DEX4501 - Industrial computer AOPEN - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Digital Engine / Mini PC
Brand	AOpen
Model	DEX4501
Dimensions	Approx. 200 x 200 x 50 mm (estimated)
Weight	Approx. 1.5 kg (estimated)
Power Supply	90W AC adapter with power cord
CPU Support	Socketed CPU (specific socket not specified, likely LGA)
Memory	2x SO-DIMM slots (DDR2/DDR3 likely)
Storage	1x 2.5" SATA HDD
Expansion Slots	1x Mini PCIe for WLAN, 1x Mini PCIe for TV-Tuner
I/O Ports - Front	2x USB, HDD power LED, HDD activity LED, Power switch
I/O Ports - Rear	COM1, LAN, USB, DVI, HDMI, Audio (mic/line out), e-SATA, DC input, Antenna holes (WLAN, TV-Tuner)
Cooling	Heatsinks for CPU, MCH, ICH, DIMM; CPU cooler with fan
Watchdog Timer	Programmable WDT via Winbond W83267DHG LPC I/O
Screw Torque Specifications	Various: M3 screws at 3.0±0.5 kgf·cm, Mini card screws at 1.0±0.1 kgf·cm, HDD screws at 2.5±0.1 kgf·cm
Operating Temperature	0°C to 40°C (estimated)
User Manual	PDF available for free download on notice-facile.com

Frequently Asked Questions - DEX4501 AOPEN

How do I install memory (DIMM) modules?

First, loosen the two DIMM heatsink screws and remove the heatsink. Insert the memory module at a 30-degree angle into the upper socket, then press it flat until you hear a click. Remove the protective Mylar from the thermal pad of the DIMM heatsink, place the heatsink back, and tighten with two FPH M3 screws at 3.0±0.5 kgf·cm torque.

What is the correct procedure for installing the CPU?

Loosen the four CPU cooler screws and remove the cooler. Unlock the CPU socket screw counterclockwise, insert the CPU matching the orientation, lock the socket screw clockwise, place the cooler back and tighten the four screws in sequence at 3.0±0.5 kgf·cm torque. Finally, replace the top cover and tighten with four M3 screws.

How do I install the hard disk drive (HDD)?

Turn the system over and remove the bottom cover by loosening four FPH M3 screws. Connect the HDD to the SATA and power cables, then place it into the HDD bracket. Tighten four M3 screws on both flanks at 2.5±0.1 kgf·cm torque. Replace the bottom cover and secure with four screws at 3.0±0.5 kgf·cm.

Can I add a WLAN module?

Yes. Remove the top cover and DIMM/ICH heatsink assembly. Loosen the mini card screw, install the WLAN Mini PCIe card, and secure with one screw at 1.0±0.1 kgf·cm. Remove the metal cover from the WLAN antenna hole, insert the antenna, tighten the nut (8mm diameter), and connect the antenna wire to the card (CON1). Arrange the wires neatly.

How do I install a TV-Tuner module?

Similar to WLAN: remove the necessary covers, loosen the mini card screw, insert the TV-Tuner Mini PCIe card, and secure with one screw at 1.0±0.1 kgf·cm. Remove the metal cover from the TV-Tuner antenna hole, insert the antenna, tighten the nut, and connect the antenna wire. Arrange the wires as shown in the manual.

What are the pin definitions for the COM1 connector?

The COM1 connector is a 9-pin D-sub with signals: Pin 1 DCD#, Pin 2 SIN, Pin 3 SOUT, Pin 4 DTR#, Pin 5 GND, Pin 6 DSR, Pin 7 RTS#, Pin 8 CTS#, Pin 9 RI. The key pin is missing.

How do I configure the Watchdog Timer (WDT)?

The WDT uses the Winbond W83267DHG LPC I/O. Initialize by writing to I/O ports 0x2E/0x2F. Stop the timer, set the mode (seconds or minutes) via CR 0xF5, set the timeout value (0x01-0xFF) via CR 0xF6, then start the timer. Sample code is provided in the manual. The WDT prevents system lock-up.

What torque should I use for different screws?

For most FPH M3 screws (e.g., top cover, bottom cover, heatsinks): 3.0±0.5 kgf·cm. For HDD mounting screws: 2.5±0.1 kgf·cm. For Mini card screws (WLAN/TV-Tuner): 1.0±0.1 kgf·cm. Always use a torque screwdriver to avoid damage.

Where can I download the user manual?

The manual is available for free on notice-facile.com. You can download the PDF directly or request a translated version by selecting your language and providing your email.

How should I clean and maintain the device?

Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior. Do not use liquids or abrasive cleaners. Ensure good ventilation to prevent overheating. Periodically check that all screws are tight (especially after installation). Avoid exposure to moisture and extreme temperatures.

USER MANUAL DEX4501 AOPEN

Assembly Guide for DEX4500 series

Front view of a black server rack with three ports and ventilation slots (no visible text or labels)

V2.0

2008/12/17

Index

1. Outlook ......2
2. Install Key components ( Except Mini card module installation)......4
3. Install Key components ( Including Mini card module installation)...16
4. Connector & PINs definitions....39
5. Appendix 1 Packing List....41
6. Appendix 2 Table of Screw and Torque....42
7. Appendix 3 Watch Dog Timer Configuration....43
8. Appendix 4 Outline Drawing....48

1. Outlook

Front IO

Rear IO
Antenna Hole

2. Install Key components (Except Mini card module installation)

2-1.

Loosen 2 pcs of front panel screw (FPH M3 screw) by the screw driver and remove it.

Back panel of a black electronic device with three ports and two red circular annotations pointing to the left port (no text or symbols on the device itself)

Unscrew 2 x FPH M3 screw

2-2.

Loosen 4 pcs of Top cover screw (FPH M3 screw) by the screw driver and remove it.

Close-up of a black rectangular electronic component with red annotation arrows pointing to specific areas (no text or symbols visible)

Unscrew 4 x M3 screw

2-3.

You will see the kernel of Digital Engine.

2-4 Install Memory

2-4-1.

Loosen 2 pcs of DIMM heatsink screw (FPH M3 screw) by the screw driver and remove it.

2-4-2.

Insert the memory on the upper socket as this angle.

2-4-3. 2-4-4.

Then press the DIMM as flat on the Motherboard, and you will hear the click voice.

Make sure it clicks

Take off the protect Mylar of thermal pad of DIMM heatsink and place it back to ICH heatsink.

Metal L-shaped metal panel with red and gray colored bands, no text or symbols visible

2-4-5.

Screw it tightly with 2 pcs of FPH M3 screws by the screw driver

(Screwdriver torque : 3.0 ±0.5 kgf. cm )

2-5 Install CPU

2-5-1.

Loosen 4 pcs of CPU cooler screw by the screw driver and remove it.

2-5-2.

Unlock the CPU socket screw Counterclockwise

Close-up of a green circuit board with a pink CPU socket and soldering tool inserted, showing internal components (no readable text or symbols)

2-5-3

Put the CPU into the socket, and check the direction.

Close-up of a green printed circuit board with a central processor and red circular annotation (no readable text or symbols)

2-5-4.

Lock the CPU socket screw clockwise

Interior view of an electronic circuit board with visible components and wiring (no readable text or symbols)

2-5-5.

Place the CPU cooler back and follow up the sequence to screw it tightly

(Screwdriver torque : 3.0 ±0.5 kgf. cm )

Interior view of an electronic device showing internal components and wiring (no readable text or symbols)

2-5-6.

Place the Top Cover back and screw it tightly with 4 pcs of FPH M3 screws by the screw driver. (Screwdriver torque : 3.0 ±0.5 kgf. cm )

Close-up of a black corrugated metal panel with four red-circled highlights (no text or symbols visible)

2-6 Install HDD

2-6-1

Turn over the system and loosen 4 pcs of Bottom cover screw ( FPH M3 screw ) by the screw driver and remove it

Black metal panel with red circular annotations highlighting features, no visible text or symbols

2-6-2

Remove the Bottom Cover.

HDD Bracket

Interior view of an electronic device showing a circuit board with connectors and wiring, no visible text or symbols

Power & SATA cable

2-6-3.

Connect HDD to SATA and Power cable, then put HDD on the HDD bracket.

2-6-4.

Tighten HDD with 4pcs of FPH M3 screw (on both flanks)

(Screwdriver torque : 2.5 ±0.1 kgf. cm )

Internal view of a hard disk drive housing with visible wiring and red arrows indicating mounting points (no text or symbols on the device itself)

2-6-5.

T

Bottom Cover before place it back.

Black metal frame with a white rectangular object and a red 3D cube placed on top (no text or symbols visible)

2-6-6.

Place Bottle of other product My screw with highly pad on with 4 pcs of FPH M3 screws by the screw driver.

(Screwdriver torque : 3.0 ±0.5 kgf. cm )

Black metal panel with white connectors and red circular annotations (no readable text or symbols)

2-7.

