..

 

2 hours ago, auricgoldfinger said:

 

If I understand Marcin correctly, you will have to keep the lid off the X7D in order to use the JPLAY card together with this riser.

Thanks. Sure, but no need to remove lid if the cable is long enough to exit the case.  I'm thinking about 25 cms (10 inches)...don't want it longer than necessary but equally enough length to reach the card without being too tight.

[auricgoldfinger]

16 minutes ago, John769 said:

Sure, but no need to remove lid if the cable is long enough to exit the case.  I'm thinking about 25 cms...don't want it longer than necessary but equally enough length to reach the card without being too tight. 

 

Please be sure to post a photo of the end result.  I'm curious to see how the lid stays secure.

[elan120]

17 minutes ago, happydance said:

1) used the link supplied in the email when I purchased the O/S.

2) done as far as I know?

3) done as far as I know?

4) done as far as I know?

5) done as far as I know?

6) done as far as I know?

7) done

08) tried

9) don't know: 

Brand: Kingston/64GB
MPN:    DT100G3/xxxGB

10)?
11) done

 

anyone have ideas/clues?

Looks like AL/OS is working fine, but you will need to configure how you want the endpoint to receive the signals.

 

What music player will you be using?

 

Roon?

HQPlayer?

Others?  If it is Others, which one is it?

 

[happydance]

Quote

@bobfa

 

Select Cancel to return to the main menu screen and select Reboot.  The computer reboots and automatically loads the OS into RAM.

As the machine boots up and pauses for a few seconds displaying this screen.  It will automatically start-up in RAM after that delay. 

 

 

After the boot to RAM is complete, the Audiolinux menu appears.  From the Audiolinux menu check the CPU temperature found on the “Status” page.  Also check the Audio Status from the “Configuration” Page. 

 

HURRAY!  Pat yourself on the back.  Toast yourself!  Your Audiolinux Roon endpoint should be fully operational.  Grab a USB cable and DAC and hook them up.  Fire up the Roon application to add the new device to your audio system.  

There are some more steps to perform, but for testing purposes, you can run the system right now to see how it works.  

 

I think the penny has just dropped!

After the above instructions I was expecting the NUC to boot up to a GUI desktop like windows does and that is why I thought there was something wrong? But perhaps what I have done already is the actual end result in itself? Perhaps it only boots up to this screen?

...maybe that's it!

At this point it is already fully up and running? There is no desktop? Yes?

 

So, if that is indeed 'it', are all the settings I have made on the first page of this tutorial forgotten when the NUC is shutdown and unplugged, so that, you have to go through all this procedure every time you switch the NUC back on? Or are all the settings saved in the BIOS and memory stick?

Can the memory stick be pulled out after the boot up?

And can I now use this like say a microrendu without the keyboard/mouse & monitor? ('headless''?)

Won't it just 'stall/halt' without the keyboard/mouse & monitor attached?

 

Much appreciate all your time and effort in this tutorial.

[happydance]

46 minutes ago, elan120 said:

Looks like AL/OS is working fine, but you will need to configure how you want the endpoint to receive the signals.

 

What music player will you be using?

 

Roon?

HQPlayer?

Others?  If it is Others, which one is it?

 

@elan120

Roon on trial on a laptop, with a sonic transporter server and NAS storage.

To 'see'  the NUC on the google browser I'll need a URL link/IP address?

thanks!

[John769]

1 hour ago, auricgoldfinger said:

Please be sure to post a photo of the end result.  I'm curious to see how the lid stays secure.

Could it not just exit that big hole (serial port?) to the left?   Unfortunately on the other side to the m.2 slot I think but doable?

 

 

[auricgoldfinger]

2 minutes ago, John769 said:

Could it not just exit that big hole (serial port?) to the left?  Should be more or less in line with the M.2 slot too.  

 

 

 

Honestly, I have no idea.  That's why I'm curious to see what happens.

 

Are you planning to use this NUC as a server?  If so, wouldn't the NIC take away your ability to use an Optane drive?

[happydance]

36 minutes ago, happydance said:

@elan120

Roon on trial on a laptop, with a sonic transporter server and NAS storage.

To 'see'  the NUC on the google browser I'll need a URL link/IP address?

thanks!

@elan120

The NUC appears on my router as 'audiolinux'/192.168.1.109 , but it won't load into the browser, and it doesn't appear among my devices? 

This site can’t be reached

192.168.1.109 refused to connect.

Try:

• Checking the connection
• Checking the proxy and the firewall

ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED

[John769]

Actually, I doubt there would be a way to fit even the smaller end of the Bestar riser cable through that serial hole- doh!  Maybe not doing the lid up tightly in that corner and you could feed it under the lid somehow.  Difficult to say though because I don't yet have the case.

 

45 minutes ago, auricgoldfinger said:

Are you planning to use this NUC as a server?  If so, wouldn't the NIC take away your ability to use an Optane drive?

