[Soekris] net5501 no console

[jmc]

--- Joakim Lagerqvist [Wed, Jun 11, 2008 at 05:15:27PM -0500]: --- 
> 2008/6/11 jmc <jmc at cosimano.us>:
> > --- Bill Borton [Wed, Jun 11, 2008 at 03:42:11PM -0500]: ---
> >> I have to ask... Are you *sure* you're using a null-modem cable?
> >> (or a serial cable with a null-modem adapter.)
> >
> > this can't be overstated. i had similar problems and was using a cable
> > that was marked ``null modem cable''---by the manufacturer, not
> > hand-written letters.
> 
> Thanks for swift replies everyone.
> 
> I asked for a null modem cable at the store (radioshack) and I think
> they knew what I was talking about. However it doesn't actually say
> that it is a cross-over cable (the box is unfortunately gone).
> However, I assume I can get one of those null modem adapters to add on
> and see if it makes any difference.

i would never assume the folks at RatShack know what you are talking
about (with all due respect to the ones who care).

i can't find my notes just now from when i did my VOM tracing, and my
5501 is at an offsite location currently, but i am fairly certain it was
a standard null-modem with no hardware handshaking---ie, just pins 2 and
3 x'd over and the ground (pin 5 i think ??). sorry, my rs-232 knowledge
is a bit stale.

might actually be worth figuring out what you have before acquiring more
parts.