Issues with serial connexion between computer and ALIX card

famas54 · Jul 29, 2011, 7:16 PM

Hi,

I'm a first starter with pfsense and I'm working with the definitive guide to help me in my search but I have a small issue that I don't really know how to fix.
My problem is with the serial connexion to my main computer in order to setup the Pfsense card. I've used the windows based tool from monowall in order to install the nanobsd version on the CF card of the Alix appliance, following the explanations of the book, until this step all went well.

However when I try to link the Alix card with the serial cable on my computer to set it up with putty, It's not really working, no image, nothing. My Alix 2d13 is linked to my computer with a female/female serial cable linked to a male to USB cable and plugged into my Windows desktop.

I'm Using this king of Serial/usb cable:

http://www.codeproject.com/KB/dotnet/WMICodeCreator_Demo/usb-serial-adapter.jpg

Here you have my Putty settings:

The Alix card is well powered on, the three ethernet ports have their green light on, and my COM/LPT drivers are up to date on my Windows OS

Do you have any tips, suggestions or a setting to look after, I can't really figure out what is the problem.

Thanks

stephenw10 · Jul 29, 2011, 8:41 PM

You need to make sure your female-female serial cable is wired as a null modem, unless your usb adapter already crosses the connections which is very unlikely.

Very basically: pin2 on one end should be connected to pin3 on the other.

Steve

famas54 · Jul 29, 2011, 9:50 PM

Interesting, following your post I've just checked the cables, here's what I've got:
female/female:

5 4 3 2 1
9 8 7 6

and the Male/USB

1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9

So my cables are not fitted which might be the cause of the problem I guess.
I'm a bit lost, never really knew about serial cables pins before.

Metu69salemi · Jul 29, 2011, 10:02 PM

Hope this helps

and something to read

famas54 · Jul 29, 2011, 10:21 PM

My female/ female has exactly the same scheme. Thanks for the explanation

stephenw10 · Jul 29, 2011, 11:21 PM

You only need pins 2,3 and 5 to get something.
If you have tested your cable (using a continuity tester or multimeter) and are sure that pins 2 and 3 are crossed then it could be your USB adapter.
Try testing your cable and adapter on something else if you have it.

One other thing is that occurs is that these usb adapters usually appear as com3 or higher.
Even if your system doesn't have any com ports externally it may them on board.

Steve

famas54 · Jul 30, 2011, 8:00 AM

I've checked, The COM connexion goes on COM5

But I still don't have anything on the screen. (Windows actually detect it as a new peripheral when I plug it in)

About my cable I bought it as a RS232 DB9 null-modem. I'm probably going to look after new cables and see what's what.

On the other side, Is there a doubt to have on the nanobsd installation ? My only hands on experience with pfsense is with virtual machines, so I've never used a nanobsd version.

stephenw10 · Jul 30, 2011, 10:03 AM

So you are using com5 in putty, yes?
And still seeing nothing?

Steve

Metu69salemi · Jul 30, 2011, 12:55 PM

Like stewe said: are you using port5? your screenshot seems to use com1

famas54 · Jul 31, 2011, 10:48 AM

I've tried with COM5 since, launched putty before starting the Alix box, to allow it to listen to the port. Still nothing. I doubt about my nanobsd installation thus I've followed the definitive guide instructions with the M0n0wall tool on Windows.

Metu69salemi · Jul 31, 2011, 3:06 PM

Does this help

Your screenshot also showed another com port, can you try with that if it's working any better

stephenw10 · Jul 31, 2011, 4:22 PM

It's definitely com5. Prolific are the usb-serial manufacturer.

If your image has not installed correctly on the card then you won't see anything at 9600.

The default serial speed for the Alix BIOS is 38,400.
Try setting putty to 38,400.

You can change the bios serial speed to 9600 to match the output from pfSense.

Steve