# Adafruit's Raspberry Pi Lesson 5. Using a Console Cable ## Overview In this lesson you will learn how to remote control your Raspberry Pi with a console cable. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/003/118/medium800/learn_raspberry_pi_overview.jpg?1396791615) The great advantage of connecting this way is that it can even supply the power for your Pi and you do not need keyboard, mouse or display attached to the Pi to log into it. You will need to install terminal emulation software (Putty) if you are using Windows and also USB drivers for the Console Lead. The Mac Terminal comes with its own software. The Raspberry Pi uses its built-in serial port to allow devices to connect to its console and issue commands just as if you were logged in. In the next lesson, we will look at another way of doing much the same thing but over a local network using something called SSH. # Adafruit's Raspberry Pi Lesson 5. Using a Console Cable ## You Will Need To follow this lesson, you will need: Raspberry Pi computer (any!) with headers ![learn_raspberry_pi_3055-08.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/035/692/medium640/learn_raspberry_pi_3055-08.jpg?1473735782) USB console cable. We have one that is known to work with Windows 8+ but some older/cheaper console cables do not. ![learn_raspberry_pi_954-02.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/035/693/medium640/learn_raspberry_pi_954-02.jpg?1473735837) # Adafruit's Raspberry Pi Lesson 5. Using a Console Cable ## Enabling Serial Console Danger: You can enable/disable the serial console with either editing **/boot/config.txt** or **raspi-config** (which will edit /boot/config.txt for you) # Option 1. Enabling in /boot/config.txt You can pop your SD card into a computer and edit **config.txt** with a text editor like SimpleText, WordPad or whatnot. You can also edit on a pi with `sudo nano /boot/config.txt` At the bottom, last line, add `enable_uart=1` on it's own line. Pi OS Bookworm and the Pi 5 have minor changes from earlier Pi OS software and hardware. You will edit the file: `sudo nano /boot/firmware/config.txt` add these two lines to the end of the config.txt.  ```auto dtparam=uart0 dtparam=uart0_console ``` ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/035/702/medium800/learn_raspberry_pi_enableuart.png?1473737543) # Option 2. Enabling via Raspi-Config Using a monitor and keyboard, log into the shell and run **sudo raspi-config** go down to **Interface Options** ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/129/252/medium800/learn_raspberry_pi_Screenshot_2024-04-04_at_3.09.31_PM.png?1712268687) Hit enter and then go down to **Serial Port** ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/129/253/medium800/learn_raspberry_pi_Screenshot_2024-04-04_at_3.12.12_PM.png?1712268754) Select **Yes** ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/035/699/medium800/learn_raspberry_pi_yes.png?1473737018) It should now be enabled ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/035/700/medium800/learn_raspberry_pi_enab.png?1473737035) Hit return then select **Finish** If it asks you to reboot, go to **Yes** and hit return ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/035/701/medium800/learn_raspberry_pi_reboot.png?1473737079) OK the serial console is now enabled! # Adafruit's Raspberry Pi Lesson 5. Using a Console Cable ## Software Installation (Mac) OSX includes terminal emulation software that you can use from the command line, so we only need to install the USB drivers for the cable. # Install Drivers Next, install the latest drivers for the cable chipset. There's _two_ possible chipsets. The older cables use Prolific brand, the newer cables (as of 2017) use SiLabs brand. **If you're not sure which you have, just install both drivers! There's no risk and the cable will work no matter what**   ## Prolific Chipset For the "Prolific Chipset"  cable, grab the drivers from here [You can grab the latest drivers from Prolific!](http://www.prolific.com.tw/US/ShowProduct.aspx?p_id=229&pcid=41) [Here is a mirror of PL2303_Mac_OSX_Drv_V1_6_2_20190723.rar in case Prolific is down](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/081/284/original/PL2303_Mac_OSX_Drv_V1_6_2_20190723.rar?1569118464) And if you're using an [older version of Mac OS X (10.8-10.6) then try this Prolific driver version 1.5.1](https://www.adafruit.com/images/product-files/954/md_PL2303_MacOSX_10_6-10_10_v1_5_1.zip). ## SiLabs CP210X Drivers If you are running [**Mac OS X , please use the SiLabs drivers**](https://www.silabs.com/products/development-tools/software/usb-to-uart-bridge-vcp-drivers) here Warning: [Download LEGACY Mac CP210X Driver](http://community.silabs.com/t5/Interface-Knowledge-Base/Legacy-OS-Software-and-Driver-Packages/ta-p/182585) # Install! Both downloads are standard Mac installers. Accept all defaults when prompted. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/003/123/medium800/learn_raspberry_pi_mac_usb_install.png?1396791716) # Adafruit's Raspberry Pi Lesson 5. Using a Console Cable ## Software Installation (Windows) Download and install Putty from here: [http://www.putty.org/](http://www.putty.org/) From the list of downloads select the binary called just **putty.exe** from the section **For Windows on Intel x86**. This will prompt you to save the file. Save it onto the **Desktop** for now. Warning: # Install Drivers Next, install the latest drivers for the cable chipset. There's _two_ possible chipsets. The older cables use Prolific brand, the newer cables (as of 2017) use SiLabs brand. **If you're not sure which you have, just install both drivers! There's no risk and the cable will work no matter what**   ## Prolific Chipset For the "Prolific Chipset"  cable, grab the drivers from here [Download the latest PL2303 drivers from Prolific here!](http://www.prolific.com.tw/US/ShowProduct.aspx?p_id=225&pcid=41) This will save a zip file called **PL2303\_Prolific\_DriverInstaller\_v1\_7\_0.zip** (or similar). Unzip this onto the desktop and within the folder run the installer called **PL2303\_Prolific\_DriverInstaller\_v1.7.0.exe** ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/003/125/medium800/learn_raspberry_pi_win_install_1.png?1396791759) If you're having issues, [you can also try this older PL2303 driver (v1.0.13)](http://www.adafruit.com/datasheets/PL2303%201.0.13.zip) ## SiLabs Chipset For the "SiLabs Chipset"  cable, grab the drivers from here [Download Windows CP210X Drivers](https://www.silabs.com/developers/usb-to-uart-bridge-vcp-drivers) This will save a zip file called **CP210x\_Windows\_Drivers.zip** (or similar). Unzip this onto the desktop and within the folder run the installer called  **CP210xVCPInstaller\_x64.exe** (or **CP210xVCPInstaller\_x86.exe** if the x64.exe doesn't run) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/038/108/medium800/learn_raspberry_pi_silabs.png?1482351718) # Complete Installation Click through the entire driver installation process to completion You may need to reboot! ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/003/126/medium800/learn_raspberry_pi_win_install_2.png?1396791786) The driver is installed in such a way that when you later plug in the USB console lead, it will still launch the “Found New Hardware” wizard. If you allow the Wizard to search the Internet and install it should work. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/003/127/medium800/learn_raspberry_pi_win_driver_install_3.png?1396791802) When it has finished installing the driver, you should get this message: ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/003/128/medium800/learn_raspberry_pi_win_driver_install_done_5.png?1396791820) # Adafruit's Raspberry Pi Lesson 5. Using a Console Cable ## Software Installation (Linux) Linux Kernels 2.4.31 and above already have the PL2303 and CP210X USB driver for the Console Lead built-in, so you should not need to install that. Some distributions such as Ubuntu 12.10 do not include the "screen" command. Try running the command "screen" and if you get an error message, you can install it by typing the following command: ```auto sudo apt-get install screen ``` # Adafruit's Raspberry Pi Lesson 5. Using a Console Cable ## Connect the Lead The Console lead has four female connections that can be plugged directly onto the GPIO header of the Raspberry Pi. The Adafruit USB console cable has 3.3V logic, so its safe to use with your Pi. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/035/694/medium800/learn_raspberry_pi_954-02.jpg?1473735936) Attach the leads as shown below: ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/035/695/medium800/learn_raspberry_pi_piconsole_bb.png?1473736644) The connections are to the outside pin connections of the GPIO header. See Lesson 4, for more information about the header: [http://learn.adafruit.com/adafruits-raspberry-pi-lesson-4-gpio-setup/the-gpio-connector](http://learn.adafruit.com/adafruits-raspberry-pi-lesson-4-gpio-setup/the-gpio-connector) - The red lead should be connected to 5V _if you want to power via the cable, see below for details_ - The black lead to GND (3rd pin down) - The white lead to TXD on the Pi (4th pin down) - The green lead to RXD on the pI (5th pin down) # Powering Via Cable Here's a photo showing an older Pi and also powering it via USB. Pi 2 or later are not suggested for this technique as they draw over 500mA The important thing here is to only power it from one source, the USB power adaptor or the Console Lead **BUT NOT BOTH**. Unless you have a Pi A+ or Pi Zero, don't connect the red wire! If you _do_ decide to power the Pi from the console cable, **DO NOT** attach the Pi's USB power adapter. If you would rather power the Pi from your USB power adapter then leave the Red lead from the Serial lead un attached. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/003/130/medium800/learn_raspberry_pi_gpio_closeup.jpg?1396791839) OK now power up your Raspberry Pi! # Adafruit's Raspberry Pi Lesson 5. Using a Console Cable ## Test & Configure # Mac OS X If you are using a Mac, then all you need to do is open a **Terminal** window and issue the command ```auto ls /dev/cu.