This guide provides step-by-step instructions for installing and configuring PADS4 Viewer on the SharpNEC Compute Module 4.

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Before You Start

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Supported SharpNEC Devices

The following SharpNEC Compute Module 4 device is supported:
  • SharpNEC Compute Module 4 (CM4)
Ensure your PADS4 Server is installed and configured before proceeding.

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Minimum Requirements

PADS4 Server Version: 2023.2 or later
Firmware Version: 1.1.00 or later Ensure your device firmware meets the minimum requirements before proceeding with installation.

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First-Time Setup

Before installing PADS4, you need to update the device firmware and OS image.

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Updating Display Firmware

1

Step One

Download the NEC Firmware Update Tool from the NEC website.
2

Step Two

Install the firmware update tool on your PC.
3

Step Three

Download the latest firmware version (1.1.00 or later) for your NEC display.
4

Step Four

Follow the on-screen instructions to update the firmware.

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Installing PADS4 OS Image

The device boots from a customized PADS4 OS image based on the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4.
1

Step One

Download the PADS4 OS Image from PADS4 App Center.
2

Step Two

Install Raspberry Pi Imager and rpiboot on your PC.
3

Step Three

Power off the display.
4

Step Four

Move the boot mode switch on the Raspberry Pi interface board downwards.
5

Step Five

Connect a Micro-USB cable from the display to the PC.
6

Step Six

Power on the display.
7

Step Seven

Run rpiboot and wait for the system to mount a new filesystem.
8

Step Eight

Open Raspberry Pi Imager and select Use Custom from the Operating System menu.
9

Step Nine

Select the PADS4 OS image you downloaded earlier.
10

Step Ten

Choose the mounted drive as the target device to flash the PADS4 image.
11

Step Eleven

Once the installation is complete, remove the Micro-USB cable and move the boot mode switch upwards.
12

Step Twelve

Power cycle the display to restart the PADS4 Viewer Installer.
⚠️ Do not overwrite the default username when flashing the OS. Change the password if needed.

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Installing PADS4 Viewer

The SharpNEC Compute Module 4 is preconfigured to run the PADS4 Installer if the PADS4 Viewer is not already installed. To install PADS4 Viewer:
1

Step One

Enter your PADS4 Server URL.
2

Step Two

(Optional) Enter a Viewer Name.
3

Step Three

Follow the installation steps to download and install PADS4 Viewer.
4

Step Four

The Viewer will start and automatically connect to the PADS4 Server.

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Adjusting PADS4 Viewer Settings

To access the PADS4 Viewer settings screen:
  • Connect a keyboard to the device.
  • Right-click using a mouse.
You can adjust settings such as:
Screen orientation
Server URL configuration
Network settings

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Updating & Reinstalling PADS4 Viewer

PADS4 Viewer updates automatically when you update the PADS4 Server.

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Reinstalling PADS4 Viewer

Use the built-in PADS4 Installer if:
You need to connect to a different server or domain.
You want to reset the Viewer settings. To reinstall the PADS4 Viewer:
1

Step One

Open the Viewer settings menu.
2

Step Two

Click Launcher Settings at the bottom-left corner.
3

Step Three

Start the Viewer Installer and follow the steps.

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Remote Device Connectivity

You can manage the device remotely without connecting a keyboard or mouse.

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1. VNC Viewer

How to connect:
  1. Download and install VNC Viewer on your PC.
  2. Enter the IP address of the Compute Module 4.

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2. Cockpit Server Monitoring (For Advanced Users)

Cockpit is a web-based interface for monitoring the device.
Access via browser: 
https://<hostnameofpi>:9090

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3. SSH (For Advanced Users)

You can connect to the device via SSH for command-line access.

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Supported Features & Limitations

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General Features

FeatureDescription
✅Automatic Software Updates – The Viewer updates automatically when the PADS4 Server is updated.
✅Offline Mode – Plays scheduled content for 7 days while offline.

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Device Features

FeatureDescription
✅Portrait Mode – Device automatically adjusts rotation.
✅Cluster Viewer – Can be used in a cluster setup.
✅Block Remote Control – Prevent unauthorized screen control.
✅Turn Off Display – When no presentation is scheduled.

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Video & Content Support

FeatureDescription
✅2 Videos Per Page – Supports seamless playback.
✅Video Rotation, Reflection, Skew, Flip – Supported.
✅HTTP Streaming – Supported.
❌Flash Element Support – Not supported.

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Device Management

FeatureDescription
✅Remote Management via PADS4 CTRL Center
✅Connection State Monitoring & Alerts
✅Reboot Support – Supported.
✅Remote Screenshot Capture
❌Shutdown Support – Not supported.

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General Limitations

FeatureDescription
❌Local File Playback – Only supports files from PADS4 Content Library.
❌Local Proof of Play Storage – Limited to 50,000 records.
❌PowerBI Support – Not supported.

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Final Steps

Your PADS4 Viewer is now installed and ready to use! 🎉 Check the PADS4 Server for status updates.
Adjust settings via the Viewer menu.
Use remote access (VNC, Cockpit, SSH) for advanced management.