Advoli TA6 User manual

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ADVOLI TA6 GRAPHICS CARD
INSTALLATION GUIDE
HDBaseT Certified Product
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Modular
HDBaseTTM Certified Modular Graphics Card capable of using both
Type A and Type B MXMs following the MXM spec 3.0 / 3.1
WORLD’S FIRST*
Graphics Card with Emulated CEC, RS232 and IR giving you the IOT
power over your displays/projectors for remote access and control
Pass through IR via two 4-pin 3.5 mm phone jacks for IR in and IR out
sending the IR signal up to a distance of 150 m per hop
Emulated Controls
Pass Through IR
Diagnostics
Built in cable diagnostics: cable distance, signal integrity for each
twisted pair on the CAT cable and environmental diagnostics
6 x 4K over a distance of 100 meters
Using the power of HDBaseTTM one advoliTM TA6 graphics card can
send six different 4K videos at a distance of 100 meters per hop
* Most likely, we haven’t seen anything similar.
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A MODULAR VIDEO CARD !
FOR LONG DISTANCES
The advoliTM TA6 is designed for audiovisual installations requiring long distances between server and
displays/projectors for the following market segments:
During the design process we wanted to ensure we designed something completely different to the existing
market. Rather than competing in the vertical segment of processor speeds, we saw a large missing
horizontal segment of functionality of graphics cards for audiovisual installations. We set out to develop a
new type of graphics card with the following benefits:
KEY MARKETS
Education
Corporate Enterprise
Hospitality & Retail
Healthcare
Cultural & Event Centers
Large Home Installations
Broadcast
Government
House of Worship
Aerospace & Defense
KEY BENEFITS
Modular
Compatible with both Type A and Type B MXM 3.0/3.1 allow for
higher customisability for audiovisual installations based on
processor capacity and brand. For approved MXM modules
please visit our website: advoli.com
6 independent channels
A single advoliTM TA6 graphics card to drive up to 6 display
walls, each playing unique 4K resolution video at a distance of
100 meters each. Pair our graphics card with extenders and
each channel can run up to 8 display walls at 100 metres per
hop in clone mode.
Half-length and dual width
Use the advoliTM TA6 graphics card in PCIe x16 slots in ITX
form factor motherboards for miniaturised installations all the
way up to server sized motherboards.
Emulated Controls
Emulate any IR, CEC and RS232 signal. Allow for remote
access and control of displays and projectors removing the
need for physical remote controls, which is especially useful for
digital signage installations.
Pass Through IR
Where physical IR remote controls are a necessity the advoliTM
TA6 graphics card can pass through the IR signal from the
receiver side or the transmitter side.
Diagnostics
Packed with real-time diagnostic features from temperature,
signal strength to cable tampering, remote monitoring of server
and displays/projectors is possible. Ensure your audiovisual
installation is performing optimal from an environmental, safety
and security perspective. Paired with a cloud system, remote
management and notifications are made possible.
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Cooling Redundancy
We use a pure copper heatsink that has a better thermal
performance than most other competing designs. Two dual ball
bearing fans running at 70% speed. Should one break the other
will increase its speed to 100% to compensate. By using dual
ball bearing fans the life cycle increases. The combined result is
a much lower operating temperature and a much longer life
cycle.
No Electricians
Virtually anyone can pull, place and terminate a CAT cable.
Since we removed the need for dongles and power adapters,
we have reduced the need of having an electrician come and
install additional power outlets.
Device Reduction
If you use a HDBaseTTM certified transmitter and receiver with
power adapters for six channels you have up to 54 points of
failure between your media player and display. With our
HDBaseTTM certified advoliTM TA6 graphics card combined with
HDBaseTTM certified displays/projectors we can reduce this
down to 6 points of failure. A lot less electronic waste, less
points of failure, and potentially a lot less cost.
Plug and Play
No custom advoliTM drivers needed. Ensure you have the driver
for the MXM, a free dual width PCIe x16 slot and a 6-pin 12V,
free supplementary power cable and you are ready to go. All of
our 'software' is built in as firmware.
