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    PfSense on a Packeteer / Bluecoat Packetshaper 900

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    • M
      MauriceS
      last edited by

      Hello,

      I have been trying to load pfSense 2.0.3 on a 4GB CompactFlash for a Packeteer PacketShaper 900. While I do get the serial prompts to configure the interfaces, something is odd with this device. The NICs seem to have reed relays in front of them, and with the original Packeteer software I do get link, (and hear the relays clacking) but when I use pfSense 2.0.3 I get no link status on any of the ports.

      I obtained the layout of the vga connector from Lanner - but before making or getting a cable I was wondering whether there is a way to turn these relays on from inside of pfSense. Or change the CMOS settings from a generic FreeBSD/Linux Image so I can get the box operational.

      Techsupport @ lanner told me these relays are fully controlled by software. I have not been able to get into the CMOS settings through the serial port - I do not get any POST messages there either - so I am thinkiig I need a USB keyboard and a VGA cable (which is an odd 12pin 2mm header on the motherboard. Do I need a custom driver to make it work?

      Friends at Bluecoat couldn't help me  :(

      Any idea's?

      Thanks

      Maurice

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      • W
        wallabybob
        last edited by

        @MauriceS:

        Techsupport @ lanner told me these relays are fully controlled by software.

        Probably by GPIO (General Purpose Input Output) bits on the system chipset or SuperIO chip. But which bits and which chip … ?

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        • stephenw10S
          stephenw10 Netgate Administrator
          last edited by

          If it's possible to access the BIOS setup via serial you probably need to press 'TAB'  to do it.
          If it a relabbeled  Lanner box there's a good chance there's example code available from Lanner to poke the by-pass watchdog. There are often jumpers on the board to disable LAN by-pass.

          Steve

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          • M
            MauriceS
            last edited by

            I got help from Lanner - it's an OEM board of the FW-7500. It required a VGA cable (the MB has a dual pin 2mm spacing 12 pin header) for the video hookup. A simple setting in the bios - and stuff works.

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            • H
              happy.gillmore82
              last edited by

              @MauriceS:

              I got help from Lanner - it's an OEM board of the FW-7500. It required a VGA cable (the MB has a dual pin 2mm spacing 12 pin header) for the video hookup. A simple setting in the bios - and stuff works.

              Maurice

              Do you happen to still have the pinout for the VGA cable?

              Thanks,
              Happy

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