I have an Ampere Altra Dev Kit that I had been using as a Debian GNU/Linux server for nearly three years. Yesterday, it apparently crashed (couldn't connect to it anymore, but still connect to the BMC). So I thought if I need to reboot it anyway, I might as well install OpenBMC now, which I did. I guess that worked.
But I can't get it to boot. So I've now connected a VGA screen. At start, it is stuck at the "Tanocore/EDK2 firmware version 2.04.100.10 Build 20230418 ATF 2.06 Press ESCAPE for boot option." line. I've tried with a USB keyboard on all USB ports by now, but pressing Esc has apparently no effect (but I can switch NumLock on and off, so I guess they keyboard is connected somewhow). Tried resetting the CMOS via JP30, but that had no visible effect.
I've tried a dozen times, with the USB keyboard at different USB ports, or no keyboard at all. Rebooting via front-panel button or via OpenBMC. Same result.
Any ideas? Should I try the serial port (I guess that needs a nullmoden cable?)?
P.S.: To rule out a hardware issue not directly in the Ampere Altra Dev Kit, I've tried: different power supply, remove any pair of RAM sticks, remove all cards in PCIe slots. Nothing made a difference.
P.P.S.: The keyboard is apparently working somehow. While "Esc" apparently doesn't do anything, I can reboot using "Alt+Ctrl+Del".
P.P.P.S.: The hang apparently only happens after a reboot; or when powering on via the BMC. If I cut of power (via the switch onthe power supply), leave it off for an hour, then switch it on, I do not get the hang, and can get into the BIOS menu via "Esc". Time to try to update the firmware, to see if that helps.
