A500 with graphics monitor and port

[Mark A. Spence]

Hi Folks, Just recently was tasked to untwist a very twisted A500 running 11.00. By twisted I mean it was 3rd party vendor loaded with 130+ uncommited, incompatable patches. Decided to just reload the box. I'd never physically seen this machine before, so I did the standard shutdown -r at the console and was ready to interupt the boot to perform a CD install. Well, no boot messages, just a long wait until CDE fired up. From what I've read the pdc will try to write to any console it thinks it can find. Is this box missing a patch or maybe some firmware? Or should I just see if I can grab an HP term and cable and see if that would work? I support L and N class servers, so this is new stuff to me. Can't seem to find anything on the HP support site that pertains to this issue.

TIA

Mark S.

[Chris Vail · Accepted solution]

Yeah: use the dumb terminal. Or you can use Hyperterminal on any Win2k machine with the appropriate null modem. Set it for 9600,8,N,1 and hook it to the DB9 connector marked CONSOLE. This should be one of 3 DB9 connectors hanging off the back of the A500.

I've had mixed results using a console at boot time. The dumb terminal always works.


Chris

[Jeff Schussele]

Hi Mark,

It would probably be easiest to attach the KB, mouse & monitor. But IF you can get to the BCH, you could change the console path & direct it to a local serial terminal attached to the serial console port. I *think* the A500 has a LAN console port as well & that could be used for access, but th bottom line is you have to change the console path away from the graphics device OR hook up the input/output devices.

HTH,
Jeff

[Mark A. Spence]

Thanks Chris and Jeff. I think I'll go grab a dumb term and cable, and give it a try.
Thanks again,

Mark

[Shyjith P K]

Hi Mark,

A500 doesnot have lan console. You can use Web cosole if you have that. Or else terminal !!

Rgds
Shyjith