3153 Terminal: Common Application Display and Keyboard Problems

Contents

This document provides information about common application display and keyboard problems with IBM 3153 terminals.

http://service.software.ibm.com/support/rs6000

At the site, follow this series of links:

Databases
Hints and Tips
IBM 3153 Support Documents

For recommended documentation on specific subjects covered in this document, see each individual document section.

• The 3153 does not display anything; there is no video.
• The 3153 does not display data, information or the application.
• The 3153 does not communicate; there is no communication.
• The 3153 screen is blank, or the cursor is at the upper left corner and doesn't move.
• The 3153 does not do anything when any keys are pressed.

Recommended Solution:

Refer to the section in this document called 3153 Displays Nothing (No Video), Has a Blank Screen, or Its Cursor Does Not Move.

Background Information:

Function keys typically send the host an ASCII character sequence when pressed. The ASCII character sequence needs to match what the host operating system or application expects. The host operating system or application then determines how to process the function key that was pressed.

Function keys can be re-defined from the 3153 setup menus and also can be redefined from the host.

The supported function keys are also emulation dependent. For example:

• IBM 3151 emulation supports 36 function keys (unShifted, Shifted, Control-Shift F1 to F12). IBM 3153 emulation does not support Alt-Shift F1 to F12. 3151 emulation supports:
• F1 to F12 (requires unShifted F1 to F12)
• F13 to F24 (requires Shift F1 to F12)
• F25 to F36 (requires Ctrl-Shift F1 to F12)
• The IBM 3151 emulation "Turnaround Character" determines if the function keys will work properly.
• DEC VT200 emulation supports F6 to F20 function keys.
• WYSE 50/60 emulation supports 32 function keys (unShifted, Shifted F1 to F16).

When configured for 3151 emulation, the default values of the 3153 function keys (F1 to F36) are:

     Key   ASCII Sequence
     ---   --------------------------------------------------
     F1    Esc  a  LTA
     F2    Esc  b  LTA
                              (unShift F1 to F12)
     F11   Esc  k  LTA
     F12   Esc  l  LTA
     ---   --------------------------------------------------
     F13   Esc  !  a  LTA
     F14   Esc  !  b  LTA
                              (Shift F1 to F12)
     F23   Esc  !  k  LTA
     F24   Esc  !  l  LTA
     ---   --------------------------------------------------
     F25   Esc  "  a  LTA
     F26   Esc  "  b  LTA
                              (Ctrl-Shift F1 to F12)
     F35   Esc  "  k  LTA
     F36   Esc  "  l  LTA
 
    LTA is the 3153 Turnaround Character = CR, ETX, EOT, DC3.
     - For RS/6000 Attach, the recommended Turnaround Character = CR.

Recommended Solution:

Users need to be familiar with:

• the host operating system or application requirements
• how and what function keys are supported based on the emulation (IBM, WYSE, or SCO CONSOLE)
• whether the function keys were re-defined in 3153 setup menus or from the host operating systems or application

When the 3153 is configured for IBM 3151 emulation, in most cases the 3153 Turnaround Character is incorrect. In the 3153 setup menu, for RS/6000 Attach, it is recommended to set Turnaround Char=CR.

If the Turnaround Character is set correctly, contact a systems administrator, host operating system specialist or application developer.

Background Information:

The 3153 offers a PC-style keyboard that has Page Up and Page Down printed on the keyboard.

Page Up performs the Clear key function. This key generates the following ASCII sequence: ESC L LTA.
LTA is the 3151 Line Turnaround Character: <CR>, <ETX>.

Page Down performs the Erase EOF key function. This key generates the following ASCII sequence: ESC I.

Recommended Solution:

Contact your systems administrator or application programmer. The host operating system or application needs to be updated to support Page Up or Page Down keys.

For RS/6000 customers, the AIX TERMINFO file needs to be updated for the knp (key next page) and kpp (key previous page) functions.

NOTE:

Set AIX TERM TYPE variable to one of the following: ibm-3151-51 or ibm-3151-61 or ibm-3151-PS2.

Example:

   export TERM=ibm-3151-51
   export TERM=ibm-3151-61
   export TERM=ibm-3151-PS2

Background Information:

When the 3153 is configured for IBM 3151 emulation, the user or the host can determine the operation of the Insert key.

