Configure RS232 for non-ups purposes. I want to talk to a solar inverter

[fgminww]

I'm going to break something if I try doing anything more without some advice.

I've got a freenas box in my basement running 8.2 (on a supermicro atom motherboard, x7spa)
Next to the NAS box is a solar inverter connected to panels on my roof. The inverter has an rs232 interface and I have successfully compiled software on freebsd to communicate with the inverter. I know the software works on a full-blown freebsd installation.

I've moved the software to my freenas box and it runs, but I can't figure out how to get the serial ports configured correctly. How do I get control over the db9 RS232 port? Could someone point me at a starting place?

Thanks,

FM

 

[DrKK]

You're running FreeNAS 8.2? This is like...2.5 years old. And a million features behind where we are today. Have you considered upgrading to recent FreeNAS versions?

Also, I have no idea what you need to do to get the serial port working. There *IS* a setting in the BIOS for turning the serial port on and off. At a minimum, you'll want to make sure it's on. Then, it's a matter of whether or not the serial port driver (or whatever is required) is part of the minimal FreeNAS build.

What you propose might not be possible.

 

[Ericloewe]

I believe that, the last time this was brought up, there was no proper way of accessing the serial port from a jail.

 

[DrKK]

I was assuming he was trying to do it from the system itself.

From the jail, it'll be hopeless for sure. AFAIK.

 

[Ericloewe]

I was assuming he was trying to do it from the system itself.

From the jail, it'll be hopeless for sure. AFAIK.

Running arbitrary code from the system itself is going to be an uphill struggle in itself, particularly if the OS signatures start being more strictly enforced. Or rather, keeping it running long-term is going to be problematic.

This scenario really is catch-22.

 

[DrKK]

Running arbitrary code from the system itself is going to be an uphill struggle in itself, particularly if the OS signatures start being more strictly enforced. Or rather, keeping it running long-term is going to be problematic.

This scenario really is catch-22.

Couldn't agree more.

I suggest the OP stick with a non-appliance configuration. i.e., raw ass FreeBSD.

 

[CyrilP]

Take a look at https://forums.freenas.org/index.php?threads/apply-devfs-rules-in-a-jail.26589/

Using proper devfs rule set may help you to achieve that.