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Document:	VT103 LSI-11 Video Terminal User's Guide
Order Number:	EK-VT103-UG
Revision:	001
Pages:	152
Original Filename:

OCR Text

LSI-11 VIDEO TERMINAL

USER'S GUIDE

EK-VT103-UG-001

VT103 LSI-11 VIDEO TERMINAL

USER’'S GUIDE

digital equipment corporation ® marlboro, massachusetts

Preliminary, June 1979

First Edition, September 1979
Second Printing, March 1980

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.

. A.
Printed in U.S

This document was set on DIGITAL's DECset-8000 computerized typesetting system.

The following are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation,
Maynard, Massachusetts:
DIGITAL

DECsystem-10

MASSBUS

DECSYSTEM-20

OMNIBUS

PDP

DIBOL

0S/8

DECUS

EDUSYSTEM

RSTS

UNIBUS

VAX

RSX

VMS

IAS

DEC

CONTENTS
PREFACE

Page

CHAPTER 1

OPERATOR INFORMATION

Keyboard CONtrols ... e 3

—

e
e
e

w w

How to Change a Set-Up FEALUIe ..............oiiiiiiiiee

e, 10

S B -l D A i, 12

e, 13

Setting the Answerback MesSage.............ovvvmiiiiiiiiiiei
SaviNg the Set-Up FEAtUTES .........ovviiiii

i, 15
e, 16

Recalling Set-Up FEAtUIES. ... 16
Resetting the Terminal ... 16
DEFINITION OF EACH SET-UP FEATURE ..o 17

)
e
)
e
e

Determining What a Set-Up Feature D0oes............cccccooii 10

Set-Up B (Operational FEAtUIES) ............ooiiiiiii

O©oo~NO
O

—_—

o e, 9

SET-UP IMODE. ... oo 9

Keyboard INAICATOIS ...
e, 8

Audible INAICAtOrs (TONES).......ooo
w
W

)

MoONITOT CONIOIS ... 2

ON e 1

INT RO DU G

CONTROLS AND INDICATORS .o e, 1

CHAPTER 2

POWER-UP SEQUENGCE ... ... e, 21
OPERATOR EQUIPMENT CARE ..o 22
SELF-TESTING THE VT 03 e, 22
WHAT TO DO IN THE EVENT OF A PROBLEM ..., 24
RELATED HARDWARE MANUALS AND TAPE SUPPLIES.................cco

i, 26

PROGRAMMER INFORMATION

2.1

INTRODUCGTION Lo EUTUTTTR 29

2.2

THE KEYBOARD oo e 29

2.2.1

LED INAICATOTS oo e 30

222

SET-UP KeY. oo FRPTRTO

2.2.3

Keyboard OPperation ..o 31

224

AIPRADEIC KBYS ... 31

2.2.5

NONAIPNADETIC KBYS ... . e 31

RO UUUUPPRPRPRRPPRRRIN 30

2.2.6

FUNCHION KBYS oo e 32

2.2.7

NO SCROLL KBY oo e 32

2.2.8

B R EAK K OY oo 33

2.29

CTRLAACONION) K@Y ..o 33

2.2.10

CUISOr CoNtrol KBYS ..., 34

2.2.11

AUTO REPEATtING ..., 34

2212

Special GraphiC CharaCters ... 34

2.2.13

AUXTNAry KeYPAQ. .. ...
e
e 35

2.3

TERMINAL CONTROL COMMAND
S ., 37

2.4

CONTROL FUN CTION S e 38

241

ANSI Mode Control FUNCHIONS ... 38

242

2.4.2.1

BS. ... e, 52
ANSI Specified MOAES ... 52

24272

DIGITAL Private MOAES ..........oooieiieeeee e 52

2423

Other ANSI Mode StateS..........oovviiiii

2.4.3

e, SUUTUTTORURTR 53

ANSI Control FUNCLION SUMMAIY ... 53

CONTENTS

244
2.5

VT52 Mode Control FUNCLIONS ........ooiiiiee et 57

COMMUNICATION PROTOCONL ...

e, 60

2.5.1

Full Duplex — XON/XOFF RE@SPONSE.......ooooiiiiiieeeeeeeee

2.5.2

RESEt @NA SeIf-TESt ... . oo

2.5.3

NO SCROLL and CTRL S/CTRL
Qoo

e, 60

e e, 62
e, 62

CHAPTER 3
3.1

GEN
E RA L e
s 65

3.2

SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE ...
e e 65

3.2.1

VT103 Backplane ASSemMbDIY .........oooviiiiii

3.2.2

Standard TermiNal POTt .........ooooii el 68

e, 65

3.2.3

H 7835 POWET SUPPIY ..oooiiiiiieeeee
e e 69

3.24

VT 103 Fan ASSEMbDIY ... e, 70

3.3

TUB8 DECtape HH (OPTIONAL) .o 70

3.4

THE LSI-10 BUS .o, 70

3.4.1

Module Slot Assignments, Priority, and Configuration

3.42

Configuring LSI-11 Backplane Systems ..o, 70

CONSIAEIALIONS ...

e 70

3.5

TYPICAL LSI-11T CONFIGURATIONS ..., 71

CHAPTER 4

TUS8 TAPE DRIVE

4.1

GENERAL INFORMATION ..o, 73

4.1.1

Tape Cartridge Storage and Care...............ooooviiiiiiii

4.1.2

WIFITE ProteCt Tab .....ooiiiiiiiiieiei et 74

4.1.3

Tape Cartridge Installation and Removal ... 75

4.1.4
4.2

el 73

Tape Drive Cleaning ..o 76

TUS8 COMMUNICATION SELECTION ..., 76

4.2.1

Selecting Baud Rate .........ooooiiiiiie

s 77

4.2.2

Selecting TransmissioN Standard...........ccooooiiiiiiiii

e 80

CHAPTERS

INSTALLATION, INTERFACE INFORMATION AND SPECIFICATIONS

5.1

UNPACKING . ..ot 81

5.2

SITE CONSIDERATIONS Lol 81

5.3

IN ST A LLATION

5.4

INTERFACE INFORMATION ..ottt 92

5.5

EXTERNAL VIDEO CONNECTION ..o

5.5.1

5.56.2

e, 81
e, 94

Composite Video OUtpUt () ......c..oooiiii e, 94
ViIdEO INPUL (UB) ... e, 95

5.6

VTTO3 SPECIFICATIONS. ... e, 96

CHAPTER 6

OPTIONS

6.1

6.2

INTRODUGCTION . ...

6.2.1

Advanced Video Option INStallation ...........ccoooiiiiiiiiiiie

6.2.2

Advanced Video Option ChecCkouUt ...........cc..ovviiiiiiiii

6.3

6.4

e 101

ADVANCED VIDEO OPTION — VT IXX-AB ..ot 101

GRAPHICS CONNECTOR ...

e, 101
e, 104

e 104

CONTENTS

APPENDIX A

TUGBB MES
S AGE PA CKET S ..., 107

APPENDIX B

GLOSSARY AND NOT ATION ... e, 121

APPENDIX C

T-BIT ASCIHIECODE ... ..o 125

APPENDIX D

SUMMARY OF VT103 CONTROL FUNCTIONS ..., 127

FIGURES

AP WN-_2LOODOPL,WON_,OOODOPRWON_,
2 O0ONOOOOPRLWN -

Figure No.

