Install Solaris on Fire 280 through RSC console?

[paulfred]

My Fire 280R shipped today, but there seems to be a password on the RSC.
Now the only means I have to install Solaris 10 is a blue Cisco Cable (RJ45-Serial). Is there any way to bypass the RSC and get to the OK prompt?
I've tried several break keycombinations in hyperterminal but the machine doesn't do anything except running a few memory tests and then gets me to the 'please login' prompt...
Unfortunately I don't have a 25-pin serial cable, so connecting to one of the ports on the machine isn't an option either...

[zmttoxics]

The RSC password can only be set from the OS. You have a couple options though. You can setup a jumpstart server (I recommend using JET for beginners, even though I have never used it, but it has to be easier the custom jumpstart), and if the disks are blank the system should attempt a "boot net" and install it self. You can also try removing the RSC card so the system will output to serial port A again and then you can do breaks and such.

If you get the RSC working in the future, I recommend setting up the network interface so you can telnet to it. Sending breaks over telnet can be easier sometimes with every console application using its own break sequence (telnet is ctrl + ], 'send break').

[paulfred]

Ok, since a serial connection seems to be essential I just ordered a 25-pin converter which should hopfully arrive in a few days.
As for the RSC...I don't have much hope getting it working again since downloading the rsc programs from Sun seems to require a service contract (I don't have one and also don't have that much money to buy one for a machine that cost 1/3 the money of the support contract)
Surely it would be fun playing with rsc but it isn't necessary in any way.

Thanks for your efforts, zmttoxics!

[porter]

I'm sure the RSC packages were on various OS install Solaris media.

[zmttoxics]

I'm sure the RSC packages were on various OS install Solaris media.

Only up until Solaris 9 by the looks of it. I actually have access to it but redistributing that stuff is a big no no.

From: http://www.sun.com/servers/rsc_download_readme.html

RSC software is included on the supplemental CD for the Solaris operating environment with Solaris 9 and earlier. With Solaris 10, RSC software may be downloaded from the Sun Software Download site. The following table shows the corresponding versions of RSC that were shipped with versions of Solaris, plus the hardware that these versions support.
The RSC software is backward compatible. Using the latest version of RSC is recommended.

[paulfred]

I've been a huge fan of Sun/Oracle up to now, but this licensing model is awful for hobbyists.
Plus this Sun serial interface's giving me the creeps...25pin converter arrived yesterday, guess what - nothing on minicom. Turns out I'll have to use a null modem cable instead of a normal serial one:(
</rant>

[SAQ]

. Turns out I'll have to use a null modem cable instead of a normal serial one:(
</rant>

I always considered nulls to be the "normal" serial cable and straight-through "modem" cables to be the unusual ones. What other non-modem equipment do you have that takes a straight cable?

[paulfred]

That'd be the IBMs (p275 and 285), the SGIs, a 3com switch and some old x86 pcs.
Up to now the only machines I need a nullmodem cable for are the Suns...