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RS-232

The Pigeon computer is equipped with a single RS-232 port (signals: RXD, TXD, RTS, CTS). By default, the RS-232 port on the Pigeon computer is configured for console access.

The following parameters are required to connect to the Pigeon console:

  • Baud rate: 115200 bps,
  • Data Bits: 8,
  • Parity: None,
  • Stop Bits: 1,
  • Flow Control: none.

The RS-232 port can be accessed under Linux as /dev/ttyAMA0.

Useful commands

Check the configuration of the port:

$ stty -a -F /dev/ttyAMA0

Transmit data to the RS-232 port:

$ echo "test" > /dev/ttyAMA0

Read data from the RS-232 port:

$ cat /dev/ttyAMA0

Disable RS-232 port login

To use the RS-232 port for connecting and communicating with other devices, the serial console login must be disabled. The easiest way to do that is to use raspi-config:

  • run raspi-config,
  • navigate to Advance Options,
  • navigate to Serial,
  • select "No".

Warning! After reboot, the serial console will no longer be available, and the only way to access the login shell will be via SSH. You need to know the Pigeon's IP address. See the nmap section in the Ethernet guide.

Using picocom for Serial Communication

To install picocom, run:

$ sudo apt install picocom

To open a serial connection using picocom, run the following command:

$ picocom -b 115200 /dev/ttyAMA0
  • -b 115200 sets the baud rate to 115200.
  • Replace /dev/ttyAMA0 with the appropriate serial device.

Notes: To exit picocom, press Ctrl-A, then Ctrl-.