Install nanobsd on Soekris net6501

MageMinds

I had trouble to boot from USB with nanobsd image. Here is the solution!

First you need to know that the Soekris net6501 comes default with com port at 19200 bps, so connect your console and set you computer to that speed and start the net6501.

Shortly after the boot, you'll see a count down, when asked hit CTRL+P during the count down. You will be in the BIOS config. We'll change the baud rate to be compatible with the pfSense default.

Type the following commands

set conspeed 9600
reboot

Then change the setting of your console to 9600 baud and you should see the BIOS and pfSense booting.

Now comes the tricky part of telling pfSense to wait for USB to initialize before trying to mount the USB partition.

You need to let the thing boot a little bit you'll see

1  pfSense
2  pfSense

F6 PXE
Boot:  1

Then you'll see

/boot.config: -h

Wait until you see, be quick this thing is fast!

Loading /boot/defaults/loader.conf

Then press the SPACE bar many, many time until you see

Type '?' for a list of commands, 'help' for more detailed help.
OK

Delete the space you made after the message appear and type the following

set kern.cam.boot_delay=10000
boot

You should be good to go

After you get to the WebGUI you'll have to add the following line in the file /boot/loader.conf.local. Use the Diagnostic -> Edit File to do so.

kern.cam.boot_delay=10000

I hope this helps!