Serial installation
This manual describes how to install the IACBOX software via serial interface if the hardware does not support graphical output (like our LITE hardware).
As serial connectors (RS232) are rare on modern PC/laptops, use an USB-to-serial adapter for this.
Installing a serial terminal emulator
On Linux a handful of terminal emulation programs are available, e.g. minicom or screen.
This manual references to the popular software screen.
In openSUSE open the terminal and execute the following command to obtain the most current version of screen:
sudo zypper install screen
For the Debian/Ubuntu distribution you can use the following command:
sudo apt-get install screen
Use the following command for RedHat/CentOS/Fedora:
sudo yum install screen
Configuration of Screen
First you need to check which interface is used to connect to the IACBOX. In this example, a USB to serial adapter cable was used. With the following command you can list serial devices:
sudo dmesg | grep -i tty
The output shows, that the port ttyUSB0
must be used. If the output is
too long or shows too many different devices, disconnect all USB devices,
perform a system restart and retry the command from above:
sudo dmesg | grep -i tty
sudo dmesg | grep -i tty
[ 0.000000] console [tty0] enabled
[ 2.203312] 00:06: ttyS0 at I/O 0x3f8 (irq = 4, base_baud = 115200) is a 16550A
[ 3340.415857] usb 4-1: pl2303 converter now attached to ttyUSB0
Using Screen
Now execute the following command to start up Screen:
sudo screen /dev/ttyUSB0 115200 -T xterm
Before installing the system, make sure the hardware is connected. Insert the required boot media (CD or USB stick) and then start the device on which you want to install the IACBOX.
After the BIOS screen disappears, you will be asked for the installation mode. Type in s for serial installation and continue with ENTER.
Now the IACBOX setup will start in serial mode.
Useful keyboard combinations for screen
Description | Key strokes |
---|---|
Quit (kill) screen | CTRL+A, CTRL+K - confirm killing with y |
Detach screen (put it in background) | CTRL+A, CTRL+D |
Resume the screen session | screen -r |
For a detailed description how to install the system refer to the Installation manual