If you make and install the serial console bootblocks in

/sys/arch/i386/stand/biosboot_com<n>

then you can use a serial console with a regular NetBSD kernel. Installing
them is a bit tricky--i think you need to boot single-user. See the
installboot(8) man page.  

the i386 port is foolproof though--installboot does everything for you,
and saves you from making the mistake i always make of forgetting to type
'sync' after copying 'boot' onto the filesystem.

On Sat, 4 Dec 1999, Eric Delcamp wrote:

> - Is a video card absolutly necessary to boot NetBSD ?

not sure, but i think it's absolutely necessary that you have a video card
to boot a PeeCee. if you don't, you get this strange beep pattern that
sounds like morse code but isn't.  then the BIOS halts the machine in the
self-test.

now your video card doesn't need to be plugged into a monitor like it does
on a Macintosh--but you probably already know that part.

-- 
Miles Nordin / v:1-888-857-2723 fax:+1 530 579-8680
555 Bryant Street PMB 182 / Palo Alto, CA 94301-1700 / US