Place Front Panel back and screw it tightly with 2 pcs of FPH M3 screws by the screw driver. (Screwdriver torque : 3.0 ±0.5 kgf. cm )

Front view of a black electronic device with four ports and two red circular buttons (no visible text or symbols)

FPH M3xL5 Screw

Two black threaded fasteners on a plain white background (no text or symbols visible)

NDE

Front view of a silver industrial electronic device with multiple ports and ventilation grilles (no visible text or labels)

3. Install Key components (Including Mini card module installation)

3-1.

Loosen 2 pcs of front panel screw (FPH M3 screw) by the screw driver and remove it.

Back panel of a black electronic device with three ports and two red circular annotations pointing to the left port (no text or symbols on the device itself)

Unscrew 2 x FPH M3 screw

3-2.

Loosen 4 pcs of Top cover screw (FPH M3 screw) by the screw driver and remove it.

Close-up of a black panel with red annotation arrows pointing to specific edges (no text or symbols present)

Unscrew 4 x M3 screw

3-3.

You will see the kernel of Digital Engine.

3-4 Install WLAN & TV-Tuner Module.

3-4-1. 3-4-2.

Loosen 2 pcs of DIMM heat sink – AL cover screw (FPH M3 screw) by the screw driver and remove it.

Loosen 1 pcs of Top-Back cover screw (FPH M3 screw) by the screw driver and remove it.

Close-up of a mechanical device component with a red circle highlighting a circular feature, no visible text or symbols.

Unscrew

3-4-3. 3-4-4.

Loosen 2 pcs of MCH heat sink – AL cover screw (FPH M3 screw) by the screw driver and remove it.

Loosen 1 pcs of Top-Back Cover screw (FPH M3 screw) by the screw driver and remove it.

3-4-5. 3-4-6.

Remove Top -Back Cover.

Close-up of a gloved hand installing or adjusting electronic components on an open circuit board, with a red upward arrow indicating motion (no text or symbols visible)

Loosen 4 pcs of DIMM & ICH heat sink screw (FPH M3 screw) by the screw driver and remove it.

3-4-7. 3-4-8.

WLAN Mini card module List.

Loosen 1 pcs of Mini Card screw by the screw driver and remove it.

3-4-9. 3-4-10.

Install WLAN Mini card and fix 1 pcs of Mini Card screw by the screw driver.

(Screwdriver torque : 1.0 ±0.1 kgf. cm )

Remove the metal cover of the WLAN antenna hole by the screw driver.

3-4-11.

Insert WLAN Antenna into the hole. Tighten the nut by the screw sleeve. (The diameter of the nut is 8mm).

Close-up of a computer motherboard with a red arrow pointing to a connector (no visible text or symbols)

Close-up of a computer interface showing a gold connector and multiple Ethernet ports (no text or symbols visible)

Screw

3-4-12.

Buckle the mini card with the Antenna wire (CON1) and arrange the wire according to the photo.

Buckle

Internal view of a computer motherboard with visible circuitry and wiring (no readable text or symbols)

Arrange the wire

3-4-13. 3-4-14.

TV-Tuner Mini card module List.

Three electronic components laid out on a plain surface: a small circuit board, a black cable with wires, and a black antenna (no visible text or symbols)

Loosen 1 pcs of Mini Card screw by the screw driver and remove it.

3-4-15. 3-4-16.

Install TV-Tuner Mini card and fix 1 pcs of Mini Card screw by the screw driver. (Screwdriver torque: 1.0 ± 0.1 kgf. cm)

Remove the metal cover of the TV-Tuner antenna hole by the screw driver.

3-4-17. 3-4-18.

Insert TV-Tuner Antenna into the hole. Tighten the nut by the screw sleeve. (The diameter of the nut is 8mm).

Buckle the mini card with the Antenna wire and arrange the wire according the photo.

3-4-19. 3-4-20.

Install ICH heat sink vertically and tighten 2 pcs of screw (FPH M3 screw) by the screw driver.

(Screwdriver torque : 3.0 ±0.5 kgf. cm )

Install Top -Back Cover.

Close-up of a gloved hand installing or adjusting a black electronic device with visible wiring and components (no text or symbols)

3-4-21. 3-4-22.

Tighten 2 pcs of Top -Back Cover screw (FPH M3 screw) by the screw driver. (Screwdriver torque : 3.0 ±0.5 kgf. cm )

Tighten 4 pcs of DIMM & MCH heat sink – AL covers screw (FPH M3 screw) by the screw driver.

(Screwdriver torque : 3.0 ±0.5 kgf. cm )

3-4-23. 3-4-24.

Note that DIMM & MCH heat sink – AL cover have to be installed in the correct position to avoid influence the thermal efficiency.

