Digital Equipment EK-VT100-UG-001 User manual

VT100 USER GUIDE
EK-VT100-UG-001

ii
Copyright @ 1978 by Digital Equipment Corporation
The material in this manual is for informational purposes and
is subject
to change without notice.
Digital Equipment Corporation assumes no responsibility for
any errors which may appear in this manual.
Printed in U.S.A.
This document was set on DIGITAL's DECset-8000 com-
puterized typesetting system.
The following are trademarks
of Digital Equipment Corporation.
Maynard. Massachusetts:
1 st Edition, August 1978
DIGITAL DECsystem-10 MASSBUS
DEC
DECSYSTEM-20 OMNIBUS
PDP
DIBOL
OS/8
DECUS EDUSYSTEM
RSTS
UNIBUS VAX
RSX
VMS lAS

CONTENTS
Page
CHAPTER 1 OPERATOR INFORMATION
PART 1 - KEYBOARD CONTROLS AND INDICATORS.......................................... 1-4
PART 2 - SET-UP MODE...............................................................................................1-7
SET-UP Features at a Glance...............................................................................1-7
SET-U P A ................................................................................................................1-7
SET-UP.B.................................................................................................................
1-8
Determining What a SET-UP Feature Does ...................................................... 1-9
How to Change a SET-UP Feature ................................................................... 1-10
SETTING THE ANSWERBACK MESSAGE.............................................................. 1-12
SAVING SET-UP FEATURES...................................................................................... 1-12
RECALLING SET-UP FEATURES............................................................................... 1-13
RESETTING THE TERMINAL...................................................................................... 1-13
PART 3 - DEFINITION OF EACH SET-'-UP FEATURE............................................. 1-13
PART 4 - SELF-TESTING THE VT1 00 ...................................................................... 1-15
Self-Test Error Codes.......................................................................................... 1-15
PART 5 - WHAT TO DO IN THE EVENT OF A PROBLEM .................................... 1-16
CHAPTER 2 INSTALLATION, INTERFACE INFORMATION,
AND SPECIFICATIONS
SITE CONSiDERATIONS............................................................................................... 2-3
UNPACKING AND INSTALLATION............................................................................. 2-3
USER MAINTENANCE................................................................................................... 2-6
INTERFACE INFORMATION ......................................................................................... 2-6
EIA Interface ........................................................................................................... 2-6
Electrical Characteristics....................................................................................... 2-7
iii

CONTENTS (CONT)
Page
OPTIONAL 20 mA CURRENT LOOP INTERFACE..................................................... 2-7
ElectricaI Characteristics....................................................................................... 2-8
EXTERNAL VIDEO CONNECTIONS............................................................................. 2-9
Composite Video Output (J9) .............................................................................. 2-9
Video Input (J8) ................................................................................................... 2-10
VT100 SPECiFiCATIONS............................................................................................2-1 0
HOW TO ORDER HARDWARE DOCUMENTATION.............................................. 2-12
CHAPTER 3
PROGRAMMER'S INFORMATION
THE KEyBOARD.............................................................................................................. 3-4
COMMUNICATION PROTOCOLS ............................................................................. 3-10
TERMINAL CONTROL COMMANDS ........................................................................ 3-12
Control Cha racters............................................................................................... 3-12
Escape Sequences............................................................................................... 3-13
ANSI COMPATIBLE MODE ........................................................................................ 3-14
Cursor Movement Commands........................................................................... 3-14
Line Size (Double-height and Double-width) Commands ............................ 3-14
Character Attributes............................................................................................ 3-14
Erasing................................................................................................................... 3-14
Programmable LEDs ........................................................................................... 3-14
Character Sets (GO and G1 Designators) ........................................................ 3-15
Scrolling Region.........:......................................................................................... 3-15
Tab Stops.............................................................................................................. 3-15
Modes.................................................................................................................... 3-15
REPORTS.........................................................................;.............................................. 3-15
Cursor Position Report........................................................................................ 3-15
Status Report ....................................................................................................... 3-15
What Are You ....................................................................................................... 3-16
Reset...................................................................................................................... 3-16
Confidence Tests ................................................................................................. 3-16
VALID ANSI MODE ESCAPE SEQUENCES (detailed)........................................... 3-17
CPR Cursor Position Report - VT100 to Host.............................................. 3-17
CU B Cursor Backward -Host to VT100 and VT100 to Host.................... 3-18
CU D Cursor Down - Host to VT100 and VT100 to Host........................... 3-18
CUF Cursor Forward -Host to VT100 and VT100 to Host....................... 3-18
CUP Cursor Position......................................................................................... 3-18
CUU Cursor Up -Host to VT100 and VT100 to Host................................ 3-19
DA Device Attributes ................... '" ..................................................................3-1 9
DECALN Screen Alignment Display (DEC Private) ..................................... 3-19
DECANM ANSI/VT52 Mode (DEC Private) ................................................. 3-19
DECARM Auto Repeat Mode (DEC Private) ................................................ 3-19
DECAWM Autowrap Mode (DEC Private).................................................... 3-20
D ECCO LM Column Mode (D EC Private)....................................................... 3-20
DECCKM Cursor Keys Mode (DEC Private).................................................. 3-20
DECDHL Double Height Line (DEC Private)................................................. 3-20
iv

