IBM RS/6000 server (7009-C10) help?

[lazyfortress]

I was able to finally get my hands on an IBM RS/6000 server, a type 7009 C10 compact server. If anyone here has extensively used a RS/6000, I could definitely use your help.

The first issue is the fact that this machine doesn't have a graphics card/display card. I went ahead and bought a female DB25 to female RJ45 adapter (I have a male RJ45 to male USB cable), so I can use the serial port. I've used serial before on my SparcServer 5 and Cisco ASR1002 router. I checked the list of compatible display cards, and there were maybe 5 MCA cards listed, all of which are either non-existent in today's market, or well over $100. I was wondering if anybody here knows of a compatible MCA display card that won't cost me more than $100.

The second issue is with the operating system. How would I go about installing AIX 3.2.5 or AIX 4.1.3 if there aren't any copies for sale? I was able to find an ISO of 4.1.2, but I'm unsure if it's compatible.

Another issue is putting httpd or gopher on it. Installing the OS while using serial is one thing, actually configuring the RS/6000 host a httpd page or gopher page is another issue that is very foreign to me. I was able to host a small site (IIS) on my Netfinity, but it had a GUI (Windows 2000 Advanced Server).

If anyone can provide any assistance, please do share! Thank you!

[lazyfortress]

Anyone know how a serial connection works on the RS/6000?

I bought a RJ45 to serial adapter and wired it myself according to some diagram, the ground leads work fine. However, on PuTTY, I don't see any display. I'm using a RJ45 to USB cable for serial (works on my Cisco router).

My RS/6000 doesn't have any drives in it. I tried doing a dataless startup via serial (key in locked position, wait for 200 code to pop up, turn to service mode), then it displays a 262 code. You're supposed to press 1 on your keyboard, and I did (on both PuTTY and on a physical keyboard connected to the RS/6000), but to no avail.

Will I have to install a hard drive in order for this to work, or is there something else I have to do in order to get the RS/6000 working in serial mode?

[Williac]

RS/6000 are fun little beasts to tangle with. I’ve got one of the older PPC604e desktop versions. Haven’t used it in a bit, but I was able to get Linux to go on it, as well as AIX.

I’ve still got the AIX discs around. Think they were v4 or v5. I’m doing a bit of a tidy/shuffle right now at home, so if I run across them, I’ll see if I can image them for you.

Some of these older servers will freak out without a drive or video card. Not sure about this one. What did the errata say about the code it gave you?

Also, no guarantee the serial is the same settings or format as your other console devices. Might be a parity bit/stop bit/baud, or something else like endianness of the bits. Most likely it’s terminal type though. IBM might be using something other than the vty (vt100, vt220) that has become commonplace today.

[lazyfortress]

[lazyfortress]

Bump, could really use any further information!

[PapaShoe1949]

Hello all, newbie here, 1st post. I have a 7009-C10_20 (?) that has been setting in the closet for over 10 years. I opened the case and it appears complete. Think I have identified 2 hard drives, tape drive, cd drive, and operator panel. Mother Board (65G8275) with 4 sticks of ram, LAN adapter (00G3368), video board (00G3369) and etc. I have no past experience with this type of computer. Suggestions ? Appreciate the help