RS-232 port not answering

[Francois Boucher_1]

Hi,

I'm currently working on a very old HP9000 Workstation (HP9000/S700 model 748i) configured with HP-UX 10.20. The problem is the RS-232 serial ports seem to be inop. The serial ports (A & B) are embedded on the motherboard (model 743). Using SAM, I verified that the device files for the RS-232 port have been created and the correct drivers installed. However, the serial ports refuse to work properly. I know for sure the serial cable isn't the culprit since it works fine on another machine.

1. Is there a way to confirm that the RS-232 serial ports are operating correctly?

2. Is it possible that the serial ports are simply deactivated? If yes, how can I reactivate them?

3. Any other suggestions beside throwing away the motherboard?

Thanks.

Francois Boucher

[Insu Kim]

I like doing this way.

Please add terminal for one of seial ports to /etc/inittab and connect your PC or Notebook to port configured.

If this works, Problem for serial ports must be not there!

[Jay Gaffney_4]

>1. Is there a way to confirm that the RS-232 serial ports are operating correctly?
>2. Is it possible that the serial ports are simply deactivated? If yes, how can I reactivate them?
>3. Any other suggestions beside throwing away the motherboard?

The RS232-A is enabled from power on all the way to the OS. Use BCH commands "co pa con serial_1" to set the console to a device on RS232-A. Use SAM in the OS to set up a terminal or modem on RS232-A. Use "cu" to connect out of RS232-A to another serial device.
As for RS232-B, you will need to add the "vme2" driver to the kernel. VME-Service are installed by default on 10.20, but the drivers are not. RS232-B is enabled at the BCH, but it does not stay enabled unless VME drivers are loaded. See http://www.enterprisecomputing.hp.com/vme/es/service/vme.htm for all the info you need about VME.

Best luck,
JG