IBM 3151 emulation supports:

• Insert Character = Space
• Insert Character = Mode

Insert Character = Space:

Every time the Insert key is pressed, the 3153 should insert a space character. When the Insert key is pressed, the 3153 is sending the host the "Insert Character" command. The host should echo the command back to the 3153, causing a space to be inserted.

Insert Character = Mode:

Every time the Insert key is pressed, the 3153 toggles between Insert Mode and Non-Insert (replacement) Mode. When the 3153 is in Insert Mode, for every alphanumeric key that is pressed, the 3153 inserts that alphanumeric character. When the alphanumeric key is pressed, the 3153 is sending the host the "Insert Character" command. The host should echo the command back to the 3153, causing a character to be inserted.

The Insert Character can be selected in the following ways:

• The user can enter the 3153 setup menu and select the F5 Keys setup menu.
• The host application can use the IBM 3151 Set/Read Control 3 Command.
  Refer to the IBM 3153 or IBM 3151 Programmers Reference Manual.

Recommended Solution:

Change the 3153 setup value of the Insert Character from Mode to Space or from Space to Mode.

Background Information:

When the 3153 Delete key is pressed, the 3153 sends to the host the Delete ASCII sequence (based on the ASCII/ANSI emulation selected). The host operation system or application determines how the Delete ASCII sequence is processed.

Based on the ASCII/ANSI emulation, the 3153 Delete Key sends the following Delete ASCII sequence:

  Emulation                Sequence
  ----------------------   --------
  IBM 3151                 ESC Q
  WYSE 50,60               ESC W
  DEC VT300,VT200,VT100    DEL

Recommended Solution:

If the Delete key is not working as expected, contact the programmer, application developer or systems administrator. The problem is within the host operating system or host application.

Background Information:

When the 3153 is configured for IBM 3151 emulation, the user or the host can determine the operation of the Enter key. The 3153 Enter key is the bottom right key on the numeric keypad and is labeled Enter.

NOTE: The key above the right Shift key is the Return key.

IBM 3151 emulation supports:

• Enter Key = Return (3153 factory default setting)
• Enter Key = Send

Enter Key = Return

Every time the Enter key is pressed, the 3153 performs the Return key operation. NOTE: The Return key can be set to New Line or Field.

Enter Key = Send

Every time the Enter key is pressed, the 3153 performs the Send key operation. NOTE: The Send key can be set to Page or Line.

The Enter key can be selected in the following ways:

• The user can enter the 3153 setup menu and select the F5 Keys setup menu.
• The host application can use the IBM 3151 Set/Read Control 2 Command.
  Refer to the IBM 3153 or IBM 3151 Programmers Reference Manual.

Recommended Solution:

If the Enter key (on the numeric keypad) is not working, use the 3153 setup menus to change the Enter Key setup parameter from Send to Return or from Return to Send.

If the Enter key (above the right Shift, which is the Return key) is not working, use the 3153 setup menus to change the Return Key from Field to New Line or from New Line to Field.

Background Information:

When the 3153 is configured for IBM 3151 emulation, the user or the host can determine the operation of the Return key. The 3153 Return key is above the right Shift key and is labeled Return or Enter (depending on whether the keyboard is ASCII style or PC style).

IBM 3151 emulation supports:

• Return Key = New Line (3153 factory default setting)
• Return Key = Field

Return Key = New Line

Every time the Return key is pressed, the 3153 performs the New Line operation. The Return key sends a <CR> or <CR><LF> based on the 3153 New Line setup option.

Return Key = Field

Every time the Return key is pressed, the 3153 performs the Field operation.

The Return key can be selected in the following ways:

• The user can enter the 3153 setup menu and select the F5 Keys setup menu.
• The host application can use the IBM 3151 Set/Read Control 3 Command.
  Refer to the IBM 3153 or IBM 3151 Programmers Reference Manual.

Recommended Solution:

If the Return key is not working, use the 3153 setup menus to change the Return Key setup parameter from Field to New Line or from New Line to Field.

This item covers the following, similar problems and symptoms:

• The 3153 does not display anything; there is no video.
• The 3153 does not display data, information or the application.
• The 3153 does not communicate; there is no communication.
• The 3153 screen is blank, or the cursor is at the upper left corner and doesn't move.
• The 3153 does not do anything when any keys are pressed.

