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EK-VT103-UG-001

March 1980

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Document:	VT103 LSI-11 Video Terminal User's Guide
Order Number:	EK-VT103-UG
Revision:	001
Pages:	154
Original Filename:	http://bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/terminal/vt103/EK-VT103-UG-001_VT103_LSI-11_Video_Terminal_Users_Guide_Mar80.pdf

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LSl-11 VIDEO TERMINAL
USER'S GUIDE

EK-VT103-UG-001

VT103 LSl-11 VIDEO TERMINAL
USER S GUIDE
1

digital equipment corporation • marlboro, massachusetts

Preliminary, June 1979
First Edition, September 1979
Second Printing, March 1980

Copyright © 1979 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 computerized typesetting system.

The following are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation.
Maynard, Massachusetts:
DIGITAL
DEC
PDP
DECUS
UNIBUS

DECsystem-10
DECSYSTEM-20
DIBOL
EDUSYSTEM
VAX
VMS

MASS BUS
OMNIBUS
OS/8
RSTS
RSX
IAS

CONTENTS
PREFACE

Page

CHAPTER 1

OPERATOR INFORMATION

1. 1

1.2
1.2.1
1.2.2
1.2.3
1.2.4
1.3
1.3.1
1.3.2
1.3.3
1.3.4
1.3.5
1.3.6
1.3.7
1.3.8
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
1.8
1.9

INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................. 1
CONTROLS AND INDICATORS ...................................................................................................... 1
Monitor Controls ....................................................................................................................... 2
Key boa rd Controls ....................................................................................................................3
Keyboard Indicators .................................................................................................................8
Audible Indicators (Tones) .......................................................................................................9
SET-UP MODE ....................................................................................................................................9
Determining What a Set-Up Feature Does ........................................................................ 10
How to Change a Set-Up Feature ....................................................................................... 10
Set-Up A .................................................................................................................................. 12
Set-Up B (Operational Features) ......................................................................................... 13
Setting the Answerback Message ....................................................................................... 15
Saving the Set-Up Features ................................................................................................. 16
Recalling Set-Up Features .................................................................................................... 16
Resetting the Terminal .......................................................................................................... 16
DEFINITION OF EACH SET-UP FEATURE .................................................................................. 17
POWER-UP SEQUENCE .................................................................................................................21
OPERATOR EQUIPMENT CARE ................................................................................................... 22
SELF-TESTING THE VT103 ........................................................................................................... 22
WHAT TO DO IN THE EVENT OF A PROBLEM ......................................................................... 24
RELATED HARDWARE MANUALS AND TAPE SUPPLIES .................................................... 26

CHAPTER 2

PROGRAMMER INFORMATION

2.,1
2.2
2.2.1
2.2.2
2.2.3
2.2.4
2.2.5
2.2.6
2.2.7
2.2.8
2.2.9
2.2.10
2.2.11
2.2.12
2.2.13
2.3
2.4
2.4.1
2.4.2
2.4.2.1
2.4.2.2
2.4.2.3
2.4.3

INTRODUCTION ..............................................................................................................................29
THE KEYBOARD ..............................................................................................................................29
LED Indicators ........................................................................................................................30
SET-UP Key .............................................................................................................................30
Keyboard 0 perati on ...............................................................................................................31
Alphabetic Keys ......................................................................................................................31
Nonalphabetic Keys ...............................................................................................................31
Function Keys .........................................................................................................................32
NO SCROLL Key .................................................................................................................... 32
BREAK Key .............................................................................................................................33
CTRL (Control) Key ................................................................................................................33
Cursor Control Keys ............................... :'............................................................................... 34
Auto Repeating .......................................................................................................................34
Special Graphic Characters .................................................................................................. 34
Auxiliary Keypad .....................................................................................................................35
TERMINAL CONTROL COMMANDS ...........................................................................................37
CONTROL FUNCTIONS ..................................................................................................................38
ANSI Mode Control Functions ............................................................................................. 38
Modes .......................................................................................................................................52
ANSI Specified Modes ................................................................................................ 52
DIGITAL Private Modes .............................................................................................. 52
Other ANSI Mode States ............................................................................................ 53
ANSI Control Function Summary ........................................................................................ 53
iii

CONTENTS

2.4.4
2.5
2.5.1
2.5.2
2.5.3

VT52 Mode Control Functions ............................................................................................. 57
COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL ...................................................................................................60
Full Duplex - XON/XOFF Response .................................................................................... 60
Reset and Self-Test ................................................................................................................ 62
NO SCROLL and CTRL S/CTRL 0 ....................................................................................... 62

CHAPTER 3

VT103 LSl-11 SUPPORT HARDWARE

3.1
3.2
3.2.1
3.2.2
3.2.3
3.2.4
3.3
3.4
3.4.1
3.4.2
3.5

GENERAL ..........................................................................................................................................65
SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE .............................................................................................................65
VT103 Backplane Assembly ................................................................................................65
Standard Terminal Port ......................................................................................................... 68
H7835 Power Supply ............................................................................................................69
VT103 Fan Assembly ............................................................................................................70
TU58 DECtape II (OPTIONAL) ...................................................................................................... 70
THE LSl-11 BUS ..............................................................................................................................70
Module Slot Assignments. Priority, and Configuration
Considerations ........................................................................................................................70
Configuring LSl-11 Backplane Systems ............................................................................ 70
TYPICAL LSl-11 CONFIGURATIONS ..........................................................................................71

CHAPTER 4

TU58 TAPE DRIVE

4.1
4.1.1
4.1.2
4.1.3
4.1.4
4.2
4.2.1
4.2.2

GENERAL INFORMATION .............................................................................................................73
Tape Cartridge Storage and Care .........................................................................................73
Write Protect Tab ...................................................................................................................74
Tape Cartridge Installation and Removal ........................................................................... 75
Tape Drive Cleaning ...............................................................................................................76
TU58 COMMUNICATION SELECTION ....................................................................................... 76
Selecting Baud Rate .............................................................................................................. 77
Selecting Transmission Standard ........................................................................................80

CHAPTER 5

INSTALLATION, INTERFACE INFORMATION AND SPECIFICATIONS

5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.5.1
5.5.2
5.6

UNPACKING .....................................................................................................................................81
SITE CONSIDERATIONS ...............................................................................................................81
INSTALLATION ................................................................................................................................81
INTERFACE INFORMATION .........................................................................................................92
EXTERNAL VIDEO CONNECTION ................................................................................................94
Composite Video Output (J9) ...............................................................................................94
Video Input (JS) ......................................................................................................................95
VT103 SPECI FICATIONS ...............................................................................................................96

CHAPTER 6

OPTIONS

6.1
6.2
6.2.1
6.2.2
6.3
6.4

INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................ 101
ADVANCED VIDEO OPTION -VT1XX-AB .............................................................................. 101
Advanced Video Option Installation ................................................................................. 101
Advanced Video Option Checkout .................................................................................... 104
GRAPHICS CONNECTOR ............................................................................................................ 104
COMMUNICATION CABLES ...................................................................................................... 105

CONTENTS

APPENDIX A

TU58 MESSAGE PACKETS ..................................................................................................... 107

APPENDIX B

GLOSSARY AND NOTATION ................................................................................................. 121

APPENDIX C

7-BIT ASCII CODE ..................................................................................................................... 125

APPENDIX D

SUMMARY OF VT103 CONTROL FUNCTIONS ............................................................... 127

FIGURES
Figure No.

1 -1
1-2
1-3
1-4
1-5
1-6
1-7
1-8
1-9
2-1
3-1
3-2
3-3
3-4
3-5
3-6
4-1
4-2
4-3
4-4
4-5
4-6
5-1
5-2
5-3
5-4
5-5
5-6
5-7
5-8
6-1
6-2
A-1
A-2

Title

Page

VT103 LSl-11 Video Terminal ......................................................................................................... 2
VT103 LSl-11 Video Terminal (Rear View) ................................................................................... 3
Standard Alphanumeric Keys ...........................................................................................................4
Special Function Keys ........................................................................................................................4
Set-Up Mode Keys .............................................................................................................................6
Keyboard lndicators ...........................................................................................................................8
Set-Up A Mode Presentation ......................................................................................................... 13
Set-Up B Mode Presentation ......................................................................................................... 14
Set-Up B Mode Summary .............................................................................................................. 14
VT103 Keyboard ..............................................................................................................................29
Typical LSl-11 System Configuration ........................................................................................... 66
VT103 Backplane Assembly .......................................................................................................... 67
VT103 With Top and Bottom Covers Removed ......................................................................... 68
VT103 Backplane Module Utilization ...........................................................................................71
Example 1: Configuring the LSl-11 Bus ...................................................................................... 72
Example 2: Configuring the LSl-11 Bus ...................................................................................... 72
VT103 With TU58DECtape11 ....................................................................................................... 74
Write Protect Tab .............................................................................................................................75
Loading a Cartridge ..........................................................................................................................76
Tape Drive Cleaning ......................................................................................................................... 77
TU58 Controller Module Jumper Pin Locations ......................................................................... 79
TU58 Factory Wiring .......................................................................................................................80
VT103 Terminal Dimensions .........................................................................................................82
VT103 Rear View .............................................................................................................................83
VT103 Backplane .............................................................................................................................84
Standard Terminal Port (STP) Installation ................................................................................... 86
Connecting a Second Serial Interface on the
STP Module Using the 10-Pin Connector ..........................................................................88
Connecting a Second Serial Interface on the
STP Module Using the 40-Pin Connector ..........................................................................89
Module Support Guide Installation ...............................................................................................91
Composite Video Output .................................................................................................................95
VT103 RearView ........................................................................................................................... 102
Adv aneed Video Option Installation ........................................................................................... 103
Read Command Packet Exchange .............................................................................................. 114
Write Command Packet Exchange ............................................................................................. 114

CONTENTS

TABLES
Table No.
1-1
1-2
1-3
1-4
2-1
2-2
2-3
2-4
2-5
2-6
2-7
2-8
2-9
2-10
2-11
2-12
2-13
2-14
4-1
5-1
5-2
6-1
6-2
A-1
A-2
A-3
A-4
A-5
A-6
A-7
A-8
C-1
D-1
D-2

Title

Page

Categories of Set-Up Features ........................................ :.............................................................. 10
Set-Up Feature Change Summary ................................................................................................ 11
Nonfatal Displayed Error Codes .....................................................................................................23
Problem Checklist ............................................................................................................................24
Set-Up Features and Terminal Modes ..........................................................................................30
Alphabetic Key Codes .....................................................................................................................31
Nonalphabetic Key Codes ...............................................................................................................32
Function Key Codes .........................................................................................................................32
Control Codes Generated ................................................................................................................33
Cursor Control Key Codes ...............................................................................................................34
Special Graphic Characters ............................................................................................................35
VT52 Mode Auxiliary Keypad Codes ............................................................................................36
ANSI Mode Auxiliary Keypad Codes ............................................................................................ 36
Control Characters Received .......................................................................................................... 37
Terminal Report Parameters ..........................................................................................................46
DIGITAL Private Modes ..................................................................................................................52
Other ANSI Modes .......................................................................................................................... 53
VT52 Mode Control Functions ....................................................................................................... 58
TU58 Controller Module Pin Assignments .................................................................................. 78
VT103 Backplane Signal and Power Pin Assignments
at Edge Connector ..................................................................................................................85
EIA RS-232-C Connector Signals .................................................................................................92
Graphics Connector Pin Assignments for
J2 on VT103 Backplane ..................................................................................................... 104
Optional Communications Cables ............................................................................................... 105
Command Message Packet Structure ........................................................................................ 108
Instruction Set ................................................................................................................................ 109
End Packet ...................................................................................................................................... 111
End Packet Success Codes and Definition ................................................................................ 112
Data ·Packets ................................................................................................................................... 115
Instruction Set ................................................................................................................................ 117
NOP Instruction Message Packet ............................................................................................... 117
NOP Instruction End Packet ........................................................................................................ 118
7-Bit ASCII Code/Character Chart ............................................................................................. 125
ANSI Mode Control Functions .................................................................................................... 127
VT52 Mode Control Functions .................................................................................................... 131

PREFACE

The VT103 LSl-11 Video Terminal is designed to be a basic building block in an
LSl-11 based microcomputer system. The VT103 combines the features of the
versatile DIGITAL VT100 alphanumeric terminal with a 4 X 4 LSl-11 backplane.
All the support hardware needed to build a complete LSl-11 microcomputer system within the video terminal is available. The VT103 offers complete versatility so
you can configure the terminal using any of the available LSl-11 options. These
options are described in the Microcomputer Handbook Series manuals.
Microcomputer Processors
Memories and Peripherals

(EB-15115-78)
(EB- 1 511 4- 7 8)

The user can select a VT103 with a factory-installed TU 58 DECtape 11. This is a
dual minicartridge system for inexpensive mass storage of data and/or for program
loading. Each TU58 cartridge provides 256K bytes of storage for data or programs.
The VT103 is available in the following models.
Model

Description

VT103-AA
VT103-BA

Video terminal with keyboard
VT103-AA with TU 58 DECtape II

The VT 103 has three basic support blocks.
1.

Video. Terminal: This consists of a video monitor. terminal controller.
detachable keyboard. and monitor cabinet.

LSl-11 support hardware: This consists of a VT103 backplane assembly and an H7835 power supply.

TU58 DECtape II (optional): This is a factory-installed cartridge tape
option installed below the video monitor.

Chapter 1 provides operator information; Chapter 2 provides programmer information on the terminal; Chapter 3 defines the LSl-11 support hardware; Chapter 4.
the TU 58 DECtape 11; Chapter 5 provides information on installation and specifications of the VT103. and Chapter 6 adds installation information for user-installable
options.
vii

CHAPTER 1

OPERATOR INFORMATION

1.1
INTRODUCTION
The VT103. shown in Figure 1-1. is a video terminal that features an internal LSl11 backplane whicti allows you to configure an LSl-11 microcomputer system
within your terminal. The TU58 DECtape II (which can be factory-installed in the
terminal cabinet) provides computer program loading or mass storage of data on
cassettes. You control the terminal. the computer. and the TU58 via a detachable
keyboard that operates much like a typewriter. This chapter defines the operation
of the keyboard.
Chapter 1 is divided into the following sections:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Introduction
Controls and indicators
Set-up mode (brief introduction to the terminal features)
Definitions (in detail) of each set-up feature
Power-up sequence (program loading)
Operator equipment care
Self-testing the VT103 terminal
What to do in event of a problem
Related hardware manuals.

1.2 CONTROLS AND INDICATORS
The controls and indicators of the VT1 03 are categorized as follows:
Monitor Controls
Keyboard Controls
Keyboard Indicators
Audible Indicators.

OPERATOR INFORMATION

digit a I

MR-2890

Figure 1-1

1.2.1

VT103 LSl-11 Video Terminal

Monitor Controls

The VT103 is equipped. with two monitor controls (shown in Figure 1-2) - a
POWER ON/OFF switch and a POWER (voltage) SELECTOR switch. The POWER
ON/OFF switch applies ac power to the terminal as follows.

Switch Position

AC Power

Up
Down

On
Off

The POWER SELECTOR switch is used to configure the terminal to the available
ac input voltage as follows.

Switch Position

Voltage Range

115
230

90 - 128 Vac rms
180- 256 Vac rms

(typical U.S.)
(typical European)

OPERATOR INFORMATION

.,.((/
I

EIA
COMMUNICATIONS
CONNECTOR

MR-3519

Figure 1-2

VT103 LSl-11 Video Terminal (Rear View)

1.2.2 Keyboard Controls
The VT103 h.as a detachable keyboard equipped with two keypads. Its main keypad array is similar to a standard office typewriter. An auxiliary numeric keypad
provides rapid data entry similar to an adding machine or calculator. Within this
document, the keyboard keys are defined by function as follows:

Standard alphanumeric keys
Special function keys
Set-up mode keys.

The keyboard has keys that transmit codes and other keys which modify the codes
transmitted. CTRL and SHIFT modify the codes transmitted by the other keys. Two
code-transmitting keys, when typed together, transmit codes immediately in the
order typed. If three keys are pressed, the code for the third key is transmitted
when one of the first two keys is lifted.

If the auto repeat feature is selected, all keys will repeat automatically, except
SET-UP, ESC, NO SCROLL, TAB, RETURN, and any key pressed with CTRL. Other
keys repeat automatically. when held down for more than one-half second.

OPERATOR INFORMATION

Standard Alphanumeric Keys - Figure 1-3 identifies the keys on the keyboard
that function as standard typewriter or calculator keys when the terminal is off-line
in local mode. When the terminal is on-line, operation of these keys is dependent
on the system software entered into the internal LSl-11 microcomputer (host
computer).

MR-3520

Figure 1-3

Standard Alphanumeric Keys

Special Function Keys - Figure 1-4 identifies the special function keys on the
keyboard; Each of these keys provides a unique operation to the terminal. The
function of these keys is dependent on the system software and may or may not
have meaning to your system.
When in keypad application mode, the shaded keys (shown in Figure 1-4) provide
additional special functions that may be used by an application program.

ON LINE LOCAL KBD LOCKED L1

••••
1111
MR-3521

Figure 1-4

Special Function Keys

The general operation of the special function keys is provided in the following
paragraphs.

11~1?1

Key

When pressed in combination with the CTRL key, this key causes a bell code
(007 a) to be sent to the host computer.

OPERATOR INFORMATION

.................

J~:~:~:AJ(

Key

This key transmits a break signal.

1[111

Key

This key enables the transmission of uppercase alphabetic characters only .. All
numeric and special symbol keys rem;:iin in lowercase.

When pressed in combination with another key, this key alters the code transmitted by the other keys on the main keyboard. These new codes may have a
special meaning to the system.

This key causes the terminal to transmit a delete character code ( 177 8 ) to the host
computer. The deleted character may or may not be erased from the screen, depending on the system software.

This key operates the same as the RETURN key for rapid data entry on the numeric
keypad.
When in keypad application mode, a control function is generated that may have a
special meaning to the application program.

[~)$.pJ

Key

This key transmits an escape code (033 8 ) that normally has a special meaning to
your system. In many applications, it treats the next keys pressed as a command.

This key transmits a linefeed code (012a).

lllil~~I

Key

When first pressed, this key stops transmission of data from the computer to the
terminal. When pressed again, transmission resumes. The AUTO XON/XOFF feature controls the function of this key. Recognition of this key is dependent on the
system software.

This key transmits either a carriage return code (CR. 015a) or a carriage return
(CR) and linefeed code (LF. 012a). This is a set-up selectable feature. (See Paragraph 1.3.2.)

OPERATOR INFORMATION

fijijfl [ijf:J] IM~~M ff:f.jJ

Keys

These keys are used to generate special function codes that may be used by the
system software.

I] HJ IJ IJ Keys
Each of these keys causes the VT1 03 to transmit a code that may have a special
meaning to your system. In set-up mode the t and J.. keys increase or decrease
the brightness of the display. The +- and -+ keys move the cursor left and right.
Set-up Mode Keys - Figure 1-5 identifies the keyboard keys that establish the
configuration of the terminal in set-up mode. The shaded keys are used to position
the cursor while in this mode. The paragraph that follows briefly describes the
function of each key. Refer to Paragraph 1.3 for more details of the set-up procedure.

This key is used to enter and exit the set-up mode. SET-UP A is displayed on the
screen when this key is pressed.

[M [I Keys
BRIGHTNESS - Set-up A
In set-up A. these keys increase or decrease the brightness of the video characters:
t = increase; J.. = decrease.

Key

SET/CLEAR TAB - Set-up A
This key sets or clears individual horizontal tabs. Position the cursor over the tab
stop position and press this key.

ON LINE LOCAL KBD LOCKED L1

MR-3522

Figure 1-5

Set-Up Mode Keys

OPERATOR INFORMATION

•

. Key

CLEAR ALL TABS - Set-up A
This key clears all horizontal tabs.

Key

LINE/LOCAL - Set-up A or Set-up B
This key switches the terminal to communicate with your system (on-line) or stops
the terminal from communicating with your system (local). Two indicators above
this key switch from ON LINE to LOCAL or from LOCAL to ON LINE.

Key

SET-UP A/B - Set-up A or Set-up B
This key switches the terminal from set-up A to set-up B or from set-up B to set-up
A. The display indicates which mode the terminal is in.

Key

TOGGLE - Set-up B
This key turns the selected operational feature on or off. (Refer to Paragraph 1.3.4
for more details.)

Key

TRANSMIT SPEED - Set-up B
This key steps the terminal through the transmit baud rate settings in ascending
order. The display indicates the current transmit baud rate (T SPEED) setting. If the
standard terminal port (STP) module is installed, setting the transmit speed establishes a common transmit and receive speed for a second serial line interface.

Key

RECEIVE SPEED - Set-up B
This key steps the terminal through the available receive baud rates of the terminal. If the STP module is installed, this selection is disabled; the receive speed
follows the transmit speed selection.

Key

80/132 COLUMNS - Set-up A
This key switches the display line size from 80 to 132 characters per line or from
132 to 80 characters per line. The number of characters displayed in the rule at the
bottom of screen in set-up A mode is 80 or 132.

8 OPERATOR INFORMATION

Key

RESET - Set-up A or Set-up B
This key starts the reset sequence. This has the same result as turning the terminal
power off and then on. Pressing this key exits set-up mode, performs a self-test.
and places the cursor in the upper-left corner of the screen when the test is completed successfully. (If this does not happen, refer to Paragraph 1.6 to try to isolate
the problem.)
1.2.3 Keyboard Indicators
Figure 1-6 shows the location of the keyboard indicators. The indicators are
defined in the paragraphs that follow.
0 N LINE Indicator
This indicator lights to show that the terminal 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.

NOTE
Power on is indicated by lighting either the ON
LINE or LOCAL indicator.
KEYBOARD LOCKED Indicator
This indicator lights when the keyboard has been turned off. The terminal is still
able to receive data from the host computer. You can clear this condition by enter_ing and exiting set-up mode.

BBBB

0000
0000
~000

IDD
MR-3523

Figure 1-6

Keyboard Indicators

OPERATOR INFORMATION

L 1-L4 Indicators
These indicators are turned on and off by the system software. L 1-L4 are also
used to show self-test errors.
1.2.4 Audible Indicators (Tones)
There are three audible alarms associated with the VT103: a short tone (click), a
long tone (bell). 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.
•

The SHIFT or CTRL keys do not generate any keyclick.

•

The KBD LOCKED indicator is turned on; in which case. the characters
typed are lost.

•

The keyclick feature is turned off in set-up B mode.

Long Tone (bell) - The long tone is sounded by the terminal to indicate. one of the
following conditions.
•

A bell code is received by the terminal.

•

The margin bell feature is enabled, and the cursor is eight characters
away from the right margin.

Series of Long Tones - The terminal sounds the long tone several times in rapid
succession to indicate that the terminal's memory is having difficulty in reading or
writing the set-up features. When this occurs, check the set-up features and perform the recall or save operation again.
1.3 SET-UP MODE
The VT103 has many selectable built-in features. These features provide compatibility with an LSl-11 computer within the VT103 (or another host computer).
adapt the terminal to local power. or alter the terminal's operation for your comfort
and efficiency.
The VT103 does not use switches, dials, or knobs to turn the features on or off. It
uses a memory to electronically select and store the features. This is performed in
the set-up mode that is entered by pressing the SET-UP key. There are two set-up
displays.
•

Set-up A - displays the location of the tab stops along a visual ruler
numbering each character position on the line.

•

Set-up B - summarizes the status of the other terminal features.
NOTE
Data on the video screen before entering set-up
mode is restored to the screen after exiting set-up
mode.

OPERATOR INFORMATION

1.3.1
Determining What a Set-Up Feature Does
The set-up features allow the terminal to be tailored to its operating environment.
Table 1-1 lists each feature in one of the following general categories:
•
•
•

Installation
Computer compatibility
Operator comfort.

During initial installation, or when options are added or removed, or when the
physical location of the terminal is changed, you verify the settings of the features
in the installation category.
Features that affect computer compatibility must be set so that the terminal 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 terminal 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 normally
change only when you need to communicate with a different computer or a unique
software package.

1.3.2 How to Change a Set-Up Feature
Changing any or all of the set-up features is a simple operation and is generally
performed by following the same basic steps.
1.

Table 1-1

Enter set-up mode by pressing the SET-UP key.

Categories of Set-Up Features

Set-Up Feature
ANSl/VT52 Mode
ANSWERBACK Message
AUTO REPEAT
AUTO XON XOFF
BITS PER CHARACTER
CHARACTERS PER LINE
CURSOR
INTERLACE
KEYCLICK
LINE/LOCAL
MARGIN BELL
NEW LINE
PARITY
PARITY SENSE
POWER
RECEIVE SPEED
SCREEN BACKGROUND
SCREEN BRIGHTNESS
SCROLL
TABS
TRANSMIT SPEED
WRAPAROUND

(shifted)

Installation

Computer
Compatibility

Operator
Comfort

x
x
x
x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

x
x

x
x
x

OPERATOR INFORMATION

Select the appropriate set-up mode by pressing the 5 key on the main
keyboard each time you want to switch from set-up A to set-up B or
from set-up B to set-up A.

Position the cursor above the feature switch or tab stop to be changed.
To position the cursor, the SPACE bar, ..._,-. , TAB and RETURN keys
may be used. Some features do not use this step since a specific key is
dedicated to changing the feature.

Change the feature setting by pressing either the 6 key on the main
keyboard or the appropriate dedicated key. Each time the key is pressed
the feature will change, generally to the opposite state.

Table 1-2 summarizes the set-up features. the set-up mode you must be in to
change a given feature. and the key that changes the feature setting.

