AST RESEARCH AST-3780 User manual

Data COI11I11lt1zicatiOllS Products
AST-3780™
AST-37801A ™
User's Manual

AST -378()rM
and
AST -3780/ATM
IBM 3780 Emulation
for the
IBM PC, XT, AT, Personal System/2 and
Other IBM-Compatible Machines
User's Manual
000667-001 A
October 1987
AST RESEARCH, INC.
Irvine, California
[phone]

First Edition (October 1987)
AST and AST Research are registered trademarks and AST-3780, AST-3780A,
CC-432, and CC-432A are trademarks of AST Research Inc.
IBM
is a registered trademark and Personal System/2 is a trademark of
International Business Machines Corporation. DEC, PDP-11 and VAX are
registered trademarks of Digital Equipment Corp.
AST periodically changes the information contained in this manual; changes are
incorpprated into new editions.
AST Research reserves the right to change
product specifications without notice.
In view of demonstrated product reliability and comprehensive warranty policies,
AST Research, Inc. does not normally provide schematics or material lists. AST
recognizes that some customers with a large installed base of AST products
want supportive documentation for their own service organizations.
In such
cases, customers should contact
AST Research corporate offices to consider an
appropriate nondisclosure agreement to obtain this documentation.
Copyright 1987
AST Research Inc. All rights are reserved, including those to
reproduce this book or parts thereof in any form without permission in writing of
AST Research Inc.
Warning
This manual and software are both protected
by United
States Copyright law (Title 17 United States Code).
Unauthorized reproduction and/or sales may result in
imprisonment of up to one year and fines of
up to $10,000
(17 USC 506). Copyright infringers may be subject to civil
liability.

CONTENTS
INTRODUCING AST-3780 ....................................................... ix
Features .................................................... '" .............................. ix
Hardware Overview....................................................................x
Software Overview.....:............................................................... xi
General System Overview........................................................ xii
ABOUT THIS MANUAL. ...................................•.................... xvii
To Get Started Quickly............................................................xvii
Howto Find What You're Looking For...................................xvii
Format Notation......................................................................xviii
Related Documentation........................................................... xix
PART I. GETTING STARTED
1. BEFORE YOU BEGIN ...................................................1-1
1.1 Checking the Contents..................................................... 1-2
1.2 Compatibility and System Requirements ........................ 1-2
1.2.1 Hardware.................................................................. 1-3
1.2.2 Software.................................................................... 1-4
1.3 Host System Software...................................................... 1-4
iii

CONTENTS
2. INSTALLING AST-3780 SOFTWARE ................................2-1
2.1 Floppy Diskette Drive Installation..................................... 2-1
2.1.1 Making a Back-Up Diskette ..................................... 2-1
2.2 Hard Disk Installation........................................................2-6
2.2.1 Creating Your AST-3780 Directory..........................2-6
2.2.2 Installing Your AST-3780 Files.................................2-7
3. SOFTWARE CONFIGURATION .........................................3-1
3.1 Reviewing the Default Configuration
File Parameters.............................................................3-3
3.2 Starting the Configuration Program.................................3-3
3.3 Selecting Configuration Parameters................................3-5
3.4 Selecting the Emulation Mode.........................................3-8
3.5 Configuring Transmission Parameters ............................3-8
3.5.1 Space Compression Feature...................................3-9
3.5.2 Records per Blocks..................................................3-9
3.5.3 Transmission Block Size........................................3-10
3.5.4 Gross Transmission Timeout.................................
3-11
3.6 Configuring Receive Parameters ................................... 3-11
3.6.1 Device Selection Codes.........................................3-12
3.6.2 Printer Initialization Characters..............................3-13
3.6.3 Gross Receive Timeout..........................................3-14
3.7 Setting Transparent Parameters ....................................3-14
3.8 Defining the Interrupt Request Line ...............................3-15
3.9 Editing the Translation Tables........................................3-16
3.10 Starting the AST -3780 Emulator...................................3-19
3.10.1 Keyboard Control.................................................3-19
iv

