1. Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the proper installation, operation, and maintenance of your Protectli Vault V1210-2 Port Micro Appliance/Mini PC. Please read this manual thoroughly before using the device to ensure optimal performance and safety. The Protectli Vault V1210-2 is a compact, fanless mini PC designed for network security applications such as firewalls, routers, and other open-source software solutions.
2. Safety Information
- Ensure the device is placed on a stable, flat surface with adequate ventilation.
- Do not expose the device to water, moisture, or extreme temperatures.
- Use only the power adapter provided with the device.
- Do not attempt to open or repair the device yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.
- Disconnect the power supply before cleaning or moving the device.
3. Package Contents
Verify that all items are present in your package:
- Protectli Vault V1210-2 Micro Appliance
- Power Adapter with regional plugs
- USB Type-C Console Cable
Image: Contents of the Protectli Vault V1210-2 package, including the device, power adapter with various regional plugs, and a USB Type-C console cable.
4. Hardware Overview
4.1 Front Panel
Image: Front view of the Protectli Vault V1210-2, showing the Reset button, Power button, two USB 3.0 ports, and an HDMI port.
- Reset Button: Used to restart the device.
- Power Button: Press to power on/off the device.
- USB 3.0 Ports (x2): For connecting USB devices such as keyboards, mice, or external storage.
- HDMI Port: For connecting a display monitor.
4.2 Rear Panel
Image: Rear view of the Protectli Vault V1210-2, showing the 12V DC power input, two 2.5G Ethernet ports, a USB Type-C console port, and LED indicators.
- 12V DC Power Input: Connect the provided power adapter here.
- 2.5G Ethernet Ports (x2): For network connections. These are Intel I226-V NICs.
- USB Type-C Console Port: For serial console access, typically used for initial setup or debugging.
- LED Indicators:
- Power LED (Green): Indicates power status.
- Storage Activity LED (Red): Indicates eMMC or NVMe storage activity.
4.3 Internal Components
Image: Internal view of the Protectli Vault V1210-2, showing the motherboard with integrated RAM, eMMC storage, and M.2 slot for optional NVMe SSD.
- Intel N5105 Quad Core CPU: Processor for the device.
- 4GB LPDDR4 RAM: On-board system memory.
- 32GB eMMC Storage: On-board flash storage for the operating system.
- M.2 Slot: For optional NVMe SSD expansion (not included in this configuration).
5. Setup Instructions
Follow these steps for initial setup of your Protectli Vault V1210-2:
- Connect Peripherals: Connect a monitor to the HDMI port, a keyboard and mouse to the USB 3.0 ports.
- Network Connection: Connect your internet source (e.g., modem) to one of the 2.5G Ethernet ports. Connect your local network (e.g., switch or computer) to the other 2.5G Ethernet port.
- Power Connection: Connect the provided 12V DC power adapter to the power input port on the rear panel, then plug the adapter into a power outlet.
- Power On: Press the power button on the front panel. The device will power on, and the power LED will illuminate.
- Operating System Installation: The Protectli Vault V1210-2 does not come with a pre-installed operating system. You will need to install your preferred open-source firewall or routing software (e.g., OPNsense, pfSense, VyOS) via a USB installation medium. Refer to the specific software's installation guide for detailed steps.
- Initial Configuration: After OS installation, follow the software's instructions for initial network configuration. You may need to use the USB Type-C console port for advanced setup or debugging if direct display output is not sufficient.
6. Operating Instructions
Once your operating system is installed and configured, the Protectli Vault V1210-2 operates as a dedicated network appliance. Its fanless design ensures silent operation, making it suitable for various environments.
- Normal Operation: The device is designed for continuous operation. Ensure it has adequate airflow around its heatsink chassis.
- Power Cycling: To safely power off the device, use the shutdown procedure within your installed operating system. If the system is unresponsive, press and hold the power button for 5-10 seconds to force a shutdown.
- BIOS Access: To access the AMI BIOS settings, press the DEL key repeatedly during startup.
Image: Diagram illustrating various applications for the Protectli Vault, including VPN Router, Firewall, Hypervisor, Backup WAN, Industrial IoT, Home Automation, Remote Office, and Managed IT Providers.
7. Maintenance
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the device. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosols. Ensure the heatsink fins are free from dust buildup to maintain optimal cooling.
- Software Updates: Regularly update your installed operating system and software to ensure security and performance. Refer to your software's documentation for update procedures.
- Firmware Updates: Periodically check the Protectli website for BIOS/firmware updates for your V1210-2 model. Follow the provided instructions carefully when performing firmware updates.
8. Troubleshooting
Common Issues and Solutions:
- Device does not power on:
- Ensure the power adapter is securely connected to both the device and a working power outlet.
- Verify the power outlet is functional.
- Try a different power adapter if available (ensure it matches voltage and amperage specifications).
- No display output:
- Check the HDMI cable connection to both the device and the monitor.
- Ensure the monitor is powered on and set to the correct input source.
- Try connecting to the device via the USB Type-C console port for serial console access to diagnose display issues.
- Network connectivity issues:
- Verify Ethernet cables are securely connected to the 2.5G NIC ports.
- Check the link/activity LEDs on the Ethernet ports.
- Ensure your operating system's network configuration is correct.
- Restart your modem/router and the Protectli Vault.
- Operating system not booting:
- Ensure the boot order in the BIOS is correctly configured for your installed OS or installation medium.
- If installing from USB, ensure the USB drive is bootable and properly formatted.
- Re-attempt OS installation if necessary.
For further assistance, please refer to the Protectli Store or contact customer support.
9. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | Protectli Vault V1210-2 |
| Processor | Intel N5105 Quad Core CPU (2.0 GHz, Turbo 2.9 GHz) |
| RAM | 4GB LPDDR4 (on-board) |
| Storage | 32GB eMMC (on-board) |
| Network Interfaces | 2x Intel I226-V 2.5G NICs |
| USB Ports | 4x USB 3.0 Type-A |
| Console Port | 1x USB Type-C Console |
| Video Output | 1x HDMI (Max Resolution: 3840 x 2160) |
| BIOS | AMI BIOS |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 4.5 x 4.5 x 2 inches (115 x 115 x 50 mm) |
| Weight | 1.81 pounds (0.82 kg) |
| Operating System | No OS pre-installed (Compatible with Linux-based firewall/router OS) |
Image: Front view of the Protectli Vault V1210-2 with dimensions indicated: 4 1/2 inches (115mm) width and 2 inches (50mm) height.
10. Warranty Information
Protectli offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for the Vault V1210-2. For detailed warranty terms and conditions, please refer to the official Protectli website or contact their customer support.
Extended protection plans may be available for purchase separately:
- 2-Year Protection Plan
- 3-Year Protection Plan
11. Support
For technical assistance, troubleshooting, or general inquiries, please contact Protectli's US-based support team. They are available to help resolve any issues you may encounter.
- Visit the official Protectli Store on Amazon for product information and resources.
- Explore the Protectli Knowledge Base for extensive documentation and articles.
Image: Features of Protectli products, highlighting open-source readiness, coreboot support, 4G LTE failover, and US-based support.