Screen Order Preservation
We have built in screen order preservation in the firmware.
Once you setup your displays, you can lock the EDID. By
locking the EDID you can unplug and replug any new display at
any other resolution, and your previous locked EDID and
resolution will continue to function unchanged. This prevents
the operating system from destroying your screen order setup
and is valuable for quick display swap during critical operations.
Enormous Resolution
Each channel is capable of independent 4K resolution, however
all six 4K channels can be combined into one enormous
resolution display e.g. 12K by 4K.
CAT CABLE BENEFITS
Easily Terminated at Installation
Most other competing audiovisual cables do not allow for
termination of cable on site and need to be preordered at
certain lengths. In addition, competing cables are limited in
functionality. CAT cables do not have this limitation.
Cheaper & Abundant
CAT cables are regularly used in networking and have been the
standard for decades. Therefore, CAT cables are much cheaper
and easier to source than other audiovisual standards.
Long Distances
Most other competing audiovisual cables are limited in length of
3-15 meters for high definition content. With shielded twisted
pair CAT cables we can go up to 150 meters per hop for HD
content and still pack in all the additional wonderful features.
Fire-resistant & Shielded
It is important to be compliant with regulations and when a
necessity, CAT cables are usually much easier and cheaper to
find in fire-resistant and shielded material.
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INSTALLATION GUIDE
INTRODUCTION
6 - 8
About This Guide
7
System Requirements
8
UNPACKING
9
Equipment List
9
HARDWARE INSTALLATIONS
10 - 13
Safety Instructions
10
Before You Begin
10
Installing the advoliTM TA6 Graphics Card
10 - 13
DRIVER INSTALLATIONS
14
CONFIGURING AUDIO
15
Enabling Audio over CAT
15
CONSOLE USER GUIDE
16-20
Configuring Console
17-20
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
21
LEGAL
22
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TA6 GRAPHICS CARD
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INTRODUCTION
Thank you for supporting in our quest to innovate. We are extremely proud of our first product the advoliTM
TA6 graphics card, the world first modular HDBaseTTM certified graphics card delivering unparalleled
functionality compared to other video cards.
The advoliTM TA6 was designed with optimal flexibility and functionality. It is specifically designed to allow for
a simpler and smarter way to do display walls, menu boards and similar audiovisual configurations over long
distances.
Most regular graphics card have limitations in that only audio and video signals are transmitted and the
signals can only be transmitter over short distances with no ability to terminate cables during installation.
advoliTM TA6 graphics card uses CAT 5e/6/7/+ cables to allow for greater cable functionality and flexibility.
CAT cables can easily be terminated at installation, are cheaper to procure and allow for greater functionality,
such as power over cable, control signals and diagnostics in addition to audio and video. Our technology
combined with HDBaseTTM technology allow transmission of signals over a distance of 100 meters at UHD
resolution (4K), and 150 meters at FHD resolution (1080P) over a single hop. With the addition of extenders
the signal can be transmitted up to 8 hops, the equivalent distance of 800 meters at UHD resolution or 1200
meters at FHD.
The advoliTM TA6 graphics card is designed to utilise most six channel MXM module that follow the MXM 3.1
specification, allowing for higher flexibility with scaling up or down the GPU based on need. The design is
also optimised for the future and can be easily upgraded with new MXM modules, including Type A and Type
B. For an updated list of approved MXM modules please visit our website: www.advoli.com
The fan sink is built to optimise cooling in tougher climates, dual fan cooling for redundancy and greater heat
dispersion with pure copper heat sink protected by a metal casing.
We expect that our advoliTM TA6 will find a good home with you!
With kind regards,
The advoliTM team
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ABOUT THIS GUIDE
This is installation and setup guide for the successful operation of the advoliTM TA6 graphics card.
+Please make sure that you register your product by scanning the QR code attached to the advoliTM TA6
graphics card. The QR code will lead you directly to our website to fill out the registration form. By
registering your product you will receive faster support services.
