Need help configuring an old SparcStation

  • Thread starter Thread starter Cyde Weys
  • Start date Start date
C

Cyde Weys

I have an old SparcStation laying around the house. On the front of
the box it says SparcStation LX. I'm trying to resurrect it but I seem to
be missing a key component. I currently have the box, monitor, "mouse" (3
buttons, no mouse wheel), and keyboard. What I don't have is a cable that
goes between the computer and monitor. The only port in common I see on
both of them is a long port labeled "A/B" which has large pins in two rows.
Anyone know where to get a cable like that? Thanks.
 
I have an old SparcStation laying around the house. On the front of
the box it says SparcStation LX. I'm trying to resurrect it but I seem to
be missing a key component. I currently have the box, monitor, "mouse" (3
buttons, no mouse wheel), and keyboard. What I don't have is a cable that
goes between the computer and monitor. The only port in common I see on
both of them is a long port labeled "A/B" which has large pins in two rows.
Anyone know where to get a cable like that? Thanks.
Click to expand...

Sounds like this was a "headless server". Suns work well like that. If you
do not attach a keyboard, then the Sun will start up with a serial console
directed to the 1st RS-232 port (that A/B connector). Just use some kind
of terminal emulator (set to 9600 baud and I think 7 bits no parity? I
think I actually use 8 bits no parity?) on a PC or any other computer and
attach it with a null modem cable to the DB-25 labelled A/B. You will be
connected to the A port. To connect to the B port you need a special
splitter cable, but that is not necessary to use the serial console. When
you power up the machine it should identify itself and tell you what CPU
and how much memory is in there. Then it will either try to boot or go to
the OBP (open boot prompt) which looks like "ok". After that... RTFM.

If you want to attach a monitor. You'll need a graphics adapter of some
sort. You might have one? Look for a 13w3 connector. That is the same
physical shell size as an RS-232, but with 3 embedded coaxial connectors
and 13 "normal" pins. There are 13w3 to DB-15 (VGA) adapters available.
 
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