CONTENTS
3.10.2 Batch File Control.................................................3-20
3.11 InitiaJizing a Serial Printer.............................................3-20
PART II. USING AST-3780
4. INTERACTIVE OPERATION ..........................................•.. 4-1
4.1 General Information.......................................................... 4-1
4.1.1 Main Menu Selections............................................. .4-1
4.1.2 Communications Status...........................................4-2
4.2 Transmit Mode..................................................................4-5
4.2.1 Transmission From the Keyboard ...........................4-6
4.2.2 Transmission From the Diskette..............................4-8
Long File Transmission...............................................4-10
4.2.3 Reverse Interrupt....................................................4-12
4.2.4 Contention..............................................................4-12
4.2.5 Transmit Disconnect..............................................4-12
4.3 Receive Mode.................................................................4-13
4.3.1 Receive Device Selection.......................................4-13
4.3.2 Receiving
to the Display ........................................4-14
4.3.3 Receiving to the Diskette ................ '" ....................4-15
Automatic Receive File Specification.........................4-17
4.3.4 Receiving to the Printer..........................................4-18
4.3.5 Receive Termination.....................................,.........4-20
4.3.6 General Receive .....................................................4-20
4.4 Error Reporting.........,.....................................................4-20
4.5 System Finish.................................................................. 4-21
4.6 Transparent Data Feature ............................................. .4-21
4.6.1 Receiving Transparent Files................................... 4-21
4.6.2 System-Dependent Functions.............................. .4-21
4.7 Internal DiagnosticTest..................................................4-22
v

CONTENTS
4.8 Line Monitor Dump.........................................................4-22
5.
COMMAND PROCESSOR OPERATION.................•........•5-1
5.1 Purpose............................................................................. 5-1
5.2 File Format........................................................................ 5-1
5.2.1 Input File Format......................................................5-2
5.2.2 Output File Format...................................................5-2
5.3 Commands .......................................................................5-3
5.3.1 Transmit....................................................................5-3
5.3.2 Receive .....................................................................5-3
5.3.3 Print...........................................................................5-5
5.3.4 Exit............................................................................5-5
5.3.5 Exit Maintain Link .....................................................5-5
5.3.6 Set Transparent Mode .............................................5-6
5.3.7 Set Normal Mode.....................................................5-6
5.3.8 Set
ETX Mode...........................................................5-6
5.3.9 Set
ETB Mode ..........................................................5-6
5.3.10 Set EOT Mode.........................................................5-7
5.3.11 Set
TID Mode..........................................................5-7
5.3.12 Connecting Incomlng Call ......................................5-7
5.3.13 Disconnect...............................................................5-8
5.3.14 Wait For Incoming Call............................................5-8
5.3.15 Displaying Parameters............................................5-9
5.4 General Discussion -Receive ..........................................5-9
5.5 General Discussion -Transmit.......................................5-10
5.6 Sample Command Files.................................................5-10
5.7 DOS Batch File Interface................................................ 5-11
5.7.1 Starting Command Line......................................... 5-11
Setting Command Line ........................................... 5-11
Line Monitor Dump..................................................5-12
5.7.2 Stopping the Command Sequence.......................5-13
vi

CONTENTS
5.8 Error Handling............................................................ 5-13
PART III. APPENDICES
A. TROUBLESHOOTING ....•.........................................•...... A-1
B. ERROR MESSAGES .....•............•..................................... B-1
C. TECHNICAL SUPPORT CHECKLlST.•.............................. C-1
vii

CONTENTS
FIGURES
Figure 1. Local Connection Using Null Modem................. iv
Figure 2. Local Connection Using Limited
Distance Modem........................................................ v
Figure 3. Remote Connection Using Modem .................... vi
Figure 1-1. Installation Overview ....................................... 1-1
Figure 2-1. CC-432/CC-432A Board Layout......................2-4
Figure 3-1. AST -3780 Product Configuration Overview ... 3-1
Figure 3-2. Configuration File Edit Menu........................3-17
Figure 3-3. Item Selection Parameters...........................3-18
Figure 3-4. EBCDIC to ASCII Translation Tables...........3-29
Figure 3-5. ASCII to EBCDIC Translation Tables........... 3-31
Figure 4-1. Main Menu Selection Screen ......................... 4-1
Figure 4-2. Terminal Device Select Screen......................4-5
Figure 4-3. Receive Output Device Screen....................4-16
Figure 4-4. Receive Session Control Screen .................4-18
TABLES
Table 3-1. Address Selection ............................................3-4
Table 4-1. EBCDIC Code Table ......................................4-20
viii

