IBM 3215 User manual

Systems
IBM 3215
Console Printer-Keyboard
Component Description
This reference publication describes the functions and
operation
of the IBM 3215 Console Printer-Keyboard.
Also presented are the printing method, control keys and.
lights, functional timing, forms controls, specifications,
and make-ready procedures.
For system operation (including programming and
operating procedures), refer
to the IBM System/360 and
System/370 Bibliography, GA22-6822, for Functional
Characteristics and Operating Procedures manuals for the
particular system and model.

Second Edition (February, 1971)
This
is a major revision of, and obsoletes GA24-3550-0. The section "Operating
Procedures" has been added. This section and other changes
to the text are indicated
by a vertical line to the left
of the change or addition; added illustrations are denoted
by the
symbol. to the left of the caption.
Changes are continually made
to the information herein; any such changes will be reported
in subsequent revisions
or Technical Newsletters.
Requests for copies
of IBM publications should be made to your IBM representative or to
the IBM branch office serving your locality. This manual has been prepared by the IBM
Systems Development Division, Product Publications, Dept. KIO, P.O. Box 6, Endicott,
New York 13760. A form for readers' comments is provided at the back of this publi-
cation.
If the form has been removed, comments may be sent to the above address.
© Copyright International Business Machines Corporation 1970, 1971

Introduction .
Printing Method
Machine Operation
Keyboard Functions
Printer Functions .
Programming Information
Timing Considerations
Forms Handling .
Form Controls.
Forms Specifications.
Operating Procedures
Inserting Forms
Replacing the Ribbon
Index.
Contents
5
6
7
7
7
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
10
11

Figure 1. IBM 3215 Console Printer-KeYboard
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The 3215 Console Printer-Keyboard (Figure 1) is a table-top
printer and keyboard that provides independent keyboard
entry and printed output for the
IBM data processing system
to which it
is attached. The keyboard (Figure 2) permits
rapid and flexible communication between the operator
and the data processing system, for manual entry into
storage and alter/display functionso Eighty-eight (88)
graphic characters can be sent to the system at a rate up to
15 characters per second.
Characters are printed as a pattern of dots formed by wires
striking the ribbon and paper
as the print head moves.
Under program control, printing can occur at a rate up to
85 characters per second. Character spacing is 10 per inch
(25,4 mm) and up to 126 per line. Both left and right
IBM 3215 Console Printer-Keyboard
margins are fixed according
to the width of the pin-feed
platen installed. Vertical single spacing
is six lines per inch;
double spacing
is three lines per inch. Depending on the
paper and carbon used, an original and up
to five legible
copies can be made. A three-part form
is recommended
as maximum.
The 3215 prints the 88 graphics (upper and lower case)
currently in
use on the 1052 Printer-Keyboard in the
IBM System/360 Data Processing System. The underscore
corresponds to the bottom row
of dots, and therefore,
cannot be used with other charactersc
Data signals
to the printer and all power and control for
the 3215 come from the system processing unit.
I CANCEL I
[jITJITl[IJQrnITJ[IJITJITJOJ~ITJD
6 IPROCEED I
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I READY I
GG0GJ8GG8G8[!J EJ
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READY
CEIJ00000G0ITJBCOI I
SHIFT I I
IREQUESTI
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SPACE BAR
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LEGEND
Figure 2. Keyboard Schematic
3215 Console Printer-Keyboard 5

Printing Method
Printing on the 3215 is done by seven wires arranged
vertically
in the print head (Figure 3). Decoded signals
from the system selectively allow the print wires to strike
the ribbon and paper. The pattern
of dots formed by the
ends
of the wires corresponds to a stored matrix in the
system processing unite
The print head moves across each character to form a
7 x 7
dot matrix. As required by the character pattern ,
each wire may strike up
to four times per character (for
example, wire
No.5 in Figure 3). Three alternate positions
allow for curved and diagonal elements (wire
No.3 in
Figure 3).
The print head moves across the print line at a rate up
to 8.5 inches (215,9 mm) per second whether printing or
spacing. An indicator
on the front of the printer designat es
the next print pOSition fo r the print head.
A maintenance monitor indicates to service personnel
when maintenance should be scheduled.
Figure 3. Print Mechanism and Character Construction
6
o - 08 0_0
2 0 -8-8- 0
3 08 0_08 0
4 8- 0 - 0 -8
58 -0-8-8
6 8- 0 - 0 -8
7 8- 0 - 0 -8
2345G7
o Standard F iring Positions
_ Alternate F iring Pos ition s