Table 1-2

Set-Up Feature Change Summary

Set-Up Feature

Changed In
Set-Up A Mode
Set-Up B Mode

Key Used to
Change Feature

ANSl/VT52 mode

ITJ

ANSWERBACK message

AUTO REPEAT

AUTO XON/XOFF

BITS PER CHARACTER

CHARACTERS PER LINE

CURSOR

INTERLACE

KEYCLICK

LINE/LOCAL

MARGIN BELL

NEW LINE

PARITY

tA special sequence is required for this feature. See Paragraph 1.3.5.

m
IT]
IT_]

[]
IT]

m
IT_]
w
[TI

ill

OPERATOR INFORMATION

Table 1-2

Set-Up Feature Change Summary (Cont)•
Changed In
Set-Up A Mode
Set-Up B Mode

Set-Up Feature

Key Used To
Change Feature

IT]

PARITY SENSE

POWER

RECEIVE SPEED

SCREEN BACKGROUND

IT]

·[2JorEJ

SCREEN BRIGHTNESS

SCROLL

TRANSMIT SPEED

WRAPAROUND

x
(shifted)

I~ l·"fLI

TABS

w
[J
[]

w
~

1.3.3 Set-Up A
To enter set-up A, press the SET-UP key. The display is similar to the one shown in
Figure 1-7. The bottom line of the display is a "ruler" that numbers each character
position on a line. The location of each tab stop is shown by a T placed above the
ruler. If the tab stops present are those desired, no action is necessary.
To exit set-up A, press the SET-UP key.

Setting a Tab Stop - To set a tab stop, position the cursor above the desired
location on the ruler. Use the SPACE BAR,-+, and +---keys to move the cursor.
Press the 2 key on the main keyboard. A T is displayed in the desired tab stop
location.

Erasing a Tab Stop - Position the cursor on the T displayed above the ruler. Press
the 2 key. The T disappears.
Clear All Tab Stops - Press the 3 key. All Ts above the ruler disappear.
NOTE
Tab stops set or cleared are stored temporarily by
exiting the set-up mode. To set tab stops on a fixed
basis, a save operation must be performed. Refer to
Paragraph 1.3.6.

OPERATOR INFORMATION

SET-UP A

TO EXIT PRESS

asET-UP"

MR-1517

Figure 1-7

Set-Up A Mode Presentation

ON LINE/LOCAL - While in set-up A, pressing the 4 key toggles the terminal
between on-line and local operation. Two indicators directly above this key reflect
the current operation.
80/132 Characters per Line - While in set-up A, the number of characters per
line can be changed. Pressing the 9 key toggles the terminal between 80 and 132
characters per line.
The ruler on the screen reflects the current state of this feature. The line is not
longer in 1 32 character mode; however, the characters are more compressed.
NOTE
The screen contents are lost when toggling between 80 and 132 characters per line.
1.3.4 Set-Up B (Operational Features)
Set-up B mode is entered from set-up A mode. When in set-up A. press the 5 key
on the main keyboard. The display is similar to the one shown in Figure 1-8. Figure
1-9 summarizes the set""UP B presentation. This summary shows the operational
features enabled. For additional information on a feature, refer to Paragraph 1.4.
Changing an Operational Feature - Position the cursor above the location of the
feature to be changed using the SPACE BAR. +-- , or ~ .

OPERATOR INFORMATION

==s~

~ -~~pn

MR-3524

Figure 1-8

Set-Up B Mode Presentation

f#rl (SHIFTED) f O = #
~
\._1 = £

O =JUMP
SCROLL { 1 = SMOOTH
AUTOREPEAT
SCREEN
CURSOR

{o = OFF
l_1 =ON

WRAP AROUND

{O1

= OFF
=ON

{O1 == DARK
BACKGROUND
LIGHT BACKGROUND

NEW LINE

{o = UNDERLINE

INTERLACE { 0 = OFF
1 =ON

L1 = BLOCK

{o = OFF
l_1 =ON

OPTIONAL <FLAGS>
DISPLAYED WHEN
STP MODULE IS INSTALLED.
SEE REPORT TERMINAL
PARAMETERS (DECREPTPARM).
5 f:I:l:I:J
T SPEED C==1
R SPEEDr==:J

AUTO XON XOFF

o = OFF
\._1 =ON

ANSl/VT52

52
{ 0 = VT
1 =ANSI

KEYCLICK

o = OFF
\._1 =ON

O = OFF
MARGIN BELL { 1 = ON

POWER

{o = 60 Hz
= 50 Hz

l_1

I
L

BITS PER CHAR
PARITY

{o = 7 BITS
. \._1 = 8 BITS

{o = OFF
\._1 =ON

PARITY SENSE

l{o1 == ODD
EVEN
MR-3414

Figure 1-9

Set-Up B Mode Summary

OPERATOR INFORMATION

Press the 6 key on the main keyboard. This changes the displayed "O" to a "1" (or
the "1" to a "O").
For example, if a graphics module is installed in the VT103, the following features
are recommended.
Interlace disabled
AUTO XON/XOFF enabled
Smooth Scroll enabled
ANSI Mode enabled
Changing the Transmit Speed - While in set-up 8, press the 7 key to cycle
through the available transmit baud rates. Stop when the desired "T SPEED" is
displayed on the screen. When the STP module is installed, setting the transmit
speed also sets the receive speed on the second asynchronous serial interface. You
establish a common transmit and receive speed for the terminal.

NOTE
The terminal speed must match the host computer
(no STP Card) or modem (STP card installed).
Changing the Receive Speed - While in set-up 8, press the 8 key to cycle
through the available receive baud rates. When the STP module is installed, the
receive speed follows the transmit speed setting for the second asynchronous
serial interface.
To exit set-up 8, press the SET-UP key.
1.3.5 Setting the Answerback Message
An answerback message can be typed into the terminal using the following steps.
1.

Place the terminal in set-up 8 mode.

Press the SH I FT and A keys simultaneously. The terminal responds by
placing "A =" on the screen. (The SHIFT key is required for this; the
CAPS LOCK key does not work here.)

Type the message delimiter character. This may be any character not
used in the actual answerback message. The message delimiter character is not a part of the answerback message.

Type the answerback message. The message may have up to 20 characters, including space and control characters. Control characters are
displayed as a + character to indicate their presence in the message.
If a mistake is made when typing the answerback message, type the
message delimiter character again and go back to step 2. This is the
only way to correct errors in the answerback message.

Type the message delimiter character. Once the message delimiter
character is typed, the answerback message disappears from the
screen.

The answerback message is temporarily stored in the terminal and can be saved
with the save operation.

OPERATOR INFORMATION

1.3.6 Saving the Set-Up Features
Set-up features.may be changed and stored on either a temporary or a fixed basis.
To temporarily store a feature. exit set-up mode after changing the feature; the
terminal now reacts according to the new setting. 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.
To store set-up feature settings on a fixed basis. perform a save operation as
follows.
1.

Place the terminal in either set-up mode.

Press the SHIFT and S keys simultaneously. The screen clears and the
message "WAIT" is displayed in the upper-left corner. After a brief
wait. the terminal returns to set-up A mode.

Set-up features stored temporarily are now stored on a fixed basis.
NOTE
The save operation must be performed at the terminal keyboard. The computer cannot perform this operation, although it can temporarily modify these
settings.
1.3. 7 Recalling Set-Up Features
The temporarily stored set-up feature settings may differ from the settings that are
stored on a fixed basis. To return to the fixed settings. perform a recall operation as
follows.
1.

Place the terminal in either set-up mode.
NOTE
When a re.call operation is performed, the contents
of the screen are destroyed.

Press the SH I FT and R keys simultaneously. The screen clears and.
after a brief wait. the terminal returns to set-up A mode.

1.3.8 Resetting the Terminal
The VT103 may be reset from the keyboard without turning power off. When the
terminal is reset. the terminal memory is cleared and the self-test program is run
as if the terminal power switch had been turned off and then back on. To reset the
terminal. do the following.
1.

Place the terminal in either set-up mode.

Press the 0 (zero) key on the main keyboard. The terminal resets. the
power on self-test is run. and the terminal responds to the fixed set-up
features. The cursor is returned to the upper-left corner of the screen.
CAUTION
When a reset operation is performed, the contents
of the screen and graph memories are destroyed.
Other options present may also be affected.

OPERATOR INFORMATION

1.4 DEFINITION OF EACH SET-UP FEATURE
The following paragraphs describe each set-up feature in detail (in alphabetical
order) and state how each feature affects the terminal.
NOTE
Unless otherwise stated, entering set-up mode and
changing features does not result in the loss of data
displayed on the screen.
ANSl/VT52 Mode - (Set-up B)
The VT103 terminal follows one of two programming standards - American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or DIGITAL VT52. In ANSI mode. the VT103
generates and responds to control functions per ANSI standards X3.41-1974 and
X3.64-1977. In VT52 mode. the terminal responds to most control functions used
by the VT52 DECscope. Both modes are outlined in the programmer's chapter of
this manual.
ANSWERBACK Message - (Set-up B)
Answerback is a question and answer sequence that allows the host computer to
ask the terminal to identify itself. The terminal responds by sending a message to
the host. The answerback sequence takes place automatically without affecting
the screen or requiring operator action. The answerback message may also be
transmitted by typing CTRL BREAK; this does not occur in local operation. (See
Paragraph 1.3.5 for setting this feature.)
AUTO REPEAT - (Set-up B)
The auto repeat feature allows a key to be automatically repeated at the rate of
about 30 characters per second when the key is held down for more than one-half
second. The auto repeat feature affects all keyboard keys except the following:
SET-UP
ESC
NO SCROLL

TAB
RETURN
ENTER
CTRL and any key.

AUTO XON/XOFF - (Set-up B)
The VT103 supports the synchronizing codes XON (DC 1) and XOFF (DC3). The
XOFF control sequence is used to stop the transmission of data from the computer
to the terminal; the XON sequence is used to resume transmission. With the feature enabled. the terminal generates the XOFF code when one of the following
events occurs.
1.
2.
3.
4.

The internal buffer is nearly full.
The NO SCROLL key is pressed.
The terminal is placed in set-up mode.
CTR L S is pressed.

The terminal resumes transmission when one of the following events occurs.
1.
2.
3.
4.

The internal buffer empties.
The NO SCROLL key is pressed again.
The terminal is taken out of set-up mode.
CTR L Q is pressed.

OPERATOR INFORMATION

If the host computer software does not support the XON/XOFF codes. data sent
during buffer full conditions. or when the terminal is in set-up mode. may be lost.
NOTE
The VT103 always stops transmission when an
XOFF (DC3) code is received and resumes transmission when an XON (DC1) code is received regardless of the setting of the AUTO XON/XOFF
feature.
When the STP module is installed, AUTO
XON/XOFF support is enabled.
BITS PER CHARACTER - (Set-up B)
This feature allows the terminal to transmit and receive either 7- or B-bit characters. When set for B-bit operation. bit B is set to a space (or O) for characters
transmitted and is ignored for all characters received. When the STP module is
installed. use eight data bits.
CHARACTERS PER LINE - (Set-up A)
The VT 103 can display either BO or 132 characters per line. In the BO-character
per line mode. the screen is BO characters wide by 24 lines high.
In the 132-character per line mode. the screen is 132 characters wide by 14 lines
high (24 lines if the VT103 is equipped with the advanced video option). In the
132-character per line mode. the displayed lines are physically the same width as
in the BO-character per line mode. but the characters are more compact.
NOTES
1.

When changing from 80- to 132-character per
line mode or vice versa, the current contents of
the screen are lost.

The use of double-width characters reduces the
number of characters- per line by half.

CURSOR - (Set-up B)
The VT103 offers a choice of two cursor displays to indicate the "active position"
or where the next character will be placed on the screen. The cursor may be
displayed as either a blinking underline (_) or a blinking block (•). The cursor
selection may perform an additional function; see the SGR control function definition in Chapter 2 (Paragraph 2.4. 1).
INTERLACE - (Set-up B)
This feature is used for high resolution options. The interlace feature should be
turned off if such an option is not installed. to reduce screen flicker. For graph
drawing in the VT103. this feature should be off (noninterlaced).
KEYCLICK TONE - (Set-up B)
The keyclick is a tone that is generated every time a key is pressed to provide
audible feedback from the keyboard. The keyclick may be turned on or off. The
keyclick volume is not adjustable.

OPERATOR INFORMATION

LINE/LOCAL - (Set-up A or B)
The line/local feature places the terminal in either an on-line or a local (off-line)
condition. When the terminal is on-line the keyboard ON LINE indicator is on. All
characters typed on the keyboard are sent directly to the computer, and messages
from the computer are displayed on the screen.
In the local condition, the keyboard LOCAL indicator is on. The terminal is electrically disconnected from the computer: messages are not sent to or received
from the computer: and characters typed on the keyboard are echoed on the
screen directly.
MARGIN BELL - (Set-up B)
The margin bell sounds when the cursor is eight characters from the end of the
current line to alert the operator while typing. This feature may be turned off. The
bell tone volume is not adjustable.
NEW LINE - (Set-up B)
The new line feature enables the RETURN key on the terminal to function like the
RETURN key on an electric typewriter. When the new line feature is enabled,
pressing the RETURN key generates a carriage return (CR) and a line feed (LF).
When a line feecf code is received, the code is interpreted as a carriage return and
line feed.
When the new line feature is disabled, the RETURN key generates only the CR
code; an LF code causes the terminal to perform a line feed only.
NOTE
The application software may not recognize this
new line feature.
PARITY - (Set-up B)
Parity when enabled checks for correct data transmission. If a transmission error
occurs, the terminal indicates its presence by placing a checkerboard character
(::::::)on the screen in place of the character with the error. The parity sense feature
determines if the parity is even or odd. When parity is disabled, no parity bit is
transmitted or received. When the STP module is installed, no parity is used.
PARITY SENSE - (Set-up B)
The parity sense defines which of two methods of parity checking, odd or even, is
being used by the terminal. If parity is enabled, the terminal's parity sense must be
matched to the parity of the computer. If the parity sense does not match, most
characters sent to the computer are rejected. If a parity incompatibility occurs, the
checkerboard character ( ::::::) is shown on the screen in place of the received character.
NOTE
If parity is disabled, parity sense is disregarded.
POWER - (Set-up B)
During the initial installation, the terminal display must be set to the power line
frequency 50 or 60 Hz. In the U.S., this is set to 60 Hz.

20 OPERATOR INFORMATION

RECALL - (Set-up A or B)
The fixed terminal memory may hold set-up features that differ from those temporarily set in the terminal. To return to these fixed settings, use the recall feature.
Refer to Paragraph 1.3. 7 to use this feature.
RECEIVE SPEED ._.-(Set-up B)
The VT103 is capable of receiving at any one of the following preselected speeds:
50,75, 110, 134.5, 150,200,300,600, 1200, 1800,2000,2400,3600,4800,
9600, and 19,200 baud.
When the STP module is installed, the receive speed follows the transmit speed
selection for a second asynchronous serial line interface.

RESET - (Set-up A or B)
The reset feature initializes the system, clears any graph memories, and invokes
the power-up sequence. The power-up sequence performs the self-tests and returns the terminal to its initialize state. Refer to Paragraph 1.3.8 to use this feature.
SAVE - (Set-up A or B)
The save feature is used to store set-up features on a fixed basis. Refer to Paragraph 1.3.6 to use this feature.
SCREEN BACKGROUND - (Set-up B)
The screen background feature allows the operator to determine the background
of the screen. In the normal screen mode, the display contains light characters on a
dark background; in the reverse screen mode, the display contains dark characters
on a light background.
SCREEN BRIGHTNESS - (Set-up A or B)
The VT103 electronically controls the brightness of characters displayed on the
screen when using a dark background; or it controls the background screen brightness when the light background is selected. This feature allows the operator to
select the desired level of brightness for maximum comfort under varied lighting
conditions. This setting may be saved like any other feature in the terminal.
SCROLL - (Set-up B)
Scrolling is the upward or downward movement of existing lines on the screen to
make room for new lines. It can be performed in two ways: jump scroll or smooth
scroll. In jump scroll mode, new lines appear on the screen as fast as the computer
sends them to the terminal. At the higher baud rates, the data is very difficult to
read due to the rapid movement of the lines.
In smooth scroll mode, a limit is placed on the speed at which new lines of data
may be sent to the terminal. The movement of lines occurs at a smooth, steady
rate allowing the data to be read as it appears on the screen.

NOTE
Smooth scroll mode allows a maximum of six lines
of data per second to be added to the screen. The
AUTO XON/XOFF feature must be enabled and
supported by the host computer to ensure that data
is not lost when smooth scroll mode is enabled.

OPERATOR INFORMATION

TABS - (Set-up A)
The VT103 can tab to preselected points on a line. These tab stops may be individually changed. or totally cleared and then set. Refer to Paragraph 1.3.3 to set or
clear tab stops.
TRANSMIT SPEED - (Set-up B)
The VT103 has the following transmit speeds: 50, 75. 110. 134.5. 150. 200. 300.
600. 1200. 1800. 2000. 2400. 3600. 4800. 9600, and 19,200 baud.
When the STP module is installed. setting the transmit speed also sets the receive
speed for a second asynchronous serial line interface.

WRAPAROUND - (Set-up B)
When the wraparound feature is enabled. characters entered in excess of 80 or
132 per line (depending upon the line size selected) are placed on the next line. If
the wraparound feature is not enabled. these characters are overwritten in the last
character position of the current line.
NOTE
The use of double-width characters reduces the

riJ (shifted~:::::uo: :~aracters per line half.
by

The VT103 contains character sets for the U.S. and the United Kingdom. The
difference between the two character sets is one character; the # or £ symbol.
When the standard U.S. character set is selected, the uppercase 3 key on the main
keyboard displays the # character. The £ character is displayed when the U.K.
character set is selected.

NOTE
Ensure that the installation of the VT103 is complete before powering up the system. Refer to
Chapter 5 for installation information.
1.5 POWER-UP SEQUENCE
VT103 terminals are equipped with permanently resident terminal self-test programs. These programs verify the proper operation of the VT103 terminal and are
run whenever the power-up sequence is initiated. This sequence is initiated by one
of the following procedures.
•

The terminal's ac power switch is turned on.

•

The terminal is placed in set-up A mode. and the reset feature is selected (by pressing the reset key, 0 on the main keyboard).

•

The terminal receives a reset control sequence from the processor module.

Self-Test Programs
The self-test programs are designed to verify proper operation of the terminal
hardware and may be used to isolate equipment malfunctions. If the test is successful. the cursor returns to its home (upper-left) position and LEDs L 1-L4 are
off.

OPERATOR INFORMATION

Upon finding an error, the terminal attempts to display an error message on either
the keyboard indicators or on the video screen.

1.6 OPERATOR EQUIPMENT CARE
The basic VT103 terminal (without tape unit) requires no periodic preventive maintenance. It may be desirable to occasionally clean the external surfaces of the
cabinet with a damp cloth to maintain a suitable appearance. Avoid excessive
amounts of water that may get inside the cabinet and damage the electronic
components.
CAUTION
Do not allow liquids to get inside the cabinet.
Do not block the openings on top of the cabinet.
Do not use cleaners with solvents.
To clean the keys, rub with a dry or barely moist soft cloth. Do not remove the
keycaps to clean them; damage may result to the key switch contacts if the keycaps are· replaced incorrectly.
The VT103 terminal with TU58 DECtape II requires periodic cleaning of the tape
drive components. The tape head and drive capstan require cleaning (usually once
a week) to minimize tape cartridge and drive wear and to eliminate read/write
errors due to oxide buildup. Refer to Chapter 4 for TU 58 information.

1.7 SELF-TESTING THE VT103
A self-test program is built into the VT103 to test, automatically or on command,
the condition of the video terminal. The self-test program checks the following
items.
Advanced video memory (if installed)
Nonvolatile Memory (NVR)
Keyboard
This test is performed automatically whenever the terminal is turned on. It also can
be invoked by the operator.
1.
2.

Enter set-up mode; press the SET-UP key.
Press the 0 (zero) key on the main keyboard to perform a reset operation.

If the test is successful, the cursor returns to its home (upper-left) position and
LEDs L 1-L4 are off.
If the test fails, check the self-test error codes.

Self-Test Error Codes
There are two broad categories of errors: fatal and nonfatal.
Fatal errors cause the terminal to stop all operations immediately. No intelligible
information is displayed on the screen; however, the screen may contain a random
pattern of characters. In addition, an error code may be displayed on the programmable keyboard LEDs, L 1-L4. No terminal function, including the lighting of LEDs,
is guaranteed if a fatal error occurs.

OPERATOR INFORMATION

Nonfatal errors do not halt the terminal. Instead, the terminal is forced to local
mode and an error code character is displayed in the upper-left corner of the
screen.
There are five types of nonfatal errors.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Advanced Video RAM data (AVO)
Nonvolatile RAM data checksum error (NVR)
Keyboard missing or malfunction (KBD)
Data loopback error (Data)
EIA modem control error (EIA)
NOTE
The loopback and EIA tests are not performed on
power-up; they must be invoked separately with
the proper control function. ~ee Chapter 2 for programming information on these tests.

Table 1-3 shows the possible nonfatal error characters that may appear on the
screen and the failure represented by each character. Paragraph 1.8 discusses how
to locate the error source.
Table 1-3
Displayed
Character

Nonfatal Displayed Error Codes

AVO

1
2

3
4
5
6

x
x

8
9

<
>
?

x
x
x

Fault Detected
NVR KBD Data

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

A
B

D
E
F

x
x
x
x

L
M
N

x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

EIA

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

OPERATOR INFORMATION

1.8 WHAT TO DO IN THE EVENT OF A PROBLEM
If it appears that there is a problem in the terminal. initiate the power-up self-test
program. This test will help to determine if the problem is within the terminal or in
some other part of the computer system.
Table 1-4 describes the items an operator can check prior to making a service call.
Table 1-4

Problem Checklist

Symptom

Possible Cause and Corrective Action

Terminal does not turn on when
the power switch is on. No
LINE/LOCAL light no cursor.

The ac power cord is not plugged into wall outlet. Plug in
cord.
Power is not coming from the wall outlet. Check outlet with
a known working electrical device (such as a lamp). If no
power. call your electrician.
The ac power cord is not plugged into the terminal. Plug in
cord.
The ac line fuse is blown. Turn the terminal off and replace
the fuse. (See Figure 1-2 for location.)

No keyboard response; cursor is
present but no indicators are on.

Keyboard cable is not plugged into the monitor. Plug in keyboard cable.

No keyboard response and KBD
LOCKED indicator is on.

The computer has turned the keyboard off. The KBD
LOCKED condition may be cleared by entering and exiting
the set-up mode. If this condition persists, check with the
host computer programmers for a possible error.
Perform the self-test operation and note any error indications; refer to Paragraph 1.8.

Garbled or error characters ( ::::::)

Incorrect set-up feature selection. Check the set-up features.
Features that may be in error are:
ANSl/VT52 mode
AUTO XON/XOFF
Bits per character
Parity
Parity sense
Transmit speed
Without the STP module, check both the transmit and receive baud rates. If the STP module has been removed,
check to ensure contact is made with all the pins of the STP
connector. Perform the self-test operation and note any error
indications.

Last character is garbled

Wraparound feature may be disabled: To correct. re-enable.

Double line feeds occur

New line feature may be enabled with the computer already
performing this function. Disable the new line feature (setup B).

OPERATOR INFORMATION

Table 1-4

Problem Checklist (Cont)

Symptom

Possible Cause and Corrective Action

Losing data in graph mode (if
graphic option is installed)

Check the following features:
AUTO XON/XOFF should be enabled
INTERLACE should be disabled
ANSl/VT52 mode may be erroneously selected for software
being used

Several successive tones

The terminal is having difficulty reading or writing the set-up
featues in the nonvolatile memory.
Check the feature settings and perform the save operation.
Perform the self-test operation.

System has difficulty loading the
application program (if TU58 option is installed).

Incorrectly formatted tape; wrong tape used; oxide build-up
on tape head or drive capstan; old or worn tape; wrong tape
drive specified.
Check the cable from the TU58 to ensure it is right side up
and secure in its connector.
Verify tape using read with increased threshold.

Losing Data

AUTO XON/XOFF should be enabled at high baud rates. To
determine if the CPU accepts XOFF:
1. Print a listing on the terminal
2. During the listing, press: CTRL S. The listing should stop.
3. Press: CTR L Q
The listing should resume.

OPERATOR INFORMATION

1.9 RELATED HARDWARE MANUALS AND TAPE SUPPLIES
The following hardware manuals are related to the VT103 and may be purchased
from Digital Equipment Corporation.
Part Number

Notes

Microcomputer Processors
Memories and Peripherals

EB-15115-78
EB-15114-78

Hardcopy
Hard copy

VT100 Series Technical Manual
VT100 Series Pocket Service Guide

EK-VT100-TM
EK-VT100-J 1

Microfiche
Hardcopy

VT103 Illustrated Parts Breakdown
VT100 Illustrated Parts Breakdown

EK-VT103-1 P
EK-VT100-1 P

Available in
hardcopy or
microfiche

VT100 Print Set (base terminal)
VT 103 Print Set (supplement)

MP-00663
MP-00731

Hardcopy
Hard copy

TU58 DECtape II User's Guide

EK-OTU58-UG

Hardcopy

Title
M~icrecomputer Handbook Series:

Tape Supplies
The following tape supplies are available from DIGITAL.
Description

Part Number

Minitape Cartridges (formatted)
Cleaning Kit for Tape Drive

TU58-K
TUC01

Ordering Information
Purchase orders, correspondence, and invoicing inquiries concerning DIGITAL
hardware manuals _and tape supplies should be forwarded to:
Digital Equipment Corporation
Supplies and Accessories Group
Cotton Road
Nashua, N.H. 03060
Contact your local sales office or call DIGITAL Direct Catalog Sales toll-free 800258-1710 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (U.S. customers
only). New Hampshire customers should dial 603-884-6660. Terms and conditions include net 30 days and F.0.B. DIGITAL plant. Freight charges will be prepaid by DIGITAL and added to the invoice. Minimum order is $35.00. Minimum
does not apply when full payment is submitted with an order. Checks and money
orders should be made out to Digital Equipment Corporation.
For information concerning microfiche libraries, contact:
Digital Equipment Corporation
Micropublishing Group BU/D2
Bedford, MA 01730

OPERATOR INFORMATION

ANSJstandards X3A1-1974 and X3.64-1977 may be obtained by writing to:
American National Standards Institute
Attn: Sales Department
1430 Broadway
New York, NY 10018
EIA standards RS-170, RS-232-C, RS-422, and RS-423 may be obtained by writing to:
Electronic Industry Association
EIA Engineering Department
2001 Eye Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20006
For information concerning LSl-11 systems, call the LSl-11 Hot Line:
Outside Massachusetts call 800-225-9220
Within Massachusetts call 617-481- 7 400, extension 6619.

