The Barr CHANNEL INTELLIGENCE cable electronically isolates the computer from the mainframe channel and from any other devices on the channel. This isolation protects the mainframe and other channel devices when you disconnect the computer. The CHANNEL INTELLIGENCE cable also includes these features.
The CHANNEL INTELLIGENCE cable monitors its connection to the computer and operates differently depending on whether or not the Barr software is loaded.
When the Barr software is loaded, the adapter sends a signal to the CHANNEL INTELLIGENCE cable. The CHANNEL INTELLIGENCE cable connects the computer to the channel while constantly monitoring the signal from the adapter. If the CHANNEL INTELLIGENCE cable loses the signal from the adapter, the CHANNEL INTELLIGENCE cable disables the computer’s channel connection.
When the Barr software is not loaded, the computer-to-channel connection is disabled, but Channel In signals continue to connect directly through to Channel Out.
LED indicators tell you the status of the connection to the mainframe. The CHANNEL INTELLIGENCE cable has three lights:
CHANNEL – The channel has been varied on at the mainframe.
ENABLED – The computer connection to the channel is enabled. This indicator lights when the device driver has initialized the adapter.
SELECTED – The computer has been selected by the channel and is actively communicating with the mainframe. This indicator often flashes on and off during communication with the channel.
More than one indicator light can be on at one time. For example, if the computer is actively communicating with the mainframe, all three LED indicators are on.
Device priority determines the order in which devices are serviced by the mainframe. The Barr CHANNEL INTELLIGENCE cable includes a PRIORITY switch that allows you to set the priority of the Barr channel device to HIGH or LOW.
When you set the PRIORITY switch to HIGH, the Barr channel device responds to the Select Out signal.
When you set the PRIORITY switch to LOW, the Barr channel device responds to the Select In signal.
Typically, you would set the CHANNEL INTELLIGENCE cable to HIGH priority. However, your system requirements determine how you should set this switch. Consult mainframe personnel to determine the requirements at your site. For more information about channel device priority, see your Barr channel hardware manual.
The PRIORITY switch is inset from the CHANNEL INTELLIGENCE cable housing to prevent accidental movement. To change the setting, move the switch with a pen or screwdriver.