This chapter describes settings specific to PRINT370. The sample screens in this manual are for BARR/RJE. If you have BARR/AFP or BARR/SPOOL, the information on your screen will look slightly different. Software configuration settings for the base software are described in the BARR/RJE manual, Getting Started with BARR/AFP booklet, or BARR/SPOOL manual.
When you enter software settings, remember to periodically save your changes with the Exit and Save Changes option to preserve your work in case of an unexpected power failure. You can return to the Installation Description after you save your changes.
You must enter software settings for the PRINT370 or CHANNEL-OUT (BT) adapter and the S/390 channel-attached printers. To reach the installation settings for PRINT370, follow these steps.
Run the installation program by typing the software startup command followed by the letter i. For example, for BARR/RJE type this command:
barrsnar i
Press ENTER until you reach the Installation Description screen.
Select S/390 Channel Attached Printers.
You can access PRINT370 settings from the S/390 Channel Attached Printers screen. You can enable or disable printers grouped at the top of the screen as needed. Typically you will use the AFP Options and Adapter Description items at the bottom of the screen only during initial installation.
Follow the steps listed below to enter the PRINT370 settings.
Adapter Description – Enter the adapter settings described in section 4.2.
Adapter Diagnostics – Test the adapter and CHANNEL-OUT cable to verify that you installed them correctly. See section 4.3.
Printer Options – Configure options for each S/390 printer by selecting printers from the list. See section 4.4.
AFP Options – If you will use the AFP Resource Saving feature, configure the AFP options. See Chapter 7.
Route Data – When you finish entering the PRINT370 settings, you need to direct data to printers from the Assign Devices menu. See section 4.5.
First, you must enter software settings that pertain to the adapter. Follow the steps that correspond to the adapter you purchased.
For the CHANNEL-OUT (BT) adapter, you must set the data streaming rate and maximum channel command length in the software. Start at the S/390 Channel Attached Printers screen.
For the CHANNEL-OUT (BT) adapter, you do not need to set the interrupt request or address in the software.
Data streaming rate?
If you configure your printer to use the data streaming data transfer mode, choose which type of data streaming the software should support. If you set your printer for DCI High Speed Transfer, PRINT370 ignores this setting.
4.5 MByte – Default. The adapter communicates with the printer via 4.5 megabyte data streaming.
3.0 MByte – The adapter communicates with the printer via 3.0 megabyte data streaming.
Maximum channel command length?
Specify the maximum channel command length required for printing. This value should be equal to or greater than the largest data record you will send to the printer. The default value is 512 bytes for most printer types and 16000 for AFP or 3800-compatible printers. (The Printer type setting is described in section 4.4.) The maximum value is 16000. If PRINT370 receives a record larger than the specified command length, it displays an error message on the console. See section 8.4 for a description of the error message.
The maximum channel command length is stored in PC memory. Your PC must have enough available conventional memory to store the buffer. This memory requirement is in addition to the amount you specify for Memory allocated for buffers on the Tuning and Global Options, Trace and Memory Options screen.
Enable command trace?
If you encounter problems and contact Barr Technical Support, a support analyst might ask you to provide a command trace. Usually you only need to capture a trace if you are directed to do so. By default, the PRINT370 command trace writes to a file named DUMP. If you also enable the Barr RJE communications line trace or memory dump, all the diagnostics write to the same file.
No – Default. Do not perform a command trace.
Yes – Enables automatic command tracing upon program startup.
Perform Diagnostics on CHANNEL-OUT (BT) adapter?
Verify correct operation of the CHANNEL-OUT (BT) adapter and CHANNEL-OUT cable. Make sure you installed the adapter properly by testing the adapter immediately after you install it.
No – Default. Do not test the adapter.
Yes – Test the adapter and cable. See section 4.3 for instructions.
For the PRINT370 adapter, you must set the adapter interrupt request and address in the software. Start at the S/390 Channel Attached Printers screen.
Change the interrupt request and address settings only if you verify a conflict with other equipment in the PC. If a conflict exists, the software will not function correctly when you attempt to start or operate it. To determine whether or not a conflict exists, run the adapter diagnostics described in section 4.3.
Interrupt request of BARR/370 adapter?
Hardware line over which the processor and PRINT370 adapter communicate. The interrupt request (IRQ) carries signals to get the processor’s attention when the adapter is ready to receive or send information.
The default value for PRINT370 is IRQ15. Other choices are IRQ10, IRQ11, IRQ12, and IRQ7.
PC AT Computers: IRQ7 is the only IRQ available for the eight-bit slot of a PC AT.
Address of BARR/370 adapter?
PC address for the PRINT370 adapter. The address you select on this screen must match the address jumper setting on the adapter. The default setting both on the adapter and in the software is 298. Other choices are 288, 2A8, and 2B8.
Enable command trace?
If you encounter problems and contact Barr Technical Support, a support analyst might ask you to provide a command trace. Usually you only need to capture a trace if you are directed to do so. By default, the PRINT370 command trace writes to a file named DUMP. If you also enable the Barr RJE communications line trace or memory dump, all the diagnostics write to the same file.
No – Default. Do not perform a command trace.