INTRODUCING AST-3780
AST-3780 and AST-3780A are remote job entry (RJE) station
emulators that enable you to transfer data from an IBM PC, PC
XT, PC AT, Personal System/2 (or compatible) to any computer
system supporting a binary synchronous (BISYNC)
communication interface. This gives you the ability to transfer
information between a personal computer and a mainframe
computer system (host).
The
AST -3780 emulation software is designed for use with the PC,
XT, AT, and PS/2 Model 30. AST-3780A is designed for use with
the PS/2 Models
50, 60, and 80.
NOTE
Unless otherwise noted, the term AST-3780 used
throughout this manual refers
to both AST -3780
and AST -3780A.
Features
The AST -3780 enables you to:
• Transmit data to and receive data from a host.
• Emulate a wide variety of standard IBM RJE terminals
including the 3780,2780,2770, and 3741.
• Automatically translate between ASCII and EBCDIC
values.
• Exchange of binary-coded files in transparent (column
binary) mode.
• Modify all data to match the type of equipment.
ix

Introducing AST-3780
• Perform all printer forms control functions.
• Choose either interactive operation through the system
keyboard and screen menus,
or batch (unattended)
operation.
• Include a configuration program allowing for easy
parameter selection.
• Support high speed data transfer (up
to 19.2K baud).
• Automatically check all messages for errors in data
transmission or reception, and correct without operator
intervention.
• Allow keyboard control of the display data rate.
Hardware Overview
The CC-432 or CC-432A adapter board plugs into any available
option slot in the system unit. If you are using a PC, XT, AT, or
the PS/2 Model
30, install the CC-432 board. If you are using a
PS/2 Model 50, 60, or 80, install the CC-432A board. (If you are
unsure whether you have the CC-432 or CC-432A board, look at
the printing on the lower left side of the board. Both boards are
clearly identified.)
The CC-432 board uses one of four I/O address ranges: 0300h-
030Fh, 0320h-032Fh, 0340h-034Fh, and 0360h-036Fh. The
system may not contain any other device which uses these
addresses.
x

Introducing AST-3780
Using AST -3780 or AST -3780A, a PC, PS/2, or compatible can
communicate with the following systems.
• IBM Systems 34, 38, and Series/1.
• IBM Systems 360, 370, and 4300.
• IBM 2770, 2780 and 3780 Terminals.
• DEC System
20, PDP-1O, PDP-11, or VAX systems.
Software Overview
The AST-3780 program consists of two complementary
subprograms: IP (interactive), the keyboard-driven interactive
version; and the CMDP (command processor), the file-drive batch
version. Both of these versions use the parameter file.
EMDAT.PRM which is on the system diskette. This file contains
parameters you can modify through the CFG3780 (or CFG3780A
for AST -3780A) configuration program to meet your own system
requirements.
Once installed on your personal computer. AST -3780 software
runs underthe control of either MS-DOS
or PC-DOS (which is not
supplied with the program). This is the only extra software you
require.
The host can run any of the IBM-supported spooling programs
including Power and JES under any of the major operating
systems
(MVS, VM, OS and so on). Alternatively, you can create
your own program for the host using a high-level language such
as
RPG or CICS.
xi

Introducing AST-3780
General System Overview
AST -3780 software in conjunction with the CC-432/432A board
enables you to connect your personal computer with a host in a
number of configurations. These configurations and their
requirements are discussed briefly below.
To link your local terminal and the host, you must first add a
modem (modulator-demodulator). The modem is a device which
converts computer signals (digital) into audio signals (analog) so
that they can be transmitted across a phone line. Only use
synchronous modems which supplyclock signals. The transfer
rate (baud rate) is determined by the modem. (You can usually
vary this baud rate by setting the modem to the speed you
prefer.)
Once the modem is attached, connect the terminal to the host
using some of the following configurations.
xii

Introducing AST-3780
Local Connections Using the Null Modem
The CC-432A adapter board includes a null modem. This means
you can configure the adapter to allow communication to the host
computer for short distances (up to 25 feet) without the need for a
modem.
Personal
computer
+
AST-37BO
64K drive min.
I' ---- .... ,
I' - ___ - "I
I I
: Disk:
I, "I
Host computer
system:
IBM
Univac
CDC
DEC
DG
Wang
Honeywell
Figure 1. Local Connection Using Null Modem.
xiii

