Adding or removing I/O cards in a Tesira server

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It is possible to modify the I/O card configuration of a Tesira SERVER or SERVER-IO in the field, and Biamp offers individual card kits for this purpose. This article explains how to add or remove I/O cards in a Tesira server, and get it up and running again.

Preparations

Before unplugging the Tesira server, the following steps should be followed:

Save a backup copy of the configuration file that is loaded to the Tesira system, if applicable. You can do this by connecting to the Tesira system using Tesira software, and then disconnecting from the system and choosing File→Save As.
Perform a "Clear Configuration" on the Tesira server to clear out its configuration file. You can do this in the Device Maintenance window in Tesira software (System→Network→Perform Device Maintenance).
Update the firmware of the Tesira server to the latest version available. This helps to avoid firmware version mismatches when adding newer I/O cards to an older device. Firmware upgrade instructions can be found at this link: Tesira firmware update instructions.

Opening the Tesira server

The next step is to open the Tesira server and add/remove/modify the I/O cards as desired.

Remove screws and top cover

Unplug all cables (including the power cable) and connectors from the Tesira server and place it on a properly grounded anti-static mat. Ensure that you are properly grounded using an ESD wrist strap. Failure to take proper ESD precautions may cause damage to the I/O cards and/or other internal components of the server.
Using a #1 Philips screwdriver, remove the three screws along the top of the rear panel. For the updated chassis you will need to remove 3 screws along the top front and 3 screws on the top rear of the chassis
Pull up on the tabs protruding from the rear of the top cover to dislodge it. Then, pull the top cover towards the rear to remove it completely. For the updated chassis simply pull on the two rear tabs ro remove it once the screws have been taken out.

Replacing a card

Remove the three screws that attach the I/O card to the rear chassis (the top-right, middle-left, and bottom-right screws). For the updated chassis there will only be one screw attaching the I/O card to the rear of the chassis (top-right).
Remove the screw(s) that attach the I/O card to the main board. Larger cards are held in place by two screws, smaller cards only use one screw. DSP-2 cards (internal to the unit) are held in place with two screws. Grasp the front and back of the I/O card gently and lift upwards. The card should unseat and come loose.
Remove the new card from the anti-static bag and place the old card in the bag.
Insert the new card into the appropriate slot. Apply gentle downward pressure until the card slips fully into the slot.
Screw the I/O card into the main board using the previously removed screw(s).
Screw the I/O card into the rear chassis using the previously removed screw(s).

Adding a card

Remove the screws from the main board in the slot that the new card will be placed in. If you are adding a full-length card, remove both screws. If you are adding a half-length card, only remove the screw closest to the rear panel. If you are adding a DSP-2 card (internal to the unit), remove both screws in the slot.
Remove the three screws holding the metal plate covering the holes on the chassis for the appropriate slot that the card will occupy (the top-right, middle-left, and bottom-right screws). Remove the metal plate and discard it. For the updated chassis there will only be one screw attaching the I/O card to the rear of the chassis (top-right).
Remove the new card from the anti-static bag.
Insert the new card into the appropriate slot. Apply gentle downward pressure until the card slips fully into the slot.
Screw the I/O card into the main board using the previously removed screw(s).
Screw the I/O card into the rear chassis using the previously removed screw(s).

Re-attaching the top cover

Insert the top cover into the tabs near the front panel of the chassis first. Then, push down on the rear part of the top cover to close it completely. If you are working with the updated chassis you will need to place the cover on top and make sure that the lifting tabs are at the back of the device. Once you have the cover in place press down to secure it in the chassis cover tabs.
Replace the three screws along the top of the rear panel to secure the top cover. If you have an updated chassis you will also need to replace the three screw along the top of the front cover.

Modifying and reloading configuration file

Once the I/O cards have been added/removed and the top cover has been replaced, plug the cables back into the Tesira server and power it up. At this point, the configuration file for the system will need to be modified and reloaded to the Tesira system.

Open the Tesira configuration (.tmf) file in Tesira software.
Go to System→Equipment Table. Locate the serial number of the device whose I/O cards have been modified. Click on the Host Name field to open the drop-down menu, and select "None". Click OK to close the Equipment Table window.
Modify the configuration file to account for the I/O cards that have been added/removed from the system.
Go back to System→Equipment Table. Click in the serial number column for the device whose I/O cards have been modified. The drop-down menu of the Host Name field should include the serial number of that device. Select that serial number to assign it to the device in the Equipment Table. Click OK to close the Equipment Table window.
Go to System→Network→Send Configuration to send the modified file to the Tesira server.