CONTENTS (CaNT)
Page
DECDWL Double-Width Line (DEC Private) ................................................ 3-20
DECGOFF Graphics Processor Off (DEC Private)........................................ 3-20
DECGON Graphics Processor On (DEC Private)..........................................3-21
DECHCP Hard Copy (DEC Private).................................................................3-21
DECID Identify Terminal (DEC Private) .........................................................3-21
DECINLM Interlace Mode (DEC Private) ......................................................3-21
DECKPAM Keypad Application
Mode (DEC Private) .................................3-21
DECKPNM Keypad Numeric
Mode (DEC Private) ......................................3-21
DECLL Load LEDs (DEC Private)....................................................................
3-22
DECOM Origin Mode (DEC Private)............................................................... 3-22
DECRC Restore Cursor (DEC Private)............................................................ 3-22
DEC REPTPARM Report Terminal Parameters............................................ 3-22
DEC REQTPARM Request Terminal Parameters ........................................ 3-22
DECSC Save Cursor (DEC Private)................................................................. 3-23
DECSCLM Scrolling Mode (DEC Private) ..................................................... 3-24
DECSCNM Screen Mode (DEC Private)........................................................ 3-24
DECSTBM Set Top and Bottom Margins (DEC Private)............................. 3-24
DECSWL Single-width Line (DEC Private) ................................................... 3-24
DECTST Invoke Confidence Test.................................................................... 3-24
DSR Device Status Report.............................................................................. 3-25
ED Erase In Display........................................................................................... 3-25
EL Erase In Line................................................................................................. 3-25
HTS Horizontal Tabulation Set....................................................................... 3-26
HVP Horizontal and Vertical Position ............................................................ 3-26
IN D Index ........................................................................................................... 3-26
LNM Line Feed/New Line Mode .................................................................... 3-2~
NEL Next Line.................................................................................................... 3-26
RI Reverse Index ............................................................................................... 3-26
RIS Reset To Initial State................................................................................. 3-27
RM Reset Mode ................................................................................................ 3-27
SCS Select Character Set................................................................................ 3-27
SGR Select Graphic Rendition........................................................................ 3-27
SM Set Mode..................................................................................................... 3-28
TBC Tabulation Clear........................................................................................ 3-28
MODES ........................................................................................................................... 3-28
ANSI Specified Modes ....................................................................................... 3-28
DEC Private Modes............................................................................................. 3-28
VALID VT52 MODE ESCAPE SEQUENCES (detailed)........................................... 3-29
CHAPTER 4 VT100 OPTIONS
ADVANCED VIDEO OPTION - VT1XX-AA ................................................................. 4-3
Advanced Video Option Installation .................................................................. .4-4
20 mA CURRENT LOOP OPTIONS - VT1 XX-AA ...................................................... 4-6
20 mA Current Loop Option Installation............................................................ 4-6
20 mA Current Loop Option Checkout.............................................................. .4-7
v

