CONS(4) Kernel Interfaces Manual (VAX) CONS(4)
NAME
consVAX-11 console interface
DESCRIPTION
The console is available to the processor through the console registers. It acts like a normal terminal, except that when the local functions are not disabled, ^P (control-P) puts the console in local console mode (where the prompt is ‘>>>'). The operation of the console in this mode varies slightly per-processor.
VAX-11/780 or 785
On either the VAX-11/780 or 785 the following commands may be used after placing the console in local mode with ^P.
 
c
continue
Re-enter conversational mode if the processor was halted.
 
h
halt
Halt the CPU. On an 11/780 or 785 the processor is not stopped by entering local console mode.
 
set t p
(set terminal program) Re-enter conversational mode if the processor is still running.
 
P
(proceed) Get out of ODT mode.
 
<break>
If you hit the break key on the console, then the console LSI-11 will go into ODT (console debugger mode).
VAX-11/750 or 11/730
On an 11/750 or an 11/730 the processor is halted whenever the console is not in conversational mode.
 
C
Return to conversational mode.
 
ret
Return from remote diagnosis mode to local console mode.
 
^D
(11/750 only) When in console mode on an 11/750 which has a remote diagnosis module, a ^D will put you in remote diagnosis mode, where the prompt will be ‘RDM>'.
VAX-8600 or 8650
The VAX-8600 (8650) console normally works in the same way as the 11/750, except that there are many additional modes and commands.
 
c
continue
Return to conversational mode.
 
halt
Halt the processor if HEX debug enabled.
 
p
Halt the processor if in normal mode.
 
With the above proviso's the console works like any other UNIX terminal.
FILES
/dev/console
SEE ALSO
tty(4), reboot(8)
VAX Hardware Handbook.
HISTORY
The cons interface appeared in 4.0BSD.