MACHINE OPERATION
Keyboard Functions
The keyboard has 44 character keys and the normal shift,
shift lock, return keys, and space bar that perform normal
typewriter functions. Figure 2 shows the control keys and
indicator lights for the keyboard.
Intervention Required
This light indicates that the not-ready key has been pressed,
the printer has run out
of forms, or the cover is openo
Loading forms, closing the cover, and/or pressing the ready
key turns offthis light.
Cancel
Pressing this key terminates a read operation and signals the
system to disregard the data being transmitted.
If this key
is used to end an alter/display operation, an error condition
results.
Ready
Pressing this key places the printer-keyboard in a ready state
when forms
are in the printer and the cover is closed,
Not Ready
Pressing this key places the printer-keyboard in a not-ready
state.
Alter/Display
Pressing this key submits a request for an alter/display
operation. The proceed (and alter/display mode lights)
must be on before input data can be typed at the keyboard.
Alter/Display Mode
This light indicates that a request for an alter/display
operation has been accepted.
End
Pressing this key terminates a read, write, or alter/display
operation.
Proceed
This light indicates that input data can be typed at the
keyboard.
Alarm
This light,indicates that an alarm command was issued to
alert the operator that the system requires manual attention.
An audible tone sounds for about 1-1/2 seconds.
Alarm Reset
Pressing this key turns offthe alarm light.
Request
Pressing this key indicates to the system that the operator
is ready to key information. The request pending light
turns on
if the system is busy.
Request Pending
This light indicates that the request key has been pressed,
but that the system
is not yet ready to accept data. This
light turns off and the proceed light turns on when the
system
is ready to accept data.
Printer Functions
All functions of the 321 S are controlled by the system
either manually from the keyboard or by program control.
In addition
to printing, the functions are:
Space
This function moves the print head one character space to
the right without printing.
New Line
This function combines the carrier-return and line-feed
operations. A new-line signal returns the print head to
the left margin at 1S inches (381 mm) per second minimum
and advances the platen a single or double line space
according to the setting
of the line-feed select lever. This
function can be initiated manually, from the program, or
when the right margin
is sensed. Using this function
successively provides variable vertical spacing.
Test Switches
Three switches facilitate servicing the printec
Off-Line, On-Line. This switch places the printer off-line.
The two other switches operate only when this switch
is
in the off-line position.
Reset Off-Line. Operating this spring-loaded switch resets
the circuitry for the printer.
Continuous, Off/Keyboard, Stop-Start. Placing this switch
in its top position causes the machine
to print a line of
H's for testing printer operation in continuous mode. With
the switch in the
bottom position, the machine prints a
line of H's in stop-start mode. In the middle position, the
action
of the switch depends upon the attached system:
System/370 Model14S -Off, no action
System/370 Modell SS -printer responds to the key
pressed on the keyboard.
3215 Console Printer-Keyboard 7