Yes – Enables automatic command tracing upon program startup.
Perform Diagnostics on BARR/370 adapter?
Verify correct operation of the PRINT370 adapter and CHANNEL-OUT cable. Make sure you installed the adapter properly by testing the adapter immediately after you install it.
No – Default. Do not test the PRINT370 adapter.
Yes – Test the adapter and cable. See section 4.3 for instructions.
Adapter diagnostics confirm that you installed the PRINT370 or CHANNEL-OUT (BT) adapter and CHANNEL-OUT cable correctly and that they function properly. Run this test immediately after you install the adapter and cable or if you suspect a hardware error.
To perform the test, you need the loopback test plugs that come with the CHANNEL-OUT cable. You can test different components by running the test several times with the test plugs installed at different locations. To test the adapter and CHANNEL-OUT cable, install the test plugs on the CHANNEL-OUT cable. To test the printer connectors and daisy-chain cables, install the test plugs at other locations along the printer chain.
During the loopback test, the software sends a data string of 256 characters to the adapter. The test plugs return the data through the receive side of the adapter, and the software verifies that the data received matches the data that was sent.
Follow the instructions that correspond to the adapter you purchased.
The diagnostic test consists of these phases:
Interrupt test
Tag loopback test
Bus loopback test
Software screens guide you through the test phases.
Start the Test – How you start the test depends on which software you have. If you have BARR/RJE, BARR/AFP, or BARR/SPOOL software, start the test from the Installation Description screen. If you have only the Barr device drivers described in Chapter 9, unload the device drivers and then use the 370DIAG.EXE utility. Follow these steps to start the test.
Navigate to the PRINT370 Adapter Description screen and set Perform diagnostics on CHANNEL-OUT (BT) adapter to Yes.
Press ENTER.
Adapter Location Test – The software first checks whether the CHANNEL-OUT (BT) adapter is installed. When you press ENTER from the Adapter Description screen, a message at the bottom of the screen notifies you that the software found the adapter.
If the software cannot locate the adapter, a warning message displays.
If you see this message, make sure the adapter is seated firmly in the slot. Also verify that there are no adapter setting conflicts in BIOS. See the CHANNEL-OUT (BT) manual for more information.
Connect the Test Plugs – Next, the software displays instructions for connecting the bus and tag test plugs.
The test plugs are labeled Bus Loop and Tag Loop. Follow these steps to install the test plugs, as illustrated in Figure 4-1.
Connect the Bus Loop plug to the CHANNEL-OUT cable’s Bus connector.
Connect the Tag Loop plug to the CHANNEL-OUT cable’s Tag connector.
Figure 4-1. To test the adapter and CHANNEL-OUT cable, install the test plugs on the CHANNEL-OUT cable.
If you do not install the test plugs, the following message displays at the bottom of the screen when you start the test:
Run the Adapter Test
Press ENTER to start the test.
Test results indicating success or failure display on the screen as each phase completes. If the test phase detects no errors, test passed displays, as shown in this example:
If a test phase fails, test failed displays and the test pauses, as shown in this example:
Note the test results. If a test phase fails, correct the problem reported by the first phase that failed (see Table 4-1) and repeat the test.
Bent pins on the CHANNEL-OUT cable’s Bus and Tag plugs can cause the test to fail. Check the plugs and straighten any bent pins.
Table 4-1. Reasons for Test Failure
|
Test |
Indicates |
|
IRQ test |
Adapter does not generate interrupts. The adapter might be faulty or you might need to check the BIOS IRQ setting. |
|
Tag loopback test |
The adapter, tag cable, or tag test plug is defective. |
|
Bus loopback test |
The adapter, bus cable, or bus test plug is defective. |
When the test completes successfully, press e to return to the S/390 Channel Attached Printers screen.
The diagnostic test consists of these four phases:
Register Test – The Register Test writes to and reads from the adapter registers to verify that they work properly.
Loopback Input/Output Test – The Input/Output Test sends data to the cable and reads it back to verify that the input/output portions of the adapter work properly.
Transfer Test – The Transfer Test checks the adapter’s ability to send and receive data.
Interrupt Test – The Interrupt Test verifies the adapter’s ability to perform hardware interrupts to get the PC processor’s attention.
Software screens guide you through the test phases.
Start the Test – How you start the test depends on which software you have. If you have BARR/RJE, BARR/AFP, or BARR/SPOOL software, start the test from the Installation Description screen. If you have only the Barr device drivers described in Chapter 9, unload the device drivers and then use the 370DIAG.EXE utility. Follow these steps to start the test.
Navigate to the PRINT370 Adapter Description screen and set Perform diagnostics on BARR/370 adapter to Yes.
Press ENTER.
Adapter Location Test – The software first checks whether the PRINT370 adapter is installed. When you press ENTER from the Adapter Description screen, a message at the bottom of the screen displays the adapter settings.
If the software cannot locate the adapter at the address specified in the software, a warning message displays.
If you see this message, make sure the address jumper setting on the PRINT370 adapter matches the address on the screen. Also verify that the address setting does not conflict with other equipment in the PC.
Connect the Test Plugs – Next, the software displays instructions for connecting the bus and tag test plugs.
