AIX

VET - that is to activate the Virtualization Features.
POD - to activate processors. I am not a hw guy, but as I understand it, A Model 9131-52a does not have dynamic activation of the processors. They are activated at the factory (or you would even be able to start, your supplier would not have been able to install, etc..)

You say you received/bought it - and it sounds like "pre-installed" with AIX 7.1.

I have a similar model the p5-51a (thinner and 2 processors, you can go to 4, and have more disks and/or perhaps you have a deskside.).

So, when the system is turned off - but plugged in (main unit is off, but ASMI web interface is working) - if the serial port is not responding at 19200 baud, either your cable is defective, or the serial port is defective.

After the firmware reset - the port will be active with power applied and the machine in "OFF" status.

FYI: I have VIOS installed in my initial partition - this is what gets started when I boot.

What is unclear to me is what you received. A stand-alone 9131-52a with AIX 7.1 as a single partition, or with VIOS installed (and sounds like no AIX).

I would ask your supplier to verify that the serial port functions (and also verify my serial cable is working - e.g., add a null modem just in case you have a straight cable atm). - Or ask your provider to supply/load a serial cable that they know works.

---------- Post updated at 01:44 PM ---------- Previous update was at 01:35 PM ----------

When I login via the serial cable - this is the dialog, and settings I have.
These were set by the installation.

Code:

padmin@x101:[/home/padmin]
IBM Virtual I/O Server

                      login: padmin
padmin's Password: 
Last unsuccessful login: Fri Mar 15 16:56:19 CDT 2013 on /dev/vty0
Last login: Sat Mar 23 07:39:32 CDT 2013 on /dev/vty0

padmin@x101:[/home/padmin]tty
rksh: tty:  not found.
padmin@x101:[/home/padmin]oem_setup_env
# tty
/dev/vty0
# lsattr -El vty0 -a speed
speed 19200 N/A True
#

From the command tty - you can see the firmware is managing the access (hence the name vty0, not tty0).

In short, we are really down to basics. Is the hardware working!?

The "other" way they can help is to provide an HMC for you to configure the system with (HMC creates a console connection via vty0 and the service processor. The is a GUI interface I dislike. When working with a HMC use (easier) the command vtmenu, otherwise the command mkvterm.

Hope this helps!

Hi Michael,

Thanks for your explanation.
I checked with the vendor. The sale guy said it's AIX 7.1 re-installed.
But he was unable to contact the support people to help.
i5/OS partition mode boot has A, B, C , D so which one should be the correct partition? If it sets to incorrect partition, will is display something on the serial console?

I was using RJ45 serial cable (the one for cisco router).
It might be not a right one for this server. I just purchase a cross serial cable (null modem). I will try it out when I am in the office. It has 2 serial ports so I can use either one, correct?

Thanks.
L

No, serial port 0 (or 1, whatever the lowest number is).

The A/B/C/D - just leave at default. That has particular meaning for IBM i (aka i5 or OS/400). It says which whether to boot from permanent or temporary firmware image.

Default is to boot from temporary. The concept is if a firmware change has unexpected issues you can IPL again on the permanent side (i.e. the old firmware).

At a certain point in time, the temporary side gets copied to permanent and they are the same. When the system comes up (AIX) run the command lsmcode. It will tell you what level both sides are at. (No clue what the C/D does. When I did a bit of OS/400 admin there was only an A/B side, so I am guessing C/D is just an extension of that.) - In short, leave that at the current (default) setting.

I got it work with the Belkin Pro Serial cable.

I am very appreciated and many thanks for your help Michael.

I am glad it was something simple - just a cable. Need to remind myself to remember that that basic rule has not changed in 30 years!

As you say, AIX + Console = Nightmare, still.... IBM!

Actually, cable problems are not product related. I used to solder my own - still have cable and various 9 and 25 pin plugs for making them.

Once properly cabled systems that can be started via the serial port are extremely flexible. I manage 4 different systems - power on remotely, via serial cables - as this can be automated with "expect".

Here is an easy cut/paste script for powering on a POWER5/6/7 system using expect: HOWTO: POWER on using EXPECT