* ``` To list all of the available serial ports. You should see something like this: ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/045/865/medium800/learn_raspberry_pi_adafruit_products_lscu.jpg?1504042512) You'll see a few items listed including a /dev/cu.Bluetooth device. You're looking for something like **/dev/cu.usbserial-NNNN** or **/dev/cu.SLAB\_USBtoUART** or **/dev/cu.usbmodem** Once you've identified the name, you can then run: ```auto screen /dev/cu.PL2303-00001004 115200 screen /dev/cu.SLAB_USBtoUART 115200 screen /dev/cu.usbserial-A4001nCf 115200 ``` The device will have a slightly different name than the above. One way to quickly figure out the name is start typing  **screen /dev/cu.** and then press the TAB key to auto-complete to whatever your device is called, before adding 115200 (which is the baud rate) to the end. You can also try `screen /dev/cu.SLAB* 115200` or `screen /dev/cu.PL2303* 115200`or `screen /dev/cu.usbserial* 115200` To have the shell complete the file name for you [You may need to disable system integrity protection (according to feedback from a tutorial-reader)](https://developer.apple.com/library/mac/documentation/Security/Conceptual/System_Integrity_Protection_Guide/ConfiguringSystemIntegrityProtection/ConfiguringSystemIntegrityProtection.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40016462-CH5-SW1) # Linux If you are using Linux, its much like the above but often times the device is called  **/dev/ttyUSB0** - you may want to run  **sudo dmesg** after plugging in and looking for hints on what the device is called. Then use the command: ```auto sudo screen /dev/ttyUSB0 115200 ``` To start communication with the Pi, press ENTER and you should see the login prompt from the Pi. Here it is running on a Mac. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/004/010/medium800/learn_raspberry_pi_new_mac_term_screen.png?1396807569) and here is what it looks like in Ubuntu. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/004/571/medium800/learn_raspberry_pi_connected_ubuntu.png?1396814481) # Windows If you are using a PC, then before you start Putty, you need to know which com port is being used for the cable. You can find this by looking in the **Ports** section of the **Windows Device Manager.** The **Device Manager** is accessible from the **Control Panel** under System. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/004/011/medium800/learn_raspberry_pi_new_win_devive_mgr_com7.png?1396807591) It **isn't** going to be COM1 so never pick that. Chances are its the one right below COM1. It will often say "SiLabs" or "Prolific" or similar next to it. In this case it is **COM7** that is in use. Now start Putty and you will see a connection window. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/004/012/medium800/learn_raspberry_pi_new_putty_connection_window.png?1396807610) Select a connection type of "Serial" from the radio buttons, then set the speed to **115200** and the serial line to **COM7** Finally click 'Open' to connect. Remember to press ENTER to start communications. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/004/013/medium800/learn_raspberry_pi_new_pc_putty_after_login.png?1396807628) For a new installation of Raspbian, the default username is **pi** and the default password is **raspberry** Thats it! You are connected and can use the command line to navigate around your Pi. Once you've connected with the console you can set up your Pi to use SSH as another means of connecting to your Pi over your local network. ## Featured Products ### Budget Pack for Raspberry Pi 1 Model B (Doesn't include RasPi) [Budget Pack for Raspberry Pi 1 Model B (Doesn't include RasPi)](https://www.adafruit.com/product/965) An optimized collection of parts and pieces to experiment with Raspberry Pi at home, school or work. Great for students and those that want to get their feet wet, no soldering required! **THIS PACK DOES NOT INCLUDE A RASPBERRY PI 1 MODEL B and is NOT compatible with Model B+ or Raspberry Pi...** No Longer Stocked [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/965) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/965/guides) ### USB to TTL Serial Cable - Debug / Console Cable for Raspberry Pi [USB to TTL Serial Cable - Debug / Console Cable for Raspberry Pi](https://www.adafruit.com/product/954) The cable is easiest way ever to connect to your microcontroller/Raspberry Pi/WiFi router serial console port. Inside the big USB plug is a USB\<-\>Serial conversion chip and at the end of the 36" cable are four wire - red power, black ground, white RX into USB port, and green TX out... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/954) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/954/guides) ### Programming the Raspberry Pi: Getting Started with Python [Programming the Raspberry Pi: Getting Started with Python](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1089) **Program your own Raspberry Pi projects!