Quick Installation Guide – MAWi USB - Utilizing USB to HDMI converters for affordable Video Walls

Quick Installation Guide – MAWi USB - Utilizing USB to HDMI converters for affordable Video Walls


Quick Installation Guide

 MAWi USB

Introduction 


MAWi USB combines an easy-to-use application with commercial-grade USB to HDMI adaptors.

 


MAWi USB is a tool for managing screen displays. Here's a simple breakdown:

1. Display unique content on individual screens.
2. Link several screens to show identical content.
3. Design large video walls, either in standard rows and columns or in your own unique and creative layout.

To set it up:

1. To download the MAWi installer click here

2. Install MAWi Server and MAWi Agent on the same PC that is connected to the USB to HDMI adapters.
3. Need to check if your computer can run it?
Click here to see the  System Requirements


What to select when you begin installing MAWi:





- Choose "Install MAWi Agent and MAWi Server" for installing both components on the same PC.
 

MAWi Agent – Installation Guide


- The agent communicates with the USB to HDMI adapters through the OSBASE drivers.
- To have these drivers automatically set up, choose: 'Install additional drivers for MAWi Zero'.

Please remember to tick this box! 
Doing this is crucial for the USB to HDMI adapters to function correctly.
   



If you missed checking the box during installation, you can find the OSBASE drivers here.


Use HTTPs Connection 
If you select to use this option, please read the information in this guide.

Additional components
By default, the MAWi Agent will be installed with the additional components:
 – VLC Media Player v3
– PowerPoint Viewer


Location name
You can name the agent according to its actual physical location or leave it blank and it will be name 'Untitled'.

 



You have the option to specify the location's name during installation or adjust it later in the MAWi Agent settings or in the Admin panel of MAWi > Manage System panel.

Once the installation is completed, you will see this Login screen:


Use your username and password credentials that you set while installing the MAWi Server to login the Agent. 


MAWi Server Installation Guide 


MAWi Server runs an IIS Web app and a database that is running over MS SQL Server.



Please note:
In case you have just a single site you can choose to install both, MAWi Server and MAWi Agent, on the same PC or virtual machine.

 

Database

When selecting to install MAWi Server, it will check if the MS SQL Server is installed on the machine.

By default it will install the database on a LocalDB platform but if you untick this option, it will download and install the SQL Server 2019 Express version.

You can also select to install on a remote DB Server. Read more here




Use HTTPS
You can enable the connection to the MAWi Management console and MAWi agent over a secured SSL link. 
Read more here

In the next step you will have to enter the username and password for the initial setup of the system:



Once the installation is completed, you will see the following page:


It will provide you the URL for logging into the MAWi management console, and the initial username and password configured.


Supported operating systems

Windows® 10/11 64bit PRO or Enterprise, Server 2012 R2, Server 2016, Server 2019, Server 2022

The MAWi Server can be installed on a PC or a VM and can also reside on the same machine with MAWi Agent.

CPU

Intel Dual Core or AMD with similar capabilities. Core i5 of the latest generation is recommended.

If used on a virtual machine, assign at least 2 vCores.
Click here to see the System Hardware Guide

Network

Gigabit Ethernet network is recommended.

Communication with the server-side is done over port 60668

Communication with the client-side is done over port 60669

Those ports can be changed. 

Static IP is recommended.


Others

1. During the installation process, the installer will download the following components from the Internet:

– .NET Framework 3.5

– SQL Server 2014 Express

– Node JS v16

– Web Platform plugin

– Rewrite URL for IIS

Offline installation

In case you wish to install the above components manually please read this guide.

2. In case you’ve installed MAWi Server on Windows 10/11 OS, IIS Express is also installed and running in the background at all times.

You need to make sure that this icon is running in your taskbar:

 




 

Connect the USB to HDMI Adapters to the host PC 


MAWi USB uses USB to HDMI Devices as the endpoints that connect to the screens.

 

On this guide, we will walk you through the process of installing and configuring your host PC to run with our USB clients.

 

Connecting the USB Video dongles











1. Connect each of the USB to HDMI adapters to your displays via an HDMI cable

2. Connect each USB to HDMI adapter to a USB Hub via a USB cable. We recommend using a powered USB hub in case you are using more than 3 devices.

3. Connect the USB Hub to your PC and make sure the displays are showing your desktop image. We recommend connecting each USB to HDMI adapter at a time. Every time you see the desktop image on the display you can connect the next device.


3. Configure all screens

a. Right click on the desktop and select Display settings
b. Make sure scaling is set to 100% in the “Change the size of text…” section.
c. Set the resolution.
d. Make sure Multiple displays is set to “Extend desktop to this display”
e. Repeat the same procedure for all screens connected to your PC.




Follow the guide below to create a video wall layout:

How to configure a Videowall using MAWi - Grid and Creative layout




Activate your license



To license the MAWi system, please follow the steps below:

1. Open MAWi Management Console
– Open your browser and log in with your credentials to the MAWi Management Console.
– Click on ‘ Dashboard’ – Select the Admin Panel > Licenses
– Enter your Activation Key or generate an offline license request.
For more details, please refer to this guide.
mawi activation enter your license key