PiKVM - a KVM <-> IP on System76

Is always better to have a Plan B if the main plan fails.
My server has an embedded KVM (with an extra module installed - see the article Fixing the server - KVM <-> IP) but surprise surprise the actual KVM functionality is not working because the motherboard is not supporting an extension module.

This article discuss about the KVM <-> IP solution with a Raspberry Pi on the open source project PiKVM as a way to have the KVM functionality on my server.

Server chronicles - fan noise problem on System76

 The server has 3 high speed industrial grade fan to keep it cool.

They are great but are quite noisy.

More understanding about how to control them is needed.

Server chronicles - Docker on ProLiant

At the base of the rebuilding of the services on the server, there is Docker.

Docker allows to run services in a dedicated environment.
Why ? Well, because different applications/programs can require different settings, like maybe the installation of specific languages or specific versions of them.
Instead to clutter the server with 3000 things, a docker image is totally self sufficient.

Server chronicles - KVM <-> IP on old System76

One of the things I would like to have in the renewed server is the capability to remote access it for monitor or emergency repairs or, like now, for a rebuilding, without the need to be physically present in the "server room" (in my case the garage) to connect a keyboard and monitor to the console.
This article is about the introduction and hardware settings, another one will discuss the installation and use.

Server chronicles - the OS on the old System76

The old System76 server has now new HDs and more RAM and is cleaned up.

Time to install the OS.

Server chronicles - upgrade RAM and HD to the System76

It is time to upgrade the System76 server.
The original configuration had 4 GB of RAM and 2 HD SATA in RAID 1 of 2 TB,

with the upgrade I'll bring the RAM up to 32 GB (the maximum  RAM this 7 years old mother board can handle) and I'll install 2 4 TB SATA HD in RAID 1 or 2.

Server chronicles - HA temporary server (UPDATED)

Among many other services, my server hosts some HA services to control my X10 lights and some operations.
Since my glorious server need to be rebuilt and as usual I don't have time, I needed to find a quick solution for my X10 server.
I decided to use a spare Raspberry I have around and create a temporary HA server, until the main one will be restored.

Server chronicles - planning - UPDATE !

Well, it was matter of time.  

An hard drive in the server died during the latest thunderstorm.
It is time to do some maintenance to the system, very probably rebuild it from scratch, a good time to reinstall only what is really needed and  a full upgrade to the latest version of Linux.
After 7 years of continue service 24/7 I would say it is time 😁

Chamberlain Garage Monitor repair

As usual I love to go exploring in flea market/antique malls.
Last time I did find a new Chamberlain Garage Control. 
Of course the unit ended up in the flea market because not working.

Pokit

Long long time without writing something, I guess I'm really busy :)
However something happens in my world.

A couple of years ago I did find an interesting Kickstarter project and I decided to participate, Pokit.

It took forever to receive finally the product but in the end, finally arrived !
Few notes about it.