Using VT100 Emulation to Access a IBM Mainframe via a 3708 Protocol Conv.

I. Introduction

For people who don't have access to a coaxially connected IBM mainframe
terminal, an IBM compatible PC with a modem and the Packet/PC software
program makes an excellent substitute for an IBM terminal. However,
Packet/PC only works with IBM compatible PCs. For non-IBM personal
computers and IBM compatible computers without Packet/PC, VT100 terminal
emulation is a good alternative.

To use modem dial-up to the mainframe, you must have special authorization
to access the IBM computer through a modem. Contact your RACF
Administrator to have them send in a request form for you.

II. Set-up

Several parameters must be properly set in order to communicate with the

IBM mainframe. All ASCII terminals and terminal emulation programs can
change these parameters.

Baud Rate: 1200 or 2400 It depends on the speed of the modem you are
using.
Duplex: Full
Parity: Even
Data Bits: 7
Stop Bits: 1

III. Logon Procedure

1. Start your equipment and software.

2. Make the connection between your equipment and the IBM mainframe. The
process to do this is dependent upon your equipment and software. The
instruction manual for your software and modem should explain this process.

3. After the modem has made connection, you must hit RETURN once. The
screen will print a header followed by a prompt line:

======IBM 3708===EC A58809======RID 3708-001 88-0008771========PORT 03======

C2: Type the number of your terminal:
===> __

4. The number to type is 5 and press RETURN, for VT100 emulation.

Another prompt line appears:

======IBM 3708===EC A58809======RID 3708-001 88-0008771========PORT 03======

C2: Type the number of your terminal:
===> 5_
==>
_________

5. This is the place to type CICS, MAIL, TSO2,or

any other application name; and press RETURN.

======IBM 3708===EC A58809======RID 3708-001 88-0008771========PORT 03======

C2: Type the number of your terminal:
===> 5___
==>
SCICS____

6. The signon screen for that application will appear. Sign on to this
application just like you would on a regular IBM terminal.

7. The application will appear. Only applications and functions in Mod 2

format work in VT100 emulation.

8. From now on, the PC will emulate an IBM terminal. Use the keyboard
conversion chart to locate the keys on your PC that perform the IBM
terminal functions.

9. To log-off, exit from the application in the ususal manner and hang-up
the modem phone line on your computer.

IV. Troubleshooting Procedures

If your keyboard appears to be locked, hit CTRL-R (Push down and hold the
CTRL key and push the R key). This will send a reset signal to the
mainframe.

The modems attached to the mainframe have been instructed to hang up

after 5 minutes of inactivity. This may cause some inconvenience, but it
was done to free up the dial-up ports as soon as possible when they are
finished being used. Remember to save any work if you are called away from
your terminal.

THE VT100 EMULATION TO IBM MAINFRAME KEY CONVERSION CHART

To perform
this function: Type:
---------------------------------------
ATTN-------------CTRL A

BACKTAB----------BACKSPACE OR ESC TAB

CLEAR------------CTRL C
CURSOR SELECT----ESC k

DELETE-----------DELETE
DEV CNCL---------CTRL X
DOWN ARROW-------"THE DOWN ARROW"
DUP--------------CTRL D

ENTER------------RETURN OR NUMERIC ENTER

ERASE EOF--------CTRL E
ERASE INPUT------ESC f

FIELD MARK-------CTRL F

HOME-------------ESC H

IDENT------------ESC z
INSERT MODE------ESC DELETE

LEFT ARROW-------"THE LEFT ARROW"

NEW LINE---------LINE FEED
NULL/BLANK-------ESC n

PA1--------------ESC ,
PA2--------------ESC .
PA3--------------ESC /

PF1--------------NUMERIC 1 or ESC 1
PF2--------------NUMERIC 2 or ESC 2
PF3--------------NUMERIC 3 OR ESC 3
PF4--------------NUMERIC 4 OR ESC 4
PF5--------------NUMERIC 5 OR ESC 5
PF6--------------NUMERIC 6 OR ESC 6
PF7--------------NUMERIC 7 OR ESC 7
PF8--------------NUMERIC 8 OR ESC 8
PF9--------------NUMERIC 9 OR ESC 9
PF10-------------PF1 OR ESC 0
PF11-------------PF2 OR ESC -
PF12-------------PF3 OR ESC =
PF13-------------ESC !
PF14-------------ESC @
PF15-------------ESC #
PF16-------------ESC $
PF17-------------ESC %
PF18-------------ESC ^
PF19-------------ESC &
PF20-------------ESC *
PF21-------------ESC (
PF22-------------ESC )
PF23-------------ESC _
PF24-------------ESC +

PRINT------------CTRL P
REFRESH----------CTRL U
RESET------------CTRL R
RESUME DISPLAY---CTRL Y
RESUME PRINTER---CTRL p
RIGHT ARROW------"THE RIGHT ARROW"

STATUS ON/OFF----CTRL W
SUSPEND DISPLAY--CTRL T
SUSPEND PRINTER--CTRL o
SYS REQ----------ESC S

TAB--------------TAB
TYPE AHEAD-------ESC a

UP ARROW---------"THE UP ARROW"

For key sequences that begin with ESC, press and release ESC and then press
the other key.
For key sequences that begin with CTRL, press and hold CTRL while pressing
the other key.
For key sequences that contain NUMERIC, press the appropriate key on the
numeric key pad.
##########################################################################