vi
CONTENTS (CONT)
APPENDIX A
APPENDIX B
Figure No.
1 -1
1-2
1-3
1-4
1-5
1-6
2-1
2-2
2-3
2-4
3-1
3-2
4-1
4-2
4-3
4-4
Table No.
1-1
1-2
1-3
1-4
2-1
3-1
3-2
3-3
3.,.4
3-5
Page
ANSI DEFINITIONS AND NOTATION
ASCII CODE CHART
FIGURES
Title Page
VT1 00 Terminal............................................................................. 1-2
VT100 Keyboard............................................................................ 1-4
VT100 Terminal (Rear View) ....................................................... 1-6
SET-UP A Mode Presentation..................................................... 1-7
SET-UP B Mode Presentation ..................................................... 1-8
SET-UP B Mode Summary .......................................................... 1-8
VT100 Terminal Dimensions....................................................... 2-4
VT100 Rear View .......................................................................... 2-5
20 mA Current Loop Interface .................................................... 2-8
Composite Video Output .............................................................. 2-9
Terminal Data Flow ....................................................................... 3-2
VT1 00 Keyboard............................................................................ 3-4
VT100 Rear View .......................................................................... 4-4
Advance Video Option Installation............................................. 4-5
20 mA Current Loop Option........................................................ 4-7
Terminal Controller Board ............................................................ 4-8
TABLES
Title Page
Categories of SET-UP Features................................................... 1-9
SET-UP Feature Change Summary .......................................... 1-10
Nonfatal Displayed Error Codes................................................ 1-16
Problem Checklist.......................................................................1-1 7
EIA Connector Signals.................................................................. 2-6
SET-UP Features and Machine States....................................... 3-5
Alphabetic Key Codes................................................................... 3-6
Nonalphabetic Key Codes............................................................ 3-6
Function Key Codes ...................................................................... 3-7
Control Codes Generated............................................................. 3-8

Table No.
3-6
3-7
3-8
3-9
3-10
3-11
TABLES
Title Page
Cursor Control Key Codes............................................................ 3-8
VT52 Mode Auxiliary Keypad Codes.......................................... 3-9
ANSI Mode Auxiliary Keypad Codes..........................................3-9
SpeciaI Graphics Characters ..................................................... 3-10
Control Characters ...................................................................... 3-12
VT 100 Escape Sequences Summary......................................3-1 3
vii

INTRODUCTION
The VT100 terminal is designed to work very much like a typewriter. This guide
will tell you everything you need to know to use your terminal.
A checklist label is provided for making a semi-permanent record of the features,
unique functions, and mode of operation of your terminal. Place this label under
the keyboard and keep it up-to-date so that you will have a quick reference to the
basic status of your machine.

CHAPTER 1
Operator Information

MA-1986
1-2

CHAPTER 1
OPERATOR INFORMATION
The VT100 is a simple device to operate. The terminal (Figure 1-1) is basically a
typewriter that uses a video screen instead of paper and communicates with a
computer.
If you can operate a typewriter, you can operate a VT100.
Chapter 1 is divided into five parts:
1. Controls and Indicators
2. Setup Mode
3. Definition
of Each Setup Feature
4. Self-Testing the
VT100
5. What to do in the Event of a Problem
Part 1 shows all the controls and indicators on the terminal and summarizes
the function
of each, thus providing a quick reference for these functions.
Part 2 defines the SET-UP mode and briefly summarizes its features.
Part 3 describes each feature in detail. Refer
to this section if you need
further information on a feature mentioned in the SET-UP Summary provided
in Part 2.
Part 4 provides information on self-testing the VT100. It outlines the steps
required
to start the built-in self-tests and how to interpret the results once
the tests have been ru n.
Part 5 provides a procedure to follow in case you encounter any problem
with the VT100. Easily recognized failures with simple corrective actions are
provided
for each symptom. Check this Jist before calling for service.
1-3

