ULTRIX-32 Guide to IBM Terminal Emulation

This document, the "ULTRIX-32 Guide to IBM Terminal Emulation," Version 3.0 (Order No. AA-MF04A-TE), published by Digital Equipment Corporation in 1987/1988, serves as a comprehensive manual for system and network managers familiar with the ULTRIX operating system.

The guide's primary objective is to provide introductory, setup, usage, maintenance, and troubleshooting information for the 2780/3780 IBM Terminal Emulator. This software package enables an ULTRIX system (specifically VAX or MicroVAX processors) to emulate an IBM 2780 or 3780 terminal, facilitating file transfers to and from IBM systems using the Binary Synchronous Communications (BSC) protocol.

Key topics covered include:

• Overview of the Emulator: Describes its features such as multiuser support, automatic ASCII/EBCDIC translation, transparent and nontransparent data transfer modes, and outlines the necessary hardware and software requirements for both the ULTRIX and IBM sides of the communication link.
• Setting Up the Emulator: Details the modifications required for the ULTRIX system's configuration and startup files.
• Using the Emulator: Provides step-by-step instructions on preparing files (including Job Control Language/JCL statements), sending files using the 2780e or 3780e commands with various options (e.g., space compression, mail notification, priority, file naming), and how the emulator receives files. It notes that file transfers are done in batch mode and the 2780d program initiates communication.
• Maintaining the Emulator: Covers tasks such as creating default sign-on cards, disabling and reestablishing connections, obtaining records of file transfers, and periodically cleaning the spool directory.
• Interpreting Error Messages: Offers detailed explanations and corrective actions for error messages generated during both file preparation (2780e/3780e) and file transmission (2780d).