How to retrieve copies of the messages* files from a Platinum system - Linux Serial connection.

Overview

The file /var/log/messages contains important diagnostic information about your Platinum systemA "platinum system" is any system running the Platinum operating system. This includes stand-alone acquisition systems such as EAMs and NAMs, DAS units such as the Affinity and DM24SxEAM and digital instruments with built-in acquisition systems such as the 3TDE, 40TDE or 5TDE.. Historical copies of this file are saved as messages.0, messages.1 and so on. Technical support staff may occasionally request that you send them copies of these files to assist in diagnosing problems with your system. This document describes how to do this using a Linux PC or laptop with a serial connection.

You should only consider using the serial port for this purpose if it is not practical or possible to use the network port. If you can use the network port, please follow the network version of these instructions instead.

The procedure

These instructions apply to users of the minicom terminal emulator. Similar techniques apply to other terminal emulators: check the documentation for your favourite emulator if it is not minicom.

Start minicom and set the communications parameters so that you can log in to your Platinum system in the normal fashion. Change your current working directory to /var/log with the command

cd /var/log

Creating the archive

Issue the command

tar cvzf msg.tgz messages*

Transferring the archive

Start a zModem transfer of the msg.tgz file with the command

sz msg.tgz

Tell minicom to receive a file by keying ctrl + A then R.

Select zModem from the drop-down menu: the msg.tgz file will be transferred into the working directory on your Linux PC.

Terminate your command-line session by typing ctrl + D then exit minicom by typing ctrl + a then q.

You can then use your normal email tools to send the transferred file to GSL support staff.