USB to Serial console on the MAC OSX
Connecting to routers and servers via console is essential for network and system administrators. Doing this on a Macintosh is quick and easy!
1. Download the Software
Get a terminal emulation program first. It’s easier to use and will support scrolling your history, cut and paste, etc... You can always use the ‘screen' command line program native on your Mac, but takes some getting used to.
I recommend ZTerm. It’s free and works on Snow Leopard.
2. Next find the USB 232 serial driver for your cable. I use the IOGEAR GUC232A cable: http://www.iogear.com/product/GUC232A/
Another USB driver option is thePL2303 driver. Most USB Serial cables have the PL2303 chipset, so this driver should work on most cables.
3. Install the software
- Double click on the ZTerm .dmg file to open it. Drag the ZTerm.app to your Applications directory.
- Double click on your driver software .dmg file to open it. Double click on the pkg file. Follow the install instructions.
4. Setup the software
Connect the USB Serial cable to the computer, then find and launch the ZTerm program. The first time you open this program it will ask to choose your
serial port device. Select the PL2303-xxxxx.
If this didn’t happen, or you want to change this option later select Settings -> Modem Preferences and select your driver from the drop down lt by
'Serial port'.
Now enter the correct settings for your console.
- Go to Settings -> Connection.
- I like to change the ‘Servic Naame:' to 'Console'.
- Remove any Phone number or Pre-dial stuff.
- Change the ‘Data Rate 'to 9600.
- Change ‘Parity’ to None.
- Change ‘Data Bits' to 8.
- Change ‘Stop Bits' to 1.
- Remove any ‘Flow Control' settings.
Note: Not all systems use 9600,8,1,none; so update, as your device requires.
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