Introducing AST-3780
Local Connection Using Limited Distance Modem
You can use a limited distance modem (or synchronous line
driver) to connect RS-232 devices over a much greater length of
cable than a null modem, but
it is still typically limited to less than
a mile.
xiv
Personal
computer
+
AST-3780
64K drive min.
I' -- ---- .... ,
I' - ___ -'"
I I
I Disk I
I '
, ,
limited
Distance
Modem
(Syn.
Line
Driver)
limited
Distance
Modam
...:::..----1 (Syn.
Line
Driver)
Host computer
system:
IBM
Univac
CDC
DEC
DG
Wang
Honeywell
Figure 2. Local Connection Using a Limited Distance
Modem.

Introducing AST-3780
Remote Connection Using a Modem
If you are planning to use a modem to connect a remote host
over standard (voice-grade) telephone lines, you have a choice of
many different kinds of modems. They range
in speeds, with a
top rate of 9600 baud. AST-3780 operates with any standard
synchronous modem.
Personal
computer
+
AST-37S0
64K drive min.
, '
1'- ___ -/1
I I
I Disk I
I I
, -'
Syn.
Null
Modem
Syn.
Null
Modem
Host computer
system:
IBM
Univac
CDC
DEC
DG
Wang
Honeywell
Figure 3. Remote Connection Using a Modem.
xv

Introducing AST-3780
NOTES
xvi

ABOUT THIS MANUAL
To Get Started Quickly with AST-3780
This section provides a general overview to help you understand
how to use this manual and where to look for specific information.
In addition, you will find a format notation guide and short library
of related documents.
The AST-3780 program
is flexible enough to be used with a large
variety of host systems. All you need to know is the terminal type
and basic communication parameters for the host system.
How to Find What You're Looking For
For An Explanation of the AST-3780 Environment:
Section 1 provides you with information on the kinds of
environments the AST-3780 fits into. This includes the
software and hardware configurations for which the
AST-3780 was designed.
For Installing the AST-3780 Software:
See section 2.
For Configuring the AST-3780 Software:
See section 3.
For Operating Your Computer During Emulation:
Section 4 explains how to use the AST-3780 emulation
software to run your computer in the interactive
(keyboard-driven) mode.
Section 5 explains how to use the AST -3780 emulation
software to run your computer in command processor
(batch-driven) mode.
xvii

About This Manual
For Configuration and Troubleshooting Reference:
The Appendices provide you with a quick reference guide
to hardware configuration, and a troubleshooting
reference.
Format Notation
The following format notation is used throughout this manual:
xviii
• Uppercase characters indicate items (such as
commands) you enter as shown. You may enter either
upper- and lowercase letters.
• Lowercase lettes represent parameters you define.
These parameters must satisfy the conditions of the
command description.
• Boldface indicates information you enter.
• Braces ({}) enclosing lowercase words or letter
represent information you must supply.
• Square brackets ([]) indicate an optional item. Do not
enter the bracket.
• Angle brackets « » tell you to press a key. For
example, < Esc> instructs you to press the "Esc" key.
Do not press the "Enter" key unless you are told to do so.
• Hyphens between keys to press the keys simultaneously.
For example, < Ctrl > -< All> -< Del> tells you to hold
down the "Ctrl" and "Alt" keys while pressing the "Del"
key.
• A leading zero (0) and a trailing "h" indicates a
hexadecimal number (for example, 0207h).

About This Manual
There are also several conventions used throughout this manual.
• AST-3780 refers to both the AST -3780 and AST -3780f.
versions of the emulator program, except where
specifically indicated.
• CC-432 refers to both the CC-432 and CC-432A board
except where specifically indicated.
Related Documentation
This manual does not instruct you in the intricacies of data
communications.
If you want to learn more about the protocols
and complexities of communications, try the following
publications:
For the IBM PC:
• General Information -Binary Synchronous
Communications.
• Component Description: IBM 2780 Data Transmission
Terminal, (original specification of the 2780).
• Component Description: IBM 3780 Data Communication
Terminal, (original specification of the 3780).
For the Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) mainframe host:
• McNamara, John E., Technical Aspects of Data
Communication.
xix