Title

Page

VTT03 LSI-T1 Vid@O TerMiNal.....c.ooiiiiiiiieee
ee2
VT103 LSI-11 Video Terminal (REAr VIEW) ........coooooiioeeeeee e 3

Standard AIPhanUMIEIIC K@YS.........coviiiiiii e, 4

SPECIAI FUNCHION KYS......ooeoiiiiie

SEE-UP MOAE KBYS ...

e e, 4
ee6

Keyboard INAICAIONS ...
e e8

Set-Up A MOdeE Presentation...............ooouiiiiieoo oo, 13
Set-Up B MoOde PreSentatiON............oooveiiiiiie
oo
e 14

Set-Up B MOAE SUMMATY ......oooiiiiiiii oo e, 14
VT 103 KEYDOAIA ...

e
e e, 29
Typical LSI-11 System Configuration............cooooeiooe oo, 66
VT103 Backplane ASSEMDIY ......c..oooiiiiiii

e e 67
VT103 With Top and Baottom Covers RemMOVEd ..........oooveeoeeeooeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee e, 68

VT103 Backplane Module UtIIZatiON...........c..oooouiioie oo 71
Example 1: Configuring the LSI-11 BUS ... 72
Example 2: Configuring the LSI-171 BUS .........ooiiiiii e, 72

VTTO3 With TUBB DECLAPE . ..ooooeeiice

e e e, 74
WIREE ProteCT Tab ..o e 75
Loading @ CArtridge........cccuviiviiiiiiiiiiie e 76
TAPE DriVe Cleaning......cooiiiiiii

e e e 77
TUB8 Controller Module Jumper Pin LOCAtIONS .......cooveeoeeeeeeeeeee e 79

TUDBB FACIOry WITING ...

e e, 80
VT103 Terminal DIMENSIONS ........oooiiiiiiiioe e, 82

VT U033 RN VIBW ..o e 83
VT 103 BACKPIANE.......oi
e e e
iiiiiieicecee 84

Standard Terminal Port (STP) INStallation ..........ccooooiiiie oo, 86
Connecting a Second Serial Interface on the

STP Module Using the 10-Pin CONNECLON............ocooviiiiiiiiicee

e 88

Connecting a Second Serial Interface on the

STP Module Using the 40-Pin CoONNECIOT...........ocoveeoeeeeeee e, 89
Module Support Guide INStAIAtION ..........cccoviiiieee

e, 91

Composite VIO OULPUL........c..ooiiii e, 95
VTT03 REAT VIBW ...

e e 102

Advanced Video Option INStallation..............ooooieiiiiieeeee
e e, 103
Read Command Packet EXChanGe............cc.ooooiiiiioieeee e 114
Write Command Packet EXChaNGe ............ooviiiiiiiieeeeee
e
e, 114

CONTENTS

TABLES

— Y
S
[

[

mbNNNNNt'\)NNNNNNNN

LR WON o
LLLLLM
Ll 00owvonbhwN =

Table No.

Title

Page

Categories of Set-Up FEAtUIES..........cooiiiiiiii i 10
Set-Up Feature Change SUMIMATY ........ccoiiiiiiiiii i 11
i 23
Nonfatal Displayed Error COA@S........c.oooiiiiiiiiiiiieiie
PPN 24
O
1=) AEUTTRTTRTTUTT
o 1=1 0 AT O (=o)L
o)
Set-Up Features and Terminal MOdES............ccooiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii 30
AIPhEDELIC KEY COABS ......ooviiiiiiiiiiie e 31
e 32
Nonalphabetic KeY COAES............oooiiiiiiiiee
FUNCHON KEY COBS ..ottt 32
reeeeeaeea s 33
t
e et
CONLrOl COAES GENMEIALEA. ... ... oo
CUTSOr CONrol KEY COUBS........oviiioiiiiieiee et 34
Special Graphic CharacCters ...........ooviiiiiiiiiii i 35
VT52 Mode Auxiliary Keypad CodeS ..........couiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii i, 36
ANSI Mode Auxiliary Keypad Codes ..........oooviiiiiiiiiii i 36
Control Characters RECEIVEA . ........coooeiiiiii e 37
Terminal Report PAr@mMELErS ........ccvoiiiiiiiiiiieiiicee i 46
DIGITAL PrivAte IMOAES ...ttt 52
Other ANSI IVIOAES ..o, 53
e e e s e e 58
VT52 MoOde CONLIrOl FUNCLIONS. ......eiiiiieeeieeeee ettt
e 78
TUS8 Controller Module Pin ASSIQNMENTS .......occiiiiiiiiiiiiieeiiiie
VT103 Backplane Signal and Power Pin Assignments

At EAGE CONMMECTON .. ..ottt 85
e, 92
EIA RS-232-C CoNNECOr SigNalS.....c.oiiiiiiiiiiiieciie

Graphics Connector Pin Assignments for
6-2
A-1

A-2
A-3
A-4
A-5
A-6

A-7

A-8

C-1
D-1
D-2

J2 0N VT103 BACKPIANE .....cooiioiiiiiiiee e 104
Optional Communications Cables............ocooviiiiiiiiiiii 105
Command Message Packet StrUCTUIE.............cooiviiiiiiiiiiiiiii 108
e e e e e ettt ettt 109
T U G O St . eene ittt
S
e e e e e 111
O oo oot
B P aCK
End Packet Success Codes and Definition ... 112
S ..o 115
DAt PACK
e et e 117
e e et
ettt
T U CEION St . oeeen it
IS
s 117
NOP Instruction Message PACKEeT ...........cooiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
NOP INSTrUCtiON ENA PACKEL ...t 118
7-Bit ASCII Code/Character Chart ..., 125
ANSI Mode Control FUNCLIONS .. .cooiiiiiiieeeeeiee ettt 127
VT52 Mode CONtrol FUNCLIONS ....ovveeeee e 131

PREFACE

The VT103 LSI-11 Video Terminal is designed to be a basic building block in an

LSI-11 based microcomputer system. The VT103 combines the features of the
versatile DIGITAL VT100 alphanumeric terminal with a 4 X 4 LSI-11 backplane.
All the support hardware needed to build a complete LSI-11 microcomputer sys-

tem within the video terminal is available. The VT 103 offers complete versatility so
you can configure the terminal using any of the available LSI-11 options. These
options are described in the Microcomputer Handbook Series manuals.
Microcomputer Processors

(EB-15115-78)

Memories and Peripherals

(EB-15114-78)

The user can select a VT103 with a factory-installed TU58 DECtape Il. 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

Video terminal with keyboard

VT103-BA

VT103-AA with TU58 DECtape Il

The VT103 has three basic support blocks.

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

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

Tub8 DECtape Il (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 LSI-11 support hardware; Chapter 4,
the TU58 DECtape Il; Chapter 5 provides information on installation and specifications of the VT 103, and Chapter 6 adds installation information for user-installable
options.

Vil

CHAPTER 1

OPERATOR INFORMATION

1.1

INTRODUCTION

The VT103, shown in Figure 1-1, is a video terminal that features an internal LSI-

11 backplane which allows you to configure an LSI-11 microcomputer system

within your terminal. The TU58 DECtape Il (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.

©o~N>OhWN=

Chapter 1 is divided into the following sections:

1.2

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.

CONTROLS AND INDICATORS

The controls and indicators of the VT103 are categorized as follows:
Monitor Controls

Keyboard Controls
Keyboard Indicators
Audible Indicators.