CHAPTER 2
PROGRAMMER INFORMATION

2.1
INTRODUCTION
The first block of the VT103 to be defined is the terminal. consisting of the video
monitor and the keyboard. The VT 103 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;
data coming from the computer is displayed on the video screen.
This chapter discusses communication between the VT103 and the internal LSl11 microcomputer (host). Included are the codes generated by the keyboard. the
transmission protocol followed by the terminal. and the actions and reactions of
the terminal to control codes and control functions in both ANSI and VT52 modes
of operation.

2.2

THE KEYBOARD
The VT103 uses a keyboard with a key arrangement similar to an ordinary office
typewriter. as shown in Figure 2-1. In addition to the standard typewriter keys, the
keyboard has additional keys to generate control functions and cursor control commands. The keyboard also has indicators to show the current terminal status.

~
~

ON LINE LOCAL KBD LOCKED L 1
SET/
CLEAR2L LI£
CLEARTAB TABS
LOCAL

SEQP TO£?LEITRgSMIT2EIVE q0/132
A/B
1/0
SPEED
SPEED COLUMNS RESET

r+lrtlr-=-10
~LJLJLJ

BBEJEJ

arn~~rnwrnwwrnrnomo~a 0000
000[]
GG000~~0~G00JITJnB
a~0000m000~CJCJE::Jm
~000
~I
10000000CJ[JITJ[3§ ~DD
SHIFT

MR-2577

Figure 2-1

VT103 Keyboard

PROGRAMMER INFORMATION

2.2.1
LED Indicators
The keyboard has seven light-emitting diodes (LEDs), two of which are committed
to the complementary on-line/local function. The power-on condition is shown by
either of the two LEDs being on.
A third LED indicates a "keyboard locked" condition. When this LED is on, the
keyboard is automatically "turned off" by the terminal due to a full buffer, or by the
host through the transmission of an XOFF to the terminal.
The four remaining LEDs are programmable and can be assigned any meaning for
specific applications. The code sequences to turn these LEDs on or off are discussed in Paragraph 2.4.1, DECLL Load LEDs.

2.2.2 SET-UP Key
The SET-UP key is at the uppe~-left corner of the main key array. Operations
performed in set-up mode can be stored in a nonvolatile memory (NVR) so that
turning the terminal power off does not, by itself, alter the terminal configuration.
The procedures to change the set-up features are provid~d in Chapter 1 of this
manual. Those set-up features which may be modified by the host are listed in
Table 2-1 and described in detail in this chapter. (See Paragraph 2.4.)

Table 2-1

Set-Up Features and Terminal Modes
Saved in
Memory and
ChangeabJe
in Set-Up

Set-Up Feature
or Terminal Mode

Changeable
from Host
Computer

Control
Function
Mnemonic

Alternate keypad mode
ANSl/VT52
Auto repeat
AUTO XON XOFF
Bits per character
Characters per line
Cursor
Cursor key mode
Graphic drawing mode
Interlace
New line
Keyclick
Margin bell
Origin mode
Parity
Parity sense
Power
Receive speed
Screen background
Screen brightness
Scroll
Tabs
Transmit speed
Wraparound

Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes

(DECKPAM/DECKPNM) No
(DECANM)
Yes
(DECARM)
Yes
Yes
Yes
(DECCOLM)
Yes
Yes
(DECCKM)
No
(DECGON/DECGOFF)
No
(DECINLM)
Yes
(LNM)
Yes
Yes
Yes
(DECOM)
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
(DECSCNM)
Yes
Yes
(DECSCLM)
Yes
(HTS/TBC)
Yes
Yes
(DECAWM)
Yes

[iJ

Yes

(SCS)

(shifted)

Yes

PROGRAMMER INFORMATION

2.2.3 Keyboard Operation
The keyboard transmits ASCII codes to the host. Some keys transmit one or more
codes to the host immediately when typed. Other keys, such as CTRL and SHI FT,
do not transmit codes when typed but modify the codes transmitted by other keys.
If two code-transmitting keys are pressed together, two codes are transmitted in
the order the keys are typed. The terminal does not wait for the keys to be lifted. If
three keys are pressed simultaneously, the codes for the first two keys are transmitted immediately; the code for the third is transmitted when one of the first two
keys is lifted.
2.2.4 Alphabetic Keys
The VT103 prints either uppercase or lowercase alphabetic characters. The codes
required to print these are listed in Table 2-2. The VT103 transmits the lowercase
code until either SH I FT key or the CAPS LOCK key is pressed. The CAPS LOCK
key locks only the 26 alphabetic keys in the uppercase mode.
2.2.5 Nonalphabetic Keys
Each of the nonalphabetic keys generates two different codes. One code is generated without pressing the SHIFT key; the other is generated if either or both SHIFT
keys are pressed. Table 2-3 shows the codes generated by these keys. The CAPS
LOCK key does not affect these keys.

Table 2-2

Key
A
B

c
D

E
F
G

H
I
J
K
L

M
N

0
p
Q

s
T

v
w
x
y

Alphabetic Key Codes
Uppercase
Code (Octal)

Lowercase
Code (Octal)

101
102
103
104
105
106
107
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
130
131
132

141
142
143
144
145
146
147
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
170
171
172

PROGRAMMER INFORMATION

Table 2-3

Nonalphabetic Key Codes
Neither SHIFT
Key Down
(Octal)

Lowercase
Character

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

061
062
063
064
065
066
067
070
071
060
055
075
133
073
047
054
056
057
134
140
135

Uppercase
Character

#or£
$

%
/\
&

+
{

<
>
?

Either or Both
SH I FT Keys Down
(Octal)

041
100
043
044
045
136
046
052
050
051
137
053
173
072
042
074
076
077
174
176
175

2.2.6 Function Keys
There are several keys on the keyboard that transmit control codes. Control codes
do not produce displayable characters but are codes for functions. If these codes
are received by the terminal. it performs the function shown in Table 2-4.
2.2. 7 NO SCROLL Key
The NO SCROLL key generates a single XOFF code to inhibit scrolling and freezes
the screen. When pressed again, the same key generates XON. If the software
recognizes XOFF, the host stops transmitting until the NO SCROLL key is pressed
again. Disabling the XOFF/XON feature in set-up B, disables the NO SCROLL key.
Table 2-4

Function Key Codes

Key

Octal Code

Terminal Action

RETURN*
LINE FEED
BACK SPACE
TAB
SPACE BAR

015
012
010
011
040

ESC

033

Delete

177

Carriage return
Line feed
Backspace
Tab to next tab stop
Deposit a space on the screen. erasing
that position
Escape - interpret the following character string from the host as a command,
rather than displaying it.
Ignored

The RETURN key can be redefined to issue 015a. 012a (carriage return and line feed). The new
line feature in set-up mode provides this capability.

PROGRAMMER INFORMATION

2.2.8 BREAK Key
Typing the BREAK key causes the transmission line to be forced to its zero or
space state for 0.2333 seconds ±·10 percent. If either SHIFT key is down, the·
time is increased to 3.5 seconds ± 10 percent and data terminal ready (DTR) is
disabled. After the 3.5 second interval, data terminal ready is again asserted.
The SHIFT BREAK provides a long-break-disconnect function. Modems with EIA
RS-232-C levels can be configured to use this long-break to cause both the local
and remote data sets to disconnect.
The CTRL and BREAK keys typed together cause the transmission of the answerback message.
NOTE
The BREAK key does not function when the terminal is in local mode.
2.2.9 CTRL (Control) Key
The CTRL key is used with other keys on the keyboard to generate control codes.
The code transmitted by the other keys if the CTRL key is held down is shown in
Table 2-5.
Table 2-5

Control Codes Generated

Key Pressed with
CTR L Key Down
(Shifted or
Unshifted)
Space Bar
A
B

c
D
E
F

G
H
I

J
K
L
M
N
0
p
Q

s
T

v
w

x
y

Octal Code
Transmitted

Function
Mnemonic

000
001
002
003
004
005
006
007
010
011
012
013
014
015
016
017
020
021
022
023
024
025
026
027
030
031

NUL
SOH
STX
ETX
EQT
ENO
ACK
BELL
BS
HT
LF
VT
FF
CR

so
SI
OLE
DC1 or XON
DC2
DC3 or XOFF
DC4
NAK
SYN
ETB
CAN
EM

PROGRAMMER INFORMATION

Table 2-5 .·Control. Codes .Generated. (Cont)
· Key Pressed with
CTR L Key Down
(Shifted or
Unshifted)

z
(

\
I
?

Octal Code
Transmitted

Function
Mnemonic

032
033
034
035
036
037

SUB
ESC
FS
GS
RS

2.2.10 Cursor Control Keys
The keyboard contains four keys labeled with arrows in. each of four directions.
These keys transmit control functions. If the host echoes these control functions
back to the terminal. the cursor moves one character up, down, right. or left. Table
2-6 shows the escape sequence generated by each key.

NOTE
In set-up mode, the left and right arrow keys move
the cursor; the up and down keys increase or decrease the screen brightness.

Table 2-6

Cursor Control Key Codes

Cursor Key
(Arrow)

VT52
Mode

Up
Down
Right
Left

ESCA
ESC B
ESCC
ESC D

ANSI Mode and Cursor
Key Mode Reset

ANSI Mode and Cursor
Key Mode Set

ESC(A

ESCO A

ESC ( B
ESC(C
ESC( D

ESCO B
ESCOC
ESCO D

2.2.11
Auto ~epeating
All keys will auto repeat except: SET-UP, ESC, NO SCROLL TAB, RETURN, and
any key pressed with CTRL. Auto repeating may be disabled (set-up function).
Auto repeating works as follows: when a key is typed, its code is sent once,
immediately. If the key is held down for more than one-half second, the code is
sent repeatedly at a rate of approximately 30 Hz until the key is released. (This rate
is less if a low transmit baud rate is used.)
2.2.12 Special Graphic Characters
If the special graphic set is selected, the ASCII codes 137a through 176a are
replaced with characters shown in Table 2- 7. See the SCS control function (Paragraph 2.4. 1) to enable this mode.

PROGRAMMER INFORMATION

Table 2-7

Special Graphic Characters

Octal

Graphic With

Code

US or UK Set

"Special Graphics" Set

•...

b
c
d

HT
FF
CR

Line feed

Degree symbol

137
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
170
171
172
173
174
175
176

Blank
Diamond
Checkerboard (error indicator)
Horrizontal tab
Form feed
Carriage return

Plus/minus

(New Line)

(Vertical Tab)

Lower-right corner
Upper-right corner
Upper-left corner

-,
r

Lower-left corner

Crossing lines

Horizontal line - Scan 1

Horizontal line - Scan 3

Horizontal line - Scan 5
Horizontal line - Scan 7

s
I-

u
v

-i

Horizontal line - Scan 9
Left "T"
Right 'T'

Bottom "T"
Top "T"

Vertical bar

Less than or equal to

Greater than or equal to

"¢

Not equal to
UK pound sign

Centered dot (bullet)

Notes

Codes 1529-1 569, 1619, and 1649-1709 are used to draw rectangular grids; each
piece of this line drawing set is contiguous with others so that the lines formed are
unbroken.

Codes 1579-1639 give better vertical resolution than dashes and underlines when
drawing lines; using these segments 120 X 132 resolution may be obtained in 132
column mode with the advanced video option installed.

2.2.13 Auxiliary Keypad
The keys on the auxiliary keypad normally transmit the codes for the numerals.
decimal point. minus sign. and comma. The ENTER key transmits the same code
as the RETURN key. The host cannot tell if these keys are typed on the auxiliary
keypad or on the main keyboard. Therefore. software that requires numeric data
entry may use either keypad.

36 . PROGRAMMER INFORMATION

If software must be able to distinguish between pressing a key on the auxiliary
keypad and pressing the corresponding key on the main keyboard, the host can
give the terminal a command to place it in keypad application mode. In this mode,
all keys on the auxiliary keypad give control functions that may be used by the software as user-defined functions.
The codes sent by the auxiliary keypad for the four combinations of the VT52 or
ANSI mode and keypad numeric or application mode are shown in Tables 2-8 and
2-9. These keys are not affected by pressing the SHI FT, CAPS LOCK, or CONTROL
keys.

NOTE
In ANSI mode, if the codes are echoed back to the
terminal, or if the terminal is in local mode, the last
character of the sequence is displayed on the
screen; e.g., PF1 will display a "P".
Table 2-8

VT52 Mode Auxiliary Keypad Codes

Key

Keypad
Numeric Mode

Keypad
Application Mode

ESC? p

2
3

ESC? r

ESC? t

ESC? u

ESC? v

7
8
9

ESC? x

ESC? q
ESC? s

ESC? w
ESC? y
ESC? m
ESC? I
ESC? n

ENTER

Same as RETURN key

ESC? M

PF1

ESC P

PF2

ESC Q

ESCO

PF3

ESC R

PF4

ESC S

ESCS

Table 2-9

ANSI Mode Auxiliary Keypad Codes

Key

Keypad
Numeric Mode

1
2
3
4

5
6
7
8
9

Keypad
Application Mode
ESCO p
ESCOq

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

ESC 0 r
ESC 0 s
ESC Ot
ESCO u
ESCOv
ESCOw
ESC Ox
ESC Oy
ESCO m

PROGRAMMER INFORMATION

Table 2-9

Key

ANSI Mode Auxiliary Keypad Codes (Cont)

Keypad
Numeric Mode

Keypad
Application Mode
ESC 0 I
ESC 0 n

ENTER
PF1
PF2
PF3
PF4

Same as RETURN key
ESC 0 P
ESCO Q
ESCO R
ESC 0 S

ESCO M
ESC 0 P
ESCOQ
ESC 0 R
ESC 0 S

2.3 TERMINAL CONTROL COMMANDS
The VT103 has many control commands that cause the terminal to take action
other than displaying a character on the screen. The host can command the terminal to move the cursor, change modes, ring the bell. etc .. The following paragraphs
discuss the terminal control commands.
Control Characters
Control characters have values of 000 8 - 037 8· and 177 8· The control characters
recognized by the VT103 are shown in Table 2-10. All other control codes cause
no action to be taken.
Table 2-10

Control Characters Received

Control

Octal

Character

Code

Action Taken

NUL

000

Ignored on input (not stored in input buffer).

INIT

004

To TU58. not console - Initialize tape (if present).

ENO

005

Transmit answerback message.

BEL

007

Sound bell tone.

010

Move the cursor to the left one character position. If cursor is at the
left margin, no action occurs.

011

Move the cursor to the next tab stop, or move cursor to the right
margin if no further tab stops are present on the line.

012

This code causes a line feed or a new line operation. (See new line
mode. Paragraph 1.4.)

013

Interpreted as LF.

014

Interpreted as LF.

015

Move cursor to left margin on the current line.

016

Select G 1 character set. as designated by SCS.

017

Select GO character set. as designated by SCS escape sequence.

PROGRAMMER INFORMATION

Table 2-10

Control Characters Received (Cont)

Control
Character

Octal
Code

Action Taken

XON

021

Resume transmission to terminal.

XOFF

023

Stop transmitting to terminal all codes except XOFF and XON.
The TU58 uses XOFF and CONTINUE to control data transmission.

CAN

030

If sent during an escape or control sequence, the sequence is immediately terminated and not executed. It also causes the error character to
be displayed.

SUB

032

Interpreted as CAN.

ESC

033

Introduces an escape sequence.

DEL

177

Ignored on input (not stored in input buffer).

Control characters (codes 0 to 37 a inclusive) may be imbedded ,within a control
function sequence. lmbedded control characters are executed as soon as they are
encountered by the terminal. Then, the control function continues to be processed.
The exceptions are as follows.
1.

If the character ESC (033a) occurs, the current control function stops
and a new one begins.

If the character CAN (030a) or the character SUB (032a) occurs, the
current control function stops.

The ability to imbed control characters within sequences allows the synchronization characters XON and XOFF to be interpreted without affecting the control
function.

2.4 CONTROL FUNCTIONS
The VT103 is compatible with both the previous DIGITAL standard and the ANSI
standards. Throughout this section of the manual references are made to "VT52
mode" or "ANSI mode." These two terms are used to indicate control functions
used in the software. All new software should be designed with ANSI control
functions. Future DIGITAL video terminals may not respond to VT52 control functions.
2.4.1
ANSI Mode Control Functions
The following listing briefly defines the basic elements of the ANSI control functions. A more complete listing appears in Appendix B.
•

Control Sequence Introducer (CSI) - A prefix to a control sequence. In
the VT1 03, ESC [ is the CSI.

•

Parameter - ( 1) A string of 0 or more characters that represents a
single value. Leading Os are ignored. The characters have a range of
60a to 77 8· (2) The value so represented.

PROGRAMMER INFORMATION

•

Numeric parameter - A parameter that represents a number, designated by Pn.

•

Selective parameter - A parameter that selects a subfunction from a
specified list, designated by Ps.

•

Parameter string - A string of parameters each separated by a semicolon (739).

•

Default value - A value that is assumed when no explicit value, or a
value of 0, is specified.

•

Final character - A character that terminates a control sequence or
escape sequence.

Example:
ESC [ Ps; Ps h

~I
CSI

Final Character

Parameter
String

A control function is either a single character or a string of characters that affects
the recording, processing, transmission. or representation of data. Control functions in the VT103 are classified in three ways, as follows.

Control character - A control character is a single character that initiates, modifies, or stops a control function. A control character may
range from 0 to 379 and 1779.

Escape sequence - An escape sequence is a string of characters that
begins with ESC (0339), has zero or more intermediate characters, and
ends with the first occurrence of a final character.
Example: ESC # 6
Escape Sequence
Character

Octal
Value

Escape
Intermediate character
Final character

033
040 to 057
060 to 176

Escape sequence for double-width line (DEC OWL).
Escape
Sequence

Octal Representation
of Same Sequence

ESC # 6

033 043 066

PROGRAMMER INFORMATION

Control sequence - A control sequence is a string of characters that
begins with a control sequence introducer ESC [and ends with the first
occurrence of a final character. A control sequence may have one or
more intermediate characters. and it may have zero or more parameters. More than one parameter value is separated by a semicolon
(0739).
Example:
ESC [ ? 3 h

'-v---'~ L
_J
L Final,Character
CSI

Parameter

Control Sequence
Character

Octal
Value

Control sequence introducer
Intermediate character
Parameter
Final character

033 133
040 to 057
060 to 077
100 to 176

Control sequence to set 132 column mode.
Control
Sequence

Octal Representation
of Same Sequence

ESC[?3h

033 133 077 063 1 50

All of the following control functions are transmitted from the host computer to the
terminal unless otherwise noted. All of the control functions are a subset of those
specified in ANSI X 3.64 1977 and ANSI X 3.41 1974.
NOTE
In this section, control functions designated with an
asterisk have DIGITAL private parameters.
CPR

Cursor Position Report - Terminal to Host

ESC [ Pn; Pn R

default value: 1

The CPR control sequence reports the active position by means of the parameters.
This sequence has two parameter values. The first specifies the line. and the second specifies the column. The default condition with no parameters present. or
parameters of 0. is equivalent to a cursor at home position.
The numbering of lines depends on the state of the origin mode (DECOM).
This control sequence is solicited by a device status report (DSR) sent from the
host.

PROGRAMMER INFORMATION

CUB

Cursor Backward - Host to Terminal and Terminal to Host

ESC [ Pn D

default value: 1

The CUB control sequence moves the active position to the left. The distance
moved is determined by the parameter. If the parameter value is zero or one. the
active position is moved one position to the left. If the parameter value is n, the
active position is moved n positions to the left. If an attempt is made to move the
cursor to the left of the left margin. the cursor stops at the left margin. Editor
Function

CUD

Cursor Down - Host to Terminal and Terminal to Host

ESC [ Pn B

default value: 1

The CUD control sequence moves the active position downward without altering
the column position. The number of lines moved is determined by the parameter. If
the parameter value is zero or one, the active position is moved one line downward. If the parameter value is n. the active position is moved n lines downward. If
an attempt is made to move the cursor below the bottom margin, the cursor stops
at the bottom margin. Editor Function

CU F

Cursor Forward - Host to Terminal and Terminal to Host

ESC [ Pn C

default value: 1

The CU F control sequence moves the active position to the right. The distance
moved is determined by the parameter. A parameter value of zero or one moves
the active position one position to the right. A parameter value of n moves the
active position n positions to the right. If an attempt is made to move the cursor to
the right of the right margin. the cursor stops at the right margin. Editor Function

CUP

Cursor Position

ESC [ Pn; Pn H

default value: 1

The CUP control sequence moves the active position to the position specified by
the parameters. This sequence has two parameter values. The first specifies the
line position, and the second specifies the column position. A parameter value of
zero or one for the first or second parameter moves the active position to the first
line or column in the display. respectively. The default condition. with no parameters present. is equivalent to a cursor to home action. This control sequence behaves identically with the HVP command. Editor Function
The numbering of lines depends on the state of the origin mode (DECOM).

PROGRAMMER INFORMATION

CU U

Cursor Up - Host to Terminal and Terminal to Host
defa ult value: 1

ESC [ Pn A

This control sequence moves the active position upward without altering the column position. The number of lines moved is determined by the parameter. A parameter value of zero or one moves the active position one line upward. A
parameter value of n moves the active position n lines upward. If an attempt is
made to move the cursor above the top margin, the cursor stops at the top margin.
Editor Function

Device Attributes
default value: 0

ESC [ Pn c
1.

The host requests the terminal to send a device attributes (DA) control
sequence to identify itself. The DA request is a control sequence with
either no parameter or a parameter of 0.

The response to the request generated by the terminal is a DA control
sequence with numeric parameters as follows.

DECALN

0 ption Present

Sequence Sent

No options
Processor option (STP)
Advanced video option (AVO)
AVO and STP
Graphic option (GPO)
GPO and STP
GPO and AVO
GPO, STP, and AVO

ESC [? 1 ;Oc
ESC [? 1; 1c
ESC [? 1 ;2c
ESC [?1 ;3c
ESC [? 1 ;4c
ESC [?1 ;5c
ESC [? 1 ;6c
ESC [?1 ;7c

Screen Alignment Display*

ESC # 8
This command fills the entire screen area with uppercase Es for screen focus and
alignment. This command is used by DIGITAL manufacturing and field service
personnel.

DECANM

ANSl/VT52 Mode*

This parameter is applicable to set mode (SM) and reset mode (RM) control sequences. The reset state causes only VT52-compatible control functions to be
interpreted and executed. The set state causes only ANSI-compatible control functions to be interpreted and executed.

DECARM

Auto Repeat Mode*

This is a private parameter applicable to set mode (SM) and reset mode (RM)
control sequences. The reset state causes no keyboard keys to auto repeat. The set
state causes certain keyboard keys to auto repeat.

PROGRAMMER INFORMATION

All keys will auto repeat except: SET-UP. ESC. NO SCROLL, TAB. RETURN. and
any key pressed with CTR L key down. Auto repeating works as follows: when a
key is typed, its code is sent once, immediately. If the key is held down for more
than one-half second, its code is sent repeatedly at a rate of approximately 30 Hz
until the key is released. This rate is lower at low transmit baud rates.

DECAWM

Autowrap Mode*

This parameter is applicable to set mode (SM) and reset mode (RM) control sequences. The reset state causes any displayable characters received when the
cursor is at the right margin to replace any previous characters there. The set state
causes these characters to advance to the start of the next line performing scroll
up if required and permitted.

DECCKM

Cursor Keys Mode*

This parameter is applicable to set mode (SM) and reset mode(RM) control sequences. This mode is only effective when the keypad application mode (DECKPAM) and the ANSl/VT52 mode (DECANM) is set. If the cursor key mode is reset
the four cursor function keys send ANSI cursor control commands. If cursor key
mode is set, the four cursor function keys send application functions.

DECCOLM

Column Mode*

This parameter is applicable to set mode (SM) and reset mode (RM) control sequences. The reset state causes a maximum of 80 columns on the screen. The set
state causes a maximum of 132 columns on the screen.

NOTE
The use of double-width characters reduces the
number of characters per line by half.
DECDHL

Double Height Line*

Top Half: ESC # 3
Bottom Half: ESC # 4
These escape sequences cause the line containing the active position to become
the top or bottom half of a double-height double-width line. The sequences must
be used in pairs on adjacent lines and the same character output must be sent to
both lines to form full double-height characters. If the line was single-width singleheight, all characters to the right of the center of the screen are lost. The cursor
remains over the same character position unless it would be to the right of the
right margin, in which case, it is moved to the right margin.

DECDWL

Double-Width Line*

ESC # 6
This escape sequence causes the line that contains the active position to become
double-width single-height. If the line was single-width single-height all characters to the right of the center of the screen are lost. The cursor remains over the
same character position unless it would be to the right of the right margin, in
which case, it is moved to the right margin.

