Quote:
Originally Posted by
Devyn
The thought that the HMC connection might disable the console port seamed like an odd thing to do to me so didn't consider to test it, even though it crossed my mind. I also tried to unplug the ethernet cables from the HMC ports to see if the serial ports would be reenabled but it doesnt' work in reverse. Once you power the Power5 server on or plug in the HMC cables, either action has the effect of permanently disabling the serial ports. Strange design but ok.
Both the serial connection and the network connection (to the HMC) are handled by the "Service processor" (which is about the same as a PCs ILO.board combined with some BIOS functionality). Because the HMC provides a serial console via the HMC web interface ("Open console terminal") the serial port is disabled when the system is connected (and recognized) by a HMC. Because the HMC is a separate machine and could go down, be reinstalled, etc., the system remembers that it is connected to one and stays that way even if the HMC is not connected (this is why it did not revert when you unplugged the network).
There are
methods to deconfigure a configured HMC on the system (this is for POWER 7, but POWER5 is practically identical). You need to use the "pocket-calculator"-like device hanging ususally out of the system for that. (IIRC waiting also helps, but takes 14 days since the last HMC connection.)
Sometimes in the transition between POWER4 and POWER5 the speed of the console was set from 9600 u,1,p to 19200 u,1,p. Its been a long time since but as far as i remember all the POWER5 and some of the POWER4 were on 19200, the systems before are all using 9600, the systems after that are all 19200.
I hope this helps.
bakunin