[PLUG] Sparc 20 Console

[Kenneth G. Stephens]

On Saturday 07 September 2002 06:56 pm, todd.sarratt wrote:
> Caveat : I am a computer idiot.  But I can troubleshoot the bejesus out of
> a T1.
>
> Got me a Sparc 20 with no keyboard / monitor / etc.  It's got a CD-ROM.  I
> bought it out of the back of a van, or something.
>
> Looking at the back on the CPU (from left to right) there's a power switch
> and some power connections.  A stamp of serial numbers .
>
> Then the top row has a blank space with a filler plate.  Next slot has what
> looks like a parallel port with a symbol over it that's a diamond with a
> line coming out of the east side (or 0 deg on a cartesian plane etc.)  Next
> to that is a RJ-45 plug labelled TP <...> with the dots being vertically
> centered.  Next slot is empty with a filler plate.
>
> Middle row has three empty slots, one is covered with a plate and the other
> two are gaping dust sucking holes.
>
> Bottom row has a funky port with pins and what look almost like small RCA
> connectors.  That's the video?  Labelled |O| Next to that is a 25 pin
> female serial connector labelled A/B.  Next to that is a circular 8 pin
> female labelled | |  | |. 2nd card slot has two female ports stacked atop
> each other, they're thin like USB ports but with 30 or so square holes
> each.  Labelled // / <...>  Next port is an RJ45 labelled <...> Third slot
> looks like another parallel port and has that diamond with a line label. 
> Next to that are 4 headphone jack type connections.
>
> (P.S.  Taking donations for a digital camera.)
>
> So the real meat here : I want to console into the beast.
>
> How do I console into it?  I got a Windows box which I figure I'll run
> Hyperterm or something off COM1 and hook a 9 pin female connector into the
> port labelled |O|O| A/1.  The other end of the cable goes into... the A/B
> slot on the Sparc?  Straight serial or null modem?
>
> I spent about an hour searching through Google newsgroups and finding
> conflicting or unhelpful info.
>
> Thanks!
> Todd


Null modem cable.  Minicom does fine or any terminal emulator you like.  You 
may need to remove the video card as Solaris will set up the serial port 
automagically if there is not video card detected.  If it sees the video card 
it will use it.  With or without a monitor hooked up.
-- 
Ken Stephens
www.cad2cam.com
www.cadtocam.com