Attachmate 3270 User manual

Installation Manual
3270
Coax
Adapter

3270 COAX ADAPTER
INSTALLATION AND USER'S MANUAL
Copyright (c) 1987 by Attachmate Corporation, Bellevue, WA
Manual #999-00339 Printed inU.S.A.

FCC PART 15 RADIO FREQUENCY
INTERFERENCE STATEMENT
WARNING: The equipment described herein generates, uses, and can·
radiate radio frequency energy and,
if not installed in accordance with
the instructions herein,
may cause interference to radio
communications.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for a Class A computing device pursuant
to Subpart J of
Part
15 of FCC rules, which are designed to provide reasonable
protection against
such interference when operated in a commercial
environment. Operation
of this equipment in a residential area is likely
to cause interference, in which case the user, at his own expense, will
be required to take whatever measures
may berequired to correct the
interference.

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UMITED WARRANTY: Attachmate warrants for a period of one yearfrom the date
of delivery by Attachmate that (a) the Hardware will be free from defects in materials and
woIkmanship and (b) Hardware or Software willperform substantially in accordance
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1st Edition: May 1987
THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS PROPRIETARY INFORMATION
THAT IS PR01EC1ED BY COPYRIGHT. ALL RIGHTS ARE
RESERVED. NO PART OF THIS DOCUMENT MAY BE
PHOTOCOPIED, REPRODUCED OR TRANSLA1ED TO ANY
OTHER LANGUAGE WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN
CONSENT OF ATTACHMA1E.
IRMA is a registered trademark ofDigital Communications Associates,
Inc.
ffiM is aregistered trademark ofInternational Business Machines
Corporation.
MS-DOS is a registered trademark ofMicrosoft Corporation.
AT&T is a registered trademark ofAmerican Telephone and Telegraph
Company.
PS/2 is a registered trademark ofInternational Business Machines
Corporation.

PREFACE
3270 Coax Adapter User's Manual
The 3270 Coax Adapter User's Manual provides procedures and
information you'll need for installing and using the 3270 Coax
Adapter.
To make best use of the User's Manual, you should be familiar with
the operation ofthe mM Personal Computer (or compatible) and its
Disk Operating System (DOS), as well as operations of IBM 3270
terminals and printers. A list ofreference guides is provided at the end
ofthis Preface.
The 3270
Coax Adapter User's Manual consists of the following
sections:
• Section 1, "Introduction," provides an overview ofthe 3270
Coax Adapter's capabilities and architecture.
• Section 2, "Installation and Safety," provides step-by-step
installation procedures
and safety precautions.
• Section 3, "Diagnostic Tests," provides step-by-step
operating instructions
on how to use the Diagnostic Test.
• Section 4, "3270 Control Unit Tests," provides instructions
on
how to use the 3270 Control Unit test facilities.
• Appendix A, "Troubleshooting," provides information to
help you resolve any problems associated with the 3270
Coax Adapter.
Preface
iii

• Appendix B, "I/O and Memory Addresses," describes the
I/O and memory addresses used and how they are selectively
enabled and disabled.
• Appendix C, "3270 Coax Adapter Specifications," lists
detailed specifications for
the 3270 Coax Adapter.
Reference Sources
The following is a list ofreference sources which may help you to learn
more about the operation ofyour personal computer and host
communication peripherals:
• IBM 3270 Information Display System 3274 Control Unit
Description andProgrammer's Guide, mM Publication
GA 23-0061.
• IBM 3270-Information Display SystemData
Stream
Programmer's Reference, mM Publication GA23-0059.
• 3278Display Station Operator's Guide, mM Publication
GA27-2890.
• IBM 3287Printer Operator's Guide, mM Publication
GA 27-3230-1.
• IBM PC
Guide to Operations, mM Publication 6025000.
• DOS 2.1 Disk Operating System Manual, mM Publication
6024120.
• DOS
3.1 Disk Operating System Manual, mM Publication
6138519.
• IBM PC Technical Reference Manual, mM Publication
6025005.
iv 3270 Coax Adapter

