IT Guide: Computer Setup for KA_Labs or Shasta Software

1. Recommended Computer Specifications (for Shasta & K&A Software)

• Processor: Intel® Core i5 (12th Gen or newer)

• Memory (RAM): Minimum 8 GB (16 GB recommended)

• Storage: 256 GB SSD or larger (NVMe preferred)

• Graphics: Integrated Intel graphics (UHD 770 or equivalent)

• Operating System: Windows 10 or 11 (English)

• Networking:

  • 1× Gigabit Ethernet port (required for instrument connection; must be set to static IP 192.168.1.1)

  • Additional Ethernet port or USB-to-Ethernet adapter recommended if you want simultaneous local network/internet access.

• Ports:

  • 1× DisplayPort or HDMI

  • 4× USB ports (at least 1 should be USB 3.0 or newer)

2. Installation Checklist (If installing the Software)

Refer to these articles: Installing the K&A Software or Installing the Shasta Software

1. Install the Software

   • Obtain the latest installer package.

   • Run the installer as Administrator.

   • Do not auto-launch after setup.

2. Install NexusDB

   • During installation, the NexusDB Database Server service will be installed.

   • Ensure the service is allowed to run and set to start automatically with Windows.

   • NexusDB is required for back-end database communication with KA_Labs/Shasta.

3. Update Executable

   • Navigate to C:\KA_Labs\ (or install directory).

   • Replace KA_Labs.exe with the most recent patch release provided.

3. Network Configuration

Refer to the following article: How to Set Up Network Communication with K&A or Shasta Software

• Static IP (Instrument Connection)

  • IP: 192.168.1.1

  • Subnet: 255.255.255.0

  • Gateway/DNS: leave blank

• Internal Network Access

  • The instrument PC is typically isolated from the corporate LAN.

  • If access to file shares or internal resources is required, add a USB-to-Ethernet adapter or a Wi-Fi adapter for the second connection.

  • Keep the primary NIC reserved exclusively for instrument communication.

4. Power & Energy Settings

• Check all network adapters (instrument NIC and any secondary USB-Ethernet or Wi-Fi adapters) in Device Manager → Network Adapter → Power Management.

  

• If the option “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power” is present, uncheck it.

  

• If the option is not available, no action is required for that adapter.

• For the instrument NIC, disabling power saving is critical to prevent dropped communication during synthesis.

• For secondary adapters, disabling power saving ensures stable file share access, backups, and remote connectivity.

• In Advanced Windows Power Options, set:

  • Sleep: Never

• • Hard disk: Never turn off during operation

    

5. Security & Whitelisting

• Whitelist the following executables and services in antivirus/firewall policies:

  • KA_Labs.exe (or Shasta.exe)

  • NexusDB Server service

• Always run the software with Administrator privileges.

• NexusDB uses local loopback (127.0.0.1) to communicate with the client software.

  • Normally this is always allowed.

  • If endpoint security software is deployed, confirm loopback traffic is not restricted.

6. Backups

Refer to this article: How to Perform a Backup or Restore

• The End User should Back up the software settings, methods, and log data regularly.

• Store backups on:

  • A company file share (via second NIC or Wi-Fi adapter), or

  • An external USB drive if offline.

7. Windows Updates

• Windows Updates cannot be controlled by Sierra/K&A.

• Updates must be scheduled by IT outside of synthesis runs to prevent costly interruptions.

• Apply updates during planned downtime or after synthesis jobs complete.

• Restarting the computer occasionally can help prevent forced updates

8. Summary Table