I don't have the proper serial cables handy, so I'll have to wait - I 
tried unplugging the keyboard, and the screen stayed black entirely - 
no SRM line at the bottom.  I'll get another keyboard tomorrow or 
tonight to try - the one I have is an AT keyboard, with a PS2->AT 
converter.  Hopefully I haven't damaged anything... I'll try a true ps2 
keyboard and hope :)

As for the other suggestion - I pulled the battery today and checked it 
with a voltmeter - its putting out a bit more than 4v.  On a 4.5v 
battery, I'd say that means its probably still good.  It looked like it 
was not the original part.

Scott

> 
> 
> On Sun, 16 May 1999, R. C. Dowdeswell wrote:
> 
> > Well, I think that you should try a serial console (unplug the
> > keyboard for this).  If that works, try replacing the keyboard.
> > I've noticed that the SRM console is really picky about the keyboards
> > that it recognises.
> 
> Oh yes it can be very picky about the devices hooked up ps/2 ports, I've
> seen a lot of Multia's which do not detect anymore the hooked up ps/2
> keyboard, even if it works fine.
> 
> One of the causes I found was somebody using a serial -> ps/2 converter
> for his mouse, thus 'breaking' (blowing?) something inside the machine.
> 
> Now, even with the mouse and converter removed and with a fresh keyboard
> and mouse, the system will just assume there is nothing hooked up thus
> booting with 'serial console' only, leaving a blank screen.
> 
> Is there a way Hardware/Software to avoid this?
> 
> Putting in a fresh SRM does not solve the problem. Maybe a patched SRM?
>