Note that detach ICH heat sink after DIMM heat sink – AL cover has already to be detached to avoid damage the thermal pad.

3-5-1. 3-5-2.

Insert the memory on the upper socket as this angle.

Press the DIMM as flat on the Motherboard, and you will hear the click voice.

Close-up of an electronic circuit board with copper and infrared components, showing a green circuit board and red annotations (no readable text or symbols)

Make sure it clicks

3-5-3.

Take off the protect Mylar of thermal pad of DIMM heatsink and place it back to ICH heatsink.

Metallic metal bracket with a red and pink patch, no text or symbols visible

3-5-4.

Screw it tightly with 2 pcs of FPH M3 screws by the screw driver

(Screwdriver torque : 3.0 ±0.5 kgf. cm )

Interior view of an electronic device showing internal components like CPU, memory, and circuit board (no visible text or symbols)

Screw

3-6 Install CPU

3-6-1.

Loosen 4 pcs of CPU cooler screw by the screw driver and remove it.

3-6-2.

Unlock the CPU socket screw. Counterclockwise.

Close-up of a green circuit board with a pink CPU socket and soldering tool inserted, no visible text or symbols

3-6-3

Put the CPU into the socket, and check the direction.

Close-up of a green printed circuit board with a central processor and red circular annotation (no readable text or symbols)

3-6-4.

Lock the CPU socket screw clockwise

Close-up of an electronic circuit board with visible components and a red circular arrow indicating a specific component (no text or symbols)

3-6-5.

Place the CPU cooler back and follow up the sequence to screw it tightly

(Screwdriver torque : 3.0 ±0.5 kgf. cm )

Interior view of an electronic device showing internal components and wiring (no readable text or symbols)

3-6-6.

Place the Top Cover back and screw it tightly with 4 pcs of FPH M3 screws by the screw driver.

(Screwdriver torque : 3.0 ±0.5 kgf. cm )

Close-up of a black corrugated metal panel with four red-circled highlights (no text or symbols visible)

3-7 Install HDD

3-7-1

Turn over the system and loosen 4 pcs of Bottom cover screw (FPH M3 screw) by the screw driver and remove it.

Black plastic heat exchanger or cooling unit with red circular annotations highlighting specific components (no text or symbols visible)

3-7-2

Remove Bottom Cover.

HDD Bracket

Interior view of an electronic device showing a circuit board with connectors and wiring, marked by red arrows (no text or symbols visible)

Power & SATA cable

3-7-3.

Connect HDD to SATA and Power cable, then put HDD to HDD bracket

Internal view of a hard disk drive with visible wiring and connectors (no readable text or symbols)

3-7-4.

Tighten HDD with 4pcs of FPH M3 screw (on both flanks)

(Screwdriver torque : 2.5 ±0.1 kgf. cm )

3-7-5.

T

Botwidth4Close of FeRheMoBaseribly.the scre

Black metal frame with a white rectangular object and a red 3D cube placed on top (no text or symbols visible)

3-7-6.

Place BothbendoftherprotecaMlyserovtheighallypad on w

driver.

(Screwdriver torque : 3.0 ±0.5 kgf. cm )

Black plastic heat sink component with red circular annotations highlighting specific areas (no text or symbols present)

3-8.

Place Front Panel back and screw it tightly with 2 pcs of FPH M3 screws by the screw driver. (Sewdriver torque: 3.0 ± 0.5 kgf. cm)

Front view of a black electronic device with four ports and two red circular markers on the left side (no visible text or symbols)

FPH M3xL5 Screw

Two black threaded metal nuts on a plain white background (no text or symbols visible)

NDE

Front view of a silver industrial electronic device with three ports and ventilation grille (no visible text or symbols)

4. Connector & PINs definitions

4-1.
COM1 connector

4-2
Front Panel connector

4-3. 4-4.

USB 2.0 connector Front Audio connector

Appendix 1 Packing List

1 x DEX4500 system
1 x Easy Assembly Guide
1 x Driver CD
1 x 90W Adapter and Power Cord
4 x M3 - L5 screws
2 x Cable clamp
1 x DVI to VGA adapter
☐ 1 x SATA to Compact Flash card bridge
☐ 1 x HDMI to DVI cable
☐ 12 x HEX screw and 1 x HEX key

Appendix 2 Table of Screw and Torque

No.	Screw Photo Position	Q'ty Screw spec.	Torque Screw driver	spec.
1	12 FPH M3- L5	3.0 ± 0.5		kgf-cm

Appendix 3 Watch Dog Timer Configuration

The WDT is used to generate a variety of output signals after a user programmable count. The WDT is suitable for use in the prevention of system lock-up, such as when software becomes trapped in a deadlock. Under these sort of circumstances, the timer will count to zero and the selected outputs will be driven. Under normal circumstance, the user will restart the WDT at regular intervals before the timer counts to zero.

