2. Make sure the configuration file of your kernel has appropriate flags set for COM1 (sio0) that's verified through 'dmesg'; Relevant flags are:
0x10
Enables console support for this unit. The other console flags are ignored unless this is set. Currently, at most one unit can have console support; the first one (in config file order) with this flag set is preferred. This option alone will not make the serial port the console.
Example: device sio0 at isa? port IO_COM1 flags 0x10 irq 4
3. Edit the file /etc/ttys to change the values for the entry 'ttyd0' to secure, on, and vt100. Save this file and use "kill -HUP 1" to activate this option
ttyd0 "/usr/libexec/getty std.9600" unknown off secure (OLD)
ttyd0 "/usr/libexec/getty std.9600" vt100 on secure (NEW)
4. Enter the command echo "-h" >> /boot.config to redirect output to the serial console with the following options:
-h serial console
-D serial and internal consoles
-Dh serial and internal consoles
-P Makes the boot block probe the keyboard
I wrote this as a 'basic' guide for all versions of FreeBSD - Any suggestions are welcome!