The test plugs are labeled Bus Loop and Tag Loop. Follow these steps to install the test plugs, as illustrated in Figure 4-2.
Connect the Bus Loop plug to the CHANNEL-OUT cable’s Bus connector.
Connect the Tag Loop plug to the CHANNEL-OUT cable’s Tag connector.
Figure 4-2. To test the adapter and CHANNEL-OUT cable, install the test plugs on the CHANNEL-OUT cable.
If you do not install the test plugs, the following message displays at the bottom of the screen when you start the test:
Run the Adapter Test
Press ENTER to start the test.
The following screen displays while the Register Test (the first test phase) runs. The other phases follow in quick succession. The software updates information on the screen during each phase of the test and then displays the test phase results.
The results indicate success or failure of each phase. The message Test Passed displays if the test phase detects no errors, but the next phase begins quickly so you might not see the message.
If a test phase fails, the message Test Failed displays and the test pauses (see Table 4-2). On the screen, error locations appear in red for color monitors or reverse video for monochrome monitors.
Note the test results and then press ENTER to advance to the next test phase. If any phase of the test fails, correct the problem reported by the first phase that failed (see Table 4-2) and repeat the test.
Table 4-2. Reasons for Test Failure
|
Test |
Indicates |
|
Input/Output Register Test |
Failure usually indicates that settings for other equipment conflict with the PRINT370 adapter, or that the adapter or cable is faulty. |
|
Transfer Test |
Failure usually means the adapter is faulty. |
|
Interrupt Test |
Failure indicates an IRQ conflict or faulty adapter. |
Bent pins on the CHANNEL-OUT cable’s Bus and Tag plugs can cause the test to fail. Check the plugs and straighten any bent pins.
When all test phases complete without errors, the following screen displays.
When the test completes, press ENTER to return to the S/390 Channel Attached Printers screen.
Perform this test if the adapter and CHANNEL-OUT cable test passes but you still suspect a malfunction in the printer chain. This test is the same as the adapter and CHANNEL-OUT cable test, except that you install the test plugs on printers or daisy-chain cables instead of on the CHANNEL-OUT cable. You can perform this test for either the PRINT370 or CHANNEL-OUT (BT) adapter.
First, test the entire printer chain. If the test reports an error, you can systematically rule out problems with each cable or printer by running the test several more times, each time with the test plugs attached to the next cable or printer in the chain.
Install the test plugs according to the instructions that follow. To run the test, from the PRINT370 Adapter Description screen set Perform diagnostics on CHANNEL-OUT (BT) adapter to Yes and press ENTER.
Before you attempt the test, perform these steps.
Power off all printers. The test is not accurate if the printers are turned on.
Cut the test plugs from the end of the CHANNEL-OUT cable. Be careful not to misplace the test plugs because you might need them later. You might want to re-attach the test plugs to the cable when you finish testing.
To determine if a hardware problem exists, follow these steps to test the entire printer chain. Figure 4-3 shows how to connect the cables and test plugs.
Re-attach the CHANNEL-OUT cable to the first printer’s Bus In and Tag In connectors.
Remove the terminator plugs from the last printer.
Install the test plugs on the last printer’s Bus Out and Tag Out connectors.
Run the test.
Figure 4-3. To test the entire printer chain, install the test plugs on the last printer.
If the test passes, all of the hardware components are functioning properly. If the test fails, see Isolate the Error.
If the test of the entire printer chain fails, you must determine exactly which component is at fault. To isolate the error, perform the test one time for each piece of equipment. For example, if you have two channel printers, run the test three more times: once for each of the printers and once for the daisy-chain cables. Run the test with the test plugs installed on the first printer, run the test again with the test plugs installed on the daisy-chain cables, and then run the test with the test plugs installed on the second printer.
If the test fails at any stage, you will know exactly which device in the chain is at fault. For example, if the test passes when you connect the test plugs to the first printer but fails when you connect the test plugs to the daisy-chain cables, the daisy-chain cables are faulty. Correct the problem by repairing or replacing the faulty equipment. Then test the new equipment by attaching the test plugs to it and running the test again. Remember to continue the test for the rest of the components in case more than one device is faulty.
Bent pins on the cable’s Bus and Tag plugs or the printer’s connectors can cause the test to fail. If the test fails, check the plugs and connectors and straighten any bent pins.
Test the First Printer – Follow these steps to test the first printer in the chain. Figure 4-4 shows how to connect the cables and test plugs.
Remove the test plugs from the last printer.
Disconnect the daisy-chain cables from the first printer.
Connect the test plugs to the first printer’s Bus Out and Tag Out connectors.
Run the test. If the test passes, go to the next test step. If the test fails, contact Barr Technical Support or your printer vendor for assistance and then repeat the test after you correct the problem.
Figure 4-4. To test the first printer in the chain, install the test plugs on the first printer.
Test the Daisy-chain Cables – Next, test the first set of daisy-chain cables. Figure 4-5 shows how to connect the cables and test plugs.
Remove the test plugs from the first printer.
Reconnect the daisy-chain cables to the first printer’s Bus Out and Tag Out connectors.