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1 - IN1RODUCTION
3270 Coax Adapter Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1-1
Supporting Software. . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1-2
OtherSupporting Software. . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . .. 1-2
PC Compatibility. • . . • . . • . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . ,
1- 3
Architecture Overview. . . . • . . • . . • . . • . . . . . .
.. 1- 3
SECTION 2 - 3270 COAX ADAPTER INSTALLATION
CircuitCard Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . 2-1
Post Installation Considerations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2-2
SECTION 3 - DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
Introduction. • . . . . . • • . . . . • . . . . . • . . • . . .. 3-1
Stand-Alone Mode (No Coax Connected). . . • . . • . . .
.. 3-1
On-Line Mode (Coax Connected). . • . . . . . . . . . . .
•. 3-2
Problem Determination
...•..•.....•........ , 3-3
SECTION4 - 3270 CONTROL UNIT TESTS
Introduction. • . . • . . • . . • . . • . . • . . . . . • . . .. 4-1
Types
of 3270 Coax Ports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 4-1
Control Unit
Tests. . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . .. 4-2
"/0" Test-Field and Data Test. . . . . . . . . . . . .. 4-2
"/3" Test -Device Status Table. • . . • . . • . . . . .. 4-2
"/4" Test -Reset Device Status Table. • . . • . . . . .. 4-4
"b" Test -Control UnitLogical Configuration. . . . . . . 4-4
Table
of Contents v

APPENDIX A - TROUBLESHOOTING
Introduction .•..••.••.•.....•..•..• , A-I
PC Will Not Boot DOS and/orPower Up. . . . . . . . . A-I
TestDiagnostic Program Fails. . . • . . . . . . . . .. A-I
Terminal and/or PC Does Not
Operate. • . . • . . • . . • . . • . • • . . • . . • . . • A-5
Other Problems. . . • . . . . . • • . . . . . . . . . . . A-5
APPENDIX B -I/OAND MEMORY ADDRESSES
Introduction. • . • • . . • . . • . . . . . . . . • . . . , B-1
DCA-IRMA I/O
Address. • • . . • . . • . . • . . • .. B-1
IBM 3278n9 Emulation Adapter. . . . . . . . . . .
.. B-1
Selective Address Enabling. . • . . • . . . . . . . . . . B-1
Jumper BlockE5 -I/O Addresses. . . . . . • . . . . . . B-2
Both Enabled (Labeled
X). • . . • . . • . . • . . . .. B-2
IRMA Only (Labeled
R). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. B-2
IBM Only (Labeled
B). . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . .• B-3
Jumper BlockE6 -Memory
Addresses
•..•.••.••.....•..•..•... B-3
IBM Memory Enabled (Both
Enabled). . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.. B-3
IBM Memory Disabled (IRMA
Only). . . . . . . . . . . B-3
APPENDIX C -3270 COAX ADAPTER
SPECIFICATIONS
Physical Specifications. . . . . . . . . . • • . . . . .. C-l
PC I/O Channel Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . .. C-l
Electrical Specifications . . . . . • . . • . . . . . • .. C-2
Environmental Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-3
vi 3270 Coax Adapter

SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
3270 Coax Adapter Overview
The 3270 Coax Adapter offers increased flexibility, since it can operate
as the following PC-to-mainframe adapters:
• mM 3278n9 Emulation Adapter
• DCA-IRMA 3278/9 Emulation Board
Its ability
to emulate these popular PC-to-Mainframe adapters means
your PC can operate with any available PC-to-Mainframe software or
terminal emulators. Either now orin the future.
The 3270 Coax Adapter fully supports and controls
the mM 3270
Type-2 coax communications protocol and 3270 data stream
commands between
an mM Personal Computeror compatible, and an
mM 3270 Control Unit. Support for the following is included:
• 3278n9 Display Terminals -Models 2, 3,4 and 5
• 3287 Printers -Models 1and 2
• Single session CUT Mode -(Control Unit Terminal)
• Multi-Session DFf Mode -(Distributed Function Terminal)
• Large Screens -(80 X 32), (80 X43) and (132 X 27)
• Extended Attributes -Highlighting, Reverse Image, 7 Colors
• Extended Data Streams - mM File Transfer and Program
Symbols
• National Adaptation -foreign language
Introduction 1-1