OPERATOR INFORMATION
PART 1 - KEYBOARD CONTROLS AND INDICATORS
The VT100 terminal normally performs a two-part function. It is an input device to
a computer -information entered through the keyboard is sent
to the computer. It
is simultaneously an output device for the computer - that is, data coming in from
the computer is displayed on the video screen. The following controls and in-
dicators on the VT100 keyboard are illustrated in Figure 1-2.
D
ET-UP ONONE LOLKBDOCKED 0 0 0 0 ~~BB [JF1 [JF2 [JF3[JF4
SETI CLEAR ALL LlNEI SETUP TOGGLE TRANSMIT RECEIVE 801132 T' -- ~
CLEAR TAB TABS LOCAL AlB 110 SPEED SPEED COLUMNS RESET
GDJ[!][XJrnrnGJ[IJwrnrnEJmo ~~;~E EJ 000[J
GG000000~G0wwnB 0000
~@000G0~00~~.~Dc:::JgJ ~000
§;]I '"''' 10000000[J[]ITJG@J 0DD
I I
Figure 1-2 VT100 Keyboard
(SET-UP Key I
This key is used in conjunction with other keys to per-
form specific functions such as setting tabs, scrolling,
and altering terminal characteristics.
ON LINE Indicator
This indicator lights to show that the VT100 is on-line
and ready to transmit or receive messages.
LOCAL Indicator
This indicator lights to show that the terminal is off-line
and cannot communicate with the host device. In local
mode the keyboard remains active and all characters
typed are placed on
the screen.
KEYBOARD LOCKED Indicator
This indicator lights to show that the keyboard has
been turned off. The
VT100 is still able to receive data
from the host. This condition can be cleared by enter-
ing and exiting SET-UP mode.
L 1-L4 Indicators
These indicators are turned on and off by the host.
Consult your local operating procedures for the mean-
ing
of each indicator. L 1-L4 are also used to show
self-test errors.
1-4
[!] [II B B Keys
Each of these keys causes the VT100 to transmit a
code
which has a special meaning to your system.
Consult your local operating proceduresfor the mean-
ing of these keys. In SET-UP mode the "i" and ",t."
keys increase or decrease the brightness of the display.
The ''+-'' and "-+" keys move the cursor left and right.
IBACKSPACE IKey
This key transmits a backspace code.
IBREAKI Key
This key transmits a break signal.
IPF11-lpF41 Keys
Each of these keys causes the VT100 to transmit a
code
which has a special meaning to your system.
Consult your local operating procedures for the mean-
ings of these keys.
Numeric Keypad
The numeric keypad enables numbers to be entered in
calculator fashion. Each key in the numeric keypad
generates the same character as the corresponding nu-
meric key on the main keyboard. The I ENTERI key cor-
responds to the IRETURNI key. These keys may also be
interpreted by
the host computer as special function
keys. Consult your local operating procedures for
the
meanings of these keys.

IDELETEI Key
This key causes the VT100 to transmit a delete charac-
ter code to the host system. The deleted character may
or may not be erased from the screen.
IRETURNI Key
This transmits either a carriage return (CR) code or a
carriage return (CR) and linefeed (LF) code. This
is a
SET-UP selectable feature.
I LIN EFEEDI Key
This key transmits a linefeed code.
ISHIFTI Key
When pressed, this key enables the uppercase function
of all keys. If a key does not have an uppercase func-
tion the SHIFT key will be disregarded.
RESET~ Key
When the terminal is in SET-UP mode this key starts
the reset sequence. This has the same result as turning
the terminal power off and then on.
80/132 COLUMNSr;] Key
When the terminal
is in SET-UP A mode this key
switches
the display line size from 80 to 132 charac-
ters per line
or from 132 to 80 characters per line.
RECEIVE SPEED Q Key
When the terminal is in SET-UP B mode this key steps
the terminal through the receive baud rate settings in
ascending order.
TRANSMIT SPEED ~ Key
When the terminal is in SET -UP B mode this key steps
the terminal through the transmit baud rate settings in
ascending order.
TOGGLE 1/0 ~ Key
When the terminal is in SET-UP B mode this key turns
the selected operational feature on or off.
Key
When pressed in combination with the CTRL key this
key causes a bell code to be sent to the host.
SET-UP Al8 ~ Key
When the terminal is in SET -U P mode this key
switches the terminal from SET-UP A
to SET-UP B or
from SET-UP B to SET-UP A.
LIN E/LOCAL ~ Key
In SET-UP mode this key switches the VT100 to com-
municate with your system (ON LI N E) or stops the
VT100 from communicating with your system (LO-
CAL).
I#£l
CLEAR ALL TABS l!J Key
In SET -UP A this key clears all horizontal tabs set in
the VT100.
SET/CLEAR TA8 ~ Key
In SET-UP A this key sets or clears individual horizon-
tal tabs.
ICAPSI
LOCK Key
This key enables the transmission of uppercase alpha-
betic characters only. All numeric and special symbol
keys remain in lowercase.
I~~ROLLI Key
When first pressed, this key stops the transmission of
data from the computer to the VT100. When pressed a
second time, transmission resumes from where
it was
stopped. Check your local operating procedures to en-
sure
that your system recognizes this key.
ICTRLI Key
When pressed in combination with another key, CTRL
causes the VT100 to transmit a code which has a spe-
cial meaning to your system.
ITABI Key
This key transmits a
tab code.
I Esci Key
This key transmits a code which normally has a special
meaning to your system. In many applications, it tells
your system to treat the next keys pressed as a com-
mand.
1-5

