HIL keyboard not found - how to use serial

[provinsd@telusplanet.net (Dean Allen Provins)]

Hello (again):

The dozen or so 715/75's that we're trying to get running satisfactorily
don't always find the HIL keyboard at boot time.  In fact, some are
most insistent that it does not exist.  Presumably, this is due to
some electrical contact problem, but we haven't yet confirmed that.
The previous owner assured me that there never had been such a problem
experienced using HP-UX.

Consequently, if something goes wrong at boot time, the only option
is to hit the power button, which leaves the disc in a sorry state.
The next boot then prompts one to sign on as root to fix the disc -
which without a keyboard is rather difficult.

It occurred to me that using a serial console would be "very smart".

My question then is, if I follow the instructions for using a serial
console that Thomas Marteau gave in his Boot HOWTO, will I be able to
correct all such disc problems as they occur, or not?

It is my intention to try this, possibly before the weekend, but I
thought it prudent to make the inquiry now in case there are additional
considerations of which list readers are aware.

I await your comments, and thanks.

Dean

-- 
				Dean Provins 
		dprovins@ucalgary.ca,  provinsd@telusplanet.net
Linux is a stimulating and productive alternative to other PC operating systems.