PROGRAMMING INFORMATION
Functions and data initiated from the keyboard are trans-
mitted
to the system by an 8-bit EBCDIC code.
All printing, carrier operations, and forms-movement
controls are initiated in the system by program control,
or
manually by keyboard operation.
For programming information, refer to IBM System/360
and System/370 Bibliography, GA22-6822, for the
Functional Characteristics manual for the particular system
and model.
Timing Considerations
Figure 4 shows the time in milliseconds required for printer
operationso In a new-line operation, line feed is overlapped
with carrier return
if the return is more than 16 print
positions.
Operation
Time (milliseconds)
Print or Space
12 ms/Print Position
New-Line
Carrier Return
6.67 ms/Print Position
(Less than 7 spaces,
12 ms/Print Position)
Line Feed
140 ms/Line
Figure 4. Timing for Printer Operations
FORMS HANDLING
Forms placed on the lower platform of the forms stand
enter the rear
of the printer, pass up through a channel,
and up over the platenc Forms are stacked on the
top
platform.
Form Controls
Paper-Advance Knobs
Rotating the knob on either end of the platen moves the
form for coarse vertical positioning.
Vertical Alignment Vernier
Pressing in and rotating the paper-advance knob on the
right end
of the platen provides fine vertical adjustment
of the form with the print line.
Line-FeedSelect Lever
The line-feed select lever allows the operator to select
single or double vertical line spacing.
8
Copy-Control Lever
The copy-controllever adjusts the clearance between the
platen and the print head to accommodate the thickness
of the forms used. Five positions of the lever allow adjust-
ments for forms
of thickness up to a maximum of .018 inch
(0,46 mm).
End-of-Forms Switch
The end-of-forms switch signals the system that the end of
the form is within 4-1/4 inches (107,9 mm). On the system
console, the keyboard-printer lights show not-ready and
intervention required.
Forms Specifications
The 321S accepts marginally punched, continuous-form
paper. Forms can be one to six parts depending on the
weight
of paper and carbon used. For optimum feeding
and stacking, no more than three parts are recommended.
Total thickness cannot exceed .018 inch (0,46 mm).
Stapled forms cannot be used.
Form width must correspond to the pin-feed platen
installed. See Figure
S. Form length can be 3 to 14 inches
(76,2 to 3SS,6 mm).
For optimum stacking, 11 inches
(279,4 mm)
is recommended. Forms should not be longer
than the depth
of the forms stand provided.
The special ribbon cartridge (part 1136906, or equivalent)
has a ribbon life
of at least two million characters.
For more complete specifications, refer
to the Systems
Reference Library Manual, Form-Design Considerations--
System Printers, GA24-3488.
Overall Width Hole-to-Hole Width
Print Positions
in.
mm
in.
mm
Maximum
13
330,2
12 1/2
317,5
120
135/8
346,1 13 1/8
333,4
126
Figure 5. Available Pin-Feed Platens
OPERATING PROCEDURES
For operating the 321S as part of a particular system, refer
to the IBM System/360 and System/370 Bibliography,
GA22-6822, for the Operating Procedures manual for the
particular system or model. Figure 6 shows the operating
controls used for making the printer ready.
Inserting Forms
1. Raise the printer cover.
2. Set the copy-controllever
to position S for maximum
clearance between the print head and the platen.
3. Raise
both doors covering the pin-feed mechanism at
the ends
of the platen.

From the rear of the machine:
4. Place the forms on the lower rack
of the forms stand.
5. Insert forms (side
to be printed down) in the paper
feed sIaL The form enters easily if started with one
corner entering the feed slot first,
6. Work th e form up in front of th e platen.
From the front of the machine:
7. Grasp the form and position it
on the platen pin-feed
mechanism.
8. Close the doors over the feed pins,
9. Set the copy-controllev er to one of the four positions
determined by the number
of parts in the form being
used.
Po sition
Copy · Control
L eve r
Pin·Fe ed Door
Paper ·A d va n ce
1
2
3
4
Knob ___ ~ ~
Type of Form Use d
1 Part
2 or 3 Parts
4 Parts
5 or 6 Parts
~ -- ~-
• Figure 6. Printer Operating Controls
10, Set the line-feed select lever for single or double spacing.
110 Press in and rotate the right paper-advance knob for
vertical alignment
of the form with the print line.
Note 1: To move the form backward, rotate the paper-
advance knob backward and pull the form from behind
the machine to keep the form from
bu ckling at the
print head.
Note 2: If checking for precise alignment is necessary:
a. Set the left
of the test switches to OFF-LINE and
the right switch
to CONTINUOUS (a continuous
line
of H's prints),
b. Press in and rotate the right paper-advance knob to
align the print line, and
c, Return the left service switch to ON-LINE.
12. R
otate the paper-advance knob to feed the form through
the form exit sl
ot in the cover.
13. Close the cover.
Line·F ee d
Sel e ct L eve r
Pin·F ee d D oor
P ape r·Advan ce
Kn ob
Ribbon Cartridge
3215 Console Printer-Keyboard 9