PROGRAMMER INFORMATION

DECGOFF

Graphics Off*

ESC 2
Turn off graphics.

DECGON

Graphics On*

ESC 1
Turn on graphics. All subsequent characters are interpreted as commands or data
to a graphics module (if present). The terminal remains in this mode until the
graphics off command (ESC 2) is received. This command is ignored if the module
is not installed.

DECHCP

Hard Copy*

ESC # 7
This escape sequence signals the hardcopy unit to obtain control of the terminal
while it copies the video screen. Data to update the screen ceases until the hardcopy output is obtained, after which, the normal operation resumes. This command is ignored if no hard copy option is installed.

DECIO

Identify Terminal*

ESC Z
This function causes the same response as the ANSI device attributes (DA) command. The DA function is preferred over the DECIO function for new software.

DECINLM

Interlace Mode*

This parameter is applicable to set mode (SM) and reset mode (RM) control sequences. The reset state (noninterlace) causes the video processor to display 240
scan lines per frame. The set state (interlace) causes the video processor to display
480 scan lines per frame. There is no difference in character resolution.

DECKPAM
ESC

Keypad Application Mode*

Enable the auxiliary keypad keys to transmit escape sequences as defined in Tables 2-8 and 2-9.

DECKPNM

Keypad Numeric Mode*

ESC >
Return to the numeric keypad mode. The auxiliary keypad keys send ASCII codes
corresponding to the characters engraved on the keys.

PROGRAMMER INFORMATION

DECLL

Load LEDs*

ESC I Ps q

default value: 0

Light the four programmable LEDs on the keyboard according to the parameter(s).
Parameter

Meaning

Clear LEDs L 1 through L4
Light LED L 1
Light LED L2
Light LED L3
Light LED L4

1
2
3
4

LED numbers are indicated on the keyboard.
D ECOM

Origin Mode*

This parameter is applicable to set mode (SM) and reset mode (RM) control sequences. The reset state causes the origin to be at the upper-left character position
on the screen. Line numbers are independent of current margin settings. The cursor may be positioned outside the margins with a cursor position (CUP) command
or a horizontal and vertical position (HVP) command.
The set state causes the origin to be at the upper-left character position within the
margins. Line numbers are relative to the current margin settings. The cursor is not
allowed to be positioned outside the margins.
The cursor is moved to the new home position when this mode is set or reset.
Lines and columns are numbered consecutively with the origin being line 1, column 1.
DECRC

Restore Cursor*

ESC 8
This escape sequence causes the previously saved cursor position, graphic rendition, and character set to be restored.
DECREPTPARM

Report Terminal Parameters*

ESC I <sol>; <par>; <nbits>; <xspeed>;
<rspeed>; <clkmul>; <flags>x
The parameters for this control sequence are presented in Table 2-11.

PROGRAMMER INFORMATION

Table 2-11

Terminal Report Parameters

Parameter

Value

Meaning

<sol>

0 or none

This message is a request (DECREQTPARM) and the
terminal is allowed to send unsolicited reports. Unsolicited reports are sent when the terminal exits the
set-up mode.
This message is a request; the terminal may only report in response to a request.

<par>

This message is a report (DECREPTPARM).

This message is a report and the terminal is only reporting on request.

1
4

No parity set
Parity is set and odd
Parity is set and even

8 bits per character
7 bits per character

<nbits>

0
8
16
24
32
40
48
56
64

72
80
88
96
104
112

120
<clkmul>
<flags>

Bits per second
50

75
110
134.5
150

200
300
600
1200
1800
2000
2400
3600
4800
9600
19200
The bit rate multiplier is 16.

0-15

This value communicates the four switch values in
block 5 of set-up B. which are only visible to the user
when a processor option (STP) is installed. These bits
may be assigned for an STP device. The four bits are a
decimal-encoded binary number.

PROGRAMMER INFORMATION

DECREQTPARM

Request Terminal Parameters*

ESC [ <sol> x
The DECREPTPARM control sequence is sent by the terminal controller to notify
the host of the status of selected terminal parameters. The status sequence may
be sent when requested by the host or at the terminal's discretion. DECREPTPARM is sent upon receipt of a DECREQTPARM. On power-up or reset the
terminal is inhibited from sending unsolicited reports.
The meanings of the sequence parameters are given in Table 2-11.

DECSC

Save Cursor*

ESC 7
This escape sequence causes the cursor position. graphic rendition. and character
set to be saved. (See DECRC.)

DECSCLM

Scrolling Mode*

This parameter is applicable to set mode (SM) and reset mode (RM) control sequences. The reset state causes scrolls to "jump" instantaneously. The set state
causes scrolls to be "smooth" at a maximum rate of six lines per second.

DECSCNM

Screen Mode*

This parameter is applicable to set mode (SM) and reset mode (RM) control sequences. The reset state causes the screen to be black with white characters. The
set state causes the screen to be white with black characters.

DECSTBM

Set Top and Bottom Margins*

ESC [ Pn; Pn r

default value: (see below}

This control sequence sets the top and bottom margins to define the scrolling
region. The first parameter is the line number of the first line in the scrolling region;
the second parameter is the line number of the bottom line in the scrolling region.
Default is the entire screen (no margins). The minimum size of the scrolling region
allowed is two lines; that is, the top margin must be less than the bottom margin.
The cursor is placed in the home position. (See Origin Mode D ECOM .)

DECSWL

Single-Width Line*

ESC # 5
This escape sequence causes the line that contains the active position to become
single-width single-height. The cursor remains in the same character position. This
is the default condition for all new lines on the screen.

PROGRAMMER INFORMATION

DECTST

Invoke Confidence Test*

ESC [ 2 ; Ps y
Ps is the parameter indicating the test to be done. Ps is computed by taking the
value indicated for each desired test and adding them together. If Psis 0, no test is
performed, but the terminal is reset.

Test

Value

Power up self-test (ROM
checksum, RAM, NVR keyboard, and AVO if installed)
Data loop back test

2 (loop-back connector required)

EIA modem control test

4 (loop-back connector required)

Repeat selected test(s)
indefinitely until failure
or power off.

DSR

Device Status Report

ESC [ Ps n

default value: 0

This control sequence requests and reports the general status of the terminal according to the following parameter(s).

Parameter

Parameter Meaning

Response from terminal - Ready; no malfunctions detected
(default).

Response from terminal - Malfunction; retry.

Command from host - Report status (using a DSR control
sequence).

Command from host - Report active position (using a CPR
control sequence).

A parameter value of 0 or 3 is always sent in response to a DSR request with a
parameter value of 5.

Erase In Display

ESC [ PsJ

default value: 0

Erase some or all of the characters in the display according to the parameter. Any
complete line erased by this sequence returns that line to single-width mode.
Editor Function

PROGRAMMER INFORMATION

Parameter

Parameter Meaning

Erase from the active position to the end of the screen. inclusive (default).
Erase from start of the screen to the active position. inclusive.

Erase all of the display - all lines are erased. changed to
single-width. and the cursor does not move.

Erase In Line
default value: 0

ESC [ Ps K

Erase some or all characters in the active line according to the parameter. Editor
Function
Parameter

Parameter Meaning

Erase from the active position to the end of the line. inclusive (default).
Erase from the start of the screen to the active position.
inclusive.

2
HTS

Erase all of the line, inclusive.
Horizontal Tabulation Set

ESCH
Set one horizontal tab stop at the active position. Format Effector
HVP

Horizontal and Vertical Position

ESC [ Pn; Pn f

default value: 1

Move the active position as specified by the parameters. This control sequence has
two parameter values: the first specifies the line position and the second specifies
the column. A parameter value of either zero or one causes the active position to
move to the first line or column in the display. respectively. The default condition
with no parameters present moves the active position to the home position. This
command reacts identically with its editor function counterpart. CUP. The numbering of lines and columns depends on the reset or set state of the origin mode
(DECOM). Format Effector
IND

Index

ESC D
This escape sequence causes the active position to move downward one line without changing the column position. If the active position is at the bottom margin. a
scroll up is performed. Format Effector

PROGRAMMER INFORMATION

LNM

Line Feed/New Line Mode

This is a parameter applicable to set mode (SM) and reset' mode (RM) control sequences. The reset state causes the interpretation of the line feed ( LF). defined in
ANSI Standard X3.64-1977. to imply only vertical movement of the active position and causes the return key (CR) to send the single code CR. The set state
causes the LF to imply movement to the first position of the following line and
causes the return key to send the two codes (CR and LF). This is the new line (NL)
set-up feature.
This mode does not affect the index (IND). or next line (NEL) format effectors.

NEL

Next Line

ESC E
This escape sequence causes the active position to move to the first position on
the next line downward. If the active position is at the bottom margin. a scroll up is
performed. Format Effector

Reverse Index

ESC M
Move the active position to the same horizontal position on the preceding line. If
the active position is at the top margin. scroll down is performed. Format Effector

RIS

Reset To Initial State

ESC c
Reset the VT103 to its initial state as powered on. This also causes the execution
of the power-up self-test and signal IN IT H to be asserted briefly to clear graph
memories (if installed).

Reset Mode

ESC[Ps;Ps; ... ; Ps

default value: none

Reset one or more modes as specified by each selective parameter in the parameter string, Each mode to be reset is specified by a separate parameter. [See set
mode (SM) control sequence.] The last character of the sequence is a lowercase L.

PROGRAMMER INFORMATION

SCS

Select Character Set

The appropriate GO and G 1 character sets are designated from one of the five
possible character sets. The GO and G 1 sets are invoked by the codes SI and SO
(shift in and shift out) respectively.
GO Sets
Sequence

G1 Sets
Sequence

ESC(A
ESC(B
ESC(O
ESC(1

ESC)A
ESC)B
ESC)O
ESC)1

ESC(2

ESC)2

Meaning
United Kingdom set
USASCll set
Special graphics character set
Alternate character ROM
standard character set
Alternate character ROM
special graphics set

The United Kingdom and USASCll sets conform to the "ISO international register
of character sets to be used with escape sequences." The other sets are DIGITAL
private character sets. Special graphics means that the graphic characters for the
codes 137 a to 176a are replaced with other characters. The specified character
set is used until another SCS is received.
SGR

Select Graphic Rendition (Character Attributes)
default value: 0

ESC [ Ps; ... ; Ps m

Invoke the character attributes specified by the parameter(s). All following characters transmitted to the video screen react according to the parameter(s) selected
until the next occurrence of SGR. Format Effector
Parameter

Parameter Meaning

0
1
4

Attributes off
Bold or increased intensity
Underscore
Blink
Negative (reverse) image

5
7

All other parameter values are ignored.
Without the advanced video option, only one type of character attribute is possible
as determined by the cursor selection. Specify either the blinking underline or the
blinking block cursor to activate the chara'cter attribute. (See Cursor in Chapter 1,
Paragraph 1.4.)

PROGRAMMER INFORMATION

Set Mode

ESC I Ps; ... ; Ps h

default value: none

This control sequence causes one or more modes to be set as specified by each
parameter in the parameter string. Each mode to be set is specified by a separate
parameter. A mode is considered set until it is reset by a reset mode (RM) control
sequence. (See Paragraph 2.4.2 to select the parameters for the modes.)

TBC

Tabulation Clear

ESC [ Ps g

default value: 0

Parameter

Parameter Meaning

Clear the horizontal tab stop at the active position (the
default case).

Clear all horizontal tab stops.

Any other parameter values are ignored. Format Effector

2.4.2 Modes
The following is a list of modes that may be changed with set mode (SM) and reset
mode (RM) control sequences.
2.4.2.1

ANSI Specified Modes

Parameter

Mode
Mnemonic

Mode Function

LNM

Error (ignored)
Line feed/new line mode

0
20

2.4.2.2 DIGITAL Private Modes - If the first character in the parameter string
is ? (77 aL the parameters, shown in Table 2-12, are interpreted as DIGITAL private parameters. Any other parameter values are ignored.
Table 2-12

DIGITAL Private Modes

Pa rameter

Mode
Mnemonic

Mode Function

Reset

Set

DECCKM

Error (ignored)
Cursor key

ANSI functions

DECANM
DECCOLM
DECSCLM
DECSCNM
DECOM

ANSl/VT52
Column
Scrolling
Screen background
Origin

7
8
9

DECAWM
DECARM
DECINLM

Auto wrap
Auto repeating
Interlace

Application
functions
ANSI mode
132
Srnooth
White
Margin
reference
Enabled
Enabled
Interlace

2
3
4
5

VT52 mode

80
Jump
Black
Screen
reference
Disabled
Disabled
Noninterlace

PROGRAMMER INFORMATION

2.4.2.3 Other ANSI Mode States - The modes, shown in Table 2-13, are
specified in the ANSI X3.64-1977 standard and may be considered to be permanently set. permanently reset. or not applicable. Refer to that standard for further information concerning these modes.

Table 2-13

Other ANSI Modes

Mode
Mnemonic

Mode Function

State

Control representation
Editing boundary
Erasure

Reset
Reset

CRM
EBM
ERM
FEAM
FETM
GATM
HEM
IRM
KAM

Format effector action
Format effector transfer
Guarded area transfer
Horizontal editing
Insertion-replacement
Keyboard action
Multiple area transfer
Positioning unit
Selected area transfer
Status reporting transfer
Tabulation stop
Transfer termination
Vertical editing

MATM
PUM
SATM
SRTM
TSM
TTM
VEM

Set
Reset
Reset
NA
NA
Reset
Reset
NA
Reset
NA
Reset
Reset
NA
NA

2.4.3 ANSI Control Function Summary
The following is a summary of the VT103 ANSI control functions. The ANSI mode
must be enabled to use the control functions outlined in the following paragraphs.
Recognition of the control function is dependent on system software and in some
cases the presence of terminal options. The following definitions apply.

•

Pn refers to a parameter in the range of 060a to 071 8 .

•

Ps refers to a selective parameter from a specified list. Ps has a range of
O (0608 ) to 9 (071a).

•

Multiple parameters are separated by a semicolon (07Ja).

•

If a parameter is omitted or specified to be 0, the default parameter
value is used. (For the cursor movement commands, the default parameter value is 1.)

PROGRAMMER INFORMATION

Character Attributes
ESC [ Ps;Ps;Ps; ... ; Ps m
Ps refers to a selective parameter. Multiple parameters are separated by a semicolon (073a). The parameters are executed in order and have the following meanings.
Parameter (Ps)

Attribute

0 or None

All attributes off
Bold on
Underscore on
Blink on
Reverse video on

1
4
5
7

Any other parameter values are ignored.

Character Sets (GO and G1 Designators)
The GO and G 1 character sets are designated as follows.
Character Set

GO Designator

G1 Designator

United Kingdom (UK)

ESC (A

ESC)A

U.S. (ASCII)

ESC ( B

ESC) B

Special graphics characters
and line drawing set

ESC ( 0

ESC) 0

Alternate character ROM

ESC ( 1

ESC) 1

Alternate character ROM
special graphic characters

ESC ( 2

ESC) 2

Cursor Movement Commands
Cursor up
Cursor down
Cursor forward (right)
Cursor backward (left)
Direct cursor addressing
Index
Reverse index
Save cursor and attributes
Restore cursor and attributes

ESC [ Pn A
ESC [ Pn B
ESC [ Pn C
ESC [ Pn D
ESC [Pl; Pc H
or ESC [ Pl; Pc f
ESC D
ESC M
ESC 7
ESC 8

Pl = line number; Pc = column number; default parameter value = 1.

PROGRAMMER INFORMATION

Erase
From cursor to end of line
From beginning of line to cursor
Entire line containing cursor
From cursor to end of screen
From beginning of screen to cursor
Entire screen

ESC [ K or ESC [ 0 K
ESC [ 1 K
ESC [ 2 K
ESC [ J or ESC [ 0 J
ESC [ 1 J
ESC [ 2 J

Line Size (Double-Height and Double-Width) Commands
Change this line to double-height top half
Change this line to double-height bottom half
Change this line to single-width single-height
Change this line to double-width single-height

ESC # 3
ESC # 4
ESC # 5
ESC# 6

Modes
To Set
Sequence

Mode Name

Mode

Line feed/new line
Cursor key mode
ANSl/VT52 mode
Column mode
Scrolling mode
Screen mode
Origin mode
Wraparound
Auto repeat
Interlace
Graphics option
Keypad mode

New line
Application
ANSI
132 Col
Smooth
Reverse
Relative
On
On
On
On
Application

ESC[20h
ESC [?1 h

NIA
ESC [?3h
ESC [?4h
ESC [?5h
ESC [?6h
ESC [?7h
ESC [?Sh
ESC [?9h
ESC 1
ESC =

Mode

To Reset
Sequence*

Line feed
Cursor
VT52
80 Col
Jump
Normal
Absolute
Off
Off
Off
Off
Numeric

ESC [201
ESC [? 11
ESC [?21
ESC [?31
ESC [?41
ESC [?51
ESC [?61
ESC [?71
ESC [?81
ESC [?91
ESC 2
ESC

Programmable LEDs
ESC [ Ps;Ps; ... Ps q
Ps parameters are selected from the list that follows. Separate parameters with a
semicolon (0739).
Parameter (Ps)

LED Selected

0 or None

All LEDs Off
LEDL 1 On
LED L2 On
LED L3 On
LED L4 On

1
2
3
4

Any other parameter values are ignored.
*The last character of the sequence is a lowercase L.

PROGRAMMER INFORMATION

Reports
Cursor Position Report
Invoked by:
Response is:

ESC [ 6 n
ESC [Pl; Pc R
Pl = line number and Pc = column number.

Status Report
Invoked by:
Response is:

ESC [ 5 n
ESC [ 0 n
ESC [ 3 n

(terminal OK)
(terminal not OK)

What Are You? (Identify Report)
Invoked by:

ESC [ c
or
ESC [ 0 c

Response is:

ESC [? 1 ; Ps c

Ps is the "option present" parameter with the following meaning:
Ps

Meaning

0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

No options
Processor option (STP)
Advanced video option (AVO)
AVO and STP
Graphic Waveform Generator Option (GPO)
GPO and STP
GPO and AVO
GPO. STP. and AVO

The identify report is alternately invoked by ESC Z sequence; however. this is not
recommended for new software. The response is the same.
Reset
Reset causes the power-up reset routine to be executed.
ESC c
Scrolling Region
ESC [ Pt ; Pb r
Pt is the number of the top line of the rolling region; Pb is the number of the
bottom line of the scrolling region and must be greater than Pt.

•

PROGRAMMER INFORMATION

Tab Stops
Set tab at current column
Clear tab at current column
Clear all tabs

ESCH
ESC. [ g or ESC [ 0 g
ESC [ 3 g

Tests
Fill Screen with "Es"
Invoke T est(s)

ESC # 8
ESC [ 2; Ps y

Ps is the parameter indicating the test to be done and is a decimal number computed by taking the "value" indicated for each desired test and adding them together.
Test

Value

Power-up self-test (ROM checksum.
RAM. NVR. keyboard. and AVO if
installed)
Data loop-back test

2 (Loop-back connector
required)

EIA modem control test

4 (Loop-back connector
required)

Repeat selected test(s)
(indefinitely until failure or
power off).

2.4.4 VT52 Mode Control Functions
The VT52 mode must be enabled to use the following control functions. Table 214 provides a brief summary of the valid VT52 control functions.
The following paragraphs explain the VT52 mode control functions in detail.
Graphics ON
ESC 1
Turn on graphics. All subsequent characters are interpreted as commands to the
graphics module until ESC 2 is received. This sequence is ignored if this module is
not installed.
Graphics OFF
ESC 2
Turn off graphics.

PROGRAMMER INFORMATION

Table 2-14

VT52 Mode Control Functions

Control Function/Action

Escape Sequence

Cursor Up
Cursor Down
Cursor Right
Cursor Left
Select Special Graphics character set
Select ASCII character set
Cursor to home
Reverse line feed
Erase to end of screen
Erase to end of line
Direct cursor address
Identify
Enter alternate keypad mode
Exit alternate keypad mode
Graphics option ON
Graphics option OFF
Enter ANSI mode

ESCA
ESC B
ESCC
ESC D
ESC F
ESCG
ESCH
ESC I
ESCJ
ESC K
ESC Vic (see note 1)
ESC Z (see note 2)
ESC =
ESC >
ESC 1 (see note 3)
ESC 2 (see note 3)
ESC <

NOTES:
1. Line and column numbers for the direct cursor address are single character codes with octal
values of the desired number plus 379. Line and column numbers start at 1.
2. Response to ESC Z is ESC I Z.
3. Ignored if graphics option is not installed.

Cursor Up
ESC A
Move the active position upward one position without altering the horizontal position. If an attempt is made to move the cursor above the top margin, the cursor
stops at the top margin.
Cursor Down
ESC B
Move the active position down one position without altering the horizontal position. If an attempt is made to move the cursor below the bottom margin, the cursor
stops at the bottom margin.
Cursor Right
ESC C
Move the active position to the right. If an attempt is made to move the cursor to
the right of the right margin, the cursor stops at the right margin.

PROGRAMMER INFORMATION

Cursor Left
ESC D
Move the active position one position to the left. If an attempt is made to move the
cursor to the left of the left margin. the cursor stops at the left margin.
Enter Special Graphic Character Mode
ESC F
This command causes the special graphics character set to be used.
NOTE
The special graphics characters in the VT103 are
the same as those of the VT100, but they differ
from those in the VT52.
Exit Special Graphic Character Mode
ESC G
This function returns the terminal to the standard ASCII character set.
Cursor to Home
ESCH
Move the cursor to the home position.
Reverse Line Feed
ESC I
Move the active position up one position without altering the column position. If
the active position is at the top margin. a scroll down is performed.
Erase to End of Screen
ESC J
Erase all characters from the active position to the end of the screen. The active
position is not changed.
Erase to End of Line
ESC K
Erase all characters from the active position to the end of the current line. The
active position is not changed.

PROGRAMMER INFORMATION

Direct Cursor Addressing
ESC Y line column
Move the cursor to the specified line and column. The line and column numbers
are sent as ASCII codes whose values are the number plus 037 8 . For example.
040a refers to the first line or column, 050 8 refers to the eighth line or column, etc.

Identify
ESC Z
This function causes the terminal to send an identifier escape sequence to the host
as follows: ESC I Z

NOTE
Information regarding options must be obtained in
ANSI mode, using the device attributes (DA) control sequence.
Enter Alternate Keypad Mode
ESC

The auxiliary keypad keys send unique identifiable escape sequences for use by
applications programs.

Exit Alternate Keypad Mode
ESC >
The auxiliary keypad keys send the ASCII codes for the functions or characters
engraved on the key.

Enter ANSI Mode
ESC <
Entering this mode allows the terminal to recognize ANSI-compatible control functions. (Refer to Paragraph 2.4.1.) The VT52 control functions in this section will
not be recognized.

2.5

COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL

2.5.1
Full Duplex - XON/XOFF Response
This terminal can operate at transmission speeds up to 19,200 baud. However. the
terminal may not be able to keep up with incoming data. The terminal stores
incoming characters in a 64-character buffer and processes them on a first-in/firstout basis. When the contents of the buffer reaches 32 characters. the terminal
transmits 023 8 (XOFF or DC3). On this signal. the host should suspend its transmission to the terminal. If the host stops transmitting, the terminal soon depletes
the buffer. When 16 characters remain in the buffer. the terminal transmits 0219
(XON or DC1) to signal the host to resume transmission.

PROGRAMMER INFORMATION

The terminal always recognizes received XOFF and XON. Receipt of XOFF inhibits
transmission of any codes except XOFF and XON. From three to seven keystrokes
on the keyboard will be stored in a keyboard buffer (some keys transmit two or
three codes, e.g., cursor controls). If the keyboard buffer overflows, keyclicks stop
and the KBD LOCKED LED turns on. Transmission resumes upon receipt of XON.
Also, entering set-up mode causes the terminal to temporarily stop taking characters from the buffer. An XOFF is sent if the buffer becomes nearly full.
Entering and exiting set-up clears the keyboard locked condition.
Calculating Buffer Overflow - If the host fails to respond to an XOFF from the
terminal, the buffer continues to fill. When the 64-character capacity of the buffer
is exceeded, a buffer overflow condition occurs. To determine if the buffer will
overflow. use the following formulas.
No. of characters to overflow = 32 - [3 X (receive speed/transmit speed)]
Time to respond to XOFF

= No. of characters to overflow X (bits per character + parity bit + 2)/receive speed

Example 1:
The terminal is transmitting 8-bit characters with no parity at 1200 baud and
receiving at 1200 baud. The terminal sends an XOFF. The formula applies as
follows:
No. of characters to overflow

= 32 - [3 X (1200/1200)] = 29 characters

Time to respond to XOFF

= 29 X (8+0+ 2)/1200 = 0.2416 second

NOTE
The host must respond to the XOFF within 0.2416
second to avoid a buffer overflow.
Example 2:
The VT103 is transmitting 7-bit characters (with parity) at 300 baud and is receiving at 1200 baud. The terminal sends an XOFF.
No. of characters to overflow

= 32 - [3 X ( 1200/300)] = 20 characters

Time to respond to XOFF

= 20 X (7+ 1 +2)/1200 = 0.1666 second

NOTE
The host must respond within 0. 1666 second to
avoid a buffer overflow. If the buffer overflows, the
VT103 will begin to discard incoming characters
and the error character ( :::::: ) will be displayed.

PROGRAMMER INFORMATION

Software that does not support the AUTO XON/XOFF feature can still use this
terminal if the following conditions are met.
1.
2.
3.

The software never sends an ESC code to the terminal.
The baud rate is limited to 4800 or less.
The software does not use smooth scrolling or split screen features.

2.5.2 Reset and Self-Test
Reset and self-test routines initialize the terminal and erase the input buffer. Any
characters received and placed in the buffer are destroyed after either of these
commands.
To compensate for this, the host may act in one of two ways.
1.