Supporting Software
The 3270 Coax Adapterisbestcomplemented by EXIRA!
Connectivity Software. The EXIRA! Software provides a full range of
capabilities, including: Basic 3270 Terminal aOd PrinterEmulation,
IBM 3270-PC compatible File Transfer, and fu113270-PC Emulation
functions.
EXTRA! Connectivity Software can be customized to your specific
environment and needs. It can tum yourPC into a simple 3270
terminal or a full function 3270-PC with multiple host sessions and
windows.
Other Supporting Software
With the 3270 Coax Adapter's ability to emulate the mostpopularPC-
to-Mainframe adapters, a wide variety of PC-to-Mainframe software is
immediately supported
by your PC. The following lists just a few of
the software programs available for each of the emulated adapters.
DCA-IRMA 327819 Emulation Board
EXTRA! Connectivity
Software
E78-Terminal Program
PC-Focus
Goldengate
Interactive PC link
Tempus Link
YourPrograms
1-2 3270 Coax Adapter
by Attachmate
by DCA/IRMA
by Information Builders
by Cullinet
by McCormack& Dodge
by Micro Tempus
by In-house

IBM 3278179 Emulation Adapter
EXTRA! Connectivity
Software
by
Attachmate
3278n9 Emulation by mM
PC 3270 Emulation by
mM
Attachment-370 by mM
PROFS/PC by mM
VMBond by IBM
TSO PC-Server
by IBM
Your Programs by In-house
PC Compatibility
The 3270 Coax Adapter is fully compatible with the PC I/O addresses
used by the DCA-IRMA Board. It emulates the commands and status
functions
of the DCA-IRMA Adapter when communicating with the
PC and the 3270 Control Unit. Likewise, the 3270 Coax Adapter
emulates the PC I/O addresses and the memory addresses of
the mM
3278n9 Emulation Adapter.
No downloading is required since the 3270 Coax Adapter utilizes
resident flrmware. There are no switches to set. Just install the 3270
Coax Adapter in your PC and start the software of your choice. Note
that the 3270 Coax Adapter is compatible with the
mM PC, XT, or AT
and other compatible PC's, including the Personal System(2 Model 30.
Architecture Overview
The 3270 Coax Adapter is a single circuit card designed to operate in
an I/O bus expansion slot of an mM PC/XT/AT Personal System(2
Model 30 or compatible.
It communicates with the PC through both
the I/O channel and shared memory. Figure
I-Ion the following page
shows the flve functional areas
of the 3270 Coax Adapter: I/O
Control, SharedMemory, Coax Processor,Micro-Code Instruction
Memory
and Coax PeripheralInterface.
Introduction
1-3

Figure: 1-1
ZIIIH
.......
227"
'DOH
...
207M
CIO •• N
...
---
-
.... eo..
-
Coax Adopt ..
PnIgnIm Functions
---
--
-IRIIA-
--
-- 32111 __
->:-="~ __ ... __ ... ____ _____ .J.=======.I
.-
-
1-4 3270 Coax Adapter