14. Press the ready key on the keyboard.
15.
When printing starts, check that the forms stack
properly on the forms stand. For efficient stacking,
the fold should be in the same
directio~ as the
original fold.
Replacing the Ribbon
1. Raise the printer cover.
2. Remove the used ribbon and cartridge. (Before removing
the used ribbon, observe how the ribbon
is threaded so
Print Head
Print Position Scale
• Figure 7. Ribbon Schematic
10
Ribbon
Cartridge
as to be familiar with the ribbon schematic shown on
the machine and also in Figure 7.
3. Press the new ribbon cartridge in place. Locating pin
assures correct cartridge and proper positioning.
4. Draw out some ribbon and thread
it around guide pins
and print head
as shown in the schematic. Do not twist
the ribbon.
5. Rewind any slack ribbon back into the cartridge by
rotating either
of the ribbon feed hubs in the direction
shown on top
of the cartridge.
6. Close the cover.
7. Press the ready key on the keyboard.

m
alarm 7
alarm reset 7
alignment vernier 8
alter/display 7
alter/display mode 7
(I
cancel 7
carrier return
function 7
timing 8
cartridge, ribbon 8
channel 8
character construction 6
character spacing 5
continuous-form paper 8
continuous mode 7
continuous switch 7
control signals 5
controls, forms 8
copies 5
copy-control lever 8
copy-control lever position 9
II
data signals 5
II
EBCDIC 8
end 7
end of forms
II
intervention required 7
switch 8
ruing positions 6
forms
controls 8
handling 8
insertion 8
movement 8
platform 8
specifications 8
stacking 8
stand 8
width 8
functions
keyboard 7
printer 7
II
graphic characters 5
III
hole-to-hole width 8
D
indicator, print position 6
input rate 5
inserting forms 8
intervention required 7
13
keyboard functions 7
keyboard schematic 5
keyboard switch 7
keys 7
II
legible copies 5
lights 7
line feed
function 7
timing 8
line-feed select lever
function 8
setting 7
loading forms 8
machine operation 7
maintenance
monitor 6
manual entry 5
margins 5
matrix 6
mode alter/display 7
monitor, maintenance 6
multiple-part forms 8
II
new line
function 7
timing 8
not ready 7
ED
off-line 7
off/keyboard switch 7
on-line 7
operating procedures 8
output rate 5
overall width 8
Index
3215 Console Printer-Keyboard 11

II
paper 8
paper advance knobs 8
pin-feed platen 8
pitch, character 5
platen pin-feed 8
platform, forms 8
position, copyoeontrollever 9
power 5
print head 6
print line 5
print mechanism 6
print-position indicator 6
print positions
pin-feed platen 8
print line 5
print timing 8
print wires 5
printer functions 7
printer timing 8
printing method 6
printing rate 5
proceed 7
program control 8
programming information 8
iii
rate
carrier return 7
print head 6
printing
output 5
typing input 5
ready 7
request 7
request pending 7
reset, alarm 7
reset off-line 7
ribbon
12
replacement 10
specifications 8
B
signals 6
space
function 7
timing 8
spacing 5
spacing, character 5
specifications, forms 8
staples 8
stop/start mode 7
stop/start switch 7
switches 7
II
test switches 7
thickness 8
timing considerations 8
typing rate 5
III
underscore 5
m
vertical alignment vernier 8
vertical spacing 5
II
width, form 8
8-bit code 8
44 character
key s 7
88 graphics 5
1052 Printer-Keyboard 5

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IBM 3215 Console Printer-Keyboard Component Description Order No. GA24-3550-1
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International Business Machines Corporation
Data Processing Division
112 East Post Road, White Plains, N.Y.
10601
[USA Only]
IBM World Trade Corporation
821 United Nations Plaza,
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