[syslinux] How to press F1 over a serial console?

[Ferenc Wagner]

"H. Peter Anvin" <hpa at zytor.com> writes:

> Ferenc Wagner wrote:
>
>> Over a serial emulation provided by the BIOS, I get the PXELINUX boot
>> prompt all right.  Now, how do I send F1 to get a help screen?  It's
>> not PXELINUX specific, of course, F1 would also come helpful for
>> entering the BIOS Setup program.  Its accross telnet running in an SSH
>> session from an UTF-8 xterm, as it probably matters.  I would be
>> grateful for any insight.
>
> It depends on the BIOS, and frequently on the specific emulation you
> have selected in your serial emulation BIOS setup.
>
> I believe if you're doing vt100/vt220 emulation, F1 is represented by
> the sequence "<ESC>[OP".

Yes, the BIOS config says VT100/VT200 emulation (the other choice is
ANSI).  Sadly, the above sequence does not work.  Still, I can get
into the setup program (three unsuccessful boots will automatically
lead you there), where I can test various combinations for unlimited
time.  But already pressing ESC results in some action, I don't have a
chance for typing in sequences...  Must I program the telnet client or
the terminal emulator for sending the sequence 'instantenously'?

To mention something even on topic, I have the impression that the VGA
graphics (the ^X feature) is displayed even if CONSOLE 0, trashing the
first screen over the serial line.
-- 
Thanks,
Feri.