Background Information:

This is a common problem for ASCII terminals (3151, 3153, WYSE, and DEC).

The preceding problems and symptoms mostly result from the following:

• increases in the 3153 brightness or contrast levels

  The 3153 brightness and contrast controls are located on the right side of the 3153 video element.

• communication, cabling, or connection to a host system (RS/6000 and others)

  Specific items to consider include:

  • Is the correct serial cable (modem or null-modem) used?
  • Is the serial cable attached to the correct 3153 serial port?
  • Is the communication port on the host (RS/6000) activated?

Users should know:

• What the host serial port interface is:
• Is the interface RS-232 or RS-422?
• When the host interface is RS-232, is the host port configured as a DCE (Data Communications Equipment) or configured as a DTE (Data Terminal Equipment)?
• What the 3153 serial port interface is:
• Is the interface RS-232 or RS-422?
• When the 3153 interface is RS-232, the 3153 Main Serial Port is configured as a DTE (Data Terminal Equipment) and the 3153 Auxiliary Serial Port is configured as a DTE (Data Terminal Equipment).
• When connecting, what cable is required:
• For connecting DTE to DTE or DCE to DCE devices together, a null-modem cable is required. If a modem cable is used, no communication occurs.
• For connecting DTE to DCE devices together, a modem cable is required. If a null-modem cable is used, no communication occurs.
• When users type or press keys on the keyboard, the 3153 sends a character or a sequence of characters to the host. The host is responsible for processing the character or sequence of characters. Processing may include:
• echoing the character back to the 3153
• processing a character sequence (moving the cursor up or insert or delete operations)

Recommended Solutions:

• Using the 3153 brightness and contrast controls (on the right hand side of the video element), increase the brightness and contrast. NOTE: The 3153 offers a Screen Saver (CRT Saver, Auto Dim). When the 3153 is in Screen Saver Mode, the 3153 video element is blank. Press any key to exit the 3153 Screen Saver Mode.
• If the 3153 properly performs its power-on sequence, the 3153 should display a cursor, characters or a status line. This confirms that the 3153 video portion of the 3153 video element is working properly.

If the 3153 does not display any data, it does not communicate, or the screen is blank with a cursor at the upper left corner:

• Confirm that the 3153 setup parameter Host/Printer is correct:
• If the host port is the 3153 SES1 EIA port, Host/Printer must set to EIA/Aux, EIA/Para or EIA/None.
• If the host port is the 3153 SES2 AUX port, Host/Printer must set to Aux/EIA, Aux/Para or EIA/None.
• Confirm that the communications cable (modem or null-modem) is correct:
  DTE Host Port to DTE 3153 EIA Port: need null-modem cable
  DCE Host Port to DTE 3153 EIA Port: need modem cable
  DTE Host Port to DCE 3153 Aux Port: need modem cable
  DCE Host Port to DCE 3153 Aux Port: need null-modem cable
  

Problem Determination Tips:

The following items may assist with problem determination:

• Tip 1:
• In the 3153 setup menu, set Local=On and then exit 3153 setup.
• Press alphanumeric keys and cursor keys. The alphanumeric characters should appear or the cursor should move. These steps indicate that the 3153 is working properly.
• In the 3153 setup menu, set Local=Off and then exit 3153 setup.
• Tip 2:
• If there is a working 3151 or 3153 nearby, take the communications cable from the working 3151 or 3153 and install it on the 3153 that is not working. If the 3153 that was previously not working begins to work properly, this indicates that the 3153 is working properly. The problem is an incorrect communications cable or the host system does not have the host port initialized.

Background Information:

This is a common problem for the 3151, the 3153 and other ASCII terminals. Users must know the host operating system or application program requirements. Contact the systems adminstrator or application programmer. The background information at the beginning of this section may help.

If there is a nearby 3151 or 3153 that is working correctly, check its setup values and compare them to the values of the 3153 that is not working.

Problem or Symptom:

The 3153 displays a large block in the center of the screen when the 3153 is powered on. The large block is approximately 1 inch high and may be 2 to 7 inches wide. The large block may have characters, letters, or numbers in it.

Background Information:

The 3153 Programmable Banner is being displayed in the center of the screen when the 3153 is powered on.

The 3153 allows a user to display a banner when the 3153 is powered on. The 3153 banner is programmable and can include letters, numbers or special characters. The 3153 banner can store up to 30 characters.