** An updated guide to programming your own Raspberry Pi projects. Learn to create inventive programs and fun games on your powerful Raspberry Pi--with no programming experience required. **This practical book has been revised...** In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1089) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1089/guides) ### Raspberry Pi Model B starter pack Doesn't include Raspberry Pi 1 [Raspberry Pi Model B starter pack Doesn't include Raspberry Pi 1](https://www.adafruit.com/product/955) You want to get hacking with your Pi fast, right? Get everything you need to start with the Adafruit Starter Pack for Raspberry Pi. It's the perfect accompaniment to your new Pi, everything you need to get a distro image loaded and running. **We even pre-assemble the Cobbler for you,...** No Longer Stocked [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/955) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/955/guides) ### Raspberry Pi 1 Model B Starter Pack - Includes a Raspberry Pi [Raspberry Pi 1 Model B Starter Pack - Includes a Raspberry Pi](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1014) You want to get hacking with your Pi fast, right? Get everything you need to start with the Adafruit Starter Pack for Raspberry Pi. It's the perfect accompaniment to your new Pi, everything you need to boot up your Pi Model B and get going. **We pre-assemble the Cobbler for you, no...** No Longer Stocked [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1014) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1014/guides) ### Raspberry Pi 3 - Model B - ARMv8 with 1G RAM [Raspberry Pi 3 - Model B - ARMv8 with 1G RAM](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3055) Did you really think the Raspberry Pi would stop getting better? At this point, we sound like a broken record, extolling on the new Pi’s myriad improvements like we’re surprised that the folks at the Raspberry Pi Foundation are continuously making their flagship board better. ... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3055) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3055/guides) ### Raspberry Pi Zero - Version 1.3 [Raspberry Pi Zero - Version 1.3](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2885) At first glance, the Pi Zero isn't much.  It just looks like a slimmed down version of the Raspberry Pi we know and love.  But when we started to think of the possibilities - [and what a well-chosen set of accessories could add](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2816) -... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2885) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2885/guides) ### Raspberry Pi Model A+ 512MB RAM [Raspberry Pi Model A+ 512MB RAM](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2266) **Note:** As of August 10th, 2016 the Raspberry Pi A+ now includes 512 MB of RAM! The Raspberry Pi Model A+ is the perfect board for the minimalist Pi fan. This low-cost Pi uses the same processor as the model B+, but does away with the Ethernet jack and three of the USB... No Longer Stocked [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2266) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2266/guides) ## Related Guides - [Processing on the Raspberry Pi & PiTFT](https://learn.adafruit.com/processing-on-the-raspberry-pi-and-pitft.md) - [Controlling Motors using the Raspberry Pi and RasPiRobot Board V2](https://learn.adafruit.com/controlling-motors-using-the-raspberry-pi-and-raspirobot-board-v2.md) - [Adafruit's Raspberry Pi Lesson 9. Controlling a DC Motor](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-raspberry-pi-lesson-9-controlling-a-dc-motor.md) - [Windows IoT Core Application Development: Headed Blinky](https://learn.adafruit.com/windows-iot-application-development-headed-blinky.md) - [Raspberry Pi Analog to Digital Converters](https://learn.adafruit.com/raspberry-pi-analog-to-digital-converters.md) - [Adafruit's Raspberry Pi Lesson 7. Remote Control with VNC](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-raspberry-pi-lesson-7-remote-control-with-vnc.md) - [Setting up a Raspberry Pi as a WiFi Access Point](https://learn.adafruit.com/setting-up-a-raspberry-pi-as-a-wifi-access-point.md) - [Pi Video Output Using pygame](https://learn.adafruit.com/pi-video-output-using-pygame.md) - [Drive a 16x2 LCD with the Raspberry Pi](https://learn.adafruit.com/drive-a-16x2-lcd-directly-with-a-raspberry-pi.md) - [Analog Inputs for Raspberry Pi Using the MCP3008](https://learn.adafruit.com/reading-a-analog-in-and-controlling-audio-volume-with-the-raspberry-pi.md) - [Windows IoT Core Application Development: Headless Blinky](https://learn.adafruit.com/windows-iot-application-development-headless-application.md) - [Read-Only Raspberry Pi](https://learn.adafruit.com/read-only-raspberry-pi.md) - [Raspberry Pi Kernel-o-Matic](https://learn.adafruit.com/raspberry-pi-kernel-o-matic.md) - [Running Minecraft on a Raspberry Pi](https://learn.adafruit.com/running-minecraft-on-a-raspberry-pi.md) - [Resizing the Raspberry Pi Boot Partition](https://learn.adafruit.com/resizing-raspberry-pi-boot-partition.md)