OPERATOR INFORMATION

MR-2890

Figure 1-1

1.2.1

VT103 LSI-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

Down

Off

The POWER SELECTOR switch is used to configure the terminal to the available

ac input voltage as follows.

Switch Position

Voltage Range

115

90 - 128 Vac rms

(typical U.S.)

230

180 - 256 Vac rms

(typical European)

OPERATOR INFORMATION

EIA

COMMUNICATIONSfl
CONNECTOR

J8 VIDEO IN

19 VIDEO OUT

POWER

SWITCH

KEYBOARD
IN

VOLTAGE

SELECT
115/230

CORD
CONNECTOR
MR-3519

Figure 1-2

1.2.2

VT103 LSI-11 Video Terminal (Rear View)

Keyboard Controls

The VT103 has 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
lly held down for more than one-half second.
keys repeat automaticawhen

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 LSI-11

microcomputer (host

computer).

—

flfll

BACK

SPACE

SHIFT

o)
R L L

wvvm LTLLT

AR AAARRVRBRRREG

LlLl

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.

‘ .931

)

QW[

Icml Cock I AllSs|

Igg,,ml

SHIFT

E|R|T|

YUl

F1BELLI HlJ]|

zi|x|lc|viB|N[M]:

]

%%
/
y

MR-3521

Figure 1-4

Special Function Keys

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

paragraphs.

: Key
When pressed in combination with the CTRL key, this key causes a bell code

(007g) to be sent to the host computer.

OPERATOR INFORMATION

Key

This key enables the transmission of uppercase alphabetic characters only. All
numeric and special symbol keys remain 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 (177g) 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.

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

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 fea-

ture controls the function of this key. Recognition of this key is dependent on the
system software.

Key

This key transmits either a carriage return code (CR, 015g) or a carriage return

(CR) and linefeed code (LF, 012g). This is a set-up selectable feature. (See Paragraph 1.3.2.)

OPERATOR INFORMATION

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

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

Each of these keys causes the VT103 to transmit a code that may have a special
meaning to your system. In set-up mode the T and | 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.
.................

SET:UP]|

Key

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

BRIGHTNESS - Set-up A

In set-up A, these keys increase or decrease the brightness of the video characters:
T = increase; | = decrease.

2| 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.

"EOTSTT0 0 O O |

?:I
.o

| SHIFT
Figure 1-5

wi|

TBELLY

ull1|lo]lP :{c"§

X |_c__| v i B l_NJ M

... —

Set-Up Mode Keys

%
vnlm

L_I ? | sHieT ;gggl_

o Fora 1 era
aisi|efl-

OPERATOR INFORMATION

xxxxxxx

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

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.

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.

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

for more details.)

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.

RECEIVE SPEED - Set-up B
This key steps the terminal through the available receive baud rates of the termi-

nal. If the STP module is installed, this selection is disabled: the receive speed

follows the transmit speed selection.

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.

OPERATOR INFORMATION

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.)
Keyboard Indicators
1.2.3
Figure 1-6 shows the location of the keyboard indicators.

The

indicators

are

defined in the paragraphs that follow.
ON 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 entering and exiting set-up mode.

—

SET-UP

wme

ON LINE LOCAL KBD LOCKED L1

- || -

{

}

la{wlellrl{Tl{Yylfult]ollrP]|t]:;

cracf| Sas L A|lSsIOf|FI%&|HI||KI|L
V
SCROLL SHIFT Z||X||]C||VIIBIiIN|M : ’

;

Fewnn J
sHiFT ||LINT |—

PF1 || PF2 || PF3 || PF4

alls|

1|2}
o)

3
.

ENTER

MR-3523

Figure 1-6

Keyboard Indicators

OPERATOR INFORMATION

L1-L4 Indicators
These indicators are turned on and off by the system software. L1-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.
o

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 per-

form 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 LSI-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

Determining What a Set-Up Feature Does

1.3.1

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:
o

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 in-

correct 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 fea-

tures 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.

How to Change a Set-Up Feature

1.3.2

Changing any or all of the set-up features is a simple operation and is generally
performed by following the same basic steps.

Table 1-1

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

Categories of Set-Up Features
Computer

Installation

X
X

ANSI/VT52 Mode
ANSWERBACK Message

AUTO REPEAT

INTERLACE

KEYCLICK
LINE/LOCAL
MARGIN BELL

SCREEN BACKGROUND

TRANSMIT SPEED

WRAPAROUND

#
3

X X X X

SCREEN BRIGHTNESS
SCROLL

(shifted)

X X

PARITY SENSE

TABS

PARITY

RECEIVE SPEED

Comfort

X
.

NEW LINE

POWER

‘

Operator

X
X
X

AUTO XON XOFF
BITS PER CHARACTER
CHARACTERS PER LINE

CURSOR

Compatibility

X X

Set-Up Feature

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.
3.

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

Changed In
Set-Up Feature

Set-Up A Mode

ANSI/VT52 mode

Key Used to

Set-Up B Mode

Change Feature

N
6

ANSWERBACK message

AUTO REPEAT

N
6

AUTO XON/XOFF

6
BITS PER CHARACTER

6
CHARACTERS PER LINE

(

9
CURSOR

INTERLACE

|©
N
6
KEYCLICK

LINE/LOCAL

$
4

MARGIN BELL

N
6

NEW LINE

6
PARITY

A\
6

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

OPERATOR INFORMATION

Table 1-2

Set-Up Feature Change Summary (Cont)
Changed In

Set-Up Feature

Set-Up A Mode

PARITY SENSE

Key Used To

Set-Up B Mode

Change Feature

A
6

POWER

A
6

RECEIVE SPEED

SCROLL

SCREEN BRIGHTNESS

(=]

SCREEN BACKGROUND

TABS

TRANSMIT SPEED

il
| 0 i

@ land|

$
7

WRAPAROUND

A
6

1.3.3

X
(shifted)

A
6

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

—_

E $

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 132 character mode; however, the characters are more compressed.
NOTE
The

screen

contents are lost when toggling

be-

tween 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——t

MR-3524

Figure 1-8

Set-Up B Mode Presentation

SCROLL {1 = SMOOTH
0 = JUMP

—

AUTOREPEAT {10 =_ OFF
on
SCREEN

HIFTED

) {1 =t

0= =

{10 =_ OFF
on

——— WRAP AROUND

{1 = LIGHT BACKGRQUND
0 = DARK BACKGROUND

—— NEW LINE

{1 = ON

OPTIONAL <FLAGS>

0 = OFF
~

CURSOR {0 = UNDERLINE

DISPLAYED WHEN

INTERLACE {0 = OFF

1 = BLOCK

STP MODULE IS INSTALLED.

1 = ON

SEE REPORT TERMINAL

PARAMETERS (DECREPTPARM).

11171

31113

L AUTO XON XOFF {10 =_ OFF
oN
—

|
ANSI
{10 =_ VT52
ANSI/VT52

L keveuick (9 = OFF
1

= ON

5{10735

L POW {10 =5060 HyHz

OFF

TspeeD[3

R SPEED[
]

= 7 BITS
L_ BITS PERC HAR. {10 s
BITS

| paRITY (O = OFF
1

MARGIN BELL {1 _ ON
0 =

4[TTT]

= ON

PARITY SENSE { _ EVEN
0 =

0DD

MR-3414

Figure 1-9

Set-Up B Mode Summary

OPERATOR INFORMATION

Press the 6 key on the main keyboard. This changes the displayed "0 toa 1" (or
the “1” to a "0").
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
ANS| Mode enabled

Changing the Transmit Speed - While in set-up B, 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 B, 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 B, 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 B mode.

