On 7/3/06, Mark Cullen <mark.r.cullen@gmail.com> wrote:
> Dieter wrote:
> >> I have just noticed that the machine hangs at the NetBSD boot prompt
> >> when the serial cable isn't plugged in
> >
> > Perhaps it is waiting for carrier detect?
>
> It could be. Is there any way to stop this behavior, if it is?
>
> >
> >> it just refuses to actually do the timeout countdown and boot the kernel
> >>  until I plug it in, hit enter, which brings me a prompt, and type 'boot'.
> >
> > Does it autoboot if the cable is plugged in?  Or do you always have
> > to type at it?
>
> It autoboots fine if the cable is plugged in, I don't have to manually
> type 'boot'.
>
> >
> >> I can't have the cable plugged in to my laptop 24/7,
> >> as my laptop happens to sit on the other side of the room.
> >
> > Use a longer cable?
> >
>
> Not really an option I am afraid. Said laptop is getting donated to my
> parents and won't be in my room for much longer, which is why I would
> really like it to boot properly without the cable plugged in.

If it's a DB9, try a loopback - cross 2+3, 1+4+6 and 7+8 .

>
> --
> Mark Cullen <mark.r.cullen@gmail.com>
>
>