Virtual control panel

 

The virtual control panel is an alternative to the remote control panel for parallel cable. With the virtual control panel, you can use control panel functions through a PC.

The graphical user interface for the virtual control panel is identical to the user interface of the remote control panel. Also, the virtual control panel can perform most of the same functions as the remote control panel. If your system uses a keystick, the Mode button works with the same functions as the physical control panel, depending on whether the keystick is inserted.

The most significant functional difference between the remote control panel and the virtual control panel is that the virtual control panel cannot turn on the system. As an alternative, if turn on the system at a later time, you can use the IPL scheduling function in Operational Assistant by pressing the Attention key. You can also use the GO POWER command and select option 2 (Change turn on and off schedule).

 

Considerations for the virtual control panel

If you use the virtual control panel, you should be aware of the following considerations:

• The virtual control panel must have a direct connection to the system from Operations Console using the serial console cable.

• The virtual control panel is only available while the Operations Console is connected.

• You cannot use the virtual control panel remotely through a dial-up connection.

• There are prerequisites when installing the virtual control panel such as a program temporary fix (PTF) for the server and service packs for the client.

• If the PC has a parallel cable connection for a remote control panel, remove it before you can install and use your virtual control panel.

• A unique service tools device profile must exist for each virtual control panel connection.

• You cannot use an existing network name.

• More than one virtual control panel and remote control panel can be active at the same time.

• The service tools user ID that is used to authenticate the connection must have the partition remote panel key privilege in order to use the mode function provided by the virtual control panel. To verify that your service tools user ID has this privilege, see Changing the functional privileges for a service tools user ID using SST.

 

How to choose between the virtual control panel and remote control panel

The following table shows which server models are recommended for the virtual control panel and which models are recommended for the remote control panel.

Virtual control panel	Remote control panel
270 800 810 820 825 830 840 870 890	170 250 6xx 7xx Sxx

 

Parent topic:

Types of control panels

 

Related concepts

Control panel buttons, lights, and indicators

 

Related tasks

Accessing control panel functions

 

Related information

iSeries Operations Console