OPERATOR INFORMATION
1-6
Figure 1-3
VT1 00 Terminal
(Rear View)
MONITOR CONTROLS
The VT100 monitor contains only one control. the power switch, which is shown in
Figure 1-3.
CAPTIVE ACCESS
SCREWS (4) COVER
dl ~~~~~~~~~---
EIA
COMMUNICATIONS
CONNECTOR
EXTERNAL
VIDEO
COMMUNICATIONS
MAIN FUSE
POWER SWITCH
I "\ MODEL + SERIAL
I ~/NUMBER LABEL
-r-r, __ ~===n~ __ ~~ ______ ~ __ ~o~ol@I~~
KEYBOARD I POWER POWER CORD
CONNECTOR SELECTOR CONNECTOR
SWITCH
OPTIONAL 20mA
COMMUNICATION
CONNECTOR
Audible Indicators (Tones)
MA-1987
There are three audible alarms associated with the VT100: a short tone (click), a
long tone (beep), and a series
of long tones.
Short Tone (click) -The short tone is sounded by the terminal whenever a key is
pressed,
with the following exceptions:
• SHIFT or CTRL keys do not generate any keycJick because these keys do
not transmit any codes but only modify the codes transmitted by other
keys.
• KBD LOCKED indicator is turned on; in which case, the characters typed
are lost.
• The keycJick feature has been turned off in SET-UP mode.
Long
Tone (beep) -The long tone is sounded by the terminal to indicate one of
the following conditions:
• A bell code was received from the computer.
• The cursor is eight characters away from the right margin and the margin
bell feature
is enabled.

PART 2
SET-UP MODE
Figure 1-4
SET-UP A Mode Presentation
Series of Long Tones -The terminal will sound the long tone several times in
rapid succession
to indicate that the nonvolatile memory (NVR) had difficulty in
reading
or writing the SET-UP features. (When this occurs, check the SET-UP
features and then perform the Recall or Save operation again.)
Unlike most terminals, the VT100 does not use switches or jumpers to individually
turn the built-in terminal features on or off. Instead, the VT100 uses a nonvolatile
memory (NVR) which always remembers what features have been selected, as if a
switch had been set.
The selection and storage
of built-in terminal features is performed in a special
mode of operation called SET-UP mode. When you enter SET-UP mode, the status
of the features stored in the temporary memory is shown on the screen. You can
then change the features and store any
new feature selections either temporarily,
by leaving SET-UP mode; or on a fixed basis, by performing a Save operation. In
either case, the terminal operation will reflect the new feature selection. If a recall
operation is performed, or the terminal is reset or the terminal power is turned
OFF, all temporary feature settings are replaced by the features that have been
stored on a fixed basis.
SET-UP Features at a Glance
When entered, SET-UP mode provides two brief summaries of the current feature
status. The first presentation -SET-UP A - displays the location
of the tab stops
set in the terminal and a visual ruler
which numbers each character position on the
line. The second presentation -SET-UP B - summarizes the status of the other
terminal features.
SET-UP A - To enter SET -UP A, press the SET -U P key. The display will now have
a presentation similar
to Figure 1-4. The bottom line of the display consists of a
"ruler" which numbers each character position available on a line. The location of
each tab stop is shown by a "T" placed above the ruler. If the tab stop(s) set are
those desired, you may exit SET-UP mode by pressing the SET-UP key again
or
you may now change the tabs to meet your requirements.
SET-UP·A
TO-EXIT-PREss--SET-UP-
MR·1517
1-7

