Re: Using VT420 as Alpha System Console

Schnootling wrote:
>
> Hi Folks,
>
> Quick question:
> I've got a failing monitor and a healthy VT420 (powers up and says
> "VT420 OK"). The monitor is attached to the monitor slot/plug. The
> VT420 is attached to the COM-1/Serial-1 plug.
>
> 1) I powered up VT420. Verified, several times, that VT420 is set to
> 9600 8N1.
> 2) I did a SET CONSOLE SERIAL at SRM prompt
> 3) and BOOTed. System still tried to use monitor as console.
> 4) I pressed the VT420's Enter/Return key a lot more than a couple of
> times.
>
> Should I (have to) unhook the monitor to get the system to use the
> VT420 as a system console ?

I wouldn't think so.

Other posters have proposed all the "usual suspects". Just want to add
another:

I don't recall which Alpha you have; however, I've seen some of them
which may ignore the CONSOLE variable and consider the presence/absence
of a keybaord at a higher priority than the CONSOLE variable.

So, just to underscore another poster's suggestion: if a keyboard is
connected to the Alpha, make sure CONSOLE is set to "serial", then power
down the machine, unplug the keyboard, and make sure at least 30 seconds
have elapsed since power down before attempting to power back up.

Just a thought...

Also, check that he VT420 is set to communicate over the MMJ port you're
trying to use. VT420 is a "dual session" terminal in that it can be
setup to run two separate and individual "sessions", one over each of
its MMJ ports, or a single session using one MMJ port for comm., the
either for a local printer.

--
David J Dachtera
dba DJE Systems
http://www.djesys.com/

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