Serial debug login does not re-prompt, unless miniUSB is connected

General Discussion
1

FYI. Login via serial debug works. But, after I log out, it doesn’t prompt again. I just thought it’s configured as “oneshot”, just like ssh… until I happen to plug BBB’s mini USB port to my PC. The connection is configured for 198.168.7.[12] network via USB. Then, serial debug re-prompted, and it always re-prompts after logout.

When I disconnect the miniUSB cable, then it goes back to the original behavior of not prompting after logout.

2

It’s getty over the serial prompt, you can setup an autologin via:

Regards,

3

I tried it, and it auto logs in as user “debian”, but still asks for password. Original issue I’m reporting is the same. After I logout, it doesn’t prompt for (this time) password again, unless miniUSB is plugged in. This can be reproduced consistently.

Now, in addition to login, ssh/reboot/poweroff also hang without miniUSB. But, it happens occasionally, and can’t reproduce consistently.

  • ssh hangs after printing “/etc/issue.net”. When I plug in miniUSB, only then, it continues to “/etc/motd”, and finally to shell prompt.
  • reboot/poweroff hangs a bit, and returns with message “Call to Reboot failed: Connection timed out”. When I plug in miniUSB, then it continues to reboot or poweroff sequence.

I guess, most people would have miniUSB connected, for power and 192.168.7.[12] network. Since this is your “use case”, I’ll go with that, and find my own workaround.

4

OK, serial debug not re-prompting is happening with all Debian 13.2 images.

I tried Debian 12.12 images, and serial debug does re-prompt. So, there must be something introduced in Debian 13.2.