Conference csc32::consolemanager

>    What does C3 support for remote systems, I'd like to display to an HP
>    system from my management station (AXP station 600) for remote C3
>    windows...any issues?
    
    You *should* be able to send the C3 to any display device that has a
    reasonably robust X-windows server. I do not know if the HP systems
    support X protocol. I would hop that they would.
    
>    Also, to provide a failover connection to a VT terminal in case the PCM
>    station goes away/crashes, what is the serial connector we can use for
>    say the 2100 (9pin serial)...?  How well does PCM react to someone
>    switching a PCM session to a VT session, ie. your in the computer room
>    and you flip over to the VT to do a couple of commands and then flip it
>    back to PCM once your done...how well if at all does this scenario
>    react?
    
    PCM itself cannot know that you have an A-B switch to fail the console
    port back and forth between it and a local terminal. The only danger in
    this situation is if you flipped the switch while the managed system
    console was XOFF'd. You wouldn't get any response until you did a
    Clear Communications. A long time ago with the first few versions of
    VCS it was required that customers buy fibre-optic modems and cables
    for each connection. A switch known as the VCS Disable Switch was
    shiiped with each connection and it's function was to do exactly what
    you are trying to do with an A-B switch.
    
    Regs,
      Dan
    
    Thanks in advance
    Steve

    Hi Dan
    
    So do I still buy the y-plug/switch to do this feature...Basically how
    do we provide a backup procedure in case the PCM system goes bye bye? 
    I know about high availability, but its too pricy, would prefer a VT
    solution.
    
    Thanks in Advance
    Steve

Yes, you really need the 'y' plug. As for normal operation in the computer room,
I wouldn't do it by switching between the VT and PCM, I'd do it by TELNET to the
PCM system, and then using the command line.

Shaun

    We don't make/stock the old VCS disable switch anymore so you'd have to
    buy something from a 3rd party. 
    
    Regs,
      Dan

    Okay...can you refresh my memory.  Was the Y-switch a serial adapter
    with two connectors that had a toggle to go between either?  Any ideas
    of a third party that carries it?
    
    Also, from the DEC terminal server to the Y-plug or console port, is
    transmit and receive crossed...I can't remember whether which, I
    believe the end result was it had to be, just checking?
    
    Cheers
    Steve

    >Okay...can you refresh my memory.  Was the Y-switch a serial adapter
    >with two connectors that had a toggle to go between either?  Any
    >ideas of a third party that carries it?
    
    It was kinda wierd looking actually. It had a double sided 25 pin
    adapter - it looks like a gender changer - with a cable running to yet
    another 25 pin plug. One side of the double sided connector plugged
    into the console port of the serviced system and the other side
    attached to a cable that ran to a server port or tt port . The cable
    plugged into a local terminal and the failover switch was on the plug
    at the end of that cable.
    
    You can use any commerical A-B switch - Black Box is a popular brand.
    
    >Also, from the DEC terminal server to the Y-plug or console port,
    >is transmit and receive crossed...I can't remember whether which, I
    >believe the end result was it had to be, just checking?
    
    Typically that is correct. It depends on the switch though. If the
    switch is wired straight-through then you need one crossed cable 
    (null modem) and one straight-through cable. If the switch is also null
    modem then you need two null modem cables.
    
    Regs,
      Dan
    
                

    Thanks Dan
    
    Cheers
    Steve