Serial Console Cable

I'm going to be doing a majority of the setup for my PFSense box using my Mac. The PFSense box will have a DB9 serial connector which is what will be used for most of the initial setup. In order to get it going, I will need the following:

• minicom installed (I'm sure you can use something else, but I'm going with this)
• usb <-> db9 connector
• null modem cable

If you've been doing a lot of system administration work, you may already have MacPorts setup. If not, then get that installed. Once you do have it installed, it should be as simple as:

sudo port install minicom

This will take a while as it also has to download/compile/install perl.

For the hardware installation, I ordered the following from Amazon:

• TRENDnet USB to Serial Converter TU-S9
• Tripp Lite P450-006 Null Modem Gold Cable DB9F/F - 6ft

Once everything is connected up, I should be able to connect up to the PFSense box with just the following command:

minicom -b 9600

EDIT: It appears that with newer versions of OS X, a different driver is required to get the TRENDnet USB to Serial Converter TU-S9 working correctly. A driver from Prolific Technology for the PL-2303 is required. It can be downloaded at:

http://www.prolific.com.tw/US/ShowProduct.aspx?p_id=229&pcid=41

PFSense hardware order

I'm in the process of setting up a new office router. As I've done at a previous place, I'm opt'ing to build out a PFsense box. For the hardware, I've ordered an ALIX kit from Netgate.

http://store.netgate.com/ALIX2D3-2D13-Kit-Red-Unassembled-P174.aspx

Essentially, it's a single board computer with a flash drive. The kit comes unassembled with the following:
- ALIX system board with 3 ethernet ports, DB9 serial port, dual usb port
- enclosure
- CF card
- power supply

Assembly for the whole system is pretty easy and should just require a phillips head screwdriver.

First Posting

Over the years, I've setup lots of different services of various techie like natures. On occasion, I look at something and think "How in the world did I do that and where are my notes for it?" My goal for this blog, at least right now (pretend this is a terms of service agreement) is that I'll dump my notes here.