SPARC Ultra10 help please
I recently bought a used Ultra 10 system from ebay. After I hooked everything up and powered on the system, I didn't get any video output on my monitor. I am new to SUN and bought this system very cheap for something to learn Solaris on. I have a feeling because it was so inexpensive, it may be faulty.
From what i understand from the ultra10 service manual, I am missing the Creator card, and all i have to use is the VGA ports on the back. A freind at school says, my monitor may not support the video resolution. I also have read that i need the Creator card and should buy a 13w3 to vga convertor.
As I said before, I am a student and on a small budget. I don't have the funds to purchase new parts in hopes of getting the system up. I am hoping that someone who reads this can guide me through some tests to figure out what i need. I appreciate all help, whether it be a clue or the solution. Im looking to learn.
Thanks in advance,
Andy
[979 byte] By [
stealintv] at [2007-11-26 7:27:23]
# 1
Sorry, I don't know the solution, but I may be able to help you find it.
First of all, are all of the cards seated properly? Is the display blank during the entire boot sequence?
Does your ultra 10 have a 15 pin female (SVGA) type connector? It may have a monitor symbol adjacent to it. There is another (23? pin female) connector on this same card.If you already have a creator or similar alternate frame buffer it's possible that this was configured to be the console card. If you have a card with a 13w3 connector, try pulling it out and powering the ultra 10 back up with the other card.
If all else fails, you should be able to connect via a serial console from another box:
http://www.idevelopment.info/data/Unix/Solaris/SOLARIS_UsingSerialConsoles.shtm l
and then run /usr/sbin/ffbconfig -res 640x480x60 to get the video card into a basic low resolution mode. man ffbconfig for more information.
If serial login works but the video card is dead, you should consider buying a sun ray appliance and downloading SunRay server software (SRSS) for your Ultra 10. SRSS is free for personal use and used Sun Ray appliances aren't much more expensive than a creator 3d card and cable would be. Unless you need to do 3d graphics, the Sun Ray appliance may be the best display option for your ultra 10. Think of it as a video card at the other end of a network cable!
If the machine is completely dead, don't forget that you now have the option to learn solaris/opensolaris on an X86 PC. If you don't already have an X86 PC, Sun now has a high performance AMD 64-bit workstation for $895:
http://www.sun.com/desktop/workstation/ultra20
You'll find more information on Solaris for X86 processors at www.opensolaris.org
I'm glad to hear that you are learning Solaris. I may be biased, but features such as zfs and dtrace seem ideal for a university environment.
bnitz at 2007-7-6 19:17:26 >
# 2
I opened the case and checked all of the cards. The video card was not seated correctly in the PCI slot. This must have came loose during shipping. Thanks a bunch.
After booting the system, it says i need to run fsck. Then a prompt saying press Control-D or give the root password for maintenence. Pressing Control-D loads a graphical Solaris 8 login screen. I don't know any passwords or even user names for that matter. I doubt the person who sold it to me from Ebay does either. Is there anyway to root the system using a live disc such as Knoppix linux or FreeBSD? I don't know if that works the same for SPARC as i have done on x86. I'd really love to play around in the pre-installed Solaris 8 considering I've never seen it before. Just the login screen was exciting to me. Otherwise, what would steps do I need to go through in order to get Solaris or Opensolaris installed on my new machine.
One more question. This system has a Raptor GFX PCI card. Would it be reasonable to purchase the Creator3D card. I guess what I'm asking is; do i need the Creator3D card? The same guy who sold me the system has many parts available and would send it to me for cheap. I'm trying to weigh out my options, but I should really concentrate on getting a OS installed that I can actually log on to. I'm just very anxious and getting ahead of my self in questions i think so I'll shut up. Thanks again for the speedy reply. You solved my problem.
Andy
# 3
Try this procedure:
http://www.softpanorama.org/Solaris/Security/solaris_root_password_recovery.sht ml
You'll need a bootable solaris CD from somewhere. It might work to download Solaris express for sparc and boot from CD1:
http://www.sun.com/software/solaris/solaris-express/get.jsp
Then follow these steps:
1) Boot as you had been booting, then press stop-a to get the openboot firmware prompt. (Openboot is like BIOS, but much smarter!)