Warning:
Read all the instructions in this document and heed all warnings before installing product. Keep this
document and its instructions and warnings for future reference. Attach product securely with screws and
fasteners to ensure continuous bonding between product and chassis. Product should only be used with
other products that have passed similar or higher regulatory approval."
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SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
UHD Resolution
To operate advoliTM TA6 HDBaseTTM certified graphics card with UHD resolution x 6 displays showing 6
independent videos you will need at a minimum, a system with the following specifications:
+Operating System:#
Microsoft Windows 8®, 64-bit#
Microsoft Windows 10®, 64-bit
+Motherboard:#
PCI Express 3.1 compliant motherboard with a dual-width x16 graphics slot and that is compatible with the
below components.
+System Memory:#
2 x 8 GB system memory.
+Central Processing Unit:#
Intel® i7-6700K
+MXM Module:#
AMD® E9550
+USB or Internet Connection:#
For installation of MXM drivers
+Hard Drive:#
Enough free space to run OS and to store content, with additional 20% free space or 1GB whichever is
greater. Please note that 4K videos are large in file size and therefore require large storage space. We
recommend SSD hard drive with fast read speed, 6 Gb/s, read 560 MB/s, write 520 MB/s
+System Power Supply:#
Minimum 500 W with one unused 6-pin 12V PCI Express power connector per TA6 graphics card.
+Software:#
VLC player or equivalent video player that is low in processor consumption
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UNPACKING
EQUIPMENT LIST
+USB Cable
+advoliTM TA6 graphics card, with MXM module and Fan Sink + Casing
+Quick Start Guide #
Quick guide on installing advoliTM TA6 graphics card#
Link to advoliTM website for drivers.#
Link to advoliTM website for troubleshooting. #
Link to advoliTM website for detailed manual.
Note: If any of the above items are missing from the box or damaged, please contact your point of purchase.
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HARDWARE INSTALLATION
UHD Resolution
Installing the advoliTM TA6 graphics card is simple, however it is important that you follow all the safety
instructions outlined in this document to ensure that you, your computer or the graphics card are not
damaged. Improper use of electronic products may cause serious personal damage.
The hardware needs to be properly installed before driver installation.
Safety Instructions
+Ensure that your computer system and all of its components are completely disconnected from any power
source before you proceed to install the advoliTM TA6 graphics card
+As with majority of electronic products that have exposed circuitry and that are not labeled as water proof -
do not use the advoliTM TA6 graphics card near water or with wet hands/body.
+Ensure that the graphic card is not placed on surfaces or in an environment that inhibits air flow or blocks
ventilation slots and fans. It is important that the graphic card has proper air flow to reduce temperature of
GPU and other components and prevent over heating.
+Avoid placing the graphics card or its computer near any form of significant heat, dust or humidity as it will
destroy the advoliTM TA6 graphics card.
+Keep product on a safe, stable and secure surface before installing inside computer. Damage to this
product will void warranty and will most likely result in it failing.
+No item should rest on the graphics card or any of its components, such as power cord, fans or other
cables. Ensure that non of the peripherals for your computer or computer itself is placed in such a way that
the computer is damaged. A damaged computer will most likely damage its internal components such as
the advoliTM TA6 graphics card.
+Ensure that you discharge any static electricity by touching a grounded surface before installing or touching
the graphics card. Static electricity can damage components on the graphics card.
+Ensure that you do not put pressure on or lift the advoliTM TA6 graphics card by the fans. Do not touch the
fans when they are operating.
Before you Begin
Ensure that your motherboard has a PCI Express 3.1 x 16 graphics card slot (dual width) and that it is not
already in use.
There are many different types of motherboards and therefore this guide will not be sufficient coverage on
how to install the advoliTM TA6 graphics card for all types of computer systems. If the explanations that follow
do not match with your computer system, please consult the documentation that came with your computer
system before proceeding to install.
