NAME

cons − PDP-11 console interface

DESCRIPTION

The console is available to the processor through the console registers.  It acts like a normal terminal, except that typing control-P on the consoles of some PDP-11’s puts the console in local console mode with an ODT (console debugger mode) prompt.  The operation of the console in this mode varies per-processor.  See the PDP-11 Processor Handbook for your particular processor. 

On an 11/44 the console can be put into local mode by typing a control-P.  The ODT prompt is “>>>”.  The processor is not stopped by entering local console mode.  The CPU may be halted with the “halt” command, which may be abbreviated to “h.” Conversational mode is re-entered by using the command “c” (continue). 

On 11/73 the processor’s front panel halt switch must be pressed to put the console into ODT mode.  The ODT prompt is an “@”.  No characters typed on the console are special while UNIX is in control of the console. 

FILES

/dev/console

SEE ALSO

tty(4), reboot(8)
PDP-11 Hardware Handbook specific to hardware

4th Berkeley Distribution  —  July 27, 1987