Recommended Solution:

If the 3153 Programmable Banner is not desired, disable it. To disable or edit the 3153 Programmable Banner, follow these steps:

• Press and hold the left Ctrl key and press the Tab key. The 3153 displays edit banner at the top of the 3153.
• Using the Backspace key, erase all characters.
• After all characters have been erased, press Enter or Return (the key above the right Shift key) to save.

Problem or Symptom:

The 3153 displays a single row or line of characters or data. The cursor is at the right-most column. There are no characters or data below the single row or line of characters or data.

Background Information:

With the 3153 setup parameter Auto Wrap=Off, all data received by the 3153 is displayed on a single row. The cursor stops at the right-hand side (margin) of the display. The received data overwrites itself.

With the 3153 setup parameter Auto Wrap=On, the cursor moves to the next line at the first column (left margin). The data continues to display.

Recommended Solution:

Change the 3153 setup parameter Auto Wrap=On.

Problem or Symptom:

The 3153 displays the message Transmit Condition Parallel Port No Printer.

Background Information:

The 3153 displays the message Transmit Condition Parallel Port No Printer when:

• The 3153 is configured for a printer using the parallel port: the 3153 setup parameter is Host/Printer=EIA/Para or Aux/Para.
• A printer is not attached.
• A Print operation is requested from the 3153 keyboard, host application or operating system.

The 3153 factory default setting for Host/Printer is EIA/Para.

Recommended Solution:

• Attach a parallel printer (if a parallel printer is desired).
• Set Host/Printer=EIA/None or Aux/None (if a parallel printer is not desired).

Problem or Symptom:

A 3153 dual or multiple session is not working (keyboard or communication):

• Session 1 works but Session 2 does not work.
• Session 2 works but Session 1 does not work.
• Neither session works.

Background Information:

Dual (Multiple) Sessions by Multiple Ports information:

• All 3153s support real dual sessions using the 3153 Main Serial Port and the 3153 Auxiliary Serial Port.
• The 3153 is configured for two sessions (in the 3153 setup menu, Sessions=Two).
• The 3153 has two serial communications cables attached:
• One cable is attached to the 3153 Main Port (SES1 EIA).
• One cable is attached to the 3153 Auxiliary Port (SES2 AUX).
• The two serial communications cables may be connected to a single host (using two host ports) or to two separate host systems.
• Each 3153 session can have unique setup values (emulation, communication, and keyboard setup values).
• The 3153 Parallel Port can have a printer attached, and the printer can be used by either 3153 session.
• The user switches between sessions using the left Ctrl key with the Enter key (on the numeric keypad).
• The 3153 status line indicates the active sessions by displaying S1 for Session 1 and S2 for Session 2.

• When the 3153 is configured for a dual session, generally the same communications cable cannot be used for both 3153 serial ports because:
• The 3153 Main Port is configured as a DTE (when RS-232). The 3153 Auxiliary Port is configured as a DCE. If both host ports are DTE, the 3153 Main Port serial cable must be a null-modem cable and the 3153 Auxiliary serial cable must be a modem cable. If the same communications cable is used for both the Main and Auxiliary Port, only one of the two sessions will work.

Recommended Solution:

• In the 3153 setup menu, confirm that the 3153 is configured for two sessions (Sessions=Two).
• If one session is working and the other session is not working, determine if the communications cable (modem or null-modem) is incorrect by doing the following:
• Swap the communications cables between Main and Auxiliary. If the working and non-working sessions switch ports, the 3153 communication ports are working properly. The session that is not working has an incorrect communications cable.

Problem or Symptom:

The following symptoms are similar:

• The 3153 does not display line drawing characters.
• The 3153 does not display box characters.
• The 3153 does not display window borders correctly.
• The 3153 displays letters instead of a window border.

Background Information:

This is a common problem with ASCII terminals (3151, 3153, WYSE, and DEC).

