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.

For our LITE hardware the serial settings are: 115200 8N1

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, 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 check which interface is used to connect to the IACBOX. In this example, a USB to serial adapter cable was used. List serial devices with the following command:

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 to install the IACBOX.

When 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 #

For a detailed description how to install the system refer to the Installation manual