Immediately after sending the commands to perform either the reset or
self-test functions, the host may act as if it had received XOFF from the
terminal, thus sending no more characters until it receives XON. The
terminal transmits XON after it completes the specified operation if the
AUTO XOFF/XON feature is enabled.

When the first method cannot be implemented, a delay of 10 seconds
or more may be used to allow the terminal time to complete the function. Future options may require a change in the time delay. This
method, however, does not guarantee against the loss of data when an
invoked function has detected an error.

The XOFF/XON synchronization scheme has an advantage over requiring the host
to insert delays or filler characters in its data stream. Requiring a minimum of
software support, XON/XOFF ensures that every character or command sent to
the terminal is processed in correct order. It frees interface programs from all
timing considerations and results in a more reliable operation.

2.5.3 NO SCROLL and CTRL S/CTRL Q
There are two other means of transmitting XOFF and XON - the NO SCROLL key,
and CTRL S/CTRL 0. If the AUTO XON/XOFF feature is enabled, the terminal
coordinates these operations so that the desired effect occurs. For example: If the
buffer-filling condition causes an XOFF to be sent and the operator types the NO
SCROLL key, a second XOFF is not sent. However, instead of sending an XON
when the buffer empties, the terminal waits until the operator types the NO
SCROLL key again before sending XON. Use of CTRL S and CTRL Q is synchronized with the NO SCRO LL key.
If the AUTO XON/XOFF feature is disabled, the buffer-filling condition does not
send an XOFF, the NO SCROLL key is disabled, and CTRL S and CTRL 0 are
transmitted as typed.
If the user transmits an XOFF to the host (by CTRL S or NO SCROLL), the host
should not send any characters until the user transmits XON (by typing CTRL Q or
the NO SCROLL key again).

PROGRAMMER INFORMATION

You can test for CPU acceptance of XOFF as follows.
1.

Print any listing to the terminal.

While the terminal is printing the listing. press: CTRL S
The listing should stop.

Press: CTRL Q
The listing should resume.

NOTE
Perform this test any time you suspect the terminal
is losing data. Also check the setting of the AUTO
XON/OFF feature; it should be enabled for
DIGITAL LSl-11 processors .

•

CHAPTER 3
VT103 LSl-11
SUPPORT HARDWARE

3.1
GENERAL
The second block of the VT103 consists of the LSl-11 support hardware. This
hardware can be subdivided into three basic subassemblies.
•
•
•

A backplane assembly
An upgraded power supply (H7835)
A fan assembly

This chapter describes these subassemblies. briefly describes the system architecture. presents a typical system configuration. and introduces the LSl-11 bus.
For in-depth information on the LSl-11 microcomputer. refer to the Microcomputer Processors handbook. For information on other options. refer to the
Memories and Peripherals handbook.

3.2 SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE
A complete and powerful microcomputer system can be configured using the
VT103. By selecting an LSl-11 processor module. memory module, a serial line
interface. 1/0 devices. and interconnection hardware. you can build a system to
meet your application. The VT103 backplane provides communication paths between system components. A typical LSl-11 system may be configured as shown
in Figure 3-1.
3.2.1
VT103 Backplane Assembly
The VT103 backplane assembly, shown in Figure 3-2. consists of a multilayer
printed circuit board with two H803s (2 X 4 connector blocks) stacked vertically
in a 4 X 4 configuration. These connector blocks provide eight option slots. The
backplane conforms to LSl-11 bus rules and specifications for a backplane of less
than 25 cm ( 10 in) in length. All configuration rules and expansion rules for a
backplane of this length are outlined in the Microcomputer Processors handbook.

VT103 LSl-11 SUPPORT HARDWARE

TO TERMINAL
CONTROLLER EIA PORT

TO
TU58 EIA PORT

r-----,
LSl-11 CPU
MODULE

SERIAL LINE
INTERFACE

MEMORY

PARALLEL
INTERFACE

L_ -

r- ---

r---1
I

I
I

I
GRAPHICS I- """"\

L ___ .J

r----,
I

I OPTION

I TAPE DRIVE h

L ___ _,1

I TU58

,r-~

TERMINAL
CONTROLLER
MODULE

T
I
I
I
I

- - ---BACKPLANE

LSl-11 BUS

---- - -

---

I
I
___ J

1
I
_J

I
I

r-- --1

r-- --.,

I HIGH-SPEED I

D -

PRINTER
SYSTEM

I
I
L _____ J

I
I

MISC
INTERFACE
MODULE
I
OPTIONS
I
_ _ _ _ _ _J

r-- ---,

r--

I DISK OR
I
I FLOPPY DISK I

I SYSTEM

L _____ _J

--.,

BOOTSTRAP/

1 ROM OPTION 1

L _____ .JI

A/D CONVERTERS,
D/A CONVERTERS,
PARALLEL LINE INTERFACES

VT103
TERMINAL
MR-2990

Figure 3-1

Typical LSl-11 System Configuration

Other components on the backplane include the following.
1.

A 22-pin AMP connector for the terminal controller module

An 18-pin AMP connector for a graphics module
1

A 6-pin power supply plug for the TU58 tape drive included in VT103BA systems

Jumper pins to enable the line time clock signal

An edge connector for the video terminal power harness

Fast-on tabs for user-supplied battery backup power

The other side of the backplane has no connectors or pins.
The VT103 backplane assembly attaches to a mounting frame. as shown in Figure
3-3. The frame has standoffs to support the H803 connector blocks and two AMP
connectors.

VT103 LSl-11 SUPPORT HARDWARE

c
+5V
BATTERY
BACKUP

GND
+12 v
W4

W2
W1

OClO
OCJO
W1

EDGE CONNECTOR
FOR POWER HARNESS

'fl

MA-2991

Figure 3-2

VT103 Backplane Assembly

VT103 LSl-11 SUPPORT HARDWARE

MODULE ACCESS DOOR

CONNECT//

STP

'
'
TERMINAL
CONTROLLER

~MOUNTING

""
VT103 BACKPLANE
ASSEMBLY

CARD CAGE AND
FRAME

POWER HARNESS

Figure 3-3

VT103 With Top and Bottom Covers Removed

3.2.2 Standard Terminal Port
The standard terminal port (STP) connector card provides internal connectors for
communication line interfaces. You install this module in the STP connector on the
terminal controller module, shown in Figure 3-3. (See Chapter 5.) This module
intercepts the communications path between the terminal controller module and
the EIA connector at the rear of the terminal. The STP module has two 10-pin
connectors (J 1 and J2) and one 40-pin connector (J3).

J 1 connects to the console device interface, which must also contain a 10-pin
connector. J2 connects a second serial port to the terminal controller module. The
second port is then connected through the terminal controller unit to the EIA
connector at the rear of the terminal. Two 10-pin cables are provided with the
VT103 for connecting the STP module to console devices.

•

VT103 LSl-11 SUPPORT HARDWARE

J3 is for connecting an interface that has a 40-pin connector on it using a BCOSR01 cable (not supplied). The communications cable, or cable to modem, is then
attached to the EIA connector at the rear of the terminal.
NOTE
When connecting an asynchronous serial line interface to the STP module, disconnect any baud rate
selection on the MXV11 or DLV11-J. A DLV11-E or
-F must be configured for common speed. You select a common baud rate using the transmit speed
(T SPEED) in set-up 8. (Refer to Chapter 5.)
3.2.3 H7835 Power Supply
The H7835 power supply in the VT103 provides the following voltages at the
specified current levels.
H7835 Power Supply Less Power Used by VT103 Components
Voltage

Current

Monitor

Basic Video

Adv Video

TU58

+5V

16.0A

2.5A

1.1 A

0.75A

5.0A

1.0A

0.6A

-12

0.5A

0.6 A (1.0 A
spike on tape
startup)

-23

0.01 A

+12

The power supply is switch selectable on the rear of the terminal to either 90-130
V rms, or 180-250 V rms. at a line frequency of 47-63 Hz.
The power supply is convection cooled and rated to function in a VT103 at
5°-40° C (41°-104° F). The complete terminal specifications are presented in
Chapter 5.

•

Power 0 K - The power supply monitors both the ac power input and the de
power output. Two power OK signals to the VT103 backplane are:
BPOK H

AC power OK - negating this signal warns of impending loss
of ac power; asserting this signal implies that ac power is restored.

BDCOK H

DC power OK - negating this signal warns of impending loss
of de power; asserting this signal implies that de power is restored.

LTC Interrupt - Line time clock (LTC) interrupts can be enabled to the backplane
by wirewrap jumper W4. This jumper is not factory installed in the VT103. LTC
interrupts occur at the line frequency of the ac supply to the VT103.

VT103 LSl-11 SUPPORT HARDWARE

3.2.4 VT103 Fan Assembly
The VT103 has a cooling fan for the logic assembly. This fan is mounted above the
logic case on a metal plate that creates a plenum effect within the logic area in
which the air is to travel. The fan draws air from beneath the terminal, cools the
logic modules, and exhausts the air upward through the openings in the top of the
terminal cabinet.
CAUTION
Keep the ventilation slots clear so the terminal does
not overheat.
3.3 TU58 DECtape II (OPTIONAL)
The VT103 optionally supports a dual drive TU 58 cartridge tape drive subsystem.
The TU 58 is installed below the monitor (both the drives and the controller module). The dual drives protrude below the monitor to provide convenient access to
the operator. The TU58 cannot be upgraded in the field; it must be factory installed. Refer to Chapter 4 for additional information on the TU58.

3.4 THE LSl-11 BUS
The LSl-11 bus is a simple, fast, easy-to-use interface between LSl-11 modules.
The bus has bidirectional bus data and control lines (except daisy-chained grant
signals). All LSl-11 modules connected to this bus structure receive the same
interface signal lines.
3.4.1
Module Slot Assignments, Priority, and Configuration Considerations
Since the LSl-11 bus is used by the processor and all 110 devices, the priority of
each is determined by the hardware structure of the backplane assembly. When
more than one device requests control of the bus at the same time, the device
electrically closest to the processor module has the highest priority.
Figure 3-4 shows the slot and row assignments of the VT103 backplane. Slot 1.
rows A and 8, has the highest priority and is reserved for the LSl-11 processor
module you select. The option number indicates the daisy-chain bus grant wiring
scheme with respect to the processor module. The bus grant signals propagate
through the slot locations in the order shown until they reach the requesting device. Any unused slot must be jumpered to maintain the bus grant continuity; or
we recommend that unused locations occur only in the highest numbered locations.

3.4.2 Configuring LSl-11 Backplane Systems
Three characteristics of each module in an LSl-11 system must be known before
configuring the system.
1.
2.
3.

Power consumption
DC bus loading
AC bus loading

Power consumption is the amount of current drawn from the power supply for
each voltage. The amount of current at + 5 Vdc should be determined separately
from the amount of current at + 12 Vdc. Be sure to include the current drawn by
the VT103 monitor, base video, advanced video (if installed), and TU58 (if installed). (See Paragraph 3.2.3.)

•

VT103 LSl-11 SUPPORT HARDWARE

POWER HARNESS
CONNECTOR

TU58 POWER
CONNECTOR

+12 v
+5 v
BB2 GND 881

A22

22TERMINAL CONTROLLER1 o
W1

!~~lo,18-- -1. . . --.lol n : : W

4
J3

SLOT

8.9 CM
OPTION 2

OPTION 1 (HIGHEST PRIORITY)
T

..L

OPTION 4

OPTION 3

OPTION 5

OPTION 6

+ T

(3.5 IN)

L,~~11 I

.J.

B:J_

.J..

OPJIO~ 7

OPTION 8 (LOWEST PRIORITY)

ROW

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2 6 . 5 CM (10.44 I N ) - - - - - - - - - - - - 1..
MR-3001

Figure 3-4

VT103 Backplane Module Utilization

DC bus loading is the leakage current a module presents to a bus signal line; one
de load is 105 µA. Most modules present one de load to the backplane.
AC loading is the capacitance a module presents to a bus signal line; one ac load
equals 9.35 pF. The ac load varies for each LSl-11 module.
The power consumption. de load, and ac load of each option to be installed in the
backplane can be found in the Memories and Peripherals handbook. The ac loading
of the VT103 backplane is 4.5 ac loads. The following rules apply for the LSl-11
backplane.

3.5

The LSl-11 bus can support up to 20 de loads.

The bus can support up to 20 ac loads before a terminator module is
required.

If a terminator module is added to the bus. the bus can support a maximum of 35 ac loads.

The VT103 supports all LSl-11 bus modules and expansion boxes as
specified in the Microcomputer Processors handbook.

TYPICAL LSl-11 CONFIGURATIONS
Both the video terminal and the TU58 DECtape II in the VT103 require a serial line
interface to communicate on the LSl-11 bus. Two typical configurations are illustrated. Each provides 10-pin connectors for cables to the STP module and the
TU58.

VT103 LSl-11 SUPPORT HARDWARE

Figure 3-5 shows an LSl-11 processor. an MSV11-DD 32K word memory module. and a DLV11-J 4-channel serial line interface. One channel is conneGted to
the TU58 and one channel is connected to the terminal console via the STP module.
Figure 3-6 illustrates another possible configuration: an LSl-11 processor with an
MXV11-A multipurpose memory module. The MXV11-A has two serial line channels.

NOTE
Refer to the Microcomputer Processors handbook
and the Memories and Peripherals handbook to determine the modules that meet your application.

::;; o
W5
SLOT

POWER HARNESS
CONNECTOR

•

A22

22TERMINAL CONTROLLER1 o
W1

4
1 ! 0 1 i!::W
1-8 -~

!~r----"T"""lo1

MSV11-DD MEMORY

LSl-11 PROCESSOR

DLV11-J 4-CHANNEL
SERIAL LINE INTERFACE

OPTION 4

OPTION 5

OPTION 6

OPTION 8 (LOWEST PRIORITY)

OPJIO!;'J 7

_J_
I

ROW

LSl-11
BUS

D
MR-3215

Figure 3-5

Example 1: Configuring the LSl-11 Bus

POWER HARNESS
CONNECTOR

•

A22

::;; o 22TERMINAL CONTROLLER1 o
W5
SLOT

4
1 l 0 I i!::W
1-8 -~
W1

!~r----"T"""lo1

LSl-11 PROCESSOR
T

MXV11-A MEMORY AND SERIAL IN/OUT

_J_

OPTIO~ 3

OPTION 4
...L

OPTION 5

OPTION 6

OPTION 8 (LOWEST PRIORITY)

OPJIO~ 7

ROW

LSl-11
BUS

D
MR-3216

Figure 3-6

Example 2: Configuring the LSl-11 Bus

CHAPTER 4

TU58 TAPE DRIVE
•

4.1
GENERAL INFORMATION
The VT103-BA terminal has a factory-installed TU58 DECtape II tape cartridge
drive mounted within the video monitor. The dual tape drives are accessible from
the front of the video monitor directly below the video display. as shown in Figure
4-1.
The tapes used by the system are preformatted, miniature. reel-to-reel cartridges
that hold 256K bytes of data in 512-byte blocks. Each tape has two tracks which
hold 256 blocks of data.

NOTE
The TU58 programming message packets are defined in Appendix A.
TU45-K cartridges are preformatted. The VT103 cannot format these tapes. but
the preformatted tapes are available from DIGITAL. Refer to Chapter 1 for ordering
information .

•
'

4.1.1 Tape Cartridge Storage and Care
The following general rules apply for handling tape cartridges for maximum errorfree operation.
1.

Keep tapes away from magnetism. dust. heat. and direct sunltght.

Never touch the surface of the tape.

Remove tape cartridges from the drive when not in use.

Always store the tape cartridges inside containers when not in use.

TU58 TAPE DRIVE

•
digital

TAPE UNIT 1

MR-2892

Figure 4-1

VT103 With TU58 DECtape II

If the tape is exposed to extremes of temperature, rewind the tape in
both directions before using. Temperature extremes are less than 0° C
(32 ° F) or greater than 50° C ( 122 ° F).

•
CAUTION
System and program tapes should always be copied
to ensure against data loss if a tape cartridge should
malfunction.

4.1.2 Write Protect Tab
Each cartridge has a movable write protect tab. This tab· may be placed in one of
two positions, as illustrated in Figure 4-2.
Write Protect - Move tab toward drive roller. This inhibits writing onto the
tape cartridge.

Record (Write Permitted) - Move tab away from drive roller. The system may
now write on the tape.

