Debian-on-QNAP-TS-451DeU

The QNAP TS-451DeU NAS server is only capable for operating in a headless mode. All configuration and maintenance is performed throught the web interface. The server has a graphics processor but does not have a port. To install an alternate OS on the hardware some additional steps are required. The following details the procedure for installation of the Debian operating system on this hardware.

Hardware

1. QNAP TS-451DeU or similar QNAP hardware
2. USB Serial interface¹
3. JST PH 4-pin female connector²
4. USB drive

Procedure

Backup the QNAP

1. Open an SSH connection to the QNAP. You may need to enable SSH in the QNAP Control Panel.
2. Backup the firmware.³

   cat /dev/mmcblk0boot0 > mmcblk0boot0
   cat /dev/mmcblk0boot1 > mmcblk0boot1
   cat /dev/mmcblk0rpmb > mmcblk0rpmb

   Store these files for recovery.

Create Ubuntu installer on USB drive

1. Download Ubuntu iso
2. Copy to USB drive

   sudo dd if=mini.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=1M status=progress
   sync

Create Debian installer on USB drive

1. Install simple-cdd package

   apt install simple-cdd

2. Build installer iso⁴

   mkdir tmp-cdd
   cd tmp-cdd
   build-simple-cdd --dist stable --serial-console --locale en_US

3. Copy iso to USB⁵

   cp .images/debian*.iso /dev/sdX
   sync

Connect Serial Interface

1. Power down the QNAP
2. Connect serial interface to the QNAP
   1. Remove the top cover of the QNAP.
   2. The serial interface header (COM1) is located at the back near the power supply and in front of the middle fan. Connect the JST PH 4-pin female cable to the header. Use the following pin-out. Do not connect the 5V power wire from the USB cable since the QNAP is already powered.
3. Open a serial console

   sudo screen /dev/ttyUSB0 115200

Install OS

1. Plug in the USB drive to the QNAP
2. Power on the QNAP
3. After system beep press ESC or DEL to enter the BIOS setup
4. Under the Save & Exit menu select the USB drive under the Boot Override section to boot the USB drive
5. Installer will start. Note: To change tabs in the Debian installer, for example, to see the log, press CTRL+a, a, tab number
6. Edit Grub install entry with console=tty0 console=ttyS0,115200n8. The linux line should look something like this

   linux /linux --- console=tty0 console=ttyS0,115200n8
   

7. Ubuntu should eventurally give you the option to use SSH to continue the install. This gives a better experience.

References

• https://www.reddit.com/r/qnap/comments/ttm5db/gaining_access_to_the_ts451deu/
• https://www.cyrius.com/debian/kirkwood/qnap/ts-219/install/
• https://www.desgehtfei.net/serielle-konsole-fuer-qnap-mit-arduino/
• https://wiki.qnap.com/wiki/System_Recovery_Mode
• https://wiki.qnap.com/wiki/Debian_Installation_On_QNAP
• https://www.reddit.com/r/qnap/comments/s1p1g8/truenas_core_on_the_qnap_ts451deu
• https://www.reddit.com/r/qnap/comments/fwg2in/replace_qts_with_linux_server_distro_on_451/
• https://teklager.se/en/knowledge-base/installing-debian-over-serial-console-apu-board/
• https://sites.google.com/view/chewkeanho/guides/linux-os/simple-cdd/
• https://salsa.debian.org/debian/simple-cdd
• https://debian-handbook.info/browse/squeeze/sect.automated-installation.html

Footnotes

1. https://www.adafruit.com/product/954 ↩

2. https://www.adafruit.com/product/3955 ↩

3. https://wiki.qnap.com/wiki/Debian_Installation_On_QNAP#Backup_your_data_/_partitions_on_flash_memory ↩

4. https://wiki.debian.org/Simple-CDD/Howto ↩

5. https://www.debian.org/releases/stable/amd64/ch04s03.en.html ↩