Overview
The purpose of these detailed setup instructions is to connect the ZiRocks Media Server device to the Internet network (WiFi or Ethernet), .
Note: Some ISPs [Internet Providers] require approval before allowing any new device [new IP] attached to the network [Modem/WiFi/Router]. The administrator of the network [Modem/WiFi/Router] can approve the new device on the network. Contact your administrator for any network related issues.
The ZiRocks Media Server does not come with a screen (or screen connecting cable) to display system information. Although it is possible to connect a HDMI monitor and keyboard/mouse, it is not required. The ZiRocks Media Server is a Linux computer, it has a command line console with no graphic user interface (no "Windows"). If you know Linux, or want to learn it, feel free to hook up a HDMI monitor and keyboard/mouse and dig in! The operating system is a Debian 12 Linux variant built for the ZiRocks Media Server hardware.
Setup Summary
The actual setup steps are in the next section if you want to skip ahead. When the ZiRocks Media Server is turned on for the first time, the ZiRocks Media Server will automatically connect to Ethernet if connected to the router with an Ethernet cable (see note at top of this article). If not connecting the ZiRocks Media Server to Ethernet, the ZiRocks Media Server will automatically become a WiFi access point. Connect to the ZiRocks Media Server WiFi access point with your device (computer, tablet or phone) and use the ZiRocks Media Server Control Panel to configure the ZiRocks Media Server WiFi connection with your network [Modem/WiFi/Router]. Both the Ethernet and/or WiFi connections can be used simultaneously to connect to the network. Of the three options below, use the option for the type of network connection used to connect to the ZiRocks Media Server to the network [Modem/WiFi/Router]. (options #1 & #2). Use option #3 if options 1 or 2 have not connected successfully.
Setup Instructions
(1) Ethernet connection:
_ Connect the ZiRocks Media Server to the network router with an Ethernet cable.
_ Plug in ZiRocks Media Server to power. Turn on/plug in power. (Red light on - about 1 minute startup)
_ Use a device (computer, tablet or phone) that is connected to the same network router as the ZiRocks Media Server.
_ Use the devices web browser and go to http://plexmediaserver.local [ZiRocks Media Server Control Panel]
_ Username: plex Password: plexpass
If no connection with this method try option #3.
Use the Network Control option (see below) to connect the WiFi router (optional when Ethernet is connected).
(2) WiFi connection:
_ Plug in ZiRocks Media Server to power. Turn on/plug in power. (Red light on - about 1 minute startup)
_ Use a device (computer, tablet or phone) that can connect to a WiFi router/access point.
_ Connect the device WiFi to the PlexMediaServer access point. (it may take a few minutes to appear in your WiFi list)
_ Use the device web browser and go to http://plexmediaserver.local [ZiRocks Media Server Control Panel]
_ Username: plex Password: plexpass
If no connection with this method try option #3.
Use the Network Control option (see below) to connect the WiFi router (optional when Ethernet is connected).
(3) Alternate Ethernet/WiFi connection: requires Bluetooth! Use if unsuccessful with option #1 or #2.
_ Optional; to use Ethernet connection; connect the ZiRocks Media Server to the network router with an Ethernet cable.
_ Plug in ZiRocks Media Server to power. Turn on/plug in power. (Red light on - about 1 minute startup)
_ Use a computer, tablet or phone that has Bluetooth functionality and go to the device Bluetooth connection settings.
_ Select "Pair a new Bluetooth device" and look for PMS-xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx in the add device list. Do not try to connect to Bluetooth, there are no Bluetooth services.
_ xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx is the ZiRocks Media Server IP number.
_ Use a device (computer, tablet or phone) that is connected to the same network/WiFi router as the ZiRocks Media Server.
If the IP number xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx is 10.42.0.1 then;
_ Connect the devices WiFi to the PlexMediaServer access point.
_ Use the device web browser and go to http://10.42.0.1 [ZiRocks Media Server Control Panel]
_ Username: plex Password: plexpass
If the IP number is xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx NOT 10.42.0.1 then;
_ Use the device web browser and go to http://xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx [ZiRocks Media Server Control Panel]
_ Username: plex Password: plexpass
Use the Network Control option (see below) to connect to the WiFi router.
Trouble?
_ No PMS-x.x.x.x in the device Bluetooth settings?
_ No PlexMediaServer in the device WiFi settings?
_ The WiFi router SSID is not listed in the Network WiFi Control interface?
The ZiRocks Media Server may need rebooted, as these features turn off after a few minutes.
To reboot the ZiRocks Media Server; unplug/turn off, wait 10 seconds, then plug in/turn on.
Network Control
Setup the WiFi connection (*optional when Ethernet is connected).
_ Select; Network Control -> WiFi Setup.
_ Select the WiFi SSID. (if the WiFi SSID is not in the list, the ZiRocks Media Server needs rebooted)
_ Enter WiFi Password.
_ Click the "Connect" button. The ZiRocks Media Server will reboot and connect to the WiFi network.
_ After ZiRocks Media Server has rebooted, go to http://plexmediaserver.local [ZiRocks Media Server Control Panel]
_ Username: plex Password: plexpass
Congratulations! The ZiRocks Media Server should be up and running.
Use the ZiRocks Media Server Control Panel and go to Server Applications button to explore the applications installed on the ZiRocks Media Server.
The default username and password for all ZiRocks Media Server Applications and OS login is;
Username: plex Password: plexpass
The password can be changed using the ZiRocks Media Control Panel at http://plexmediaserver.local (once setup is completed)