Remotely Operate Your Home Server with NanoKVM
server
Lastmod: 2024-10-21
Published: 2024-10-04

Introduction

In my home, we don’t have a server equipped with BMC or IPMI like typical households.

However, there are times when I want to perform power operations or configure the BIOS/UEFI remotely.
(A long time ago, I used ATEN’s CN6000, but it was incredibly expensive.)

I had heard of PiKVM using Raspberry Pi, but setting up Raspberry Pi and other hardware incurs quite a cost, leading me to pass on it.

Discovering NanoKVM

While browsing AliExpress, I came across a product called NanoKVM.

Purchase from AliExpress

ItemPriceShippingTotal
NanoKVM Full¥8,947¥848¥9,795

Remarkably, a remote KVM can be obtained for under 10,000 yen.
The Full version includes the NanoKVM unit along with a board to control the PC’s power switch, reset switch, power LED, and more.

Unboxing

Box

  • The box is a standard cardboard with the NanoKVM logo printed on it.

Contents

  • The NanoKVM unit is seen in the back.
  • The board controlling the PC’s power switch, reset switch, and power LED is in the front.

Side View 1

  • The front has descriptions for each port.
  • I placed a ¥500 coin next to it for size comparison; it’s quite small.

Side View 2

  • The top has a POWER button and a RESET button.
  • The upper section serves as a display.

Side View 3

  • There are USB (for power supply), HDMI, and USB ports for controlling the server (keyboard, mouse).

Side View 4

  • There is a port for the Ethernet connection, as well as connections for the board controlling the PC’s power switch, reset switch, and power LED.
  • The elongated section has a pin header allowing for two UART connections.
    • This could be used for connecting a serial console, making it suitable for connecting to a router or switch.

Contents 2

  • A USB-A to USB-C cable is included (two cables, not shown in the photo).
  • A pin for resetting? is provided.
  • Cables for connecting the board controlling power, LED, etc., are included.

Bottom View

  • The bottom side serves as a heat sink.

Powering On

Connection

I connected the LAN and power cables.
It obtained an IP address via DHCP, which was displayed on the LCD.

Access via Browser

When accessing the IP address through a browser, the following screen appears.

Browser

The default username and password are as follows:

UserPassword
adminadmin

After logging in, select from the menu and change the password.

Menu

Change Password

Updates

Check for the latest firmware.

Update

If there is a newer firmware available, you can update it.

Update

Connecting to a Laptop and Operating

I connected a laptop to NanoKVM to operate it.

There is a slight delay, but it operates normally.

Logging in via SSH

In fact, NanoKVM can be accessed via SSH.

$ ssh root@<IP-address>

The password is root, so be sure to change it.

# passwd

One interesting aspect of this product is that it uses a RISC-V CPU.

# cat /proc/cpuinfo 
processor       : 0
hart            : 0
isa             : rv64imafdvcsu
mmu             : sv39

Changing to Static IP

Since an IP address changes with DHCP, let’s switch to a Static IP.

  • NanoKVM Static IP
    # echo "192.168.10.36/24 192.168.10.1" > /boot/eth.nodhcp
    # /etc/init.d/S30eth restart
    

Update on October 21, 2024

  • Since the firmware upgrade requires DNS resolution, if you change to Static IP instead of DHCP, you will need to set up the DNS configuration.
    # cat << _EOF_ > /etc/resolv.conf
    nameserver 8.8.8.8
    nameserver 8.8.4.4
    _EOF_
    

Disassembly

  • Removing the screws allows the heat sink to be taken off.

  • Underneath the heat sink, the CPU is visible.
  • The microSD card can also be seen, containing a 32GB KIOXIA model.

  • Removing screws from the top lets you take off the acrylic cover.
  • The LCD is visible.

  • If removed carefully, the side case can be detached.

  • The unit is significantly divided into three boards:
    • The upper board contains the LCD and button controls.
    • The middle board is for HDMI (also connected as a camera).
    • The lower board is for power and LED controls.

The LicheeRV board features a RISC-V processor.

Conclusion

  • NanoKVM is a convenient product for remotely operating servers.
  • However, it still feels a bit unstable.
    • When the resolution of the connected PC changes, the screen may freeze.
    • Occasionally, keyboard and mouse are not recognized?
  • I tested with a laptop, so I haven’t confirmed the functionality of the power and reset switches yet.
  • It seems to support virtual CD-ROM drives, so I’d like to attempt a remote OS installation.
  • For now, rebooting NanoKVM resolves issues, so I look forward to a firmware update.
  • With a RISC-V CPU, this marks my first RISC-V product.
  • The inability to set up a Japanese keyboard layout can be a bit inconvenient if you mainly use a Japanese layout.

Update on October 10, 2024