•

TU58 TAPE DRIVE

WRITE PROTECT TAB IN
PROTECT POSITION

MOVE TO RIGHT TO RECORD
~~~~~~~~-~

MOVE TO LEFT TO PROTECT

MR-2893

Figure 4-2

Write Protect Tab

The write protect tab may be completely removed from the tape cartridge to eliminate accidentally having the tab in the wrong posi~on and any possibility of overwriting data on the tape cartridge. To remove the\ write protect tab:
1.

Move the tab into the write protect position.

Lift the tab and remove it from the cartridge. Save this tab for possible
reinstallation on the tape cartridge.

To reinstall the write protect tab:
1.

Place the tab into the tab slot over the write protect position.

Press down firmly until the tab clicks into place.

4.1.3 Tape Cartridge Installation and Removal
To load a tape cartridge into the VT103:
1.

Hold the cartridge with the label side up.

Push the cartridge into the tape drive opening, as shown in Figure 4-3.

The tape drive opening is covered by a protective door that swings upward whenever a tape is inserted.
To remove a tape cartridge:
1.

Wait for tape motion to stop.
CAUTION
If a tape is removed when the tape is in motion, a
tape error message is generated by the tape controller and data may be lost.

TU58 TAPE DRIVE

•

Figure 4-3

Loading a Cartridge

Pull the cartridge directly out of the tape drive opening.

WARNING
Remove both tapes before disassembling the
VT103 cabinet. If left in the tape drive, you may
damage the cabinet when disassembling the
VT103.
4.1.4 Tape Drive Cleaning
Weekly cleaning of the tape drive components minimizes tape and head wear and
reduces the possibility of tape damage and data errors.
1.

Clean the tape drive head. shown in Figure 4-4. using a cotton-tipped
wooden applicator moistened with head cleaning fluid (DEC part number TUC01 ).

Clean the entire surface of the drive capstan by rotating it with the
cotton-tipped applicator moistened with head cleaning fluid.

4.2 TU58 COMMUNICATION SELECTION
The TU58 and the video terminal communicate via a user-supplied serial line interface on the LSl-11 bus. You may select a variety of transmission rates and standards to be compatible with the serial line interface you select.

•

TU58 TAPE DRIVE

~-....: _, ,., ~ '

.. ···~ . ·. ,...... - .. .

DRIVE PUCK

TAPE HEAD

digit a I

'~~TAPE

I
DRIVE COVER

DETAIL "A" VIEW INTO TAPE DRIVE CARTRIDGE SLOT
MR-3005

Figure 4-4

Tape Drive Cleaning

The TU 58 controller module operates on full duplex. asynchronous 4-wire lines.
The transmission and receive rates may be independently set with jumpers from
150 to 38.4K baud. The TU 58. when shipped with the VT103. is factory-configured with both transmit and receive baud rates set to 38.4K baud.
The TU 58 controller module offers a choice of Electronic Industry Association
(EIA) standards: RS-422 (balanced signals) or RS-423 (unbalanced signals). The
TU58 is factory-configured for RS-423; this is compatible with devices complying
with RS-232-C standard. such as the video terminal in the VT103.
4.2.1
Selecting Baud Rate
Table 4-1 lists the pins on the TU 58 controller module and their function. The
transmit and receive baud rates may be independently set. or they can operate at
the same rate. Connect the pin with the desired baud rate to XM IT or RCV pins or
both. Figure 4-5 shows the pin locations. and Figure 4-6 shows the factory-wired
configuration.

TU58 TAPE DRIVE

Table 4-1

TU58 Controller Module Pin Assignments

Wirewrap Pins
WW1
WW2
WW3
WW4
WW5
WW6
WW7
WW8
WW9
WW10
WW11
WW12
WW13

150 Baud
300 Baud
600 Baud
1200 Baud
2400 Baud
4800 Baud
9600 Baud
19200 Baud
38400 Baud
UART Receive Clock
UART Transmit Clock
Auxiliary A
Auxiliary B

WW14
WW15
WW16

Ground }
Boot

WW17
WW18
WW19
WW20
WW21
WW22
WW23}
WW24

Factory Test Point
Connect together for auto-boot on power-up.

RS-423 Driver
RS-423 Common (Ground)
Transmit Line+
Transmit Line RS-422 Driver+
RS-422 Driver Receiver Series Resistor
(Jump for RS-422)

Serial Interface Connector
J2-1
J2-2
J2-3
J2-4
J2-6

Auxiliary B
Ground
Receive Line +
Receive Line Ground

J2-7
J2-8
J2-9
J2-10

Transmit LineTransmit Line +
Ground
Auxiliary A

Power Input Connector
J1-1
j 1-3

+12V
Ground

•
j 1-5
j 1-6

+5V
Ground

J3.4-9
J3.4-10
J3.4-11
J3.4-12
J3.4-13
J3.4-14
J3.4-15
J3,4-16

LED
Head Shield Ground
Erase Return
Erase 1
Erase 0
Head Return
Head 0
Head 1

Drive Cable•
J3.4-1
J3.4-2
J3.4-3
J3.4-4
J3.4-5
J3.4-6
J3.4-7
J3.4-8

Cart L
No Connection
Permit L
Signal Ground
Motor+
Motor+12 v
Tachometer

TU58 TAPE DRIVE

DIAGNOSTIC
LED
WW
TP +14
GND +

QD28

BOOT+~W

8 ~

....-------.

N
UJ

150+WW
300 + 1

600+
1200+
2400+
4800+
9600+
19.2K+
38.4K+
(".)
(".)
RCV+CLK
UJ
232117-19
XMIT +CLK
423 18-20
AUX A+
AUXB+WW
422
13
21-19
WW
WW
22-20
24
17
++++++++++
23-24

(".)

N
UJ

t-Ln
~
,.... N,....
,.... <D
,....
,.... (".)

a: a: a: a: a:
1-----i

(".)

u
<D
N

<D
N

MR-3219

Figure 4-5

TU58 Controller Module Jumper Pin Locations

TU58 TAPE DRIVE

BAUD

L2RCV
C(SXMIT

0
0

EIA STANDARD
~
RS-423

ooooOOOO

MR-3220

Figure 4-6

TU58 Factory Wiring

4.2.2 Selecting Transmission Standard
The transmission standard is selected by connecting sets of pins together. The
module is shipped prewired for RS-423. To change this selection. connect the pins
indicated.
EIA Standard

Connections

RS-422

pin 21 to pin 19,
pin 22 to pin 20. and
pin 23 to pin 24.

RS-423

pin 17 to pin 19. and
pin 18 to pin 20.

The jumper pins are standard 0.635 mm (0.025 in) wirewrap (WW) posts that may
be connected using 30 AWG wire and a hand tool. You may use other techniques.
such as slip-on connectors. DEC H821 Grip Clips, 915 patchcords. 917 daisychain, or soldering.

CHAPTER 5
INSTALLATION,
INTERFACE INFORMATION,
AND SPECIFICATIONS

5.1
UNPACKING
The VT103 is packaged within a reinforced carton containing the following items.
VT103 video monitor
Detached Keyboard
Power Cord
Standard Terminal Port (STP) module
STP module cables (2)
Module Support Guides (4)
Screws, spacers, washers, and nuts (2 each)
SET-UP Label
User Guide
Instructions are printed on the carton for unpacking the unit.
5.2 SITE CONSIDERATIONS
The VT103 consists of a video monitor and detachable keyboard that may be
placed on a desk or table top. The dimensions of the VT103 are shown in Figure 5-1.
Specifications for operating environment are provided in Paragraph 5.6.
5.3 INSTALLATION
To install the VT103 perform the following steps.
1.

Remove the VT103 from the shipping carton and place it in the desired
work area.

Verify that the power selector switch shows the correct wall outlet
voltage ( 115 V is standard in the U.S.).
Switch Position

Voltage Range

115
230

90 - 128 Vac RMS
180 - 256 Vac RMS
81

INSTALLATION. INTERFACE INFORMATION. AND SPECIFICATIONS

•

8.9 CM
(3 1/2 IN.)

L (4111CM
_j~
3/8 IN)

L24.5 CM (9 5/8 IN.)__j
- - - - 3 0 . 5 CM (12 I N . ) - - - - - -

20 32 CM (8 IN)

- - - - - - 3 6 . 2 CM (14 1/4 I N . ) - - - - - ..__ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 51.4 -CM (20 1/4 I N . * ) - - - - - - - - - - - - - '

- - - - - - 4 1 . 3 CM (16 1/4 I N . ) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4 5 . 7 C M (18 I N . ) - - - - - - - *MEASUREMENT TAKEN WITH THE KEYBOARD PLACED FLUSH TO FRONT OF TERMINAL UN DER UNDERCUT.
MR-3526

Figure 5-1

VT103 Terminal Dimensions

Verify that the power ·switch is OFF.
Position

AC Power

Up
Down

ON
OFF

INSTALLATION. INTERFACE INFORMATION. AND SPECIFICATIONS

Remove the module access cover from the rear of the terminal by removing the four captive screws. shown in Figure 5-2.

The VT103 backplane has a jumper (W4) for enabling a line time clock
(LTC). Check to be sure your system needs this LTC clock before installing W4. The backplane jumpers and wirewrap pins are shown in Figure
5-3 (I = installed, R = removed).
Jumper
Designation

Jumper State

W1,W2,W5

Function
Implemented
Factory configured; do not
change.

Factory configured; do not
change.

If installed, enables LTC by connecting pin 14 to the backplane.

The VT103 signal and power pin assignments are listed in Table 5-1.

CAPTIVE
SCREWS (4)

ACCESS
COVER

EIA
COMMUNICATIONS
CONNECTOR
EXTERNAL VIDEO
INPUT CONNECTOR
EXTERNAL VIDEO
OUTPUT CONNECTOR

POWER SWITCH

KEYBOARD
CONNECTOR

POWER
SELECTOR
SWITCH

CONNECTOR
MR-2891

Figure 5-2

VT103 Rear View

INSTALLATION. INTERFACE INFORMATION. AND SPECIFICATIONS

SERIAL LINE INTERFACE

STP
MODULE

TO TU58
TAPE CONTROLLER
(IF PRESENT)

TERMINAL
CONTROLLER
MODULE

er:

EIA
COMMUNICATIONS
CONNECTOR

CJ)

~
u

0
er:
a..

.....

"""
z

0
j:::
a..
0

j:::
a..

j:::

a..
0

.....I

', .....'_-... - · 9 - - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - - - - -

I
GRAPHICS CONNECTOR

Figure 5-3

VT103 Backplane

MR-2993

INSTALLATION. INTERFACE INFORMATION. AND SPECIFICATIONS

Table 5-1
VT103 Backplane Signal
and Power Pin Assignments at Edge Connector
Pin
(Side 1 and 2)

Signal/Power
BV4 HORIZ DRIVE H
GND
DIRECT DRIVE VIDEO
BV4 VERT DRIVEL

2
3
4
5
6
7

Unused
Unused
+12 v
GND
-12 v
-23V
BDCOK
BPOK
GND

8
9
10
11
12
13
14

LTC
GND
GND
GND
GND

15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22

+5V
+5V
+5V
+5V

The standard terminal port (STP). included with the VT103, has three
EIA connectors.
Two 10-pin connectors are for installing cables to serial line interfaces,
such as a DLV11-J 4-channel serial line interface or an MXV11-A multipurpose memory and serial in/out module.
One connector is a 40-pin Berg connector for installing a cable to serial
line units that also have a Berg connector, such as a DLV11-E/F asynchronous line interface or DUV 11 synchronous line interface.
Install the STP module as follows.
a.

Remove the terminal controller module from J 1 of the VT103
backplane.

Plug the STP module into J3 on the terminal controller module, as
shown in Figure 5-4.

Two 38 cm ( 15 in) 10-conductor cables are supplied with the
VT103. Plug one of these cables into J 1 on the STP module. Run
this cable around the back of the STP module, as shown in Figure
5-4.

INSTALLATION, INTERFACE INFORMATION, AND SPECIFICATIONS

10-CONDUCTOR
CABLE
38 CM (15 IN)

~
W1

STP
MODULE

.,----------.,
0

,-------I

I
1

I
ADVANCED
VIDEO
OPTION

o
STANDARD
TERMINAL
PORT (STP)

L -,

10
I

L _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ~_J
J6

TERMINAL
CONTROLLER
MODULE

J9
KYB

LEGEND
1. INSERT STP MODULE IN J3 ON
TERMINAL CONTROLLER MODULE.
2. CONNECT 10-CONDUCTOR CABLE
TO J1 ON STP MODULE.
3. RUN CABLE BEHIND STP MODULE
TO CONSOLE INTERFACE. DO NOT
TWIST OR INVERT CABLE.
4. INSERT SPACERS BETWEEN STP
MODULE AND TERMINAL CONTROLLER MODULE. SECURE
WITH MOUNTING HARDWARE.
MR-3415

Figure 5-4

Standard Terminal Port (STP) Installation

INSTALLATION. INTERFACE INFORMATION. AND SPECIFICATIONS

Connect the other end of this cable to your console serial line
interface.
Example:
1.

Connect the cable to channel 3 (J3) on a DLV11-J. or

Connect the cable to channel 1 (J2) on an MXV11.

Install the connector right side up with no twists in the cable.
NOTE
When connecting asynchronous serial line interfaces to the STP module, disconnect the baud rate
selection for those channels on their line interface
module. The console baud rate is automatically provided by the terminal controller at approximately
15K baud. The baud for the second communication
interface can be selected, using the transmit speed
(T SPEED) in set-up B.

OPTIONAL - If you have a second serial line unit with a 10-pin
connector, run a cable from this unit behind the STP module and
connect to J2 on the STP module. as shown in Figure 5-5. Connect the communications cable from the second unit to the EIA
connector on the rear of the terminal.
OPTIONAL - If you have a second serial line unit (synchronous or
asynchronous) with a 40-pin connector. connect one end of a
BCOSR-01 cable (not supplied) to J3 on the STP module with the
connector right side up, as shown in Figure 5-6. Do not twist the
cable. Connect the other end of this cable to the serial line unit
installing the connector upside down. Connect the communications cable (or modem cable) to the EIA connector on the rear
of the terminal. Asynchronous serial line interfaces (DLV11-E/-F)
must be configured for common speed.
NOTE
When using a second serial line unit with the STP
module, EIA pin 24 (CLOCK EXT L) and pin 25
(FORCE BUSY) are not available for use.

Insert spacers at locations A and B between the terminal controller module and the STP module and fasten the modules together using the supplied hardware.
NOTE
Refer to Chapter 6 for installation of the advanced
video module if you are installing that option on the
terminal controller at this time.

INSTALLATION, INTERFACE INFORMATION, AND SPECIFICATIONS

SPACER

1ST
CONSOLE
2ND SERIAL
INTERFACE WITH
10-PIN CONNECTOR

10-PIN
CONNECTOR

STP
CONNECTOR

TO EXTERNAL
COMMUNICATIONS
DEVICE

EIA
COMMUNICATIONS
CONNECTOR

TERMINAL
CONTROLLER
MODULE

MR-3417

Figure 5-5 Connecting a Second Serial Interface on the
STP Module Using the 10-Pin Connector

INSTALLATION. INTERFACE INFORMATION. AND SPECIFICATIONS

lST CONSOLE INTERFACE

40-PIN
CONNECTOR

PLUG CABLE IN
REVERSED AS SHOWN
ON THIS END ONLY.

BC08R-01
40-CONDUCTOR CABLE
(NOT SUPPLIED)

TO EXTERNAL
COMMUNICATIONS
DEVICE OR
MODEM

EIA
COMMUN !CATIONS
CONNECTOR

MR-3418

Figure 5-6 Connecting a Second Serial Interface on the
STP Module Using the 40-Pin Connector

INSTALLATION, INTERFACE INFORMATION, AND SPECIFICATIONS

Install the terminal controller in J 1 of the VT103 backplane.

NOTES
1.

At this time, you may configure any other LSl11 modules within the VT103 backplane. Refer
to the Memories and Peripherals handbook for
available options and installation procedures.

For more than two serial interfaces or for other
peripheral devices, run their cables out the bottom rear of the VT1 03 cabinet between the rear
cover and the lower base of the VT103.

A jumper (W1) on the STP module is available
for the user to connect the signal IN IT L from
the terminal controller module to pin 1 of J 1 .
IN IT L may be used to initialize the microcomputer system. Note however, that pin 1 has
+ 12 V supplied by the serial interface which
must be disconnected from the serial line interface module if W1 is installed.

If the STP module is removed from the terminal
controller module, ensure that the pins in the
STP connector come together to reconnect all
communications lines.

CAUTION
If you install any options other than those built by
DIGITAL, ensure that each option complies with
DEC Standard 119 on Product Safety.
7.

Install module support guides to hold dual-height modules securely in
the VT103 backplane. Quad-height modules do not need these support
guides. To install the guide correctly:
a.

Hold the guide by the plastic connector with both ends pointing
away from you and to the left.

Insert the bottom end in the hole in the bottom bracket of the card
cage assembly, near the module to be secured.

Bend the module support guide slightly and insert its other end in
the hole in the top. bracket of the card cage assembly.

Apply a slight pressure to the plastic connector and secure it to
the module.

NOTE
When installed correctly, the module support guide
should line up with the edge of the module, as
shown in Figure 5- 7. If installed upside down, the
plastic connector cannot be attached to the module.

INSTALLATION, INTERFACE INFORMATION, AND SPECIFICATIONS

MR-3416

Figure 5- 7

Module Support Guide Installation

5.4

INSTALLATION, INTERFACE INFORMATION, AND SPECIFICATIONS

Replace the module access cover.

Place the keyboard in front of the terminal and plug the keyboard coiled
cord into the keyboard receptacle located on the rear of the terminal
(Figure 5-2).

10.

Connect the power cord to the power cord receptacle on the rear of the
terminal and plug the other end of the power cord into a nearby wall
outlet.

11.

Turn the power switch on. The terminal automatically performs the
power-up self-test and either the ON LINE or LOCAL light located on
the keyboard is turned on. After approximately one minute, the cursor is
visible in the upper-left corner of the screen. If any other indication is
shown. refer to Chapter 1 to isolate the problem.

12.

Set the desired set-up features as outlined in Chapter 1.

13.

Once the installation procedure is complete, record the set-up features
selected on the set-up label and attach the label to the underside of the
keyboard.

INTERFACE INFORMATION

EIA Interface and Electrical Characteristics
The video terminal operates on full duplex, asynchronous communication lines.
The terminal controller board interfaces to the line with a 25-pin connector
mounted on the back of the terminal that meets EIA specification RS-232-C. Table
5-2 summarizes the EIA connector signals.
Table 5-2

EIA RS-232-C Connector Signals

Pin
Number

Description

Signal Without
STP Module

Signal With
STP Module

Protective
ground

Do not use

Note 1

Transmitted
data

Mark state when not sending

Note 1

•

Received data

Request to send

Asserted at all times

Note 2

Clear to send

Ignored by terminal controller unit (TCU)

Note 2

Data set ready

Ignored by TCU

Note 2

Signal ground

Terminal chassis ground (common return)

Note 2

Carrier detect

Ignored by TCU

Note 2

Note 1

INSTALLATION. INTERFACE INFORMATION. AND SPECIFICATIONS

Table 5-2

EIA RS-232-C Connector Signals (Cont)

Pin
Number

Description

(not used)

Speed select
(secondary

Signal Without
STP Module

Signal With
STP Module

Asserted

Note 2

Ignored by TCU

Note 2

Ignored by TCU

Note 2

Ignored by TCU

Note 2

request to send)
12

Speed indicator
(secondary carrier detect)

(not used)

Transmit clock

(not used)

Receive clock

(not used)

Speed select
(same as pin 11)

Asserted

Note 2

Data terminal
ready

Asserted at all times except when:

Note 2

•

terminal is not powered up

•

terminal is in local mode

•

during the 3.5s interval following a
SHIFT-BREAK

,21

(not used)

Ring indicator

Ignored by TCU

Note 2

Speed select
(same as pin 11)

Asserted

Note 2

(not used)

NOTES
1.
2.

Signal is available at J2 and J3 of the STP module.
Signal is available at J3 of the STP module.

INSTALLATION, INTERFACE INFORMATION, AND SPECIFICATIONS

Output Voltages - On all signals from the terminal. the MARK or unasserted state
is -6.0 V to -12.0 V; the SPACE or asserted state is +6.0 V to + 12.0 V.

Input Voltages - On signals to the terminal, -25.0 V to +0.75 V or an open
circuit is interpreted as a MARK, ON. or unasserted state, and +25.0 V to +2.25
Vis interpreted as a SPACE, OFF. or asserted state. Voltages greater in magnitude
than ±25 V are not allowed. These levels are compatible with EIA STD RS-232-C
and CCITT Recommendation V.28.

5.5 EXTERNAL VIDEO CONNECTION
The VT103 is capable of easily interfacing to external video devices. The video
devices may act either as a slave to the VT 103 when connected to the composite
video output or provide synchronized video data to the VT103. The external video
connectors are the two female BNC connectors located on the back of the terminal
just below the EIA connector. The upper connector, J8. is the video input; the
lower connector, J9. is the video output.

5.5.1
Composite Video Output (J9)
The composite video output provides RS 170-like output (see note) generated by
combining the video signal with a composite sync signal. This output contains all
video data appearing on the VT103 screen except the video that comes from J8.
The output has the following nominal characteristics. (Also, see Figure 5-8.)

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Output impedance = 75 ohms. de-coupled
Sync level = 0 V
Black level = approximately 0.3 V with a 75 ohms load
White level = approximately 1.0 V with a 75 ohm load
The composite sync waveform conforms to EIA RS 170 standards. The
vertical interval is composed of six equalizing pulses, six vertical sync
pulses. and six more equalizing pulses. The timing is as follows:

Equalizing pulse width = 2.33µs± 50 ns
Vertical sync width
= 27.28µs±200 ns
Horizontal sync width = 4.71µs±50 ns
Horizontal blank time = 11.84µs±50 ns(80 column mode)
= 12.34µs±50 ns(132 column mode)
Front porch
= 1.54µs±50 ns
Horizontal period
= 63. 56µs± 50 ns

NOTE
The use of decoupling is not in strict agreement
with RS170. To agree with RS170, the output load
requires a 10 µF capacitor in series with the output.
This presents no problem with most monitors as
they are ac-coupled.

INSTALLATION. INTERFACE INFORMATION. AND SPECIFICATIONS
EVEN FIELD:

60 Hz NON-INT = 22 SCANS}
60 Hz INT
=_22 SCANS _ _ _.,.

______
v_ER_T_1c_A_L_B_L_A_NK_1_N_G_1_NT_E_R_v_A_L___
{

LAST DISPLAYED SCAN OF

50 Hz NON-INT = 75 SCANS
50 Hz INT
= 74 SCANS

60 Hz NON-INT= 2 SCANS
60 Hz INT
= 2 SCANS
{ 50 Hz NON-INT = 25 SCANS
50 Hz INT
= 24 SCANS

1.0 v

START OF
EVEN FIELD

ODD FIELD:

FIRST CF 240 DISPLAYED
SCANS IN EVEN FIELD

·~~~

!\;\

TIME-

FIRST OF 240 DISPLAYED
SCANS IN ODD FIELD

LAST DISPLAYED SCAN OF _ _ _ _ _ _-+:_v_E_RT_1c_A_L_BL_A_N_K_1N_G_1N_T_ER_v_A_L_ _ _ __

60 Hz INT = 2.5 SCANS
{ 50 Hz INT = 24.5 SCANS

!\;\

TIME-

START OF
ODD FIELD

H PERIOD

63.56 µ• ± .01%

NOTES:
IN NON-INTERLACED OPERATION, THE
EVEN FIELD IS REPEATED CONTINUOUSLY. AND THE ODD FIELD IS NOT
USED.
IN INTERLACED OPERATION, THE'
EVEN FIELD ALTERNATES WITH THE ODD
FIELD.

H BLANK {11.84 µs ± 50 ns I 80 COLUMN
12.34 µs ± 50 ns I 132 COLUMN

BRIGHT= 1 . o o v - - - NORMAL = .79 v - - - - DIM = . 6 4 V - - - - BLACK = .29 V _ _ _ _._,
SYNC= O.OVFRONT PORCH = 1.54 µs ± 50 ns
H

Figure 5-8

if I

SYNC~ 4-71 µ< ± SOo• ~

EQ = 2.33 µs ± 50 ns

...j j...

I.____n
....j

j.-v SYNC = 27.28 µs
± 200 ns

PERIOD = 63.56 µs ± .01%

Composite Video Output

5.5.2 Video Input (JS)
An analog signal applied to the video input is ORed with the internal video signal.
The beam intensity at any point on the screen corresponds to the intensity of the
signal that would make the beam brighter. A video signal on this input affects only
the internal screen and does not appear on the composite video output J9. This
input has the following nominal characteristics:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Input impedance = 75 ohms, de-coupled
Black level = 0 V
White level = 1.0 V
Maximum continuous input = ±2.0 V.

NOTE
The external video source must be synchronized to
the VT103 by referencing the composite sync on
the composite video output.

INSTALLATION, INTERFACE, INFORMATION, AND SPECIFICATIONS

5.6

VT103 SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions
Monitor

Height: 36.83 cm (14.5 in)
Width: 45. 72 cm ( 18 in)
Depth: 36.20 cm ( 14.25 in)

Keyboard

Height: 8.89 cm (3.5 in)
Width: 45. 72 cm ( 18 in)
Depth: 20.32 cm (8 in)
Minimum table depth: 51.4 cm (20.25 in)

Weight
Monitor
Keyboard
Shipping Weight

15 kg (33 lbs)
2.0 kg (4.5 lbs)
20.5 kg (45 lbs)

Environment (VT103 without TU58)
Class B:
Operating

Non-Operating

Temperature: 5° to 40° C (41° to 104° F)
Relative humidity: 10% to 90%
Maximum wet bulb: 28° C (82° F)
Minimum dew point: 2° C (36° F)
Altitude: 2.4 km (8,000 ft)
Temperature: -40° to 66° C (-40° to 151 ° F)
Relative humidity: 0 to 95%
Altitude: 9.1 km (30,000 ft)

Environment (VT103 with TU58)
Class A:
Operating

Non-Operating

Temperature: 15° to 32° C (59° to 90° F)
Relative Humidity: 20% to 80%
Temperature: -34° to +60° C (-29° to

+ 110° F)
Relative Humidity: 5% to 95%
NOTE
The TU 58 medium is rated at 10% to 80% relative
humidity non-operating.
Power
Line Voltage

90-128 V RMS single phase, 2 wire
180-256 V RMS single phase, 2 wire
(switch-selectable)

Line Frequency

47-63 Hz

INSTALLATION, INTERFACE, INFORMATION, AND SPECIFICATIONS

Current

4.0 A RMS maximum at 115 V RMS
2.0 A RMS maximum at 230 V RMS

Input Power

250 VA apparent, 300W maximum

Current Limiting

4 A normal blow fuse

Power Cord

Detachable, 3 prong, 1.9 m (6 ft)
120 Vac power cord (DEC 17-00083-09)
240 Vac power cord (DEC 17-00083-10)

Power Supply
Output

+ 5 Vdc at 16.0 A
+ 12 Vdc at 5.0 A
- 12 V de at 0. 50 A
-23 Vdc at 0.01 A
Convection cooled
Power OK signals (BPOK and BDCOK) and line
time clock signal to backplane

Display
CRT

305 mm ( 12 in) diagonal measure, P4
phosphor

Format

24 lines X 80 characters or 14 lines X 132 characters (selectable)

Alphanumerics
Character

7 X 9 dot matrix with descenders for lowercase

Character Size

3.35 mm X 2.0 mm (0.132 in X 0.078 in) in
80 column mode
3.35 mm X 1.3 mm (0.132 in X 0.051 in) in
132 column mode

Character Set

96 character displayable ASCII subset (uppercase and lowercase, numeric and punctuation)

Cursor Type

Keyboard selectable. blinking block character or
blinking underline.

Keyboard
General

83-key detachable unit with a 1.9 m (6 ft) coiled
cord attached

Key Layout

65-key arrangement and sculpturing similar to
standard typewriter keyboard with an 18-key
auxiliary keypad.

INSTALLATION, INTERFACE INFORMATION, AND SPECIFICATIONS

Auxiliary Keyboard

18-key numeric pad with period, comma, minus,
enter, and four general purpose function keys.

Visual Indicators

Seven LEDs; three LEDs are dedicated to ON
LINE, LOCAL and KBD LOCKED; four LEDs are
user programmable.

Audible Signals

Key Click: sounds when keys are typed.
Bell: sounds upon receipt of BEL code; and
sounds eight characters from right margin
Multiple Bell: sounds upon detection of error in
set-up, save, or recall operation.

Terminal Communication

Type

EIA

Speeds

Full duplex: 50, 75, 110 (two stop bits), 134.5,
150, 200, 300, 600, 1200, 1800, 2000, 2400.
3600. 4800. 9600. and 19.200

Code

ASCII

Character Format

Asynchronous 7- or 8-bit characters; keyboard
selectable. (If 8-bit characters are selected. the
8th bit is always a space.)

Parity

Even, odd, or none; keyboard selectable.

Synchronization

Keyboard selectable via automatic generation of
XON and XOFF control codes.

Tape Drive

Drive

Single motor. head integrally cast into a molded
chassis

Drives per
Controller

Two; only one may operate at a time.

Data Transfer Rate
Read/Write on Tape·

41. 7 µs per data bit; 24K bps

Data Reliability:
Search Error Rate
(Failure to Find
Block after 8
Tries)

in 10 6 searches

Soft Data Error

in 10 7 bits read

INSTALLATION. INTERFACE INFORMATION, AND SPEC~FICAHON.S

Hard Error Data
Rate (Unrecoverable within 8
tries)

99··

in 1os bits read

Error Checking

Checksum with rotation

Average Access Time

9.3 s

Maximum Access Time

28 s

Read/Write Tape Speed

75 cm/s (30 ips)

Search Tape Speed

105 cm/s (60 ips)

Bit Density

315 bits/cm (800 bpi)

Flux Reversal
Density

945 fr/cm (2400 frpi)

Recording Method

Ratio encoding

Tape Media Specifications
Cartridge

DECtape II cartridge (Part Number: TU58-K)
with 42. 7 m ( 140 ft) of 3.81 mm (0.150 in) tape
Size:

6.1 X 8.1 X 1.3 cm
2.4 X 3.2 X 0.5 in

Capacity per
Cartridge

262K bytes. formatted in 512 blocks of 512
bytes each

Track Format

Two tracks. each containing 1024 individually
numbered records; 4 records form 1 block for a
total of 512 byte blocks.

Environmental:
Non-Operating

Temperature: 0° C (32° F) to 50° C (122° F)
Relative Humidity: 10% to 80%

Cartridge Life

5000 end-to-end tape passes (minimum)

CHAPTER 6

OPTIONS

6.1
INTRODUCTION
You may enhance your VT103 by adding available DIGITAL options. The controller
board has space provided for an advanced video option. Other LSl-11 bus options
are described in the Memories and Peripherals handbook.
Contact the nearest DIGITAL Sales Office for further information.

6.2 ADVANCED VIDEO OPTION - VT1XX-AB
The advanced video option enhances the basic VT103 by adding the features
described below.
•

Ten additional lines of 132 column display are added to the VT103 by