2) Boot -s /cdrom
3) Fsck your root partitions hardware address, for an ultra 10 its probably this: fsck /dev/dsk/c0t0d0s0(use fsck -y /dev/dsk/c0t0d0s0 if you want to have it try to automatically fix everything) If it doesn't see this disk, try devfsadm -v first.
4) mount /dev/dsk/c0t0d0s0 /a
5) /a now points to the root parition on your hard drive, so cd /a/etc and edit shadow (vi /a/etc/shadow should work) and remove the password field for root. Full details are in the link I mentioned above.
Otherwise just download all of the CDs for Solaris Express Sparc edition (Link above) and install. Solaris Express is an opensolaris distribution. You can also check out www.gnusolaris.org or one of the other opensolaris distributions.
If you are planning on running software which you know needs a creator 3d card and can get one within your budget, it might be worthwhile. Otherwise I'd recommend looking for a Sun Ray client and downloading Sun Ray Server Software. Sun Ray 1 is the oldest and cheapest and is 100% compatible with the latest versions of SRSS.
bnitz at 2007-7-6 19:17:26 >
# 4
I just got the last CD downloaded off the SUN webite. It is currently 1:23AM here in the Chicago 'burbs so I'll have to try this out tomorrow afternoon. (im very tired) Thanks a bunch for all your help. I'll try booting off the 1st cd and try to reset the passwd. Otherwise I already have all 5 downloaded in case I just need to re-install. I'll post again with an update.
Andy
# 5
Upon booting from CD1 of Solaris Express, the cd wants to install the new OS. Is there anyway to get a prompt. Correct me if I'm wrong but, you cannot mount the harddisk from the Openboot prompt. I'm going to try and find a bootable linux floppy/CD for SPARC(most are x86 only). I really want to play around in this new operating system. If all else fails, like you said, I now own all 5 cds for Solaris Express so I'll just have to overwrite.
Andy
# 6
I booted off the CD1 Solaris Express. I was about to install, but finally saw an exit from the install program. This left me with a # prompt :) So next, I mounted the harddrive to /a. Then, used vi to edit /a/etc/shadow. Thought it was going good until it said - this file is read only. With a little reseach i used ESC :wq! after deleting the password to override the Readonly status. Now im really excited. So after exiting vi, i type #init 6 to reboot. The system begins to load and says wait to login until graphical loader loads or something like that. The screen turns black and I can hear the HD spinning. Waiting........waiting.......nothing. Damn! I don't think my monitor supports the default resolution. Tomorrow I'm going to bring the system to my parents house. My dad has an NEC Multisync monitor that supposedly works with everything.
Just thought i'd post an update. Will update again tomorrow. I'm so excited, I hope I can sleep. I have to work tomorrow.
Andy
# 7
It sounds like you're on the right track. Good luck!
bnitz at 2007-7-6 19:17:26 >
# 8
Booted on my dad's monitor. Entered a new passwd for the user. It loads a graphical terminal.i have a feeling the system was wiped before it was shipped out.
Oh well, so much for that. So before I install another OS, I have a new project-installing a 440mhz processor. Since this thread's topic is so general, I suppose I can contine posting in here.
My system is a 333mhz and i was lied to in the ebay auction I was told I'd get a 440mhz system. This is not a problem as the seller resolved the issue and let me keep the other processor. I plugged in the new one to find out I get no video.
I did a little more research and found I need to do the follwing:
-power on , Stop-A, type ".version" at the ok prompt
-It reads:
Release 3.15 Version 2 created 1998/11/10
OBP. 3.15.2 1998/11/10
POST. 2.3.1 1998/08/07
-I need to download Sun #106121-18 and install that patch.
Sounds like fun. This is way cooler than figuring out why windows wont boot on friends computers. I'm finally using the internet for real research and solving a real life problem. If only I could get paid to do this :)
I hope it's ok that I'm documenting my progress in this forum instead of asking questions like I originally intended to do. Also, to b.nitz, if you read this; Thank you so much for getting me on the right track. For a while I was about to send my Ultra10 back to the seller and forget about it. This has definately turned into my new hobby and probably an obsession for the coming months.
