Re: How to access SMS and OpenFirmware (ie install Linux) on an i5?

There were multiple console types available. The ones currently supported
are Lan Console and HMC. You probably want Lan Console. Basically you
plug a PC into the right port on the back of the system with a Lan cable
after loading the prerequisite software on the PC and make sure the system
is set to use Lan Console. That's a very high overview.
This is as far back as I can find documentation
https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/i/7.1?topic=software-installing-upgrading-deleting-i-related
https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/power5?topic=model-9406-520&mhsrc=ibmsearch_a&mhq=9406-520

On Thu, Apr 6, 2023 at 5:53 PM Stuart MacIntosh <stuart@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

Thank you Marc, that does explain things!

Can anyone clarify how to install an OS without an HMC? I don't think I
can afford one of those, not for a machine this old anyway.

I had assumed from reading the docs an OpenFirmware console is
accessible (and from there I am happy set device aliases for the LPAR
and DVD drive, boot Debian etc). Is that expectation correct, and should
the console appear on the same port as the ASMI menu?

FWIW I am having trouble getting this machine to start from the DVD with
either the LIC disc from IBM i eval, or Debian sid (PPC) install, and
the IBM standalone diagnostics won't start either (although nothing to
indicate hardware faulty AFAIK).

Thanks again for any help!

On 7/04/23 01:23, Marc Rauzier wrote:

Le 06/04/2023 à 08:02, Stuart MacIntosh a écrit :

Hello, I got a System i5 machine here I want to get going, model
9406-520 (POWER5).

Sorry if this is a dumb question (new to this platform!) but how do I
access the SMS and OpenFirmware menus? Reading the IBM docs, this is
how to setup LPARs and then install the i OS or AIX/Linux, is that
correct?

Correct for AIX and Linux, but not for IBM i. There is no SMS feature
for IBM i. There is always the need to boot (IPL) from a device, that
the partition/system must be able to read, which provides a microcode
(LIC). This can be from a CD/DVD, a tape or a network location through
bootp and tftp.

Using the ASMI menu via ASCII terminal on port A at 19200,8,N,1 which
works OK, but no SMS or OF menu appears after setting the boot mode
to SMS or OF. Should I expect it to appear on this same port or is an
HMC or some other tool necessary?

Thanks for any help!

With an HMC, this is quite easy, but without I cannot say.
Does this help?

https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/power5?topic=msms-starting-system-management-services

Stuart.

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