Disconnect the daisy-chain cables from the second printer and connect the test plugs to the free end of the daisy-chain cables.
Run the test. If the test passes, go to the next step. If the test fails, contact Barr Technical Support or your printer vendor for assistance and then repeat the test after you correct the problem.
Figure 4-5. To test the daisy-chain cables, install the test plugs on the daisy-chain cables.
Test the Next Printer – Follow these steps to test the next printer in the chain, as illustrated in Figure 4-6.
Remove the test plugs from the daisy-chain cables.
Re-attach the daisy-chain cables to the second printer’s Bus In and Tag In connectors.
Remove the terminator plugs from the second printer.
Connect the test plugs to the second printer’s Bus Out and Tag Out connectors.
Run the test. If the test passes, go to the next test step. If the test fails, contact Barr Technical Support or your printer vendor for assistance, and then repeat the test after you correct the problem.
Figure 4-6. To test the second printer in the chain, install the test plugs on the second printer.
If you have more than two printers, repeat the daisy-chain cable test and printer test for each additional printer.
When you finish the test, remember to re-install the terminator plugs on the last printer’s Bus Out and Tag Out connectors. Note where you store the test plugs in case you need them again.
You must specify options on the printer definition screen for each S/390 channel printer you attach. To reach the printer definition screen, select a printer from the printer list on the S/390 Channel Attached Printers screen.
You can distinguish printers by their addresses. In the Barr software, device names for the S/390 channel printers begin with the letters PR followed by the printer address. The default device names are PR0E to PR5E.
Select PR0E, the first printer listed.
The printer definition screen displays the enable/disable status, device address, and printer type for each channel printer.
Some option values depend on the printer type. If you have an Océ printer, also see Chapter 5. If you are replacing a Xerox 871-CM device with PRINT370, also see Chapter 6. If you have an AFP printer, also see Chapter 7.
AFP: The Set printer options and Printer control data menu choices at the bottom of the screen do not apply to AFP printers. For more information about options for AFP printers, see Chapter 7.
Enable or Disable device?
Choose whether to enable or disable the channel printer in the software. Each channel printer you enable displays as a destination device on the Assign Devices screen.
Enabled – Enable this device. You must enable the printer before you can print to it.
Disabled – Disable this device. The printer will not be used.
Printer address:
The printer’s two-digit channel address. The address on this screen must match the printer’s actual address. If your printer’s address differs from the address shown on this screen, enter the correct address. If your printer has a three-digit address, enter the last two digits.
Depending on your printer make and model, the address might appear on the front of the printer, on hardware inside the printer, or on a software menu on the printer.
If you cannot find the printer address, use the P370FIND.EXE utility included with the PRINT370 reference files or contact your printer service representative. If the printer was previously attached to a mainframe computer, you can obtain the address from mainframe personnel.
Printer type?
PRINT370 uses the printer type to preset the Advanced Printer Options and to interpret codes the printer sends to the software during error recovery. Select the printer type that matches your printer. If your printer is not listed, select 3211 Equivalent.
3211 Equivalent – Functionally equivalent to the IBM 3211 line printer.
IBM 3203 model 5 – IBM 3203 model 5 line printer.
IBM 6262 – IBM 6262 line printer.
Océ (Siemens) 2050/2075 – Océ 2050 laser printer.
Xerox Laser – Xerox laser printer.
Kodak Komstar – Kodak Komstar or Optistar computer output microfiche device.
Océ (Siemens) 3800-3 Compatible – Océ printer operating in IBM 3800 Compatibility Mode.
3825 3827 ... IPDS Group3 – AFP printers equivalent to the IBM 3825, IBM 3827, or IPDS Group 3 type printers. These printers cannot implement SNA communications.
3820 VTAM Attached IPDS – AFP printers equivalent to the IBM 3820. These printers can implement SNA communications.
Comparex – Comparex line printer or laser printer.
You can enter additional PRINT370 settings on the Printer Options screen. These printer options do not apply to AFP printers. For more information about AFP printers, see Chapter 7.
To reach the Printer Options screen, start at the printer definition screen.
Press ENTER and select Set printer options to view the Printer Options screen.
These options affect how the software processes files at print time. Printer definition information displays at the top of the screen to help you remember which printer the options apply to.
Printer performance optimized?
Choose whether to optimize printer performance by converting data as it is sent to the printer.
No – Default. The software sends data to the printer unaltered.
Yes – The software optimizes printer performance by altering the data as follows:
Converts blank lines to line feeds (LF).
Converts horizontal tab characters to the required number of blanks to emulate tab settings at eight-character intervals.
You can use this option for files in S/370 channel format that you send to line printers. Do not use this option for ASCII files or for printers that buffer data, such as high speed laser printers.
Conditional new page at end of file?
Choose whether the software should add a Skip to Channel 1 command to the end of a file, if needed, to ensure that each file begins at the top of a new page. Some files do not contain channel skips.
Yes – Default. At the end of each file, the software looks for a Skip to Channel 1 or determines if data on the last page reached the maximum page length. If neither condition is met, the software adds a Skip to Channel 1 to ensure that the next file begins at the top of a new page. The software remembers when it adds a Skip to Channel 1. If the next file begins with a Skip to Channel 1, the software removes that command to prevent printing a blank page.