providing additional display memory. The screen can now display a total of 24 lines in either 80- or 132-column format.

•

Additional character attributes - the VT103 is now capable of highlighting any character(s) on the screen in any of the following ways.
Bold
Blink
Underline
Reverse
Any combination of the above

•

Additional character generator ROM provides the memory required to
access a second character generator providing special graphics characters. (See Chapter 2.)

6.2.1
Advanced Video Option Installation
Use the following procedure to install the advanced video option.
1.

Remove power from the terminal by disconnecting the ac plug.

101

102

OPTIONS

Unplug the keyboard.

Unplug any connectors from the composite video input/output jacks.

Disconnect the communications cable.

With a blade-type screwdriver. loosen the four captive screws holding
the access cover (Figure 6-1 ).

Remove the access cover.

Remove other cables if present.

Remove the terminal controller board from the leftmost slot in the
backplane. Gently but firmly pull the board straight out.

Place the terminal controller board on a flat surface with the component side up.

CAPTIVE
SCREWS (4)

ACCESS
COVER

EIA
COMMUNICATIONS
CONNECTOR
EXTERNAL VIDEO
INPUT CONNECTOR
EXTERNAL VIDEO
OUTPUT CONNECTOR

POWER SWITCH

·1

MODEL+ SERIAL
NUMBER LABEL

•o•

.__.,___,=.....

._......~---'------------.-..i.---------'-"'-----''~--~
KEYBOARD
CONNECTOR

POWER
SELECTOR
SWITCH

POWER CORD
CONNECTOR
MR-2891

Figure 6-1

VTl 03 Rear View

OPTIONS

103

10.

Locate the four mounting holes drilled in the terminal controller board
shown in Figure 6-2. Mount a standoff in each hole.

11.

Grasp the advanced video board by the edges and carefully align the
connector pins with the connector on the terminal controller board.
Gently but firmly mount the advanced video board onto the terminal
controller board.

12.

Reinstall the terminal controller board into the leftmost slot (J 1) in the
backplane.

COMPONENT
SIDE OF
TERMINAL
CONTROLLER

ADVANCED
VIDEO
BOARD

TERMINAL
CONTROLLER
BOARD

J2 GRAPHICS
CONNECTOR

J3 STP
CONNECTOR

J4 EIA
COMMUNICATIONS
CONNECTOR

J8 VIDEO IN
CONNECTOR
J9 VIDEO OUT
CONNECTOR
J7 KEYBOARD
CONNECTOR
MR-3002

Figure 6-2

Advanced Video Option Installation

104

OPTIONS

13.

Reinstall all internal cables removed.

14.

Reinstall the access cover.

15.

Reinstall the EIA cable to the EIA communications connector.

6.2.2 Advanced Video Option Checkout
Use the following procedure to check out the operation of the advanced video
option.
1.

Turn the terminal power on and verify that no error is detected during
the power-up self-test.

Press the SET-UP key. The words "SET-UP A" should blink in boldface.
the words 'TO EXIT PRESS SET-UP" should be underlined. and the
ruler should contain alternating normal and reverse video fields.

Place the terminal in the 132 column mode and then in the local mode.

Exit SET-UP and type the following sequence.
ESC < ESC # 8
The screen should now display 24 lines X 132 columns.

6.3 GRAPHICS CONNECTOR
The VT103 backplane provides a connector for a graphics option. Connector J2 on
the backplane provides power to the graphics module. The pin assignments for J2
are listed in Table 6-1.
Table 6-1

Graphics Connector Pin Assignments for J2 on VT103 Backplane

Signal/Voltage

2
3
4
5
6
7

8
9-13
14-18

Spare
Spare

+ 12 Vdc
GND
-12 Vdc
-23 Vdc
LBA5 H
Spare

GND
+5 Vdc

OPTIONS

105

6.4 COMMUNICATION CABLES
Optional communication cables for use with the VT103 are listed in Table 6-2.
Contact your local DIGITAL Sales Office for ordering information.
Table 6-2

Optional Communications Cables

Cable
Part No.

Length

Connectors

Purpose

70-11411-1C

0.38 m (15 in)

Two 10-pin connectors

Connects STP module to
serial line interface

BC03M-01
BC03M-25
BC03M-AO
BC03M-XX*

0.3 m (1 ft)
7.6 m (25 ft)
30.5 m (100 ft)
variable

Two RS-232 female
Cinch connectors

Null modem; connects terminal to a line unit

BC05D-1 O* *
BC05D-25* *

3 m (10 ft)
7.6 m (25 ft)

Connects terminal
modem

BCOSR-01

0.3 m (1 ft)

RS-232 male Cinch
connector to female
Cinch connector
Two 40-pin Berg connectars

Connects STP connector
to DLV11-E/F or DUV11

The -XX indicates that other lengths are available but do not come preassembled.
When using a DF01-A acoustic coupler. pin 23 of this cable must be disconnected.

APPENDIX A

TU58 MESSAGE PACKETS

A.1
RADIAL SERIAL PROTOCOL (RSP)
The TU58 command strings adhere to Radial Serial Protocol specifications. This is
a byte-oriented high-level message protocol used to transfer error-free data between a processor and a peripheral device. This protocol provides an envelope
used by the processor and the TU 58 to transfer data and commands. The envelope
contains the numeric code for the operation to be performed, as well as the location and. size of the data files to be transferred, if applicable.
A.2 MESSAGE PACKETS
All communications between the tape drive controller and the processor module
are broken up into message packets. These are groups of bytes arranged in a fixed
order. The type of message packet determines the position of the bytes within the
packet and the meaning of each individual byte. There are three general categories
of message packets: command packets, data packets, and single byte command
packets.
A command packet identifies the type of transaction to be performed. There is a
start command packet to indicate the operation: write, read, diagnose. get status,
set status, and position tape. There is also an end command packet to indicate the
status of the operation just performed, whether it is successful or unsuccessful.
A data packet describes the number of bytes of data to be written or read. Data is
transferred in 1 to 128 bytes within each data packet.
A single byte command packet controls the transmission or receiving of the data.
This is accomplished with single command instructions such as: INIT (initialize),
CONTINUE, and XOFF (stop transmitting).
A data transfer operation uses three or more message packets. The first packet is
the command packet sent from the processor to the tape drive controller to indicate the type of transaction to be performed; i.e., read, write, etc. Next, the data

107

108

TU58 MESSAGE PACKETS

is transferred in 128-byte packets. After all data is transferred, the tape controller
sends an end command packet to the processor to indicate if the operation was
successful. Any error detected is indicated by the end packet.
NOTE
If the tape drive controller encounters a failure before all data is transferred, the end packet is sent as
soon as the failure occurs. During the data transfer,
the single command packets control the transfer
operation to prevent buffers from overflowing and
losing data.

A.2.1
Command Message Packet
The command (control) message packet must be transmitted by the processor to
specify the type of transaction to be implemented by the tape drive controller.
Table A-1 indicates the byte structure of the command message packet. Each byte
is discussed in the following paragraphs.

Table A-1

Message
Byte
Count

Command Message Packet Structure
Byte No.

Byte Name

Flag
Message byte count

2
3

Instruction (op code)
Instruction modifier
Unit
Switches byte (maint only)
Not used -Always Zero
Not used

4
5
6
7

8
9
10
11

Data byte count - low
Data byte count - high
Block number - low
Block number - high

12
13

Checksum - low
Checksum - high

Flag Byte (Byte O) - Each packet begins with a flag byte that identifies the type of
message packet to be transmitted. Is it a command packet or a data packet? The
flag byte for a message packet is as follows.
Octal Code

Message Packet Identifier

002

The message packet is a command packet.

010

Bootstrap mode - This mode simplifies bootstrap
operation. A flag indicating bootstrap (octal 1O)
followed by a byte containing the drive number
causes the TU 58 to read block 0 and return 512
bytes with no radial serial packaging.

TU58 MESSAGE PACKETS

109

Message Byte Count (Byte 1) - The message byte count is the number of message characters in the packet excluding the following.
1.
2.

Flag byte (byte 0)
Checksum (bytes 12 and 13)

The message byte count for all command message packets is as follows: the octal
code is 012. the byte count is 10 (decimal).
Instruction Byte (Op Code) (Byte 2) - The instruction byte (or operational code)
informs the tape drive controller of the transaction to be performed.
NOTE
Certain codes in the instruction set are reserved for
future expansion. These commands have unpredictable results and should not be used. Using instructions (op codes) not listed in this section results in
the return of an end command packet with a "bad
instruction" success code.
The instructions that can be performed by the tape drive controller are listed in
Table A-2.
Table A-2

Instruction Set

Octal Code

Op Code

Instruction

000
001
002
003
004
005
006
007
010
011
012
013
100

NOP
INIT
READ
WRITE
(Reserved)
POSITION
(Reserved)
DIAGNOSE
GET STATUS
SET STATUS
(Reserved)
(Reserved)
END MESSAGE PACKET

2
3
4
5
6
7
8

10
11
64

Refer to Paragraph A.3 for detailed information on each instruction in the instruction set.
Instruction Modifier (Byte 3) - The instruction modifier byte is used to alter the
execution of the instruction specified by byte 2 of the command message packet.
Refer to the modified op codes in Paragraph A.3 for additional information on
instructions that may be changed.
Special Address Mode - Setting the most significant bit of the modifier selects
special address mode. In this mode. all tape positioning operations are addressed
by 128 byte blocks (0-12 7) instead of 512 byte blocks (0-511 ). Writing all zeros
in a write-only instruction fills out a 128-byte boundary in this mode.

110

TU58 MESSAGE PACKETS

Unit Number (Byte 4) - The unit number specifies which of the two tape drives is
to be used during the transaction.
Octal Code

Tape Drive Selected

000
001

Drive 0
Drive 1

Switches Byte (Byte 5) - Setting bit 4 of this byte to 1 in a READ command
inhibits retries on data errors. Instead, any incorrect data is sent to the host followed by an end packet. The success code in the end packet indicates a data check
error (357).
Since data is transmitted in 128 byte packets. a multiple packet read progresses
normally until a read error occurs. A bad data packet transmitted is followed by an
end packet. and the operation terminates.

NOTE
Bytes 6 and 7 are not used. Set these bytes to zero.
Data Byte Count (Bytes 8 and 9) - The data byte count indicates the number of
data bytes to be transferred by a read or write instruction. The data byte count is
ignored when using other instructions.
Block Number (Bytes 10 and 11) - The block number bytes indicate the data
block number to be used by all instructions which require tape positioning. The
block number bytes are ignored by instructions not requiring tape positioning.
Checksum (Bytes 12 and 13) - The last two bytes of the command message
packet contain a 16-bit checksum used in detecting bit errors in the reception of
the message packet. The checksum is formed by summing successive byte pairs.
taken as 16-bit words, using an end-around carry from bit 1 5 to bit 0. The 1 6-bit
words are created using successive byte pairs of the command packet from byte 0
through byte 11. inclusive.
A.2.2 End Packets
The end packet is a special case of the command message packet category. It is
sent to the processor by the tape drive controller. The end packet is sent after the
completion of an operation; or it is sent on the detection of an error condition.
When an error condition is detected, the tape controller sends an end packet
before the current packet is completely transferred by the processor. The reception
of the premature end packet (with a command flag instead of a data flag) informs
the processor that the tape drive controller has detected an error condition. Table
A-3 illustrates the format and byte positions of the end packet. A de.tailed description of each byte is provided in the following paragraphs.
Flag Byte (Byte O) - Each packet begins with a flag byte that identifies the type of
message packet to be transmitted. The flag byte (002s) for all command message
packets identifies this packet as a command packet.

TU58 MESSAGE PACKETS

Table A-3

Message
Byte
Count

111

End Packet
Byte No.

Byte Name

Flag
Message byte count

2
3
4

Instruction (op code)
Success code
Unit number
Not used
Not used - Always Zero
Not used
Data byte count L
Data byte count H
Summary status L
Summary status H

5
6
7

8
9
10
11
12
13

Checksum L
Checksum H

Message Byte Count (Byte 1) - The message byte count is the number of message characters in the packet excluding the following.
1.
2.

flag byte (byte 0)
checksum (bytes 12 and 13)

The message byte count used (012a) will be 10 (decimal) for all end message
packets.
Instruction Byte (Op Code) (Byte 2) - The instruction byte (or operational code)
informs the LSl-11 processor of the transaction that was performed. The instruction for an end packet is 1OOa. The TU 58 transmits the end packet.
Success Code (Byte 3) - The success code byte is transmitted by the tape drive
controller to the processor to indicate the status of the transaction just completed
or the cause of an interrupted operation. The. success codes that can be transmitted by the tape drive controller are listed in Table A-4.
Unit Number (Byte 4) - The unit number specifies which of the two tape drives
was used during the transaction.
Octal Code

Selected Tape Drive

000
001

Drive 0
Drive 1
NOTE
Bytes 5, 6, and 7 are not used.

Data Byte Count (Bytes 8 and 9) - The data byte count indicates the number of
data bytes transferred by the read or write operation. In a good transaction, this
byte should be the same as the data byte count of the command packet which
initiated the transfer. This byte is ignored by other commands.

112

TU58 MESSAGE PACKETS

Table A-4

End Packet Success Codes and Definition

Octal
Code

Success Indication

Definition

000

Normal success

Operation is complete as defined by the instruction byte (byte 2).

001

Success with retries

Operation is complete as defined by the instruction byte (byte 2) but success was obtained only
after repeated attempts.

311

Bad block number

The data block specified in bytes 10 and 11 is not
possible.

320

Bad instruction

The instruction in byte 2 of the command message packet cannot be performed by the tape
drive.

337

Motor stopped

Tape motion has stopped due to a tape drive logic
problem or a bad tape cartridge.

340

Seek error

The tape drive data block cannot be found. Controller is unable to locate the data block specified
by bytes 10 and 11 of the command message
packet.

357

Data check error

Message checksums do not match.

365

Write protected

The tape cartridge located in the tape drive specified by byte 4 of the command message is write
protected.

367

No cartridge

No tape cartridge is installed in the tape drive
specified in byte 4 of the command packet.

370

Bad unit number

The unit number specified by byte 4 of the command message packet is incorrect; for example, a
nonexistent drive unit.

376

Partial operation

Operation defined in the instruction byte (byte 2)
has not been completed due to reaching the end
of the tape cartridge.

377

Failed self-test

The tape drive controller failed to pass the internal
self-test, initiated during the power-up sequence,
during a master reset instruction or IN IT instruction.

TU58 MESSAGE .PACKETS

113

•
Summary Status (Bytes 10 and 11) - These two bytes can be monitored for
error conditions. When no errors occur, both bytes equal zero. Byte 10 is reserved
for future expansion. Byte 11 has the following error bit assignments.
Byte 11
Bit 0
1
2

}

4
5
6

Error Condition

Reserved
Logic error
Motion error
Transfer error
Special condition error

Checksum (Bytes 12 and 13) - The last two bytes of the end packet contain a
16-bit checksum used in detecting bit errors in the end command message packet.
The checksum is formed by summing successive byte pairs, taken as 16-bit words,
using an end-around carry from bit 15 to bit 0. The 16-bit words are created using
successive pairs of the end packet from byte 0 through byte 11, inclusive.
A.2.3 Data Message Packets
The data message packet is transmitted between the processor and tape drive
controller in either direction depending on the type of instruction being executed
(i.e., read or write). One data message packet transfers between 1 and 128 data
bytes. For data transfers larger than 128 bytes. the transaction is broken up into
multiple data packets and is sent 128 bytes at a time.
During a read instruction, the tape drive controller does not wait for a CONTINUE
flag between message packets, as shown in Figure A-1. The processor is assumed
to have enough buffer capacity to accept the entire transaction.
During a write command, the processor must receive the CONTINUE command
from the tape drive controller before sending the next message packet, as shown
in Figure A-2. This condition occurs because the tape drive controller has 128
bytes of buffer space, and it must finish all data processing before accepting an
additional message packet.
The data message packet format is shown in Table A-5, and a description of each
byte is provided in the following paragraphs.

Flag Byte (Byte 0) - Each packet begins with a flag byte that identifies the type of
message packet to be transmitted. The flag byte is the same for all data message
packets.
Octal Code

Message Packet Identifier

001

This flag informs the receiver that data, rather than a command, is arriving. The receiver loads the incoming bytes
into a buffer area in memory and should not wait for an
instruction to execute.

114

TU58 MESSAGE PACKETS

•
TU58

HOST
COMMAND
PACKET
(READ 510 BYTES)

I
II

I
. I
..

I
I
I

Figure A-1

DATA
12B BYTES

DATA

1 128 BYTES
DATA

1 128 BYTES

DATA
126 BYTES

END

MR-2997

Read Command Packet Exchange

HOST

TU58

COMMAND
PACKET
WRITE
620
BYTES

CONTINUE

DATA
128 BYTES

TAPE POSITIONS
AND WRITES DATA

...
DATA
128 BYTES

CONTINUE

TAPE POSITIONS
AND WRITES DATA

...
DATA
128 BYTES

CONTINUE

TAPE POSITIONS
AND WRITES DATA
CONTINUE

DATA
128 BYTES

TAPE POSITIONS
AND WRITES DATA
CONTINUE

DATA
108 BYTES

..
TAPE POSITIONS AND WRITES
DATA. TU58 ZERO-FILLS REMAIN·
ING 404 BYTES OF BLOCK. IF WRITE/
VERIFY, TAPE REWINDS AND READS
BLOCKS JUST WRITTEN AND TESTS
CHECKSUMS.

-----41 SUCCESE~~AILURE I
MR-2998

Figure A-2

Write Command Packet Exchange

TU58 MESSAGE PACKETS

Table A-5

115

Data Packets

Data
Bytes
Transferred

Byte No.

Byte Name

Flag
Byte count= M

2
3

M
M + 1

First data byte
Next data byte
(data)
(data)
(data)
(data)
Last data byte

M +2
M + 3

Checksum L
Checksum H

•
•
•

Byte Count (Byte 1) - This is the number of data bytes (M) to be transferred by
this data message. Between 1 and 128 data bytes may be transferred within one
data message. For data transfers larger than 128 bytes, the transaction must be
broken up into multiple data packets and sent 1 28 bytes at a time.
Data Bytes (Bytes 2 through M + 1) - This is the data space for a single record on
the tape; Up to 128 bytes may be written into this space for one data message.
Checksum (Bytes M+2 and M+3) - The last two bytes of the data message
packet are a 16-bit checksum used in detecting bit errors in the reception of the
data packet. The checksum is formed by summing successive byte pairs, taken as
16-bit words, using an end-around carry from bit 15 to bit 0. The 16-bit words are
created using successive byte pairs of the data packet from byte 0 through M + 1
(the end of the transmitted data) inclusive.
A.2.4 Single Byte Commands
The tape drive controller reacts to a set of three single-byte control commands as
follows.
Octal Code

Command Name

Function

004

INIT

Initialize tape and perform selftest.

020

CONTINUE

Ready to receive command or
continue data transmission.

023

XOFF

Stop transmission and wait for
CONTINUE.

116

TU58 MESSAGE PACKETS

INIT - This control command is used in several instances.
1.

When the TU58 is powered up, it performs an internal checkout and
initialization procedure.

Upon completion of the power-up sequence, the TU58 returns INIT
commands continuously to the host to indicate that the power-up sequence has been completed.

The host acknowledges the TU58 by sending a BREAK and two NULL
characters. When transfer is complete the host removes the BREAK
then sends two INITs. The TU58 responds with CONTINUE, and it enters an idle state to wait for further instructions from the host.

If a communication breakdown occurs due to any problem, the host
may restore order by sending a BREAK and two INIT commands. The
TU58 reinitializes itself, returns a CONTINUE command, and waits for
further instruction.

If the TU58 makes a protocol error or receives an invalid command, it
reinitializes itself and sends 261 INIT commands to the host. The host
does not interpret the INIT until it receives a complete message packet;
in this case, it is expecting a data message that contains 261 bytes and
discovers the error when it expects an end packet and does not receive
one.

CONTINUE - This control command is used by the TU58 to control the flow of
data; thus, it averts buffer overflows and the possibility of data loss. This command
is used as follows.
1.

After a message is sent by the host to the TU58, the host must wait
until the TU58 sends CONTINUE before any more messages can be
sent. The TU58 enters an idle state and waits for further instruction.

If the host is unable to receive all of a message from the TU58. it may
send XO FF to stop transmitting. The TU 58 stops and waits for the host
to send CONTINUE before completing the data transfer.

XOFF - The tape drive controller supports the XOFF command. When the tape
controller receives an XOFF command. it stops transmitting immediately and waits
until the reception of the CONTINUE command before resuming data transmission.

A.3 INSTRUCTION SET (OP CODE)
The instruction set described in this paragraph is a detailed description of the
instruction byte. byte 2, of the command message (Paragraph A.2. 1). The instruction byte or operational code (op code) informs the tape drive controller of the
transaction to be performed. The instruction set is repeated in Table A-6.
NOTE
Certain codes in the instruction set are marked
"Reserved." These codes are for future expansion.
Using these codes may have unpredictable results,
and they return an end command packet with a
"bad instruction" success code.

TU58 MESSAGE PACKETS

Table A-6

Instruction Set

Octal Code

Op Code

Instruction

000
001
002
003
004
005
006
007
010
011
012
013

NOP
INIT
READ
WRITE
(Reserved)
POSITION
(Reserved)
DIAGNOSE
GET STATUS
SET STATUS
(Reserved)
(Reserved)

3
4
5
6
7
8
9

10
11

117

NOP - Op Code 0
The NOP instruction performs no tape operation but causes the tape drive controller to return an end packet. There is no modifier to the NOP instruction. The
NOP command message packet is shown in Table A-7.

Table A-7

NOP Instruction Message Packet

Byte No.

Octal Code

Byte Name

002
012
000
000
OOX*
000
000
000
000
000
000
000
01X*
012

Flag (Command)
Message byte count
Instruction (op code)
Instruction modifier
Unit number
(not used)
(not used)
(not used)
Byte count L (no data involved)
Byte count H
Block number L (no tape positioning)
Block number H
Checksum L
Checksum H

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

10
11
12
13

* X = A variable number from 0 to 7 (octal)

The tape drive returns the end command packet shown in Table A-8.

INIT - Op Code 1
The INIT instruction performs no tape motion but causes the tape drive controller
to reset itself. The command packet is the same as for the NOP instruction (Table
A-7); except the instruction byte (byte 2), op code = 001, and the low order
checksum byte (byte 12) changes, accordingly. The tape drive controller returns
the same end packet as described for the NOP instruction. There is no modifier to
the INIT instruction.

118

TU58 MESSAGE PACKETS

Table A-8

NOP Instruction End Packet

Byte No.

Octal Code

Byte Name

002
012
100
000

Flag
Message byte count
Instruction (op code)
Instruction modifier
Unit number
(not used)
(not used)
(not used)
Data byte count L (no data involved)
Data byte count H
Summary status L
Summary status H
Checksum L
Checksum H

2
3
4
5
6
7

8
9

10
11
12
13

OOX*
000
000
000
000
000
000

XXX*
OXX*
XXX*

* X = A variable number from 0 to 7 (octal)

READ - Op Code 2
The READ instruction causes the tape drive controller to position the tape in the
drive selected by the unit number byte (command byte 4) to the block designated
by the block number byte (command bytes 10 and 11 ). The tape drive controller
reads the data starting at the first block and continues reading until the byte count
(command bytes 8 and 9) is satisfied. After the data has been sent, the tape drive
controller sends an end packet.
Byte 3 of the end packet indicates the success of the read operation. Was the read
operation successful on the first try, successful with retries, or did it fail? In the
event of a failure, the end packet is sent at the time of failure without filling up the
data count. An end packet can be recognized by the processor by the flag byte
(byte 0) containing a command flag byte (octal 002) instead of a data flag (octal
001 ).
READ WITH INCREASED THRESHOLD - Modified Op Code 2
There is one modifier to the read command. A modifier of octal 001 in byte 3 of a
read command packet causes the tape drive controller to read the tape with an
increased threshold in the data recovery circuit. This command is used to verify
data integrity.
WRITE - Op Code 3
The WRITE instruction causes the tape drive controller to position the tape in the
tape drive selected by the unit number byte (command byte 4) to the block specified by the block number byte (command bytes 10 and 11 ). The tape drive controller writes data into one or more blocks until the byte count (command bytes 8
and 9) is satisfied. The controller will automatically fill any remaining bytes in a
512-byte block with zeros.
WRITE AND VERIFY - Modified Op Code 3
There is one modifier to the WRITE command. A modifier of octal 001 in byte 3 of
a common packet causes the tape drive controller to write and verify all of the data
contained in the data packet. First, all of the data is written. Then, to verify the
data, the tape drive controller returns to the newly written data and performs a

TU58 MESSAGE PACKETS

119

read operation. The checksum of each record is then tested. If the checksums of
each are correct. the tape drive controller sends an end packet with the success
code 000 for writing successfully on the first try; or octal 001 if retries were
necessary to read the data. Failure to read the data correctly results in a success
code of (octal 372) to indicate an unsuccessful operation with a hard read error.
During the write operation. the tape drive controller may only buffer 128 bytes of
data per write command packet. Therefore, it is necessary for the processor to
send a data packet and wait for the write operation to be completed before sending the next data packet. This is accomplished using the CONTINUE flag. The
CONTINUE flag is a single byte command of octal 020 from the tape drive controller to the processor.

NOTE
Op code 4 is reserved for future use.
POSITION - Op Code 5
The POSITION command causes the tape drive controller to position the tape on