Press the SHIFT 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.)
3.

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.
4.

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. |f 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.
2.

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 recall operation is performed, the contents

of the screen are destroyed.
2.

Press the SHIFT 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 O (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.

ANSI/VT52 Mode - (Set-up B)
The VT103 terminal follows one of two programming standards — American Na-

tional 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

TAB

ESC

RETURN

NO SCROLL

ENTER
CTRL and any key.

AUTO XON/XOFF - (Set-up B)
The VT103 supports the synchronizing codes XON (DC1) 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.

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

CTRL S is pressed.

The terminal resumes transmission when one of the following events occurs.
The internal buffer empties.

The NO SCROLL key is pressed again.
The terminal is taken out of set-up mode.

CTRL 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

XOFF (DC3) code is received and resumes transmission when an XON (DC1) code is received re-

gardless of the setting of the AUTO XON/XOFF
feature.

When

the

STP

module

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 8-bit charac-

ters. When set for 8-bit operation, bit 8 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 VT103 can display either 80 or 132 characters per line. In the 80-character

per line mode, the screen is 80 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 80-character per line mode, but the characters are more compact.
NOTES

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 /s 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 feed 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 ( i) 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
frequency 50 or 60 Hz. In the U.S., this is set to 60 Hz.

line

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 individ-

ually 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
number of characters per line by half.

¥ £
3 | (shifted)
- (Set-up B)
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.

Chapter 5 for installation information.

1.5

POWER-UP SEQUENCE

Refer to

VT103 terminals are equipped with permanently resident terminal self-test programs. These programs verify the proper operation of the VT 103 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 se-

lected (by pressing the reset key, O on the main keyboard).
o

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 suc-

cessful, the cursor returns to its home (upper-left) position and LEDs L1-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 VT 103 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 key-

caps are replaced incorrectly.
The VT103 terminal with TU58 DECtape Il 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 TU58 information.
1.7

SELF-TESTING THE VT103

A self-test program is built into the VT 103 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.

Enter set-up mode; press the SET-UP key.

Press the O (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 L1-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, L1-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.

kN
=

There are five types of nonfatal errors.

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. See 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

Nonfatal Displayed Error Codes

Displayed

Fault Detected

Character

AVO

2
3

NVR

X
X

;

X
X

<
=

>
?

B
C

X
X

F
G

D
E

X
X

J
K

X
X

L
M

EIA

6
7

Data

X
X

KBD

1.8

OPERATOR INFORMATION

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 ac power cord is not plugged into wall outlet. Plug in

the

cord.

power switch

on.

LINE/LOCAL light, no cursor.

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

Keyboard cable is not plugged into the monitor. Plug in key-

present, but no indicators are on.

board cable.

No keyboard response and KBD

The

LOCKED indicator is on.

LOCKED condition may be cleared by entering and exiting

computer

has turned the

keyboard

off.

The

KBD

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

in-

dications; refer to Paragraph 1.8.

Garbled or error characters (3%)

Incorrect set-up feature selection. Check the set-up features.
Features that may be in error are:
ANSI/VT52 mode
AUTO XON/XOFF
Bits per character
Parity
Parity sense
Transmit speed

Without the STP module, check both the transmit and re-

ceive 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
Double line feeds occur

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

Losing

data

Possible Cause and Corrective Action

graph

mode

(if

Check the following features:

graphic option is installed)

AUTO XON/XOFF should be enabled
INTERLACE should be disabled

ANSI/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

Incorrectly formatted tape; wrong tape used; oxide build-up

application program (if TU58 op-

on tape head or drive capstan; old or worn tape; wrong tape

tion is installed).

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

During the listing, press: CTRL S. The listing should stop.

Press: CTRL Q
The listing should resume.

1.9

OPERATOR INFORMATION

RELATED HARDWARE MANUALS AND TAPE SUPPLIES

The following hardware manuals are related to the VT 103 and may be purchased
from Digital Equipment Corporation.

Title

Part Number

Notes

Microcomputer Handbook Series:

Microcomputer Processors

EB-15115-78

Hardcopy

Memories and Peripherals

EB-15114-78

Hardcopy

VT100 Series Technical Manual

EK-VT100-TM

Microfiche

VT100 Series Pocket Service Guide

EK-VT100-J1

Hardcopy

VT103 lllustrated Parts Breakdown

EK-VT103-IP

Available in

VT100 lllustrated Parts Breakdown

EK-VT100-IP

hardcopy or
microfiche

VT 100 Print Set (base terminal)

MP-00663

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VT 103 Print Set (supplement)

MP-00731

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TUS58 DECtape Il User’'s Guide

EK-OTUB8-UG

Hardcopy

Tape Supplies

The following tape supplies are available from DIGITAL.
Description

Part

Number

Minitape Cartridges (formatted)

TU58-K

Cleaning Kit for Tape Drive

TUCO1

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 800-

258-1710 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.O.B. DIGITAL plant. Freight charges will be pre-

paid 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

ANSI standards X3.41-1974 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 LSI-11 systems, call the LSI-11 Hot Line:
Outside Massachusetts call 800-225-9220
Within Massachusetts call 617-481-7400, 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 VT103 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 LSI11 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.
—

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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 upper-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 provided 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

Changeable

Control

Memory and

Set-Up Feature

from Host

Function

Changeable

or Terminal Mode

Computer

Mnemonic

in Set-Up

Alternate keypad mode

Yes

(DECKPAM/DECKPNM)

ANSI/VT52

Yes

(DECANM)

Yes

Auto repeat

Yes

(DECARM)

AUTO XON XOFF

Bits per character

Characters per line

Yes

Yes
Yes

(DECCOLM)

Yes

Cursor

Cursor key mode

Yes

(DECCKM)

Yes

Graphic drawing mode

Yes

(DECGON/DECGOFF)

Interlace

Yes

(DECINLM)

Yes

New line

Yes

(LNM)

Keyclick

Yes
Yes

Margin bell

Origin mode

Yes

Parity

Yes

Parity sense

Yes

Power

Yes

" Receive speed

|
(DECOM)

Yes
No

Yes

Screen background

Yes

(DECSCNM)

Screen brightness

Yes

Scroll

Yes

(DECSCLM)

Yes

Tabs

Yes

(HTS/TBC)

Yes

Transmit speed

Wraparound

Yes

(DECAWM)

Yes

(SCS)

Yes

£
3 | (shifted)

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 SHIFT,
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 SHIFT 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

Alphabetic Key Codes
Uppercase

Lowercase

Key

Code (Cctal)

Code (Octal)

101

141

102

142

103

143

104

144

105

145

106

146

107

147

110

150

111

151

112

152

113

1563

114

154

115

165

116

156

117

157

120

160

121

161

122

162

123

163

124

164

125

165

126

166

127

167

130

170

131

171

132

172

PROGRAMMER INFORMATION

Table 2-3

Nonalphabetic Key Codes

Neither SHIFT

Either or Both

Lowercase

Key Down

Uppercase

SHIFT Keys Down

Character

(Octal)

Character

(Octal)
041

061

062

100

063

#ork

043

064

044

065

045

066

136

067

046

070

052

071

(

050

060

)

051

055

—

137

075

053

[

133

{

173

;

073

;

072

047

042

054

056

074
076

057

077

174

134

140

176

]

135

}

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*®

015

Carriage return

LINE FEED

012

Line feed

BACK SPACE

010

Backspace

TAB

011

Tab to next tab stop

SPACE BAR

040

Deposit a space on the screen, erasing
that position

ESC

033

Escape - interpret the following character string from the host as a command,
rather than displaying it.