OPERATOR INFORMATION
1-8
SET-UP B - SET-UP B mode may only be entered from SET-UP A mode. To enter
SET-UP B from SET-UP A press the 5 key on the main keyboard. The display
will
then look like Figure 1-5. Figure 1-6 summarizes the SET-UP B presentation. This
summary allows you
to quickly determine what features are enabled. For addi-
tional information on a feature refer to the Definition of Each Feature section.
To exit SET-UP B press the SET-UP key.
SET-Up·B
TO-EXIT-PRESS-"SET-Up·
"SPEED' 1€OO- - 'R-SPEED- ·~oo
Figure 1-5
SET-UP B Mode Presentation
[0 = JUMP
SCROLL l1 = SMOOTH
AUTOREPEAT [0 = OFF
l.1 = ON
SCREEN [0 =
DARK BACKGROUND
L1 = LIGHT BACKGROUND
CURSOR
[0 = UNDERLINE
l.1 = BLOCK
~ (SHIFTED) {a = #
~ 1 = £
WRAP AROUND {a = OFF
1 = ON
NEW LINE [0 = OFF
l.1 = ON
INTERLACE
[0 = OFF
l.1 = ON
(USE WITH GRAPHICS)
(OPTIONAL
DISPLAY
FOR CUSTOM
FUNCTIONS)
MR-1S1a
2 3 4 5
[1:1:1:1 T SPEED c:::::J R SPEEDc::::J
Figure 1-6
SET-UP B Mode Summary
AUTO XON XOFF [0 = OFF
L1 = ON
ANSIIVT52 [0 = VT52
l.1 = ANSI
KEYCLICK [0 = OFF
L1 = ON
[0 = OFF
MARGIN BELL l.1 = ON
POWER
[0 = 60 Hz
\..1 = 50 Hz
[0 = 7 BITS
BITS
PER CHAR. l.1 = 8BITS
PARITY [0 = OFF
l.1 = ON
[0 = ODD
PARITY SENSE l.1 = EVEN
MA-1988

Table 1-1
Categories of SET-UP Features
Determining What a SET-UP Feature Does
The SET-U P features are basically a series of options in the VT100 that allow the
terminal to be tailored to its operating environment. Table 1-1 lists each feature
and
shows one of the following general categories:
InstaIlation
Computer compatibility
Operator comfort
The installation category concerns itself with the initial installation of the terminal
and any special options that may be attached to the terminal. If any terminal
options are added or removed, or the physical location of the installation is
changed, verify the settings of these SET-UP features.
Computer compatibility contains the features which must be set correctly so that
the VT100 can communicate with the host computer. An error in these settings
may cause incorrect data
to be sent to or received from the computer; or an error
may prevent the VT100 from communicating with the computer. The settings for
these features
must be obtained from the host computer programmer, operator, or
system manager since there are many
combinations of settings designed to work
with particular computers and special software. These feature settings would nor-
mally change only
when you need to communicate with a different computer or a
unique
software package.
Computer Operator
SET-UP Feature Installation Compatibility Comfort
ANSI/VT52 Mode
X
ANSWERBACK Message X
AUTO REPEAT X
AUTO XON XOFF X
BITS PER CHARACTER X
CHARACTERS
PER LINE X
CURSOR X
INTERLACE X
KEYCLICK X
LINE/LOCAL
X
MARGIN BELL X
NEW LINE X
PARITY X
PARITY SENSE X
POWER X
RECEIVE SPEED X
SCREEN
BACKGROUND X
SCREEN BRIGHTNESS X
SCROLL X X
TABS
X
TRANSMIT SPEED X
WRAPAROUND
X
E2]
X
3 (shifted)
1-9