Installation Steps
1. Please re-read the safety instructions in this document and follow all of its advice before proceeding to
install the graphics card. Make sure you remove any static electricity on your body before touching any
electronic component.#
2. Turn off and unplug the power cord to your computer and all of its peripherals (monitor, speakers etc…)
that may transfer electricity to the computer, you and graphics card.#
3. Open the computer casing/panel so that you have direct access to the motherboard. If your computer
has been operating immediately before you opened the panel, wait with touching any component inside
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your computer until the system is cooled down properly. When the computer is
properly cooled down, remove any existing graphics cards if there are any.
4. Remove one expansion slot cover if there are no graphics card already installed.
#
5. Carefully insert the advoliTM TA6 graphics card in the primary PCI express x16 slot. If you have multiple
PCI express x16 expansion slots ensure you are using the primary. Please consult the documentation for
your motherboard to ensure you have selected the right slot. If you do not use the primary slot, the
graphics card may not be recognised. You may also select the correct PCI express x16 slot via bios.#
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#
6. Ensure that the advoliTM TA6 graphics card is firmly secured in the PCI express x16 slot and that the
bracket of the graphics card is firmly screwed to the computer chassis. #
7. Connect one 6-pin PCI Express auxiliary power connector to the top right edge of the advoliTM TA6
graphics card where there is a power connector. If the connector does not fit, please do not force the
connector, but ensure that you are properly matching the connector with the socket on the graphics card.#
8. Connect one 9-pin cable that comes with the advoliTM TA6 graphics card to the to the top right edge of
the advoliTM TA6 graphics card where you see the 9-pin connector. If the connector does not fit, please
do not force the connector, but ensure that you are properly matching the connector with the socket on
the graphics card.
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9. You may choose to connect an IR source to the advoliTM TA6 graphics card in the
‘IR in’ socket, or an IR emitter to the ‘IR out’ if you plan on using the IR control
capabilities of the graphics card.
10. Close the computer casing/panel once you have completed the installation of the advoliTM TA6 graphics
card.
11. It is advised to use an already existing HDMI/VGA socket on the motherboard with a paired monitor to
setup the driver for the graphics cards. If you do not setup the driver before using the RJ45 sockets the
graphics card may not work. Please ensure you install the driver before proceeding to step 12 below.
12. You will need to have CAT 6/7/+ cables in at least one of the six RJ45 sockets with a HDBaseTTM
certified display or HDBaseTTM certified receiver in order to use the HDBaseTTM certified advoliTM TA6
graphics card. You may use all six RJ45 sockets paired with their own display respectively. It is advised
to use HDBaseTTM certified receivers to ensure compatibility.
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IR Out!
IR In
HDBaseTTM Output!
Each RJ45 port can deliver 4K
resolution video, audio, controls
(RS232, IR, CEC), 3Dsync and receive
diagnostics.
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DRIVER INSTALLATION
After the hardware installation, it is important to follow the process to install the correct drivers. advoliTM TA6
graphics card is designed to work with a multitude of MXM modules from different manufacturers, this
includes Type A and Type B MXM modules. Therefore it is important to understand that the below process is
the driver installation instruction for AMD E9550 MXM module and that other modules may need other
drivers. Please visit our website www.advoli.com for instructions on how to install drivers for other modules.
1. Go to: www.advoli.com/drivers to download driver for your operating system#
2. Ensure that any other existing graphics card drivers are uninstalled before proceeding with installing the
driver at the above URL.#
3. Double-click the downloaded file and select installation destination folder.#
4. Choose default selection for drivers (recommended) and click install#
5. The drivers will be installed, please note that displays may flicker multiple times, and if you have multiple
displays they may switch off for a while. Be patient and let the installation process finish.#
6. After the installation is complete, click ‘restart now’. Restarting the computer is a must in order for the
installation to complete and for you to be able to use the advoliTM TA6 graphics card.