Delete

177

Ignored

The RETURN key can be redefined to issue 0158, 012g (carriage return and line feed). The new
line feature in set-up mode providés 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 answer-

back 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

CTRL Key Down

(Shifted or

Octal Code

Function

Unshifted)

Transmitted

Mnemonic

Space Bar

000

NUL

001

SOH

002

STX

003

ETX

004

EOT

005

ENQ

006

ACK

007

BELL

010

011

012

013

014

015

016

017

020

DLE

021

DC1 or XON

022

DC2

023

DC3 or XOFF

024

DC4

025

NAK

026

SYN

027

ETB

030

CAN

031

PROGRAMMER INFORMATION

Table 2-5

Control Codes Generated (Cont)

Key Pressed with
CTRL Key Down

(Shifted or

Octal Code

Function

Unshifted)

Transmitted

Mnemonic

032

SuUB

[

033

ESC

034

035

036

037

uUs

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

VT52

ANSI| Mode and Cursor

(Arrow)

Mode

Key Mode Reset

Key Mode Set

ESCA

ESC|A

ESCOA

Down

ESCB

ESC[B

ESCOB

Right

ESCC

ESC|C

ESCOC

Left

ESCD

ESC|D

ESCOD

2.2.11

Auto Repeating

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 ASCIl codes 137g through 176g 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

137

140

Blank
¢

Diamond

141

Checkerboard (error indicator)

142

Horrizontal tab

143

Form feed

144

Carriage return

Line feed

145

146

Degree symbol

147

Plus/minus

150

(New Line)

151

(Vertical Tab)

152

—..

Lower-right corner

153

Upper-right corner

154

Upper-left corner

155

Lower-left corner
Crossing lines

156

157

160

161

Horizontal line — Scan 5

162

Horizontal line — Scan 7

Horizontal line — Scan 1
Horizontal line — Scan 3

163

Horizontal line — Scan 9

164

Left " T"

165

Right " T"

166

Bottom “T"

167 .

Top “T"

170

Vertical bar

171

Less than or equal to

172

Greater than or equal to

173

{

174

Not equal to

175

UK pound sign

176

Centered dot (bullet)

Notes

Codes 152g-156g, 161g, and 164g-170g 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 157g-163g 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.

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 SHIFT, 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

the

sequence

displayed

screen; e.g., PF1 will display a “P"’.
Table 2-8

VT52 Mode Auxiliary Keypad Codes

Keypad

Key

Numeric Mode

Application Mode

ESC?p

ESC?q

ESC?r

ESC?s

ESC?t

ESC?u

ESC?v

ESC?w

ESC ? x

ESC?y

ESC?m
ESC? |

ESC?n

ENTER

Same as RETURN key

ESC? M

PF1

ESCP

PF2

ESCQ

PF3

ESCR

PF4

ESCS

Table 2-9

ANSI| Mode Auxiliary Keypad Codes

Keypad

Key

Numeric Mode

Application Mode

ESCOp

ESCOq

ESCOr

ESCOs

ESCOt

ESCOu

ESCOv

ESCOw

ESCO x

ESCOy
ESCOm

the

PROGRAMMER INFORMATION

Table 2-9

Key

ANSI Mode Auxiliary Keypad Codes (Cont)

Keypad

Numeric Mode

Application Mode

ESCO|

ENTER

Same as RETURN key

ESCOM

ESCOn
PF1

ESCOP

PF2

ESCOQ

PF3

ESCOR

PF4

ESCOS

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 000g - 037g, and 177g. 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 TUB8, not console - Initialize tape (if present).

ENQ

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 G1 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

Octal

Character

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.

030

CAN

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 O to 37g inclusive) may be imbedded within a control
function sequence. Imbedded 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.

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

|f the character CAN (030g) or the character SUB (032g) 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.

ANSI| Mode Control Functions

2.4.1

The following listing briefly defines the basic elements of the ANSI control functions. A more complete listing appears in Appendix B.

Control Sequence Introducer (CSl) — A prefix to a control sequence. In
the VT103, ESC [ is the CSI.

Parameter — (1) A string of O or more characters that represents a

single value. Leading Os are ignored. The characters have a range of
60g to 77g. (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 semi-

colon (7 3g).
o

Default value — A value that is assumed when no explicit value, or a

value of O, is specified.
°

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

Example:

ESC|[Ps; Ps

CSl

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.
1.

Control character — A control character is a single character that in-

itiates, modifies, or stops a control function. A control character may
range from O to 37g and 177g.
-

Escape sequence — An escape sequence is a string of characters that
begins with ESC (033g), has zero or more intermediate characters, and
ends with the first occurrence of a final character.

Example: ESC # 6

Escape Sequence

Octal

Character

Value

Escape

033

Intermediate character

040 to 057

Final character

060to 176

Escape sequence for double-width line (DEC DWL).
Escape

Octal Representation

Sequence

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 parame-

ters. More than one parameter value is separated by a semicolon
(073g).
Example:

ESC|[

—

Final.Character
Parameter

CSli

Control Sequence
Character

Octal
Value

Control sequence introducer
Intermediate character
Parameter
Final character

033 133
040 to 057
060 to 077
100to 176

Control sequence to set 132 column mode.

Control
Sequence

Octal Representation
of Same Sequence

ESC[?3h

033133077 063 150

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; PnR

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 sec-

ond specifies the column. The default condition with no parameters present, or
parameters of O, 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|[PnD

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|[PnB

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

CUF

Cursor Forward - Host to Terminal and Terminal to Host

ESC[PnC

default value: 1

The CUF 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; PnH

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 parame-

ters 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

Cursor Up - Host to Terminal and Terminal to Host

CUU

1
default value:

ESC[PnA

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|[Pnc

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 O.

The response to the request generated by the terminal is a DA control

DECALN

sequence with numeric parameters as follows.

Option 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:.0c
ESC[?1;1c
ESC[?1:2c
ESC|?1;3c
ESC [?1.4c
ESC|[?1:bc
ESC[?1;6¢c
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

ANSI/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 CTRL 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 ModeTM

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 ANSI/VT52 mode (DECANM) is set. If the cursor key mode is reset,
the four cursor function keys send ANSI cursor control commands. |f 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 uniess 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 com-

mand is ignored if no hard copy option is installed.

DECID

Identify Terminal*

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

DECINLM

Interlace Mode*

This parameter is applicable to set mode (SM) and reset mode (RM) control se-

quences. 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

Keypad Application Mode*

ESC =

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|[Psq

default value: O

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

Meaning

Clear LEDs L1 through L4

Light LED L1

Light LED L2

Light LED L3

Light LED L4

LED numbers are indicated on the keyboard.
DECOM

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 cur-

sor 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| <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>

O 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 re-

port in response to a request.

This message is a report (DECREPTPARM).

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

<par>

<nbits>

No parity set

Parity is set and odd

Parity is set and even

8 ‘bits per character

7 bits per character

Bits per second
0

110

134.5

150

200

300

600

1200

1800

2000

2400

3600

104

4800

112

9600

120

19200

<flags>

0-15

The bit rate multiplier is 16.

