Re: [cobalt-users] Dead Raq 2 ?

[Bruce Timberlake <bruce.timberlake@xxxxxxx>]

William Moore wrote:
> 
> I bought a raq 2 on ebay about 2 months ago.  when it came in it
> worked.  I have had it on the shelf since then.  I went to fire it
> up so I could reload the OS, ( Finally got time ) and it turns on
> but nothing comes on the display.  all characters are just dim
> blocks.  the hd does not fire up but not sure if it does part way
> thru boot or not.  any ideas ?

First, open the case and make sure the LCD panel cables are all tightly
connected. It's possible it worked its way loose out of boredom on your
shelf... :)

Next, you can monitor the boot process by connecting another machine to
the RaQ2 via null modem cable at 9600 baud N-8-1. This is how you can
see all the startup messages -- stuff that normally comes on-screen
during a Linux PC boot.  Just start a terminal emulator (HyperTerm,
SecureCRT, etc) and make the appropriate connection setting changes.
Then power up the RaQ and see what comes across the screen.  Logging
this can be helpful too...

FYI - If nothing comes from the serial port at all, it may not be
enabled. Power up the box with the password reset button held in. You
are supposed to see a "Serial Console ON" or "Serial Console OFF"
message there. If your LCD is shot, that might not be much help, but it
could get the serial port "working" if it's not at first (I think we
ship all the boxes with that enabled, but who knows what state yours is
in).

-- 
Bruce Timberlake
Technology Engineer
Sun Cobalt Server Appliances
Sun Microsystems, Inc.

E: bruce.timberlake@xxxxxxx
U: http://www.sun.com/cobalt/