Host Control:

• The host operating system and application program can control what character set or code page is displayed when the 3153 is configured for 3151, DEC VT200, or WYSE 50/60. Each emulation has its own method of displaying character sets and code pages.
• IBM 3151 Emulation:
  Select Character Set G0/G1 Command
• DEC VT200 Emulation:
  Character Set Selection Command
• WYSE 60 Emulation:
  Select Primary or Secondary Character Set Command

3153 Setup Parameters:

• The 3153 setup parameters also affect the character set and code page displayed:
• Character Set: National or Multinational
• Code Page: CP437, CP850, or ISO-1 (ISO 8859)
• EIA Data Format: 7-bit or 8-bit mode

Recommended Solution:

When the 3153 is configured for IBM 3151 emulation, it is recommended to modify the 3153 setup parameters (in the 3153 setup menus):

• set Character Set=Multinational and try the following various code pages:
• Code Page=CP437
• Code Page=CP650
• Code Page=ISO-1

If this recommended solution does not correct the situation, contact the systems administrator or application programmer.

• For programming information on the 3153 and 3153, refer to:
  3153 Programmers Reference Manual (GC30-3707)
  3151 Programmers Reference Manual (GA18-2634)
  
• For information on character sets, code pages and keyboard layouts, refer to:
  National Language Support Reference Manual-Vol. 2 (SE09-8002)
  Keyboards and Code Pages - PCDOS 7 (S83G-9310)
  
• For 3153-supported keyboards, character sets and code pages, refer to:
  3153 Marketing Reference Guide (G520-9415)
  

Problem or Symptom:

The 3153 is not saving setup values, loses its setup values or changes its setup values.

Background Information:

There are several causes for a 3153 losing, not saving or changing its setup values.

• Host Operating System/Application (Change Setup Commands):
  The host operating system or application can change many of the 3153 setup values by sending commands (3151, WYSE, DEC Emulation) that change a 3153 setup value. These commands change the operation of the 3153. The following are some examples:
• IBM 3151 Emulation:
• Set Control 2 Cmd: CRT Saver, Enter Key, New Line
• Set Control 3 Cmd: Scroll, Line Wrap, Insert Character
• Set Control 4 Cmd: Send Line, Send Page
• Set Control 5 Cmd: Turnaround Character, Line Control
• Create Viewport Cmd: rows and columns
• Set Cursor Type Cmd: Cursor Style
• Set Default Function Key Cmd: Resets Function Keys
• WYSE Emulation:
• Enhance Mode Cmd: Enhance Mode
• Communication Cmd: Communication Mode
• Application Key Mode Cmd: Application Mode
• Scrolling Speed Cmd: Scroll
• DEC Emulation:
• Set Terminal Mode Cmd: Auto Wrap, Scroll, Numeric Keypad

Users must know what the host operating system or host application is controlling.

• Host Operating System/Application (Terminal Reset Commands):
  The host operating system or the host application can reset the 3153 by sending the appropiate emulation reset command.
  • IBM 3151 Emulation:
  • Reset to Initial State Cmd: causes 3153 to reset to power-on values
  • DEC Emulation:
  • Terminal Reset Cmd: causes 3153 to reset to power-on values

  Users must know what the host operating system or host application is controlling.

• 3153 Setup Menus:
  The user changes parameters in the 3153 setup menus, but does not save them. When the 3153 is powered off and then back on, the parameters have not been saved.

Recommended Solution:

Determine if the host operating system or application is changing the 3153 setup values. Execute the following steps:

1. Set the 3153 setup parameters as needed.
2. Save the 3153 setup parameters.
3. Power off the 3153.
4. Power on the 3153.
5. Confirm that the setup values have been properly saved. (This step confirms that a save function was properly performed.)
6. Begin or start the host application.
7. Periodically check the 3153 setup parameters.

If all the steps are followed, and sometime during step 7 a 3153 setup value is changed, the host operating system or application is changing the 3153 setup values. Users should check with their systems administrator or systems programmer.

Problem or Symptom:

When the vi editor is used, the 3153 does not insert, delete or update.

Background Information:

When the 3153 is configured for IBM 3153 emulation, the 3153 setup parameter Force Insert determines how the 3153 processes an insert operation (of a line or character).

When Force Insert=Off:

• If there is no space to insert a character or line, an insert operation is not performed. The characters or lines are not "forced off" the display. The characters or lines stop at the right margin (for characters) or at the bottom (for lines).

• The current line is replaced by a null line and the lower lines are moved down one line. The bottom line is discarded--it is "forced off" the display.

• The current character is replaced by a null character and the following characters are moved one position to the right. The last character on the row is "forced off" the display.

Recommended Solution:

In the 3153 setup menu, change Force Insert=Both or Line.