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 ParametersTM”

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 seguences. 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; Pnr

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 DECOM))
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; Psy
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 O, no test is

performed, but the terminal is reset.
Test

Value

Power up self-test (ROM

checksum, RAM, NVR key-

board, 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|[Psn

default value: O

This control sequence requests and reports the general status of the terminal ac-

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

Erase In Display

ESC[PsJ

default value: O

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

ESC|[PsK

default value: O

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;Pnf

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 number-

ing of lines and columns depends on the reset or set state of the origin mode

(DECOM). Format Effector
IND

Index

ESCD
This escape sequence causes the active position to move downward one line with-

out 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 posi-

tion 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

ESCE

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 INIT 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 G1

character sets are designated from one of the five

possible character sets. The GO and G1 sets are invoked by the codes Sl and SO
(shift in and shift out) respectively.

GO Sets

G1 Sets

Sequence

Meaning

ESC(A

ESC)A

United Kingdom set

ESC(B

ESC)B

USASCII set

ESC(O

ESC)O

Special graphics character set

ESC(1

ESC)1

Alternate character ROM

ESC(2

ESC)2

Alternate character ROM

standard character set
special graphics set

The United Kingdom and USASCII 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 137g to 176g are replaced with other characters. The specified character
set is used until another SCS is received.

SGR

Select Graphic Rendition (Character Attributes)

ESC[Ps;...;Psm

default value: O

Invoke the character attributes specified by the parameter(s). All following charac-

ters transmitted to the video screen react according to the parameter(s) selected
until the next occurrence of SGR. Format Effector

Parameter

Parameter Meaning

Attributes off

Bold or increased intensity

Underscore

Blink

Negative (reverse) image

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 character attribute. (See Cursor in Chapter 1,
Paragraph 1.4.)

PROGRAMMER INFORMATION

Set Mode

ESC|[Ps;...;Psh

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|[Psg

default value: O

Parameter
0

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
Mode

Parameter

Mnemonic

Error (ignored)

20
2.4.2.2

Mode Function

LNM

Line feed/new line mode

DIGITAL Private Modes - If the first character in the parameter string

is ? (77g), 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

Param-

Mode

eter

Mnemonic

Error (ignored)

DECCKM

Cursor key

Mode Function

Reset

ANSI functions

Set

Application

functions

DECANM

ANSI/VT52

VT52 mode

DECCOLM

Column

ANSI mode
132

DECSCLM

Scrolling

Jump

Smooth

DECSCNM

Screen background

Black

White

DECOM

Origin

Screen

Margin

reference

DECAWM

Auto wrap

Disabled

Enabled

DECARM

Auto repeating

Disabled

Enabled

DECINLM

Interlace

Noninterlace

Interlace

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 fur-

ther information concerning these modes.

Table 2-13

Other ANSI Modes

Mode

Mnemonic

Mode Function

CRM

Control representation

Reset

EBM

Editing boundary

Reset

State

ERM

Erasure

Set

FEAM

Format effector action

Reset

FETM

Format effector transfer

Reset

GATM

Guarded area transfer

NA
NA

HEM

Horizontal editing

IRM

Insertion-replacement

Reset

KAM

Keyboard action

Reset

MATM

Multiple area transfer

PUM

Positioning unit

Reset

SATM

Selected area transfer

NA
Reset

SRTM

Status reporting transfer

TSM

Tabulation stop

Reset

TTM

Transfer termination

VEM

Vertical editing

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 060g to 07 1g.

Ps refers to a selective parameter from a specified list. Ps has a range of

0 (0608) to 9 (0718).

Multiple parameters are separated by a semicolon (073g).

If a parameter is omitted or specified to be O, the default parameter
value is used. (For the cursor movement commands, the default param-

eter 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 semi-

colon (073g). The parameters are executed in order and have the following meanIngs.

Parameter (Ps)

Attribute

O or None

All attributes off

Bold on

Underscore on

Blink on

Reverse video on

Any other parameter values are ignored.

Character Sets (GO and G1 Designators)
The GO and G1 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

ESC(O

ESC)O

Alternate character ROM

ESC (1

ESC) 1

Alternate character ROM

ESC (2

ESC) 2

and line drawing set

special graphic characters

Cursor Movement Commands
Cursor up

ESC[PnA

Cursor down

ESC[PnB

Cursor forward (right)

ESC[PnC

Cursor backward (left)

ESC[PnD

Direct cursor addressing

ESC[PI;, PcH
or ESC [ PI; Pcf

Index

ESCD

Reverse index

ESCM

Save cursor and attributes

ESC 7

Restore cursor and attributes

ESC 8

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

PROGRAMMER INFORMATION

Erase

From cursor to end of line

ESC|KorESC[OK

From beginning of line to cursor

ESC[1K

Entire line containing cursor

ESC[2 K

From cursor to end of screen

ESC[JorESC[OJ

From beginning of screen to cursor

ESC[1J

Entire screen

ESC[2J

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

ESC# 3

Change this line to double-height bottom half

ESC#4

Change this line to single-width single-height

ESC#5

Change this line to double-width single-height

ESC#6

Modes

To Set

Mode Name

Mode

Sequence

To Reset

Mode

Sequence”
ESC [20I

Line feed/new line

New line

ESC [20h

Line feed

Cursor key mode

Application

ESC|[?1h

Cursor

ESC [?1]

ANSI/VT52 mode

ANSI

N/A

VT52

ESC [?2]

Column mode

132 Col

ESC [?3h

80 Col

ESC [?3lI

Scrolling mode

Smooth

ESC [?4h

Jump

ESC [?4]

Screen mode

Reverse

ESC [?5h

Normal

ESC [?5l

Origin mode

Relative

ESC [?6h

Absolute

ESC [?6l

Wraparound

ESC [?7h

Off

ESC [?7]

Auto repeat

ESC [?8h

Off

ESC [?8I

Interlace

ESC {?9h

Off

ESC [?9I

Graphics option

ESC 1

Off

ESC 2

Keypad mode

Application

ESC =

Numeric

ESC >

Programmable LEDs

ESC [ Ps;Ps;...Ps g
Ps parameters are selected from the list that follows. Separate parameters with a

semicolon (073g).
Parameter (Ps)

LED Selected

O or None

All LEDs Off

LED L1 On

LED L2 On

LED L3 On

LED L4 On

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

PROGRAMMER INFORMATION

Reports

Cursor Position Report

Invoked by:

ESC|[6n

Response is:

ESC|[PI; PcR
Pl = line number and Pc = column number.

Status Report

Invoked by:

ESC[5n

Response is:

ESC|[On
ESC[3n

(terminal OK)
(terminal not OK)

What Are You? (ldentify Report)
ESC|c

Invoked by:

ESC[Oc

ESC[?1:Psc

Response is:

Meaning

NoOooapLhwnN-—-0

Ps is the “option present’” parameter with the following meaning:

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

Pbr

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

" ESCH

Clear tab at current column

ESC|[gorESC|[Og

Clear all tabs

ESC|3g

Tests

Fill Screen with “Es”

ESC # 8

Invoke Test(s)

ESC[2;Psy

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 to-

gether.
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).
2.44

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

ESC A

Cursor Down

ESCB

Cursor Right

ESCC

Cursor Left

ESCD

Select Special Graphics character set

ESCF

Select ASCII character set

ESCG

Cursor to home

ESCH

Reverse line feed

ESCI

Erase to end of screen

ESCJ

Erase to end of line

ESCK

Direct cursor address

ESC Yic (see note 1)

Identify

ESC Z (see note 2)

Enter alternate keypad mode

ESC =

Exit alternate keypad mode

ESC >

Graphics option ON

ESC 1 (see note 3)

Graphics option OFF

ESC 2 (see note 3)

Enter ANSI mode

ESC <

NOTES:

1. Line and column numbers for the direct cursor address are single character codes with octal
values of the desired number plus 37g. Line and column numbers start at 1.
2.