No – The software does not add channel skips to or remove channel skips from files.
Audible alarm on printer error?
The PC makes a shrill beep when the software detects an error or paper condition. The alarm stops when you correct the condition or press any key on the keyboard. The alarm is especially useful for laser printers because you might not hear a laser printer stop when a problem occurs.
No – Default. Disable alarm.
Yes – Enable alarm.
Modify advanced printer options?
Options on the Advanced Printer Options screen affect how the software modifies the print data before it sends the data to printer. This option allows printouts from a remotely attached channel printer to more closely resemble output from a locally attached channel printer. In most cases you do not need to change the advanced options. The advanced options are discussed later in this section.
No – Default. Do not view or modify the Advanced Printer Options.
Yes – View or modify the Advanced Printer Options. Change the advanced options only if directed to do so by Barr Technical Support or this manual.
Forms overlay directory:
Many laser printers have a forms overlay feature that sets up a form to print automatically on every page of a job. A form overlay is the electronic version of a pre-printed form. You can use the Barr forms overlay feature to send information to the printer immediately before each print file. The form overlay file can contain electronic forms, additional printer control data, or printer resources.
Enter the name of the directory where you will store overlay or resource files. Include the drive letter and full directory path. Remember to create the actual directory with the DOS make directory (md) command. If you do not plan to use this feature, leave the directory name blank.
Overlay file format: If the channel printer will print
data from the mainframe, you must create the form overlay files in either
ASCII or Barr S/390 file format. For a description of S/390 format, see
Appendix A.
Overlays with Xerox printers: Do not use the
forms overlay feature to send DJDE strings to Xerox printers. For best
results, DJDEs must be received with the data from the host system and
must follow the banner page in the print file. Information sent to the
printer before the banner page will be lost during the Xerox printer’s
special processing of the banner page. Overlays are sent to the printer
at the start of the file and, thus, will be lost.
For more information about the forms overlay feature, see the Devices and Printers chapter of your BARR/RJE manual or your BARR/SPOOL manual.
Initialization file:
This option sends a single file with initialization information to the printer each time you start the software.
In the Initialization file field, enter the name of the file you will use to initialize the printer. Include the complete file path. When you start the Barr software, the software automatically sends the initialization file to the printer. See the examples later in this discussion.
If you do not need to use this feature, leave the Initialization file field blank.
Océ printers that operate in IBM 3800 Compatibility Mode require the initialization file INIT that comes with the SNPFORM and SNPIMAGE utilities from Océ. See Chapter 5 for more information.
Some line or band printers such as the IBM 3203 and IBM 3211 require that you load a UCS Buffer (UCSB) and special command files. The Barr software disk contains a library of special commands and UCSB images corresponding to the mainframe library SYS1.IMAGELIB. For a list of these files, see section 2.2. UCSBs provide an alternate character image when a printer’s default character set does not match the print train or band installed in the printer. If you need special characters or you get illegible results, try using a different UCSB image. Look for the UCSB name on the inside surface of the print train or band or refer to your printer manual to determine which images you need.
For example, if you have an IBM 3203 printer with a 3PN print train you need to load the UCS3PN file supplied by Barr Systems. Enter the name of this file in the Initialization file field. Include the complete file path or copy the file to the directory where the BARR/RJE, BARR/SPOOL, or BARR/AFP software resides.
If you have an IBM 3203 printer with a 3PN print train (UCS3PN) and you want to fold lowercase to uppercase (FOLD) and block data check errors (BLOCK), you need to use three initialization files. Because you can enter only one file name in the Initialization file field, you must combine the three files into a single file. For example, enter the file name 23203init. Then create a file named 03203init that contains a single text line listing the names of the UCS file and command files, including the file paths. You must start the list with two pound signs (the Barr send files instruction) and separate the file names with a character space, as shown below.
If you specify more than one file name, you must precede each file name with its complete file path.
Advanced printer options affect how the software processes files at print time. The software automatically sets the value of these options when you select the Printer type.
Do not change these options unless Barr Technical Support or another section of this manual directs you to do so.
If you have a Xerox laser printer, additional options display at the bottom of the screen. See Advanced Printer Options for Xerox Printers later in this section for a description of the additional options.
These printer options do not apply to AFP printers. For more information about AFP printers, see Chapter 7.
To access the advanced printer options, from the Printer Options screen set Modify advanced printer options to Yes.
Printer character set?
This option specifies how the PRINT370 software treats ASCII files before it sends the files to the printer. You usually create ASCII files on the PC or receive them from a LAN. (This option does not affect files received with S/370 Channel receive mode.)
EBCDIC – Default. The software translates ASCII files to EBCDIC. Use EBCDIC for printers that do not handle ASCII data.
ASCII – The software does not translate ASCII files to EBCDIC. Use this selection if the file to be printed comes from a DOS application and the printer accepts ASCII data.
Pad zero length records?
Zero-length (blank) records contain no data but can contain carriage control commands. Some printers require that zero-length records contain character spaces. This option controls how the software handles zero-length records. The software automatically sets the default value when you select the Printer type.