Please note: The current driver is compatible with the AMD E9550 MXM module and the advoliTM TA6
graphics card. If you choose to use a newer or alternative driver installation executable file, then the advoliTM
TA6 graphics card may not work properly"
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CONFIGURING AUDIO
To ensure you do not experience audio issues, it is important that you have the correct audio settings to
allow audio over LAN.
Enabling Audio over LAN
When you have connected your displays with CAT cables to the HDBaseTTM certified advoliTM TA6 graphics
card in one end and a HDBaseTTM certified display or HDBaseTTM certified receiver in the other - you may
need to verify that your audio output is enabled.
For Windows 8 and 10#
1. Right click Start OR Press Windows key + X#
2. In the menu that opens, click Control Panel#
3. New window will open, in the top right select view by (large icons) #
4. Find the icon that says sound, and click it#
5. New sound window should open, select the playback tab in the new sound window#
6. In the playback tab, select the display you want to be the default, after selecting the display to be the
default audio display, select set default and click apply.
You have now selected the display that will be the default audio channel and your advoliTM TA6 graphics card
is ready to be used.
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CONSOLE USER GUIDE
1. Ensure that you have followed the complete hardware installation process in the previous section of this
document. #
2. Verify that the 9-pin cable is plugged into the advoliTM TA6 graphics card and the motherboard. If not,
please go back to the hardware installation process, followed by driver installation and audio
configuration. #
3. Once your advoliTM TA6 graphics card has been properly installed and is functioning, Windows Device
Manager will present six COM ports. An example of this is shown in the picture below as COM3-COM9.
There will be one COM port for each of the six channels of the advoliTM TA6 graphics card.#
#
 #
The above image is a screenshot from Windows 8 for illustration and educational purposes only. Please note that the Device
Manager or equivalent name on other operating systems and versions of Windows may display the COM ports differently. Versions
before Windows 8 may work, but are not supported.#
#
These serial ports will be accessible through your HDBaseTTM certified receiver through the serial port.
Note that one COM port is the Console port, used with a terminal tool to configure the various functions
of the advoliTM TA6 graphics card. The advoliTM TA6 graphics card uses a Universal Serial COM port that
also works under Linux and Mac OS.
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CONFIGURING THE
CONSOLE
1. Ensure you have a terminal program installed. An example of an open source terminal program is
TeraTerm. Other terminal programs may be used to configure the advoliTM TA6 graphics card console.#
2. The advoliTM TA6 graphics card uses a Universal Serial COM port that also works under most other
operating systems. The port is virtual, so any port setting and speed is supported.#
3. Open the console with the terminal program and a welcome message will show as seen in the below
picture:#
#
 #
4. Type ‘help’ or ‘h’ to display the help-menu as shown in the below picture:#
#
 #
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5. WARNING: Be aware many of the commands in the advoliTM TA6 graphics card
console is intended for factory testing and diagnostics, and should not generally be used#
by end users as it may render your product non-functioning. This document describes the#
most used and useful commands for the advoliTM TA6 graphics card that are safe to use by the general
public. Any other command not explicitly listed in this document under the heading ‘safe commands’, but
may be shown in the images in this document or are available through the console at time of use, should
not be used.
Safe Commands:!
+Information: Type ’Info’ or ‘i’#
#
This command shows the status and current configuration of the advoliTM TA6 graphics card.#
#
+Signal Quality: Type ‘val’ or ‘v’#
#
This command is useful to show the connectivity and signal quality for each of the 6 channels. It will show
the cable length and bit error rate for each channel, and can be used to find mistakes in CAT cabling. Note
that each CAT cable has 4 pairs; P0, P1, P2, and P3. In addition to the above, this command shows the
signal integrity for each of the 4 pairs in the cable. This tool can be used to troubleshoot and identify issues
when channels are unable to connect or when connections are intermittent.#
#
+EDID Configuration: Type ‘edid’ or ‘e’#
#
This command allows for customisation and ability to lock EDID configurations after the desired
combination of displays/projectors have been installed. Changes in order/configuration of displays/
projectors in the operating system happens when cables are disconnected or when new displays/projectors
are added. Locking the EDID configuration will prevent changes of EDID information and thereby prevent
display order/configuration changes in the operating system. This feature is valuable for servicing, when
replacing displays/projectors/cables or when cables are for whatever reason pulled out from displays/
projectors.#
#
Each channel of the advoliTM TA6 graphics card can have its own custom configuration, although the most
common configuration is to configure each channel with the same type of display/projector.#
#
Auto Detect EDID vs Locked EDID:!