I'll post again with an update. Wish me luck all,
Andy
# 9
I just upgraded my processor to 440mhz after flashing Openboot to 3.31. Now when I power on, the system wont start. I switched back to the 333mhz(original) and It boots fine. Any ideas?Am I missing something, or a fautly processor?Thanks, Andy
# 10
Hello,Please visit http://www.sun.com/bigadmin/hcl/data/sx/ for solaris express HCL . I think if you install solaris 10 1/06 or Solaris 10 HW2 it will be better .Thanks Partha
# 11
hello,yes , you just check BIOS battery . If necessary change it. I think it will be ok.& then let me know. Partha
# 12
Partha,
You happen to be in error.
Ultra-10 systems do not have a bios battery.
In fact, they do not even have a BIOS.They have OBP (Open Boot Prom).
--
Back to the original poster ...
Go back to the SSH and get all the system documents
from the Related Documentation link of the Ultra-10 page.
http://sunsolve.sun.com/handbook_pub/Systems/U10/U10.html
They'll be handy to have for your newest "toy".
During all the years that Ultra-10 systems were shipped, they used five different systemboards.
Not all of them will work with the 440MHz cpu module.
I believe that perhaps only the newest three boards
were functionally qualified by Sun for that module.
If I recall correctly, the actual systemboard part number
will be on a barcode sticker that is difficult to see.
It should be near the connector for the PCI slot riser board.
If you can find it, we'd be interested in only the first seven digits.
for example 3750066, 3750115 and the like.
If you happen to have the 375-0009 board, it's the oldest design ever
in U-10s and rarely works with the 440MHz module.
Is the computer's serial number still on its two stickers?
One sticker will be on the rear, near the AC power cord.
The other sticker will be on the front left "fot" of the computer.
If so, what are the first two letters and then the next three numbers.
We do not need the entire serial number in this public discussion forum.
... just the FW814xxxxxxxxxx or whatever you find.
That's help us attempt to figure out where and when the computer was assembled.
# 13
... and B.T.W. this whole thread is beyond the scope of this particular forum.The Sun Java Desktop System is a specific distribution of Linux.This forum is a Linux forum, not about desktop computers.
# 14
No, "Sun Java Desktop System" is a desktop layer. It was previously available with a SuSE Linux kernel, but by no means should it be considered "linux only."
From http://www.sun.com/software/javadesktopsystem:
The Sun Java Desktop System is a secure and comprehensive enterprise desktop software solution that combines the best of open source innovation with significant contributions from Sun. Java Desktop System is a major component of the Solaris 10 Operating System, x86 and SPARC architecure editions. Sun customers have the option of deploying the same desktop environment on Sun workstations, Sun Ray ultra-thin clients, as well as a broad range of non-Sun notebook and desktop systems with standard x86-based architectures.
Release 3 of Sun Java Desktop System is shipping now as part of the Solaris 10 Operating System.
A more appropriate forum for cutting edge desktop issues would be the opensolaris.org desktop forum. http://www.opensolaris.org/os/community/desktop
bnitz at 2007-7-6 19:17:26 >
# 15
Thanks.I now know better.
Indeed, the JDS GUI that's shipping with Sol-10 is much better than what had existed earlier.
But it's still just a software layer, and the original poster misunderstood the name of the forum.
The discussion on a hardware component in an EOSL SPARC desktop
may have been better placed in the Sun Workstation discussion forum.
http://swforum.sun.com/jive/forum.jspa?forumID=246
# 16
I'm sorry for posting in the wrong forum, but I am thankful for all the information. I am on the right track and considering putting up the money for the SCSA training after this semester.
I found out that I have the old version of the system board which is not compatible with my 440mhz processor. I emailed my "friend" from ebay and gave him a phone number to reach me at. He responded my exchanging phone numbers and I called him. The issue is being resolved as he is to send me another Ultra 10 440mhz system at no cost and i can keep the other one! I just need a keyboard/mouse and I have 2. Wonderful! Problem solved.
I have one question, where is the proper forum on this website to ask questions reguarding Solaris and the Ultra 10. The only other website that I got an answer to my questions was on the BSD forums and those people keep trying to get me to put OpenBSD on my Ultra 10. Plus their answers aren't nearly as helpful as what I got from here. Thank you to everybody, and once again, sorry for posting in the wrong place.
Andy
EDIT: I jsut saw there is 2 pages and the last message answers my question. Thanks
Message was edited by:
stealintv