Yes – Default for most printer types. The software pads zero-length records with character spaces at print time. When they route data to remote workstations, most mainframe systems truncate character spaces from the end of data records. However, carriage control commands will not execute on some printers if the trailing character spaces are missing from data records. If your printer requires non-blank lines to print correctly, use this selection to add character spaces to blank lines.
No – Default for the Kodak Komstar, Oce (Siemens) 3800-3 Compatible, and Comparex printer types. The software does not pad zero-length records.
PRINT/CHANNEL: If you have the PRINT/CHANNEL option, you must set this option to No when you direct data from the mainframe to S/390 printers (for example, CH0EPR0E). Unlike output received through JES, mainframe output received with PRINT/CHANNEL is not padded.
Pad zero length Skip to Channel 1?
This option is similar to the Pad zero length records option. It affects how the software handles zero-length (blank) records that contain a Skip to Channel 1 command. Usually, Skip to Channel 1 is defined to be at the top of the form.
Always – Default for most printer types. At print time, the software always pads records containing a Skip to Channel 1 command with character spaces.
No – Default for the Kodak Komstar, Oce (Siemens) 3800-3 Compatible, and Comparex printer types. The software does not pad zero-length records containing a Skip to Channel 1 command.
PRINT/CHANNEL: If you have the PRINT/CHANNEL option, you must set this option to No when you direct data from the mainframe to S/390 printers (for example, CH0EPR0E). Unlike output received through JES, mainframe output received with PRINT/CHANNEL is not padded.
Consecutive Blank – Default for the Xerox Laser printer type. If a record with Skip to Channel 1 and no data follows another record with Skip to Channel 1 and no data, the software pads the second record with character spaces.
For example, the consecutive records
Skip Immediate to Channel 1
Skip Immediate to Channel 1
become the records
Skip Immediate to Channel 1
Write a Space and Skip to Channel 1
Consecutive non-blank – If a record with a Skip to Channel 1 command and no data follows a record with a Skip to Channel 1 command and data, the second record is padded with blanks.
For example, the consecutive records
Write and Skip to Channel 1
Skip Immediate to Channel 1
become the records
Write and Skip to Channel 1
Write a Space and Skip to Channel 1
Type of Sense Codes?
Select which of the two sense code types best matches the format used by your printer. Your selection determines what action the software takes when it encounters various errors.
3211, 3203, 4245 – Default for most printer types. The software uses the sense codes for the IBM 3211, 3203, and 4245 printers.
6262, 4248, 3800 – Default for the IBM 6262 and Oce (Siemens) 3800-3 Compatible printer types. The software uses the sense codes for the IBM 4248, 6262, and 3800 printers.
Log Printer Sense Errors?
Choose whether to display printer sense codes on the Barr console.
This option does not affect display of the backspace message for Océ 3800-3 Compatibility Mode printers. See section 5.2 for more information about the backspace message.
No – Default for most printer types. Printer sense codes do not display on the Barr console.
Yes – Default for the Comparex printer type. Printer sense codes other than sense 4000xxxx display on the console. For a description of the message format, see section 8.4.
Send 3211 FCB Information?
This option allows you to control if and when the software sends Forms Control Buffer (FCB) information to the printer. FCB information is stored in the Barr file header. It originates from Set Vertical Format information from the mainframe or from user-defined printer forms in the Barr software. For more information about FCBs, see Appendix F of the BARR/RJE manual.
Yes – Default for most printer types. The software sends the FCB information to the printer with each job. Most printers require Yes for this option.
No, FCB not Sent – Default for the Oce (Siemens) 3800-3 Compatible and Comparex printer types. Some laser printers and microfiche devices do not accept the standard 3211 FCB Load commands. With this selection, the software does not send the FCB. If the device requires a different format for FCB Load, you can create a custom FCB with one of these options: Printer Control Data, Forms overlay directory, or Initialization file.
When FCBFCB or Formname Changes – Send the FCB when the FCB information or the form name changes. When two jobs that use the same FCB and form are sent to the printer consecutively, the software sends the FCB only with the first job. When multiple copies of the same job are sent to the printer, the software sends the FCB only with the first copy of the job.
The method you use to mount forms is not a factor. If you mount forms by FCB name, an FCB name change or form name change causes the software to send the FCB. The same is true if you mount forms by form name.
If you notice that the top line of consecutive jobs shifts down the page (for example, three jobs that should each begin on line 3 instead begin on lines 3, 6, and 9, respectively), use this option to eliminate the shift. Barr Systems recommends that you set Skip to Channel 1 only at line 1. If you set Skip to Channel 1 at another line number, this selection ensures that the software properly aligns consecutive jobs that use the same FCB.
Only when FCB Changes – Similar to the previous option, except the FCB is sent only when the FCB information changes, not when the form name changes.
Issue TOF when space past Channel 12?
This option controls whether the software issues a top of form command (TOF), also known as a Skip to Channel 1, when it encounters a Skip to Channel 12 (channel stop C).
No – Default. The software does not issue TOF when the printer tries to space past Channel 12.