Response to ESC Z is ESC / Z.

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
ESCC

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
ESCF

This corfimand 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 |

Move the active position up one position without altering the column position. |f
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 ASCIl codes whose values are the number plus 037g. For example,

040g refers to the first line or column, 050g 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 / Z
NOTE
Information regarding options must be obtained in
ANSI| mode, using the device attributes (DA) con-

trol 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 ASCIl 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 func-

tions. (Refer to Paragraph 2.4.1.) The VT52 control functions in this section will
not be recognized.

2.5

2.5.1

COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL

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 023g (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 021g

(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 charac-

ters 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.

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 func-

tion.

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 Q. 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 SCROLL 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 Q 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

DIGITAL LSI-11 processors.

enabled

for

CHAPTER 3
VT103 LSI-11

SUPPORT HARDWARE

3.1

GENERAL

The second block of the VT103 consists of the LSI-11 support hardware. This
hardware can be subdivided into three basic subassemblies.
o

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 LSI-11 bus.
For

in-depth

information on

the

LSI-11

microcomputer,

refer to the Micro-

computer 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 LSI-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 be-

tween system components. A typical LSI-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

@ 4 X 4 configuration. These connector blocks provide eight option slots. The

backplane conforms to LSI-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 LSI-11 SUPPORT HARDWARE

TO TERMINAL

CONTROLLER EIA PORT

TUS8 EIA PORT

r=—=-- i
LSI-11 CPU

SERIAL LINE

MODULE

INTERFACE

MEMORY

PARALLEL

INTERFACE :

r==-="
|

GEEEGED

TEEEEED

CGEEEE

BACKPLANE

GEAENEEED

$ CGIEEEND

GRS

LSI-11 BUS

CONTROLLER
MODULE

L - - -

I
|

;LI 3 2

I
|
I
[
1

== ="

| Tuss

TIELEED

TERMINAL

GRAPHICS
+ —

CGERNEED

r- )

TAPE DRIVE k.

OPTION

-i
-1

|| PRINTER
HiGH-sPeeD ||

COTEn

L
|
i

MISC

INTERFACE

MODULE

opTions

Lo___ S

r————"—7

rr/—===7"7

| SYSTEM

|| DISK
OR
Lo| BOOTSTRAP/ ||
FLoPPY DISK |

I [

ROM OPTION

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

vT103
TERMINAL
MR-2990

Figure 3-1

Typical LSI-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

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 LSI-11 SUPPORT HARDWARE

GND

+§

GTD

N/C

'*‘12&\

B3—p

BATTERY

+5V
o] BB1
aNo—{[g]
G

BACKUP
+12V

BB2

f:(:?:l’o

W4 —

©°

o{ 10

o{Jo
W1

EDGE CONNECTOR

FOR POWER HARNESS ]
~

A
E

ans

O _.O_.

TTof2
ws"f

N
W5

SLOT 1A
MR-2991

Figure 3-2

VT103 Backplane Assembly

VT103 LSI-11 SUPPORT HARDWARE

MODULE ACCESS DOOR

STP
CONNECTOR

%&»

TERMINAL

CONTROLLER

CARD CAGE AND
MOUNTING FRAME

VT103 BACKPLANE
ASSEMBLY

POWER HARNESS
MR-2992

Figure 3-3

3.2.2

VT103 With Top and Bottom Covers Removed

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 (J1 and J2) and one 40-pin connector (J3).

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 LSI-11 SUPPORT HARDWARE

J3 is for connecting an interface that has a 40-pin connector on it using a BCO8R-

01 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 MMXV11 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 B. (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

TUSS8

+5V

160A

2.5A

1.1A

0.75
A

+12V

5.0A

1.0A

0.6 A

06A(1.0A

-12V

O05A

-23V

0.01 A

spike on tape

startup)

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 OK - The power supply monitors both the ac power input and the dc

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 dc power; asserting this signal implies that dc 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 LSI-11 SUPPORT HARDWARE

3.24

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

TUbB8 DECtape Il (OPTIONAL)

The VT103 optionally supports a dual drive TU58 cartridge tape drive subsystem.
The TUB8 is installed below the monitor (both the drives and the controller mod-

ule). The dual drives protrude below the monitor to provide convenient access to
the operator. The TUB8 cannot be upgraded in the field; it must be factory in-

stalled. Refer to Chapter 4 for additional information on the TU58.

3.4

THE LSI-11

BUS

The LSI-11 bus is a simple, fast, easy-to-use interface between LSI-11 modules.

The bus has bidirectional bus data and control lines (except daisy-chained grant

signals). All LSI-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 LSI-11 bus is used by the processor and all I/0 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 B, has the highest priority and is reserved for the LSI-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 LSI-11 Backplane Systems

Three characteristics of each module in an LSI-11 system must be known before

configuring the system.
1.

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 in-

stalled). (See Paragraph 3.2.3.)

VT103 LSI-11 SUPPORT HARDWARE

12V

POWER HARNESS

SLOT

CONNECTOR

BB2

GND

TU58 POWER

CONNECTOR

BV
BB1

:I o |22TERMINAL CONTROLLER 0
W1
C
oo W4

[

Io] i}

8.9 CM
(3.5 IN)

OPTION 1 (HIGHEST PRIORITY)

OPT;IOI:J 4

OP-;”OI?I 3

LSI-11

OPTION 5

OPTION 6

BUS

OPTION 8 (LOWEST PRIORITY)

OPTION 7

OPTION 2

)

+——t
1

ROW

—+

26.5 CM (10.44 IN)

>
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
dc load is 105 uA. Most modules present one dc 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 LSI-11 module.

The power consumption, dc 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 LSI-11

backplane.

The LSI-11 bus can support up to 20 dc 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 LSI-11 bus modules and expansion boxes as

specified in the Microcomputer Processors handbook.

3.5

TYPICAL LSI-11 CONFIGURATIONS

Both the video terminal and the TU58 DECtape |l in the VT103 require a serial line
interface to communicate on the LSI-11 bus. Two typical configurations are illus-

trated. Each provides 10-pin connectors for cables to the STP module and the
TUGS.

VT103 LSI-11 SUPPORT HARDWARE

Figure 3-5 shows an LSI-11 processor, an MSV11-DD 32K word memory module, and a DLV11-J 4-channel serial line interface. One channel is connected to
the TUB8 and one channel is connected to the terminal console via the STP mod-

ule.
Figure 3-6 illustrates another possible configuration: an LSI-11 processor with an
MXV11-A multipurpose memory module. The MXV11-A has two serial line chan-

nels.