 

I already am but with JPLAY and dual PCs- not AL.  For that control PC,  local storage is via a 2.5" HDD (sata to USB adapter) and powered by a lifepo4 powered 4 x parallel L3045 board (cheap on ebay).  Yes, I would lose the option for an optane in that NUC but not the endpoint/ audio NUC.  All very different to how AL/roon works, of course, but I may give that a try one day. ☺️ 

 

[elan120]

Since you are using Roon, you will need to go to Configuration page by selecting (1) from the main page when you first boot up.

 

Once you are in Configuration page, do the following as a start.  You can change to different settings later to experiment:

1. Select (5) START and enable Roonbridge.
2. Select either 13 or 14 (SET Realtime Priority to either Standard or Extreme - suggest to start with Standard.
3. Select either 17, 18, or 19 (SET boot to Extreme, Extreme2 or Standard) - suggest to start with Extreme.
4. Select 15 (ENABLE ramroot)
5. Select 22 (Save System) - If you are in ram mode already, but if you have not enabled ramroot, all above configuration will be saved in your USB memory stick.
6. Select "Cancel" to exit out of Configuration page.
7. Select "Reboot" from Main page while leaving the USB memory stick plugged in.
8. Once the NUC is done with reboot, select Configuration page again.
9. Select (1) SHOW running audio services from Configuration page.  You should see all items you selected earlier showing on this page.
10. Once you have confirmed all is correct, remove the USB stick, with ramroot enabled, your NUC should still be running.
11. Start Roon, and open your Roon setup menu.
12. In settings, click the Audio tab, and in the Networked section, you should be able to see the list of audio devices discovered by Roon Bridge.
13. Enable Roon Bridge.
14. You now should be to setup your Roon zone with the Roon Bridge you just enabled.
15. Complete the zone setting and play music.

 

 

 

[elan120]

39 minutes ago, John769 said:

Actually, I doubt there would be a way to fit even the smaller end of the Bestar riser cable through that serial hole- doh!  Maybe not doing the lid up tightly in that corner and you could feed it under the lid somehow.  Difficult to say though because I don't yet have the case.

To raise the lid, you could consider getting 4 of the 6-32x1/4" standoffs like the link below and secure the lid on top.  This is how I have mine done due to a bit more headroom needed.

https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/keystone-electronics/4970/36-4970-ND/8627700

[happydance]

33 minutes ago, elan120 said:

Since you are using Roon, you will need to go to Configuration page by selecting (1) from the main page when you first boot up.

 

Once you are in Configuration page, do the following as a start.  You can change to different settings later to experiment:

1. Select (5) START and enable Roonbridge.
2. Select either 13 or 14 (SET Realtime Priority to either Standard or Extreme - suggest to start with Standard.
3. Select either 17, 18, or 19 (SET boot to Extreme, Extreme2 or Standard) - suggest to start with Extreme.
4. Select 15 (ENABLE ramroot)
5. Select 22 (Save System) - If you are in ram mode already, but if you have not enabled ramroot, all above configuration will be saved in your USB memory stick.
6. Select "Cancel" to exit out of Configuration page.
7. Select "Reboot" from Main page while leaving the USB memory stick plugged in.
8. Once the NUC is done with reboot, select Configuration page again.
9. Select (1) SHOW running audio services from Configuration page.  You should see all items you selected earlier showing on this page.
10. Once you have confirmed all is correct, remove the USB stick, with ramroot enabled, your NUC should still be running.
11. Start Roon, and open your Roon setup menu.
12. In settings, click the Audio tab, and in the Networked section, you should be able to see the list of audio devices discovered by Roon Bridge.
13. Enable Roon Bridge.
14. You now should be to setup your Roon zone with the Roon Bridge you just enabled.
15. Complete the zone setting and play music.

 

Do I need to do this as well as the tutorial at the beginning of the thread?

https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/55383-from-0-to-nucalram-in-2-hours/     (#1)

[elan120]

2 hours ago, happydance said:

After the above instructions I was expecting the NUC to boot up to a GUI desktop like windows does and that is why I thought there was something wrong? But perhaps what I have done already is the actual end result in itself? Perhaps it only boots up to this screen?

...maybe that's it!

At this point it is already fully up and running? There is no desktop? Yes?

This is correct.

 

 

 

2 hours ago, happydance said:

So, if that is indeed 'it', are all the settings I have made on the first page of this tutorial forgotten when the NUC is shutdown and unplugged, so that, you have to go through all this procedure every time you switch the NUC back on? Or are all the settings saved in the BIOS and memory stick?

Can the memory stick be pulled out after the boot up?

With the "ramroot" enabled, AL is loaded in the RAM (not BIOS), USB stick can be unplugged from the NUC to improve the SQ and not affecting the system.  In this condition, to save any changes to the NUC will require putting back USB stick and select "Save System" from the main menu.

 

 

 

2 hours ago, happydance said:

And can I now use this like say a microrendu without the keyboard/mouse & monitor? ('headless''?)

Won't it just 'stall/halt' without the keyboard/mouse & monitor attached?

Yes, it can be used like any other endpoints in headless without keyboard, mouse, and monitor attached.  Once NUC is up and running, you can also use Putty to access NUC using assigned IP address, with both user and password "audiolinux".