Yes – When the software encounters Skip to Channel 12 and more lines remain to be printed, it advances the printer to the top of the next page. This choice is useful for sites that use a Skip to Channel 12 to indicate the last print line of a page.
Display number of printed:
This option controls whether the Status Line displays the number of lines printed or the number of pages printed.
Lines – Default. The software displays the number of lines printed.
Pages – The software displays the number of pages printed. If you use the print spool feature, the Pages selection makes it easier to position large files for reprint.
This section describes additional options that display at the bottom of the Advanced Printer Options screen when you select Xerox laser as the printer type. These options apply only to PC-generated resource files with the Xerox LPS or Interpress IMG format. For more information about how the software handles special Xerox files, see Appendix C.
When the Barr software sends an LPS or Interpress resource file to the printer, the software automatically generates a Dynamic Job Descriptor Entry (DJDE) record that instructs the printer to store the file. If you generate files in these formats, use the options at the bottom of the Advanced Printer Options screen to specify the DJDE record format that your printer requires. When the software generates a DJDE, it formats the DJDE according to the options described in this section.
If you do not know the DJDE format for your printer, contact your Xerox printer representative.
The Xerox 8700 and 9700 printers do not support this method for loading resource files.
DJDE Offset:
Indicates where the DJDE string begins in the record. The printer requires DJDEs for all files to begin at the same character position within the DJDE record. Different Xerox printers require different DJDE offsets. For some printers, blank characters must precede the DJDE string. To calculate the offset, note the column position where the DJDE identifier begins and then subtract 1. For example, if the DJDE identifier begins in column position 3, the offset is 2 (calculated from 3 - 1 = 2).
Prefix:
The DJDE identifier string that precedes each DJDE command. The prefix enables your printer to distinguish DJDE commands from printable data. The prefix must contain at least one alphanumeric character. A common value is $DJDE$.
Skip:
Indicates the length of the DJDE identifier string. When you calculate the length, include the offset value, the prefix length, and any trailing blanks. For example, a DJDE string with an offset of 2, a 6-character prefix ($DJDE$), and 2 trailing blanks has a length (or skip) of 10.
DJDE Character Set?
Specify whether the printer requires EBCDIC or ASCII DJDE strings.
EBCDIC – Default. The printer requires EBCDIC DJDE strings.
ASCII – The printer requires ASCII DJDE strings.
Printer control data is optional for most PRINT370 applications, but it might be required for special applications. If you use printer control data with S/390 printers, the data must be in a specific format.
For a complete description of printer control data, see the Devices and Printers chapter your BARR/RJE manual or your BARR/SPOOL manual.
Printer control data does not apply to AFP printers. For more information about AFP printers, see Chapter 7.
To access printer control data for S/390 channel printers, start at the printer definition screen.
Select Printer control data.
Type the hexadecimal codes for the printer control data.
Printer control data for S/390 channel printers must be in the Barr S/370 format described below. See Appendix A for more information about the Barr S/370 file format.
Each control string must include the S/370 file header followed by one or more records. Each record must contain beginning and ending length codes and a channel command. Optionally, data can follow the command. The format is as follows:
Header – The four-byte S/370 format header, which is 76 1A FF 00. You must include this header at the beginning of each printer control string.
BLB
ELB – Beginning and ending length bytes represent the number
of bytes between length codes (that is, the carriage control character
plus the data length).
CC – Machine carriage control character. See Appendix A or your printer manual for a description of these characters.
Data – Printer control data. Use the character set (EBCDIC or ASCII) your printer requires.
For example, to place an extra page at the beginning of a job, enter this data string:
These codes cause the printer to eject an extra page. Byte 01 appears as the beginning and ending length bytes and byte 8B is the carriage control character Skip to Channel 1 Immediate.
If you include data in the printer control data string, put the data after the carriage control characters as shown below.
Byte 06 appears as the beginning and ending length bytes. The software sends the data to the printer with an 8B command. These codes cause the printer to write the data (HELLO) at the current line and then Skip to Channel 1. See Appendix A for a list of machine carriage control commands.
When you finish entering information about your printers from the S/390 Channel Attached Printers screen, you need to direct output to the channel printers from the Assign Devices screen. You also need to set the Receive Mode to S/370 Channel and Carriage control to normal for most host source devices that receive data for the channel printers. You also can set options for each device.
Note that AFP printers do not display on the Assign Devices screen. See Chapter 7 for more information about AFP.
The following example shows you how to direct output from the mainframe RJE printer stream PR1 to the channel printer PR0E.
For more information about the Assign Devices screen, see the Assign Devices chapter of your BARR/RJE manual or your BARR/SPOOL manual.
Start at the Installation Description screen.
Select Assign Devices.
Select the source device. For example, select PR2.
Select the S/390 printer as the destination device. For example, select PR0E.
Files you send to channel printers must have the ASCII format or Barr S/370 file format. Most files generated on the PC or LAN have the ASCII format. Files you receive from an IBM mainframe or a midrange host system (such as an AS/400, UNIX, or VAX) must be converted to one of these formats. Use the Receive mode option to control data conversion.
