Discussion Groups

Psion 5mx as a VT100 Question

  • I'm having a weird problem that is difficult to figure out and wondered if any one had any ideas please?

    The issue is I need to use the Psion 5mx as a small VT100 for Sys Admin activities via the serial port.

    It easier than lugging an additional OLD laptop when travelling

    Hardware setup

    Psion 5mx dual boot Linux/EPOC

    - Linux is KludgeLinux flavour of PsiLinux

    Psion Serial cable -> Null Modem Adapter -> Serial cable ending in RJ45 or RJ12

    Description of the Problem:

    1. Using linux install on the Psion 5mx , minicom works perfectly communicating to the machines.

        Great:)

    2. Going back to EPOC:

         a)Lets Try the built in Comms package and configure it the same way as minicom:

           -No Communication at all

         b)Lets try a copy of Hermes then:

               - Need to use serial 1 

                -set terminal emulation as VT100

               -Configure same as for minicom ( No handshaking etc. same baud rate......etc)

               -strange character on screen but not what I'm looking for.

              -Play with the settings gives either another strange character or badly configured serial port errors.

    Am I missing something obvious when in EPOC as I know the cable configuration works as it works using the same Psion running Linux?

    Thanks for any advice

  • 2a,b ... I guess you must switch the Psion communication (via. psiwin) off in homescreen

  • Thanks that worked with the Inbuilt Comms application . But still having the same problems with hermes

    System-> Tools (EXTRA on my Psion)->Communicatie  

    or ctrl L works as well

  • Has to be a 'flow control' problem of some kind. Try with no flow control at all, so that you're seeing everything and then work from there? There are dozens of settings to fiddle with in this sort of situation.

    So Comms is now working properly, at least?

  • Summary

    ----------------

    Comms :- (EPOC) is working using 8N1 no flow control & psiwin communications off (I'll just use this)

    Minicom:- (PsiLinux)is working using 8N1 no flow control

    Hermes:- one strange character but no communications even using 8N1 and trying each of the flow  

                     control options. (

  • Weird about Hermes. Umm.... Try hitting Ctrl-S and/or Ctrl-C, in case it's in a funny mode? Try using 7 bits rather than 8? You can tell I'm clutching at straws..... 8-)