----- -----------
SECTION 2
3270 COAX ADAPTER
INSTALLATION
Circuit Card Installation
To install the 3270 Coax Adapter into your pc, follow the steps listed
in this section.
Installation Procedure:
1. TURN OFF THE POWER TO THE pc, AND
DISCONNECT THE SYSTEMPOWER CORD. THERE
MAY BE HAZARDOUS VOLTAGES NEAR THE
POWER SUPPLY.
2. Remove the cover from your
pc System Unit Consult your
pc system's user manual for the instructions and safety
considerations before installing an adapterboard into an I/O
expansion slot.
3. In your
PC I/O expansion area, locate a vacant adapter slot.
If there are several unused slots, select the one that will
distribute heat most evenly throughout the chassis. Remove
the selected adapter slot's screw and coverplate.
4.
If your selected expansion slot lacks a plastic card guide,
snap-in the plastic card guide provided into the proper holes
located on the system unit housing.
The system unit housing
is located
at the opposite end of the slotfrom the cover plate.
5. Remove the 3270Coax Adapter from its box and protective
bag.
To avoid electrostatic damage to the circuits, avoid
touching components
or theback of the board.
3270Coax Adapter Installation 2-1

6. To install the 3270Coax Adapter board in your pc, slide it
into position by flI'st routing the coax connector through the
slotin the option panel (normally
at the rear of the computer
system). Finnly seatthe 3270 Coax Adapter in the
expansion bus connector located
at the bottom of the slot If
difficulties are encountered, ensure that the bottom edge of
the bracket is aligned with the hole provided in the system
chassis. Install the mounting bracket screw to provide a
solid ground connection and to anchor the board.
7. Replace yoursystem unit cover. Follow the instructions for
your specific computer, as noted in your user manual. TO
MAINTAIN MAXIMUM SAFETY, COMPLETELY
REASSEMBLE THE CABINET BEFORE APPLYING
POWER.
8. To assure that the 3270Coax Adapter is completely
functional, follow the diagnostic test procedures outlined in
Section 3.
POST INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS
a The manufacturer complies with the 3270 standard
specifications allowing up to 5000 feet
of type RG-62AU
coaxial cable terminated with a standard BNC type
connector. Up to 1000 feet
of twisted paircable with
suitable matching baluns is also acceptable. Other types
of
coax or cabling systems may not be compatible with the
3270 Coax Adapter. Plug the cable into the connector
protruding from the option panel
of the PC system.
b. Complete diagnostics have been included with the 3270
Coax Adapter. This software should bebacked up onto a
working copy and stored along with your application media.
2-2 3270 Coax Adapter

c. If you are using EXTRA! or EXTRA! Entry-Level, refer to
your 3270-PC Emulation Program User's Guide for
installation procedures for the included Operational
Software. Forother software, refer to the appropriate user
guide for specific instructions.
d. The 3270 Coax Adapter responds to I/O address 220H-227H
(IRMA), 2DOH-2D7H (reserved for the IBM 3278n9
Adapter), memory addresses CEOOOH -CEFFFH (reserved
for the
IBM 3278n9 Adapter) and Interrupt Level 2 - IRQ2
(reserved for the
IBM 3278n9 Adapter). Note that Interrupt
Level 2 is only used with software which utilizes the IBM
address ranges.
If you have other adapters in your PC that
also respond
to these address ranges, a conflict may occur.
This is an unusual situation,
but should it occur, refer to
"Troubleshooting," Appendix
A.
3270 Coax Adapter Installation 2-3

SECTION 3
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
Introduction
The 3270 Coax Adapter Diagnostic Test Program is provided on the
supplied 3270 Coax Adapter Diagnostic Test Program diskette. The
test program
is used to verify that the 3270 Coax Adapter is operating
properly immediately after installation and also serves
as a useful
troubleshooting tool for
any later problems. The program performs
comprehensive tests
on all ofthe major functional areas of the 3270
Coax Adapter.
The diagnostic test has a Stand-Alone mode and an On-Line mode.
Stand-Alone mode is recommended when bringing up the system for
the ftrst time. This mode requires no active cable connection to a 3270
Control Unit port. On-Line mode is useful for verifying active coax
connection
to a 3270 control unit. Both modes are described in greater
detail in this section.
Stand-Alone Mode (No Coax Connected)
1. Review the installation instructions carefully in Section 2 to
insure that the 3270 Coax Adapter is correctly installed.
2. If a coax cable from the 3270 Control Unit is connected to
the 3270 Coax Adapter, it should be temporarily
disconnected
for this Stand-Alone test.
3. To start the Diagnostic Test Program, ftrst boot your PC-
system with DOS (consult your PC user guide ifnecessary),
and place the supplied Diagnostic Test diskette into the
default drive. Then
type: TEST <Enter>
Diagnostic Tests
3-1