CODE FLOW-CHART

graph TD
    A["Start"] --> B["Initial Watchdog Pin"]
    B --> C["Stop Timer and Clear Status"]
    C --> D["(1) set --> Logical Device: 0x08\nCR: 0 x F 6\nBit: 7~0 = 0x00 Stop timer\nCR 0 x 30\nBit: 0 = 1, activate WDTO\nCR: 0 x F 7\nBit: 4 = 0 Timer counting\nCR: 0 x E 0, 0 x E 1, 0 x E 2\nBit: 6, Bit: 7, Bit: 6\n= 0 GPIO port is programmed as an output port."]
    D --> E["(2) set --> Logical Device: 0x09\nCR: 0 X 30\nBit:3 = 1 activate GPIO5\nCR: 0 x E 0, 0 x E 1, 0 x E 2\nBit: 6, Bit: 7, Bit: 6\n= 0 GPIO port is programmed as an output port."]

graph TD
    A["Set Min/Sec Mode"] --> B["Start Timer"]
    B --> C["End"]
    D["1. Set Mode\n(1)set --> Logical Device: 0x08\nCR: 0xF5\nBit: 3\n= 0 By second\n= 1 By minute"] --> A
    B --> E["1. Set Mode\n(1)set --> Logical Device: 0x08\nCR: 0xF6\nBit: 7~0\n= 0x01 Time- out occur after 1\ndecond/minute\n...\n= 0xFF Time- out occur after 255 second/minute"]

SAMPLE CODE:

This code and information is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose. This program just for MB with Winbond W83267DHG LPC I/O

1. InitWatchdogPin:

outportb(0x2E,0x87);	outportb(0x2E,0x87);	outportb(0x2E,0x87);
outportb(0x2E,0x87);	outportb(0x2E,0x87);	outportb(0x2E,0x87);
outportb(0x2E,0x07);	outportb(0x2E,0x07);	outportb(0x2E,0x07);
outportb(0x2F,0x01);	outportb(0x2F,0x09);	outportb(0x2F,0x09);
outportb(0x2E,0x2D);	outportb(0x2E,0xE0);	outportb(0x2E,0xE2);
outportb(0x2F,byBit);	outportb(0x2F,byBit);	outportb(0x2F,byBit);
outportb(0x2E,0xAA);	outportb(0x2E,0xAA);	outportb(0x2E,0xAA);

outportb(0x2E,0x87);	outportb(0x2E,0x87);
outportb(0x2E,0x87);	outportb(0x2E,0x87);
outportb(0x2E,0x07);	outportb(0x2E,0x07);
outportb(0x2F,0x09);	outportb(0x2F,0x09);
outportb(0x2E,0x30);	outportb(0x2E,0xE1);
outportb(0x2F,byBit);	outportb(0x2F,byBit);
outportb(0x2E,0xAA);	outportb(0x2E,0xAA);

1. Stop Timer

outportb(0x2E,0x87);

outportb(0x2E,0x87);

outportb(0x2E,0x07);

outportb(0x2F,0x08);

outportb(0x2E,0xF6);

outportb(0x2F,byBit);

outportb(0x2E,0xAA);

outportb(0x2E,0x87);

outportb(0x2E,0x87);

outportb(0x2E,0x07);

outportb(0x2F,0x08);

outportb(0x2E,0xF7);

outportb(0x2F,byBit);

outportb(0x2E,0xAA);

outportb(0x2E,0x87);

outportb(0x2E,0x87);

outportb(0x2E,0x07);

outportb(0x2F,0x08);

outportb(0x2E,0x30);

outportb(0x2F,byBit);

outportb(0x2E,0xAA);

3. Set Min/Sec Mode

outportb(0x2E,0x87);

outportb(0x2E,0x87);

outportb(0x2E,0x07);

outportb(0x2F,0x08);

outportb(0x2E,0xF5);

outportb(0x2F,byBit);

outportb(0x2E,0xAA);

4. Start Timer

outportb(0x2E,0x87);

outportb(0x2E,0x87);

outportb(0x2E,0x07);

outportb(0x2F,0x08);

outportb(0x2E,0xF6);

outportb(0x2F,byBit);

outportb(0x2E,0xAA);

Appendix 4 Outline Drawing

P/N : 49.DE201.0010

S/N:088-099-118