For more information about other receive modes, see the Assign Devices, Receive Mode section of your BARR/RJE manual or your BARR/SPOOL manual. For more information about the Barr S/370 file format, see Appendix A. If your ASCII files contain the hexadecimal control character 1F, the software performs special processing, as described in section B.2.
When you assign a source device to write to an S/390 channel printer destination (for example, PR2PR0E), the Receive mode option displays at the bottom of the Assign Devices screen.
Select Receive mode.
A list of receive mode choices displays at the bottom of the screen:
When the software receives EBCDIC files from a host system it can convert them to ASCII format. ASCII files do not take advantage of all the printer channel commands, but they are easier to view on the PC screen than S/390 files. PRINT370 supports a maximum print width of 512 for ASCII files.
To assign ASCII receive mode, perform this step:
Select ASCII.
The options at the bottom of the Assign Devices screen redisplay.
The software can convert EBCDIC files it receives from a host system to the Barr S/370 file format. The S/370 file format retains all printer channel skips.
To assign S/370 Channel receive mode, perform these steps:
Select S/370 Channel.
Xerox 4235: The Xerox 4235 is not a channel printer. It requires Transparent receive mode.
Set the receive mode options.
Carriage control:
Select which type of carriage control to use.
normal – Default. Barr Systems recommends that you use this setting.
Machine – If all your mainframe jobs have a record format of FBM or VBM and the jobs do not print correctly with normal carriage control, specify RECFM=FB or RECFM=VB in the job control language (JCL) and Carriage control: Machine in the Barr software. With this selection, the software uses the first byte of each record as machine carriage control.
Add 0x40 to S370 records ending in 0xff?
This option is for Océ printers that interpret hexadecimal FF40 at the end of print records as the font reset command. Choose whether to add a character space (hexadecimal 40) to records that end with hexadecimal FF as files are received to the PC. Because JES truncates trailing blanks, the 40 gets discarded when the file is sent from the host, and the command becomes invalid.
No – Default. Do not change records that end with the hexadecimal character FF.
Yes – Add a character space (hexadecimal 40) to records that end with hexadecimal FF.
Use package format instead of S370 format?
This option is for mainframes that use the Fujitsu Network Architecture (FNA). To use this option, your mainframe must be set up to support package format. Choose whether to use package format or S/370 format for files received to the PC.
No – Default. Do not use package format. Use the Barr S/370 channel format.
Yes (always) – Use package format for all files.
Only when FCB name is ’’XRX’’ – Use package format only for files with an FCB name of XRX. For all other files, use the Barr S/370 channel format.
After you finish entering the receive mode options, the menu selections redisplay at the bottom of the screen. When you assign a Receive mode other than ASCII, an asterisk (*) after the destination device.
When you assign channel output to the Barr print spool, be sure to set the Receive mode on the correct source device. Print spooling requires two source devices. The software sends data to the print spool directory (PR1SPOOL*) and then directs it from a spool printer to an S/390 printer (SPOOL1PR0E). The receive mode takes effect as the data is received. Thus, you must set the receive mode for the device that receives the file to the print spool directory, not for the spool printer device that sends the file to the printer. On the following screen, PR1SPOOL* is set for S/370 Channel receive mode, not SPOOL1PR0E.
Some host or PC applications produce ASCII files with ASA carriage control. You can print these files to S/390 printers if you set up the software to convert ASA carriage control to machine carriage control.
For LAN files, use the spool PRT utility and set the ASCII ASA option to Yes on the Spool Controls screen or set ASA=YES in the batch command when you submit the file to the print spool.
For host files you have two choices. Both choices require you to set the Receive mode to ASCII.
On the Assign Devices Options screen, set ASCII data with ASA carriage control to Yes.
On the Assign Devices Options screen, set OUTPUT statement used in file to Yes. Change your application to produce files that include the Barr OUTPUT statement and specify the parameter ASCIIASA=Y.
See your BARR/RJE manual or your BARR/SPOOL manual for more information about these options.
Because receive modes are printer dependent, you must set the receive mode according to the printer’s requirements. In most cases, if you receive a file with a receive mode that is incorrect for the intended printer, you cannot correct the file format at the PC. To correct the format, you must change to the receive mode the printer requires and receive the file again. For example, if the printer requires S/370 Channel receive mode but you receive the file with Binary receive mode, you must change the receive mode setting and receive another copy of the file. The exception is that you can convert S/370 format to ASCII at the PC, as described at the end of this section.
Xerox printers: The Xerox 4235 printer, which requires Transparent receive mode, is sometimes used as a backup for Xerox channel printers (such as the Xerox 4090), which require S/370 Channel receive mode. If your channel printer fails, you cannot print the S/370 format files to the Xerox 4235. You must change the receive mode to Transparent and receive the files again before you can print them on the 4235.
If you receive a file with S/370 Channel receive mode and you need to print the file on an ASCII printer instead of a channel printer, you can use the S370ASCI.EXE utility to convert the file to ASCII format. The S370ASCI.EXE file is included with the Barr PRINT370 reference files.
You can disable zero-length record padding for individual source devices. The padding options you set from the Advanced Printer Options screen affect all files that are sent to a specific printer. To disable the padding options for a source device, from the Assign Devices Options screen set Disable S/390 printer padding to Yes.