Beta scope and validation¶
This documentation covers the Sericon 0.1.0 beta. The beta includes Linux serial sessions, passive adapter/baud selection, RX/TX logging, scrollback, literal/regex search, Rhai formulas, local CLI/MCP access, and embedded Linux file operations.
Platform scope¶
| Component | Included targets |
|---|---|
| Sericon host | Static Linux x86-64, ARM64 and ARMv6 hard-float |
| Optional DUT helper | x86_64, mipsel, aarch64, arm (ARMv6KZ hard-float/VFPv2) |
| Other host operating systems | Not included |
Host and DUT architectures are independent. A Linux x86-64 laptop can install the MIPS or ARM helper on a connected device. The helper is optional; normal serial use needs no software installed on the DUT.
Limits¶
- Baud detection uses readable-text scoring. Silence, brief prompts and binary traffic may need a fixed rate or another capture.
- Disconnecting ends a session. Automatic reconnect and terminal replay of a closed capture are not included.
- Human and agent input is coordinated through writer reservations. It does not establish when a remote command has finished.
- Files requires an empty, logged-in Linux shell. Regular-file transfers are limited to 64 MiB, and a directory listing to 512 entries. Device/flash reads, shell-only uploads and persistent transfer resume are not included.
- Helper architecture selection is manual. Matching a CPU family alone does not establish the required byte order, ABI or kernel compatibility.
- The built-in password and endpoint scans return candidates with evidence context. They do not establish that a value is a working credential or reachable endpoint.
- Athanor integration points exist through the CLI and MCP. The Athanor GUI does not yet control Sericon sessions.
The Files guide, search guide and formula API document the operation-specific limits.
Validation¶
As of September 17 2026:
| Coverage | Verified |
|---|---|
| Native software fixtures | 36 Rust tests and 73 isolated PTY [pseudoterminal] integration tests; formatting, Clippy and locked builds |
| Published host packages | Static musl executables for all three targets, with all four helper payloads; versions, embedded hashes, archive checksums and dependency notices checked |
| Physical CP2102 / ESP32 | Adapter discovery, 115200 baud recognition, shared session I/O and retained logging on a Hatch Rest |
| Physical Tigard / TP-Link MT7628 | Adapter selection, fixed 115200 operation, target-specific U-Boot interruption, and protocol-1 helper installation with verified binary downloads |
| C helper CPU tests | x86-64 natively; MIPS24Kc, ARM Cortex-A53 and ARM1176 under QEMU. Reads, listings, inspection, verified uploads, corruption/collision handling and unsafe-path rejection |
| ARM Sericon host CPU tests | ARM64 and ARMv6 broker startup, PTY I/O, formulas, downloads, helper upload/overview collection, and clean shutdown under QEMU |
| Helper menu | All four payloads selectable, Back preserves selection, installation verifies and selects the helper |
Emulation is separate from physical hardware testing. ARM DUT helpers and Raspberry Pi hosts have not yet received physical validation. The current protocol-2 helper operations have software/CPU coverage; earlier physical helper downloads used protocol 1. This is not a compatibility claim for every adapter, old kernel or embedded Linux image.
Report a beta issue¶
Open an issue in digitalandrew/sericon.
Include the output of sericon --version, host OS and architecture, adapter model, selected port/baud, and steps to reproduce. For helper problems, include sericon files helpers and the DUT's known architecture, kernel and shell. State whether the problem occurs in the terminal, CLI or MCP bridge.
Attach the relevant error and a short capture excerpt after removing credentials or other private DUT data. Note whether logging was disabled and whether other clients or formulas were active. A reproducible PTY fixture is useful when hardware is unavailable.