How to connect to console port on MacOS using "Screen"

Purpose:

It's not necessary to download and install an extra software such as putty to connect with console port under Mac OS. Mac OS X built in Terminal and screen allow connection over serial port. This article will guide you to properly access your server via console port.

Audience:

All users with Mac operating system experience.

Prerequisites:

A serial to USB adapter.

Steps:

1- Open an OS X terminal session (window)

2- Find the right TTY device. Type: ls /dev/cu.*

With the USB-Serial adapter plugged in, you'll get a list, including something like this:

ouedraogoabdoulm.@NB100429 ~ % ls /dev/cu.*
/dev/cu.Bluetooth-Incoming-Port /dev/cu.Mohamine-WirelessiAP /dev/cu.S8-JL_SPP /dev/cu.usbserial-14140

3- Then type: screen /dev/cu.usbserial 115200 (in this example).

ouedraogoabdoulm.@NB100429 ~ % screen /dev/cu.usbserial-14140 115200

The 115200 at the end is the baud rate.

4- To quit the screen app, type CTRL-A, then CTRL-\.

Type man screen in Terminal for further information on screen. (use 'enter' or 'space' to scroll, and 'q' to quit).

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