the selected drive (indicated by command byte 4) to the block designated by
command bytes 10 and 11. After reaching the selected block. the tape controller
sends an end packet to the processor. There is no modifier to the POSITION
instruction.
NOTE
Op Code 6 is reserved for future use.
DIAGNOSE - Op Code 7
The DIAGNOSE command causes the tape drive controller to run its internal diagnostic program. Upon completion, the tape drive controller sends an end packet
with the appropriate success code. There is no modifier to the DIAGNOSE instruction.
GET STATUS - Op Code 8
The GET STATUS instruction is treated as a NOP instruction. The tape drive controller returns an end packet containing the current tape drive controller status.
SET STATUS - Op Code 9
The SET STATUS instruction is treated as a NOP instruction. The tape drive controller returns an end packet.
NOTE
Op Codes 10 and 11 are reserved for future use.
A.4 GENERAL PROGRAMMING CONSIDERATIONS
Some device-related functions required during operation are not dealt with directly
by the TU 58 or the radial serial protocol commands. Software suggestions and
considerations related to these device-related functions are listed below.
1.

A short routine should be included in the tape drive device handler to
provide a complete wind-rewind procedure for new or environmentally
stressed tape cartridges. To accomplish this, use the POSITION command to move the tape to a data tape block at each end of the tape
cartridge. This procedure brings t'he tape cartridge to the proper tape
tension and also prevents sticking (which causes data errors).

120

TU58 MESSAGE PACKETS

The tape drive device handler should check the success code (byte 3 of
the end packet) for the presence of soft errors (temporary data loss) and
notify the operator. This will enable action to be taken before hard
errors (permanent data loss) occur. For example. if the number of retries
on a particular cartridge reaches some specified value. a message like
TAPE MAINTENANCE REQUIRED could be displayed to prompt the
operator to copy the tape or clean the tape drive components.

A short routine should be included in the tape drive device handler to
allow the operator to easily create backup copies of a tape cartridge to
prevent data loss due to cartridge malfunction.

File structured data should be organized with the use of a file directory
contained in_ the first few data blocks of the tape cartridge. The file
directory need only contain the number of th~ first block of the file and
the file's byte count. If the file is larger than the 512-byte block. the
data is held in additional sequential blocks. During read or write operations. the TU58 uses as many byte blocks as needed to fulfill the
specified byte count.

When positioning files on the tape. the time performance of the instruction suffers if a multi-block file crosses the rewind boundary since a full
rewind occurs. If possible. do not structure files on the tape to cross the
following rewind boundaries.
Rewind Boundary
Block Numbers
127 - 128
255 - 256

383 - 384

APPENDIX B

GLOSSARY AND NOTATION

8.1
GLOSSARY
Active Position - The character position on the visual display that is to display the
next graphic character.

ANSI Mode - A mode in which the terminal recognizes and responds only to
control functions in accordance with ANSI specifications.
Aspect Ratio - The width-to-height ratio of the image on a video picture tube.
Character - A sequence of 7 or 8 bits that represents a control or graphic entity.
In serial-by-bit transmission, the character is transferred from low-order bit to
high-order bit;
Character Position - That portion of a visual display which is displaying or is
capable of displaying a graphic symbol.
Control - The term "control" refers to a "control function" (that includes a control
character, an escape sequence, a control sequence, or control string).
Control Character - A single character whose occurrence in a particular context
initiates, modifies, or stops a control function. The value of a control character is in
the range of 0 through 37 and 177 octal in a 7-bit environment.
Control Function - An action that affects the recording, processing, transmission,
or interpretation of data. This term refers to either a control character, an escape
sequence, a control sequence, or a control string.
Control Sequence - A string of characters that begins with a control sequence
introducer (CSI) and ends with the first occurrence of a final character ( 100 - 176
octal). A control sequence may contain zero or more parameter characters (060 077 octal) and/or intermediate characters (040 - 057 octal).

121

122

GLOSSARY AND NOTATION

Control Sequence Introducer (CSI) - A prefix to a control sequence that provides supplementary control functions. The CSI for the VT103 is ESC[ (033 133
octal).
Control String - A string of characters that is used to perform a control function
and has an opening and closing control character. These characters are not presently used, are not printed, and are not displayed by the terminal.
Cursor - A visual representation of the active position for the next character; that
is, blinking reverse-video or blinking underline.
Cursor Control - An editor function that moves the active position of the cursor.
Default - A value that is assumed when no explicit value is specified.
Display - The active area of the screen; that is, the area inside the scrolling region,
or the entire screen, depending on the origin mode.
Editor Function - A control that affects the layout or positioning of previously
entered or received information. This information is to be interpreted and executed
without remaining in the data stream. (See Format Effector.)
Escape Character (ESC) - A control character that provides supplementary characters (code -extension).
Escape Sequence - A string of characters that begins with ESC (033 octal) and
ends with the first occurrence of a final character (060 - 176 octal). An escape
sequence may have zero or more intermediate characters (040-057) preceding
the final character.
Final Character - A character whose bit combination terminates a control function. (See example below.)

The final character in an escape sequence is from 60s to 176a inclusive.

The final character in a control sequence is from 1OOa to 176a inclusive.

Format Effector - A control that affects the layout or positioning of information
on the screen. It may remain in the data stream after processing. (See Editor
Function.)
Graphic Character - A character, other than a control character, with a visual
representation.
Home - The character position at the origin; for example, upper-left corner.
Interactive Graphic Device - A display that allows the user to interact directly
with the system for creating, manipulating, and designing graphs using a display
console or other device.
Intermediate Character - A character whose bit combination precedes a final
character in an escape or control sequence. This character "I" in notation (Paragraph B.2) is from 40s to 57a inclusive.
"

GLOSSARY AND NOTATION

123

Numeric Parameter - A string of characters that represents a number Pn. Pn has
a range of 0 (60s) to 9 (71 a).
Parameter - ( 1) A string of one or more characters that represents a single value;
(2) The value so represented.
Parameter String - A string of characters that represents one or more parameter
values.
Pixel - A single picture element in a graphic display.
Selective Parameter - A string of bit combinations from a specified list of subfunctions, designated by Ps. Each Ps character has a range of 0 to 9 (60a-71 8 );
each character is separated by a semicolon.
VT52 Mode - A mode in which the terminal recognizes and responds only to control functions used in early DIGITAL video terminals; for example, VT52.

8.2 CONTROL FUNCTION NOTATION
The abbreviations or notation used for defining the control functions for the VT103
are in accordance with ANSI standard X3.41 - 1974 and DEC STD 138 which
define control function terminology.

8.2.1 Control Sequence Notation
A control sequence is defined by the notation: ESC[IPn;Pn ... PnF
where:
1.

ESC[ is the control sequence introducer (033 1339) for a 7-bit character environment.

P is a parameter character within the range of 060 to 077 8· Zero or
more parameter characters may be included in a control sequenGe. Parameter characters are separated by a semicolon (0739).
a.

Pn is a numeric parameter within the range of 0 through 9
(060s-0719).

Ps is a selective parameter from a specified list.

I is an intermediate character within the range of 040-057 8· Zero or
more intermediate characters may be included in a control sequence.

F is a final character within the range of 100-1 7 69.

8.2.2 Escape Sequence Notation
The format of an escape sequence, as defined in American National Standard X
3.41-1974 and used in the VT103, is: ESC I ... I F
where:
1.

ESC is the introducer control character (339) that is named Escape.

124

GLOSSARY AND NOTATION

I ... I are the intermediate bit combinations that may or may not be
present. "I" characters have a range of 40 8 to 57 8 in both 7- and 8-bit
character formats.

F is the final character. "F" characters have a range of 60s to 176a
using 7 bits; 200a to 237 a using 8 bits.

NOTE
The occurrence of control characters (Os to 37s)
within a control or escape sequence is technically
an error condition. Recovery is possible by executing the function specified by the control character
and then executing the control or escape sequence.
The exceptions are:
1.

If the character ESC occurs, the current control
function stops and the new control function begins.

If the character CAN (30s) or the character
SUB (32 8 ) occurs, the current control function
stops.

APPENDIX C
7-BIT ASCII CODE

Table C-1 7-Bit ASCII Code/Character Chart
Octal
Code

000
001
002
003
004
005
006
007
010
011
012
013
014
015
016
017
020
021
022
023
024
025
026
027
030
031
032
033
034
035
036
037

Char

NUL
SOH
STX
ETX
EQT
ENO
ACK
BEL
BS
HT
LF
VT
FF
CR

so
SI
DLE
DC1
DC2
DC3
DC4
NAK
SYN
ETB
CAN
EM
SUB
ESC
FS
GS
RS

Octal
Code

040
041
042
043
044
045
046
047
050
051
052
053
054
055
056
057
060
061
062
063
064
065
066
067
070
071
072
073
074
075
076
077

Char

#
$

%
&

0
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Octal
Code

100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137

Char
(g,

A
B

c
D
E
F
G
H
j

K
L
M
N
0
p
Q

s
T

v
w
x
y

z
[

\
[

Octal
Code

140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
150
1 51
152
153
154
155
156
157
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177

Char

a
b
c

e
f
g
h
j

I
m
n
0

p
q

s
u
v
w

x
y

{
I

}
DEL

125

APPENDIX D
SUMMARY OF
VT103 CONTROL FUNCTIONS

Table D-1 summarizes AN SI mode control functions; Table D-2 summarizes VT52
mode control function.
Table D-1

ANSI Mode Control Functions

Cursor Movement Commands
Cursor up
Cursor down
Cursor forward (right)
Cursor backward (left)
Direct cursor addressing
Index
New line
Reverse index
Save cursor and attributes
Restore cursor and attributes

ESC
ESC
ESC
ESC
ESC
ESC
ESC
ESC
ESC
ESC
ESC

Pn
Pn
Pn
Pn
Pl;
Pl;

A
B

c
D
Pc Ht or
Pc tt

D
E
M

7
8

Line Size {Double-Height and Double-Width) Commands
Change this line to double-height top half
Change this line to double-height bottom half
Change this line to single-width single-height
Change this line to double-width single-height
tPI

ESC#3
ESC#4
ESC# 5
ESC#6

= line number; Pc = column number.

127

128 SUMMARY OF VT103 CONTROL FUNCTIONS

Table D-1

ANSI Mode Control Functions (Cont)

Character Attributes
ESC [ Ps;Ps;Ps ... ;Ps m
Ps refers to a .selective parameter. Multiple parameters are separated by the semicolon character
(0739). The parameters are executed in order and have the following meanings.
Parameter (Ps)

Meaning

0 or None

All Attributes Off
Bold on
Underscore on
Blink on
Reverse video on

4
5
7

Any other parameter values are ignored.
Erasing
From cursor to end of line
From beginning of line to cursor
Entire line containing cursor
From cursor to end of screen
From beginning of screen to cursor
Entire screen

ESC
ESC
ESC
ESC
ESC
ESC

K or ESC [ 0 K
1 K
2 K
J or ESC [ 0 J
1 J
2 J

Programmable LEDs
ESC [ Ps;Ps ... Ps q
Ps are selective parameters separated by semicolons (0739) and executed in order, as follows.
Parameter (Ps)

Meaning

0 or None
1
2

All LEDs Off

3
4

L 1 On
L2 On
L3 On
L40n

Any other parameter values are ignored.
Character Sets (GO and G1 Designators)
The GO and G 1 characters sets are designated as follows.
Character set

GO designator

G 1 designator

United Kingdom (UK)
United States (USASCll)
Special graphics characters
and line drawing set
Alternate character ROM
Alternate character ROM for
special graphics characters

ESC(A
ESC( B
ESC(O

ESC)A
ESC) B
ESC)O

ESC ( 1
ESC(2

ESC) 1
ESC)2

SUMMARY OF VT103 CONTROL FUNCTIONS 129

Table D-1

ANSI Mode Control Functions (Cont)

Scrolling Region
ESC [ Pt;Pb r
Pt is the number of the top line of the scrolling region; Pb is the number of the bottom line of the
scrolling region and must be greater than Pt.

Tab Stops:
Set tab at current column
Clear tab at current column
Clear all tabs

ESCH
ESC [ g or ESC [ g
ESC [ 3 g

Modes
To Set

To Reset
Sequence*

Mode Name

Mode

Sequence

Mode

Line feed/new line
Cursor key mode
ANSl/VT52 mode
Column mode
Scrolling mode
Screen mode
Origin mode
Wraparound
Auto repeat
Interlace
Keypad mode

New line
Application
ANSI
132 Col
Smooth
Reverse
Relative
On
On
On
Application

ESC [20h
ESC [?1h

Line feed
Cursor
VT52
80Col
Jump
Normal
Absolute
Off
Off
Off
Numeric

NIA
ESC [73h
ESC [74h
ESC [75h
ESC [76h
ESC [77h
ESC [78h
ESC [79h
ESC =

Reports
Cursor Position Report
Invoked by
Response is

ESC [ 6 n
ESC [ Pl ; Pc Rt

Status Report
Invoked by
Response is

ESC [ 5 n
ESC [ 0 n (terminal OK)
ESC [ 3 n (terminal not OK)

What Are You
Invoked by

Response is

ESC[c
or
ESC [ Oc
ESC [ 71 ; Ps c

*The last character of the sequence is a lowercase L ( 1549).
tPI = line number; Pc = column number.

ESC [201
ESC [?11
ESC [721
ESC [731
ESC [741
ESC [751
ESC [761
ESC [771
ESC [781
ESC [791
ESC >

130 SUMMARY OF VT103 CONTROL FUNCTIONS

Table 0-1

ANSI Mode Control Functions (Cont)

Ps is the "option present" parameter with the following meaning.
Ps

Mear:iing

0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Base VT103. no options
Processor option (STP)
Advanced video option (AVO)
AVO and STP
Graphics processor option (GPO)
GPO and STP
GPO and AVO
GPO. STP. and AVO

Alternately invoked by ESC Z (not recommended). Response is the same.

Reset
Reset causes the power-up reset routine to be executed.

ESC c
Confidence Tests
Fill screen with Es
Invoke test(s)

ESC#8
ESC[2;Ps y

Ps is the parameter indicating the test to be done and is a decimal number computed by taking the
value indicated for each desired test and adding them together.
Test

Value

Power-up self test
(ROM checksum. RAM. NVR.
keyboard and AVO if installed)
Data loop back

(loop back connector
required)

EIA modem control test

(loop back connector
required)

Repeat selected test(s) indefinitely
(until failure or power off)

SUMMARY OF VT103 CONTROL FUNCTIONS

Table D-2

VT52 Mode Control Functions

Cursor up
Cursor down
Cursor right
Cursor left
Select special graphics
character set

ESC F

Select ASCII character set
Cursor to home
Reverse line feed
Erase to end of screen
Erase to end of Ii ne

ESC G
ESC H
ESC I
ESC J
ESC K

Direct cursor address
Identify
Enter alternate keypad mode

ESC YI c
ESC Z

ESC =
Exit alternate keypad mode
Enter ANSI mode

ESC A
ESC B
ESC c
ESC D

ESC
ESC

(see Note 1)
(see Note 2)

>
<

NOTES
1. Line and column numbers for direct cursor address are single
character codes whose values are the desired number plus 37a.
Line and column numbers start at 1.
2. Response to ESC Z is ESC I Z

131

VT103

INDEX

AC bus loading, See Bus
Advanced video option, 22, 23, 101
Alphabetic key codes, 31
Alternate keypad mode, 30
ANSI
control functions, 53-57, 127 (Appendix 0)
standards, 27, 40
mode selection, 10, 11, 17, 30, 36, 42, 52, 55, 129
Answerback, 10, 11, 15, 17, 33
setting, 15
Arrow keys, 6, 34
ASCII code chart, 125 (Appendix C)
Audible indicators, 9, 18, 19, 25
Auto new line, See Line feed/New line feed
Auto repeat, 10, 11, 30, 34, 42, 52, 55
Autowrap, See Wraparound
Auxiliary keypad, 4, 25
Backplane
assembly, 65
configuration, 66, 67, 70-72
signals, 85
Batte~ backu~ 66. 67
Baud rate selection, See Transmit speed, setting and Receive speed, setting
Bell, 4, 9, 37
Bits per character, 10, 11, 18, 30
BREAK key, 5, 17, 33
Brightness, See Screen brightness
Buffer overflow, 61
Bus
AC, loading, 70, 71
DC, loading, 70, 71
LSl-11, 70
termination, 71
133

134 INDEX

Cables, 105
Characters
attributes of, 51, 54, 128
double-height, 43, 55, 127
double-width, 43, 55, 127
error, 19, 22-24
final character, 39
graphic, 34, 35, 51, 54
per line, 7, 10, 11, 13, 18, 30, 55
sets, 37, 51. 54, 128
Column mode, See Characters, per line
Computer compatibility, 10
Control character, 33, 37, 38, 39
Control function, 39, 53-57, 127 (Appendix D)
Control sequence, 40
introducer, 38-40
Cursor
key mode, 30, 34, 43, 52, 55
movement, 41, 42, 54, 12 7
position report, 40, 56, 129
restore, 45
save, 47
selection, 10, 11, 18, 30
CTRL key, 5, 17, 33

DC bus loading, See Bus
Default value, 29
Device attributes, 42
Double-height characters, See Characters
Double line feed, 24
Double-width characters, See Characters

Editor function, 122
EIA
connector signals, 92, 93
standard, 2 7
80/132 columns, See Characters, per line
ENTER key, 5, 17, 35
Equipment care, 22
Eras~48, 49, 55, 128
Error characters, See Characters
ESC key, 3, 5, 1 7
Format effector, 122
Final character, See Characters
Flags, 14, 46

Graphics, 44, 57, 84, 104
Graphic character, See Characters

INDEX 135

Identify terminal, 44, 56, 129
Indicators L 1-L4, 8, 9, 21, 22, 30
INIT signal, 90
Installation procedure, 81-92
lnterlace/Noninterlace, 10, 11, 15, 18, 30, 44, 52, 55
Keyboard locked, 8, 24
Key click, 10, 11, 18, 30
Keypad application mode, 44, 55
Keypad numeric mode, 44, 55
Light emitting diode (LED), See Indicators
Line feed/New line mode, 10, 11, 18, 30, 32, 37, 50, 55
Line frequency, 19
LINE/LOCAL, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 19, 24
Line size, 55, 127
Line time clock (LTC), 69, 83
Losing data, 25
LSl-11 bus, See Bus
LSl-11 hot line, 27
Margins, 47
Margin bell, 9, 10, 11, 19, 30
Modes, 55. 129
Module support guide, 90, 91
New line mode, See Line feed/New line mode
Nonalphabetic key codes. 32
Noninterlace, See lnterlace/Noninterlace
Nonvolatile memory (NVR), 22. 23
NO SCROLL key, See Scrolling
Origin mode, 30, 45, 52, 55
Parameter, 38
report, 45, 46
request, 46, 4 7
selective, 39. 53
string, 39
Parity, 10, 11, 19, 30
PF1-PF4 keys, 4, 6, 36, 37
Power
OK, 69
selection, See Line frequency
supply loading. 69, 70
Programmable LEDs. 30. 45. 55, 128
Problem checklist. 24. 25
Purchasing supplies, 26

136 INDEX

Radial serial protocol. 107
Recall set-up features, 16, 20
Receive speed, setting, 7, 14, 1 5, 20, 87
Reports,48, 56, 129
Report terminal parameters, 45, 46
Request terminal parameters, 46, 4 7
Reset terminal, 8, 16, 20, 50, 56, 62, 130
Restore cursor, See Cursor
Save set-up features, 16, 20
Save cursor, See Cursor
Screen background, 10, 12, 20, 30, 4 7, 52, 55
Screen brightness, 6, 10, 12, 20, 30, 34
Screen mode, See Screen background
Scrolling, 5, 12, 20, 32, 4 7, 55, 62, 129
region 47, 56, 129
Self-test, 21, 22, 62
Set modes, 52
Set-up A, 12, 13
Set-up 8, 14
Specifications, 96-99
Standard terminal port (STP), 7, 15, 18, 20, 21, 68, 85-89, 92, 93
Status report, 56, 129
STP module installation, 68, 85-89
Tab stops
operator, 12
programming, 57, 129
Tape cartridge
care of, 73
installation and removal. 75, 76
Tape controller
baud rate, 77
pin assignments, 78, 79
Tape drive cleaning, 22, 76, 77
Tape message packets, Appendix A
Tape supplies, 26
Tape transmission standard, 80
Terminal modes, See Modes
Tests, 42, 48, 57, 63, 130
Transmit sp.eed, setting, 7, 12, 14, 15, 21
TU58 DECtape II, 1, 22, 25, 70, 73-80
Video in/out jacks, 94, 95
Voltage selection, 2
VT52 mode, See ANSl/VT52, mode selection
control functions, 57-60, 131
Wraparound, setting, 12, 21, 55
Write protecting tape, 7 4, 7 5
XON/XOFF, setting, 11, 17, 18

VT103 LSl-11 Video Terminal
User's Guide
EK-VT103-UG-001

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mnmnomo
VT 103 SYSTEM
CONFIGURATION GUIDE
CUSTOMER NAME~~~
SERIAL NUMBER _ _ __

USING THIS CONFIGURATION GUIDE
This guide is an aid to configuring LSl-11 family
microcomputer modules for your specific
application in a VT103 system. As a starting
point, you should understand the processing and
I I 0 requirements of your application. Refer to
Table 1 as you follow the steps below to arrive at
a fully configured system. (If you find that several
configurations are possible, make copies of
Table 2 and use these as work sheets.)
1. Choosing a Configuration - Use Table 1 to
choose the correct configuration of
processor, processor option (i.e., floating
point), memory, multifunction and bootstrap
options for your application. Decide on the
combination that most closely fits the
application, and list the options you select in
Table 2. (If you need more than one of a
particular option, be sure to list each
separately.)
2. Defining Your System - Now add to Table 2
the specifications shown for each option you
have chosen from Table 1, including
diagnostics.
3. Total Bus and Power Supply Loading - Add
up the columns under "Bus Loading" and
"Power Supply Loading," and note the
number of double (D) and quad (Q) modules
in the configuration. As you do this, consider
the following:
a) The system can have no more than 20 de
bus loads.
b) An unterminated single backplane can have
no more than 20 ac loads.
c) A terminated single backplane can have no
more than 35 ac loads.
4. Module Slot Assignments - The priority of
the processor and all 1/0 devices is
determined by the hardware structure of the
backplane assembly. When more than one
device requests control of the LSl-11 bus at
the same time, the device electrically closest
to the processor module has the highest
priority.
Illustrated in Figure 1 are the slot and row
assignments of the VT103 backplane. Slot 1,
rows A and B, has the highest priority and is
reserved for the LSl-11 processor you select.

The option number indicates the daisy-chain
bus-grant wiring scheme with respect to the
processor module.
NOTE
Customers who require on-site service
must purchase the VT1X3-MM maintenance
module for each VT 103. This module plugs
into slot 8, which has been prewired for
servicing. Signal SRUN is bussed from
option slot 1 (pin AH 1) to option slot 8 (pin
AH1) to accept the VT1X3-MM.
As such, to be eligible for on-site service,
the VT103 minimum configuration would
include:
a)
b)
c)
d)

DIGITAL processor (CPU)
16K DIGITAL Read/Write memory
Input device for loading DIGITAL
diagnostics
VT1X3-MM module

Customers who do not require on-site
service may use slot 8 for other standard
QBus options.
Now fill in the blank slots in Figure 2 with the
name and size of each of your system's
modules. Begin with the processor, and
proceed with memory and interface modules,
in that order. (Enter only one module number
in each slot. Be careful to put quad modules
in quad slots only.) The slot numbers indicate
relative interrupt and OMA priority (the lower
the number, the higher the priority). Be sure
to include the ac loading of the backplane in
your totaling of the entire ac loading of the
system.
5. Wrap-Up - Table 2 should now contain all the
required items for your application. Compare
the totals of the bus and power supply
loading with the maximum output stated in
Table 2. Your totals must not exceed the
maximum totals stated.
Keep in mind that this document is only a
configuration guide. More comprehensive
information on the options listed here can be
found in the Microcomputer Handbook series.
For further assistance contact your local
DIGITAL office, Hamilton I Avnet office, or the
LSl-11 Hotline: 800-225-9220 (or 617-4677000, ext. 5144, in Hawaii, Alaska,
Massachusetts and Canada).

TABLE 1.

OPTIONS - LOADING/POWER (Cont)

Option

Module

Power Supply
Loading

Bus
Loading
ac

+12

Size

MAIN DEC
Diagnostic

Other (Cont)
OLV11-J

M8043

1.0

.25

CVOLAB

OPV11-0A

M8020

1.0

1.2

.30

CVOPV

ORV11

M7941

1.4

1.0

0.9

CVKAFO

ORV11-B

M7950

3.3

1.0

1.9

OVORA,OVORB

ORV11-J

M8049

2.0

1.0

1.8

CVORCA,CVOROA

ORV11-P 2

M7948

2.1

1.0

None

OUV11-0A

M7951

1.0

.86

.32

OZOUQ,OZOUR
OZOUS,OZOUT
OZOUU,OZOUV

OZV11

M7957

3.95

1.0

1.15

.40

OVOZA,OVOZB
OVOZC,OVOZO
OVITA

IBV11-A

M7954

1.8

1.0

OVIBA, OVIBB

KPV11-A

M8016

1.6

1.0

.56

OVKPA

KPV11-B

M8016-YB

1.6

1.0

.56

OVKPA

KWV11-A

M7952

3.4

1.0

1.8

.01

CVKWAC

LPV11

M8027

1.4

1.0

OZLAE,OZLPK

REV11-A 3

M9400-YA

2.2

1.0

1.6

None

REV11-C

M9400-YC

2.2

1.0

1.6

None

RXV21

M8029

2.8

1.0

1.8

AC-E5 I 2A-MC

TEV11

M9400-YB

None

TU58-BB 4

TU58-XA(2)
TU58-XB

Serial 1/0

.75

1.2

CZTUUB

VT1XX-AB

54-13097

1. 1

None

VT1X3-MM

M8208

2.0

1.0

0.10

None

2.
3.
4.

Plus user's logic.
Not LSl-11I23-compatible.
If unit is a VT103-BA, be sure to enter TU58-BB with power requirements to the configuration work sheet (Table 2).

TABLE 2.

CONFIGURATION WORK SHEET

Option

Module

Bus
Loading

Power Supply
Loading

+12

Size

MAIN DEC
Diagnostic

MONITOR

30-16080-2

1.0

BASIC VIDEO

54-13009

2.5

0.6

BACKPLANE

54-14008

4.5

16.0

5.0

TOTALS*
BUS/POWER MAX. OUTPUT

*IMPORTANT: Totals must not exceed bus/power maximum output.

TABLE 1.

OPTIONS - LOADING/POWER

Option

Module

Bus
Loading

Power Supply
Loading

+12

Size

MAIN DEC
Diagnostic

Processors
KO 11-F

M7264

2.4

1.0

1.8

.80

See Note 1

K011-HA

M7270

1.7

1.0

.22

See Note 1

KOF11-AA

M8186

2.0

1.0

2.0

.20

See Note 1

MRV11-AA

M7942

1.8

1.0

2.8

OZ KM A

MRV11-BA

M8021

2.8

1.0

.62

.50

OVMRA

MRV11-C

M8048

2.0

1.0

1.6

OVMRA

MSV11-0B

M8044-BA

2.0

1.0

1. 7

.37

OZ KM A

MSV11-0C

M8044-CA

2.0

1.0

1. 7

.37

OZ KM A

MSV11-00

M8044-0A

2.0

1.0

1. 7

.37

OZ KM A

MXV11-AA

M8047-AA

2.0

1.2

.10

OVMXA

MXV11-AC

M8047-BA

2.0

1.2

.10

CVMXAA

Memories

Multifunction

Processor Options
KEF11-AA

FP 11 Instruction Set option for KOF 11-AA
(LSl-11 /23 w/MMU)

JKOC, JKOO

KEV11

EIS I FIS Instruction Set option for KO 11-HA
(LSl-11I2)

None

Bootstrap Option
MXV11-A2

Chips for MXV11 to boot RLV11, RXV21, RXV11, RKV11, TU58

Other
AAV11-A

A6001

1.9

1.0

1.5

.40

OVAAA

AOV11-A

A012

3.3

1.0

2.0

.45

CVAOAB

BOV11-A

M8012

2.0

1.0

1.6

.07

CVM8AC

OLV11-E

M8017

1.6

1.0

.18

CVOVAC

OLV11-F

M8028

2.2

1.0

.18

OVOVC

Refer to the LSl-11 Systems Service Manual.

+12
BB2

POWER HARNESS
CONNECTOR

A22

TU58 POWER
CONNECTOR

+5 v
GND BB1

22TERMINAL CONTROLLER1 o
W1

!~,___..,...,,,-8--------1I0II!:: W4
0

SLOT

J3
OPTION 2

OPTION 1 (HIGHEST PRIORITY)
I

..L
T

OPTION 4

OPTION 5

OPTION 8 (LOWEST PRIORITY)

..L
T

..L
~

OPTION 3

...1

OPTION 6
..L

_l_

OPIIO~ 7

..L.

ROW

LSl-11
BUS

..L

D
MR-5760

Figure 1.

TU58 POWER
CONNECTOR

+12 v
+5 v
BB2
GND BB1

A22

I
0
0

6
()

22TERMINAL CONTROLLER1 o
W1

!~..----.-I
0

SLOT

POWER HARNESS
CONNECTOR

Typical Module Placement

, , - 8- - - - . - - - .I 1
0 I

i ! :: w

I-

>
~
w

..L

_1_

2
T

...1

..L

..L
T

_i_

..L.

...1

::i

LSl-11
BUS

ROW

-0
Q)

..L

c::

·:;

D
MR-5761

0a.
0

()

Figure 2.

Enter Module Placement Specific to Your System

.:E
O>
-~

0
()