 

 

 

[elan120]

4 minutes ago, happydance said:

 

Do I need to do this as well as the tutorial at the beginning of the thread?

https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/55383-from-0-to-nucalram-in-2-hours/     (#1)

Which part?

[happydance]

9 minutes ago, elan120 said:

Which part?

this part....

 

Audiolinux Setup

We are now on the final leg of the setup.  With great thanks to Piero Olmeda, the author of Audiolinux distribution this part this part is pretty simple!

When the machine boots up, some text goes by and if all is well the computer displays the Audiolinux menu screen.

You may see a few differences in this screen depending upon what version of the system menu you have installed.  Piero updates the different parts of the OS on a regular basis.  Before we start with the configuration, you should update the system. 

This menu is driven merely by the cursor keys, the number pad, and the enter key.  So cursor down to the update menu and press enter. 

Since you are not getting ahead of me yet, you are booting and running off of the USB stick, so no RAM mode issues need to be addressed.  Note that I am running this NUC as a Roon endpoint so I have not explored other audio packages.    During the install steps, you need the default passwords for Audiolinux.  I assume that they might change so, please refer to the Audio-Linux.com website to find them. (scroll down and look or search on the page for the correct passwords.

 

Cursor down and select the update menu item.

You need to run the first four updates if you are following along with me.  I did them in order.  (I do not know if that order  is “correct”). You will need your passwords during this.

 

 

After you have completed the last update of the Audiolinux menu go back to the first page and select option 8 Console Mode.   

That takes you to the command line. DON’T PANIC!  Just type in the command: 

menu and press enter.  

You have restarted the Audiolinux menu, so the new version runs.  

You are now going to configure the system to be a Roon endpoint, run in RAM and extreme mode.

 

 

From the first screen select the configuration menu item.  The above screen appears. Select the Roonbridge men item to set-up endpoint.

After that completes set number 14 (scroll down) Set real-time priority to “extreme." 

 

Finally, select 15 enable ramroot. 

 

Select Cancel to return to the main menu screen and select Reboot.  The computer reboots and automatically loads the OS into RAM.

As the machine boots up and pauses for a few seconds displaying this screen.  It will automatically start-up in RAM after that delay. 

 

After the boot to RAM is complete, the Audiolinux menu appears.  From the Audiolinux menu check the CPU temperature found on the “Status” page.  Also check the Audio Status from the “Configuration” Page. 

 

HURRAY!  Pat yourself on the back.  Toast yourself!  Your Audiolinux Roon endpoint should be fully operational.  Grab a USB cable and DAC and hook them up.  Fire up the Roon application to add the new device to your audio system.  

There are some more steps to perform, but for testing purposes, you can run the system right now to see how it works.  

 

[bobfa]

FYI if this helps:

 

 

https://roonlabs.com/howroonworks.html

 

 

[happydance]

 @bobfa 

 

...having followed your initial tutorial in post #1  i.e audiolinux setup:

do I also need to follow this instruction from @elan120 ...

 

 

Quote

Since you are using Roon, you will need to go to Configuration page by selecting (1) from the main page when you first boot up.

 

Once you are in Configuration page, do the following as a start.  You can change to different settings later to experiment:

1. Select (5) START and enable Roonbridge.
2. Select either 13 or 14 (SET Realtime Priority to either Standard or Extreme - suggest to start with Standard.
3. Select either 17, 18, or 19 (SET boot to Extreme, Extreme2 or Standard) - suggest to start with Extreme.
4. Select 15 (ENABLE ramroot)
5. Select 22 (Save System) - If you are in ram mode already, but if you have not enabled ramroot, all above configuration will be saved in your USB memory stick.
6. Select "Cancel" to exit out of Configuration page.
7. Select "Reboot" from Main page while leaving the USB memory stick plugged in.
8. Once the NUC is done with reboot, select Configuration page again.
9. Select (1) SHOW running audio services from Configuration page.  You should see all items you selected earlier showing on this page.
10. Once you have confirmed all is correct, remove the USB stick, with ramroot enabled, your NUC should still be running.
11. Start Roon, and open your Roon setup menu.
12. In settings, click the Audio tab, and in the Networked section, you should be able to see the list of audio devices discovered by Roon Bridge.
13. Enable Roon Bridge.
14. You now should be to setup your Roon zone with the Roon Bridge you just enabled.
15. Complete the zone setting and play music.

[happydance]

maybe @elan120 & @bobfa can confer constructively and positively with each other to resolve this conundrum and help me to find a way forward?

The two sets of instruction seem quite similar and perhaps you can work together and pool your combined knowledge to result in a suitable solution? That would help not only me but other interested parties who wish to try this out for themselves?

thanks for ALL the support so far (to everyone).

[happydance]

Quote

1. Select 15 (ENABLE ramroot)
2. Select 22 (Save System) - If you are in ram mode already, but if you have not enabled ramroot, all above configuration will be saved in your USB memory stick.

this seems a little contradictory? i.e. enable ramroot/not enable ramroot? Please clarify and elaborate. many thanks!