The test program will immediately prompt you ifthe coax
cable
from the 3270 Control Unit is connected. If itis,
disconnect itfor the Stand-Alone test and enter an
"N" in
response to the question.
4. The test program will
then prompt you with the option to run
the individual tests only once, or to run them continuously.
Normally, a single pass
is sufficient to expose any problem
areas. Occasionally, however, an intermittent problem
may
develop where one pass through the individual tests is
insufficient to catch the problem. To test a new board after
installation, select the single pass option to begin the
diagnostic test.
Adiagnostic test will be performed on each section of
the 3270 Coax
Adapter. As each test is successfully completed, a "PASSED" message
is displayed. If a problem area is detected, a "FAll..ED" or
"WARNING" message is displayed and further testing may be
discontinued.
Upon successful completion of the individual tests, the test program
displays a message indicating that the
3270 Coax Adapter has
successfully passed all the tests. If the test is unsuccessful, refer to
Problem Determination on the following page.
On-Line Mode (Coax Connected)
For a more complete test, or if you need to verify the coax connection
to the control unit, you can run the test in On-Line mode. To select
On-Line mode, connect
an active coax cable from the 3270 Control
Unit and start the test again. This is done in the same manner as the
Stand-Alone test -with one exception: Enter a
"Y" when the test
program prompts whether the coax cable
from the 3270 Control Unit is
connected.
3-2 3270 Coax Adapter

In this mode, the port number and type ofcontrol unit connected to the
3270 Coax Adapter is displayed. A portion ofthe error log is also
displayed when connected to an IBM 3274 Control Unit. This
information can be useful for trouble shooting purposes.
Problem Determination
The test program uses individual tests to verify all areas of the 3270
Coax Adapter. Should a failure in a specific area be encountered, the
test program will suggest the probable cause. Failures, in general, are
usually due to incorrect installation of the 3270 Coax Adapter or an
improper coax connection to the 3270 Control Unit. Check the areas
indicated by the test message.
If the problem persists, consult
Appendix A for more information
on troubleshooting.
If a failure message appears, but no probable cause is suggested, there
may be a 3270 Coax Adapter hardware problem, or it may be an
indication ofan I/O or memory addressing conflict with your PC
system. If you suspect an I/O or memory addressing conflict, remove
the suspected conflicting device from your PC and re-run the test. If
the test passes successfully, check Appendix B for information on how
to configure the 3270 Coax Adapter to eliminate the conflict.
Diagnostic Tests 3-3

SECTION 4
3270 CONTROL UNIT TESTS
Introduction
The 3270 Coax Adapter is designed to be connected to an IBM 3270
Control Unit. Most ofthese control units provide device testing and
status capability that can be initiated by a terminal operator. This
section briefly covers
how you can initiate these tests from your PC. If
you encounter
any problems with the guidelines in this section, refer to
your control unit's operator guide for more information.
Types of 3270 Coax Ports
The coax-ports on an IBM 3270 Control Unit typically are one ofthree
"ypes. In all cases, ports, once configured, are dedicated to a specific
device type. This means you cannot connect aprinter to a terminal port
and vice versa The following device types are defined
on a 3274
controller:
Display Terminal (Single session CUT)
• Model 2 - 24 x 80 (Le. IBM 3178, 3278, 3279)
• Model 3 - 32 x 80
• Model 4 - 43 x 80
• Model 5- 27 x 132
Distributed Function Terminal (Multi.Session DFT)
• 3290 Large screen Display
• 3270 Personal Computer
l287 Printer
3270 Control Unit Tests 4-1