UNIX for Advanced & Expert Users

I am trying to hookup a Sun Enterprise 4500 system to a console port on a Network Terminal Server. I can't seem to figure out the pin-out for this connector. This connection will be DB-25 (on the 4500) to RJ-45 (on the NTS).

My next question is: Does the port on the Enterprise 4500 have to be configured to become a console access port? Thanks for any help you can provide on the pin-out or the 4500 question.

You can try the pinouts found at Nullmodem.com - DB-25 and Nullmodem.com - RJ45 but you really need to find out what the pinout is as far as the NTS is concerned (you might need something just a little bit different).

Could not find any info on SUN for what is normal - the only thing I found was the following (that seemed to be of any use). Oh, you don't need to set the port for console on the E4500 side.

Console Logging Options - Tip line to ttya

This may be one of the least expensive console logging options, but can create challenges when attempting to monitor multiple systems. The system that is performing the monitoring function must be up and operational, or logging of the other systems console is lost.

To enable this console logging mode, take a standard serial cable and connect one end to the system ttya port, then connect the other end of the cable to any serial port on any other local workstation.

Once the cable is connected, a user on this monitoring system can issue the tip command and be connected to the other systems console. Note that prior to issuing the tip command, the user must enable some form of logging, i.e. Using the log to file option of an Xterm session, etc.

Using TIP

Have the system console of the 'problem' system redirected to another system.

The basic steps:

Hook a null modem cable between serial port A of the 'problem' machine and one of the serial ports of the healthy machine. The port (a or b) on the healthy machine depends on the hardwire entry in the /etc/remote file on the healthy system.

Here is the hardwire entry /etc/remote that uses port b on the healthy machine.

hardwire: :dv=/dev/term/b:br#9600:el=^C^S^Q^U^D:ie=%$e=^D:

A null modem cable in its most basic form is an rs232 serial cable with a minimal pin connections as follows:

2 ------ 3

3 ------ 2

7 ------ 7

A standard serial cable with a null modem adapter from an electronics store will work too.

There should be an entry for hardwire already in /etc/remote. It comes with the default OS. If one is not there, you can always copy it from another Solaris system.

Now open a command-tool on the healthy system. Sometimes tip behaves better with a shell-tool, but you lose scrolling.

Type in: tip hardwire

You should see a connected message in this command-tool window.

NOTE: you will get the connected message regardless of the presence of the serial cable. Connected just means your tip session is talking to the serial port, not to another system.

well i am not sure of the exact configuration on a 4500 but i have 2 e3500s and 2 rs/6000s and 1 ultra5 hooked up to a dummy terminal.

i got the KVM from blackbox model # SE-RS-8-HFC.

on the 3500 its not a db25 (no i dnot have a grafix card in it either) but it is a propriatary port.

if you call up blackbox (www.blackbox.com) they sell the cables needed and are more then willing to help you out.

They come in all lengths.

Just tell them exactly what you have and what you are trying to do and they will hook you up.


also i know the console port on the e3500 is automatic, and no configuration is needed.

now if your useing a video card your ovestly going to need that proper cable as it is also a propriatary sun port. again blackbox is the hook up and can get you anything or even make you any kinda of cable you need.

just call em. its free and you will find it well worth your time.

To my knowledge, as long as there is no keyboard plugged in, the serial port will automatically be used for input/output.

As for the pin-out: I know terminal concentrator vendors (such as Digi) sometimes require you to use their connectors. These generally run for around $20 or so per. I am not familiar with what you are running, but checking with the manufacturer of the device is always a great place to start. Unfortunately, their response may very well be: "Spend more money". In that case, you may want to try the DB25-to-RJ45 adapter that comes with most any Cisco product (labeled: MODEM CAB-5MODCM). This generally works for laptop-to-Sun connections.

Hope this is of value.

this is very truE.


btw where are you at in chicago.

im out in the burbs.