!
Note in the image below that the type for each channel is “Type: a (auto)”#
#
 #
Brand names and models are for illustration and educational purposes only#
#
For the Auto Channel configuration removing monitors will not cause any event on the operating system,
and the advoliTM TA6 graphics card will continue to present a removed monitor as if it is still connected.
This is useful to avoid any accidentally disconnected, broken, or missing displays/projectors from causing
the desktop of the operating system to be rearranged. However, in auto-mode, if a new display/projector is
connected, the operating system will notice the change and the desktop will be updated to match the new
configuration.#
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#
Note that in Auto-mode the desktop may rearrange if a different display/projector of the same model and
brand is attached, because each display/projector has a unique serial number as part of its EDID.#
#
#
Locked EDID for all channels: Type “edid use f”#
#
Once the desired configuration and operating system desktop display/projector configuration has been
reached, you may choose to lock the monitor EDID configuration. This will prevent any changes to the
monitors from being detected by the OS. Note that the advoliTM TA6 graphic card stores this information in
its local on-board flash memory and will remember this configuration on every power up.#
#
Notice in the picture below that the console displays a message after locking or “fixing” the channels. #
#
 #
#
There is no restart of EDID or monitor detection required after this command, and from now on the desktop
configuration in the OS will not change as a result of new or old monitors being connected or disconnected
to the advoliTM TA6 graphics card.#
#
#
Auto Detect EDID for all channels: Type “edid use a”!
!
If the operating system needs to discover new monitor types or its desirable for the advoliTM TA6 graphics
card to detect new types of displays/projectors revert the EDID back to auto-mode by typing the following
command: “edid use a”.#
#
Individual channel EDID configuration: Type “edid use” followed by channel setting#
#
When a single letter ‘a’ or ‘f’ is used, it configures all 6 channels to that specific setting. #
#
If a separate channel configuration is desired for each of the 6 channels, use the following command
syntax: “edid use a a a f f f”. Notice that there are exactly 6 letters with a space between them. The
example above will put the first 3 channels A, B and C into auto-mode, and lock/“Fix” the last 3 channels D,
E and F.#
#
Turning OFF Channels: Type “edid use o”#
#
Any of the 6 channels may be turned “off”, in which case it prevents that channel from being noticed by the
operating system completely. The syntax for this is using the letter ‘o’ for “off”. Example: “edid use a a a a a
o” which puts all channels in Auto-mode except the last channel ‘F’.#
#
Emulated EDID from List: Type “edid L”#
#
To see a list of typical EDIDs type “edid L”. Notice the numbers to the left of the resolution/display in the
list. You may use this number by replacing the ‘a’, ‘f’, or ‘o’, in the previous commands e.g. “edid use 2”, in
which the EDID from item number 2 in the list will be emulated and it will be detected and used by the
operating system. #
#
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 #
Brand names and models are for illustration and educational purposes only#
#
Note: After any change of fixed or auto EDID configuration, it may take the operating system and video
card drivers some time to adjust to the new monitor configuration. In some cases, especially in operating
systems that have been used with many different monitor configurations and desktops, it may take the
operating system several minutes to fully reconfigure to the new configuration. Please be patient.#
#
+Activity Log: Type “d”#
#
The advoliTM TA6 graphics card creates a fresh log-file on boot. Any event that happens gets logged in this
file. To display this file type “dump” or ‘d’. For any support issues or diagnostics capture, please provide the
result of this file and send it to the advoliTM support team.
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