Re: Using VT420 as Alpha System Console

In article <1136163518.608442.136740@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>, "Schnootling" <chuckmoore55@xxxxxxxxxxx> writes:

:I only noticed 2 ports for the VT420: (as seen facing the rear of the
:VT420)
:port 1 - the right-hand one.
:port 2 - the left-hand one. also has a printer symbol next to it.
:
:I've tried both with no success.

Usually port 1, multi-session disabled, and session 1 on comm port 1.
9600 8N1. Make sure you have the right session on the right port.

:1) SHOW CONSOLE - verified it was set to SERIAL

Correct. Also ensure the OS_TYPE is VMS. If your version of
SRM has it (and most do), set COM1_BAUD to 9600, as well.

:2) SHOW BOOT_RESET - verified it was set to ON (there was no
:TRUE/FALSE value)

Not relevent. Yet.

:4) and the system booted, put a 1-line message on the monitor
:("Alphaserver 4100 Console V6.0-4 ..."), waited for about 2 minutes,
:5) during which I walked over to the VT420 and pressed the ENTER/Return
:key several times (and verified the 9600 8N1 settings and reset the
:communications and reset the sessions and verified the 9600 8N1
:settings and pressend the Enter/Return key several score times),
:5) then (it seemed to me) the Alpha chose the PC monitor
:6) and displayed the multiple HP-logo screen.
:
:Alpha 4100 serial/parallel ports: (as seen facing the rear of the box)
:
:|--1--| |--Parallel--|
:|--2--| |--SerialSomething--|

COM1 is the console serial port when the CONSOLE environment
variable is set to SERIAL.

Com1 is the upper PC-style DB9 connection, between the keyboard
connection and the parallel port connection. Basically:

<kb> <com1> <parallel>
<12v> <mouse> <com2> <RCM modem>


:Again, the VT420 powers up with a "VT420 OK" message. Now, I do want to
:use the VT420, but I'd be happy with the PC monitor as a system
:console. The monitor seems to work alright with the SRM prompt. It
:(Epson VGA) just gets squirrely when VMS/DecWindows takes over.

That's normal for a monitor that's not appropriate for or not matched
to the setting of the particular graphics controller. See the FAQ for
details on matching up the settings. We'll need to know what graphics
controller is installed. The SRM console SHOW commands can be useful in
identifying the particular controller installed, such as SHOW CONFIG.

--

I'd be looking at the wiring between the VT420 and the Com1 port here.
Clearly you have some connectivity, but -- assuming the CONSOLE is set
to SERIAL -- possibly not enough to be detected by the firmware.

I'd also look at the RCM (remote console management) connection, too.
The RCM is downstream of COM1, and requires a 9600 baud connection at
and through from COM1.

---------------------------- #include <rtfaq.h> -----------------------------
For additional, please see the OpenVMS FAQ -- www.hp.com/go/openvms/faq
--------------------------- pure personal opinion ---------------------------
Hoff (Stephen) Hoffman OpenVMS Engineering hoff[\0100]hp.com

.

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