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

POWER HARNESS

SLOT

CONNECTOR

|22TERMINAL CONTROLLER1 0
W1

\!b o |18

eo W4

110 !i o0

LSI-11 PROCESSOR
L

MSV11-DD MEMORY

]

DLV11-J 4-CHANNEL

OPTION 4

SERIAL LINE INTERFACE

LSI-11

OPTION 5

OPTION 6

BUS

OPTION 8 (LOWEST PRIORITY)

OPTIOII\I 7

ROW

D
MR-3215

Figure 3-5

Example 1: Configuring the LSI-11 Bus

POWER HARNESS

=10

SLOT

CONNECTOR

|22TERMINAL CONTROLLER1 0

\ib o |18

oo W4

1o n o0
LSI-11 PROCESSOR
L
1

J3
MXV11-A MEMORY AND SERIAL IN/OUT

L
1

1
T

1
RS

OPTION 4

OPTION 3

OPTION 5

OPTION 6

OPTION 8 (LOWEST PRIORITY)

OPITIOII\J 7

ROW

LSI-11

BUS

D
MR-3216

Figure 3-6

Example 2: Configuring the LSI-11 Bus

CHAPTER 4

TUS8 TAPE DRIVE

GENERAL INFORMATION

The VT103-BA terminal has a factory-installed TU58 DECtape |l 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 TUB8 programming message packets are de-

fined 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 sunlight.

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.

TUS8 TAPE DRIVE

TAPE UNIT
O

1
TAPE UNIT

MR-2892

Figure 4-1

VT103 With TU58 DECtape Il

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
i

MOVE TO LEFT TO PROTECT
<l

s
R

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 position 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:

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

Press down firmly until the tab clicks into place.
Tape Cartridge Installation and Removal

4.1.3

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:

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.

TUS8 TAPE DRIVE

—

a
,////

Figure 4-3

Loading a Cartridge

Pull the cartridge directly out of the tape drive opening.
WARNING

Remove

both

tapes

VT103 cabinet.

damage

the

before

disassembling

the

If left in the tape drive, you may

cabinet

when

disassembling

the

VT103.
4.1.4

Tape Drive Cleaning

Weekly cleaning of the tape drive components minimizes tape and head
reduces the possibility of tape damage and data errors.

wear and

Clean the tape drive head, shown in Figure 4-4, using a cotton-tipped

wooden applicator moistened with head cleaning fluid (DEC part num-

ber TUCO1).

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 TUS8 and the video terminal communicate via a user-supplied serial line inter-

face on the LSI-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

SEE DETAIL "A”

w0X

DRIVE PUCK

TAPE HEAD

X‘TAPE DRIVE COVER

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

Figure 4-4

Tape Drive Cleaning

The TUS58 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 TU58, when shipped with the VT103, is factory-configured with both transmit and receive baud rates set to 38.4K baud.
The TUS58 controller module offers a choice of Electronic Industry Association

(EIA) standards: RS-422 (balanced signals) or RS-423 (unbalanced signals). The

TUSG8 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 TU58 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 XMIT or RCV pins or
both. Figure 4-5 shows the pin locations, and Figure 4-6 shows the factory-wired
configuration.

TUb8 TAPE DRIVE

Table 4-1

TUS58 Controller Module Pin Assignments

Wirewrap Pins

WW1

150 Baud

WW2

300 Baud

WW3

600 Baud

WwWw4

1200 Baud

WW5

2400 Baud

WW6

4800 Baud

WW7

9600 Baud

WWwW8

19200 Baud

WW9

38400 Baud

WW10

UART Receive Clock

WW11

UART Transmit Clock

WW12

Auxiliary A

WW13

Auxiliary B

WWi14

Factory Test Point

WW15

Ground }

WW16

Boot

WW17

RS-423 Driver

Connect together for auto-boot on power-up.

WW18

RS-423 Common (Ground)

WW19

Transmit Line +

WW20

Transmit Line —

WW21

RS-422 Driver +

WW22

RS-422 Driver -

WW23 }

Receiver Series Resistor

WWwW24

(Jump for RS-422)

Serial Interface Connector
J2-1

Auxiliary B

J2-7

Transmit Line-

J2-2

Ground

J2-8

Transmit Line +

J2-3

Receive Line +

J2-9

Ground

J2-4

Receive Line
—

J2-10

Auxilhary
A

J2-6

Ground

Power Input Connector

J1-1

+12V

J1-5

+5V

J1-3

Ground

J1-6

Ground

Drive Cable

J3.4-1

Cart L

J3.4-9

LED

J3.4-2

No Connection

J3.4-10

Head Shield Ground

J3.4-3

Permit L

J3.4-11

Erase Return

J3.4-4

Signal Ground

J3.4-12

Erase 1
Erase O

J3.4-5

Motor +

J3.,4-13

J3.4-6

Motor-

J3.4-14

Head Return

J3.4-7

+12V

J3.4-15

Head O

J3.4-8

Tachometer

J3.4-16

Head 1

TU58 TAPE DRIVE

DIAGNOSTIC
LED

TP+

()

GND
+

— BOOT +\1"gW

3|8
o

IEE

150
4 WW

300
+ |
600
4

1200+

=
END VIE

2400+

agoo+

[~ULI]

9600+

19.2K+
TM

232]17-19
423118-20

]

RCV +CLK
XMIT +CLK

AUX A+

422

Auxs+\1’VBW

21-19

22-20

23.24

—

++++++++++

—

Ik’

NHM]|O]|

=
~
TM

cle|le|e|x
|

?uj

&
Nt

=
0

«
T

|O|]

O :%

| .
O

©olo|w

IRIR
0O|lo

\_I_.

MR-3219

Figure 4-5

TU58 Controller Module Jumper Pin Locations

TU58 TAPE DRIVE

O
0

38.4K BAUD

O
O

@RCV

XMIT

O
O
EIASTANDARD
RS-423

0O003ad

MR-3220

Figure 4-6

4.2.2

TUS58 Factory Wiring

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

pin21topin19,
pin 22 to pin 20, and
pin 23 to pin 24.

RS-423

pin 17 topin 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

chain, or soldering.

Grip Clips, 915 patchcords, 917 daisy-

CHAPTER b5

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.

Remove the VT 103 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

1156
230

90 - 128 Vac RMS
180 - 256 Vac RMS

INSTALLATION, INTERFACE

INFORMATION, AND SPECIFICATIONS

36.8 CM

(14 1/2 IN))

(38.91/2CMIN)) r/
—p

—

h1 7/8 IN)
48 CM\

L—(;13J8Cm.)—J

—

k245 cm (9 5/8 IN)—]
30.5 CM (12 IN.)

2032 CM (8 IN.) ——

36.2 CM (14 1/4 IN.)
51.4 -CM (20 1/4

—/

41.3 CM (16 1/4 IN)

IN.")

—J

45.7CM (18 IN)
*"MEASUREMENT TAKEN WITH THE KEYBOARD PLACED FLUSH TO FRONT OF TERMINAL UNDER UNDERCUT.
MR-3526

Figure 5-1

VT103 Terminal Dimensions

Verify that the power switch is OFF.

Position

AC Power

Down

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

Function

Designation

Jumper State

W1,W2 W5

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 b-1.

ACCESS
COVER

CAPTIVE
SCREWS (4)

7 M| :.

...

— CONNECTOR

EXTERNAL VIDEO

L~ INPUT CONNECTOR
EXTERNAL VIDEO

"OUTPUT CONNECTOR

\ MAIN FUSE

POWER SWITCH

—T o
O

—\_I\

‘

I -

KEYBOARD
CONNECTOR

0/
|

MODEL + SERIAL
NUMBER LABEL

Etf]o@ e il e

POWER
SELECTOR

POWER CORD
CONNECTOR

SWITCH
MR -2891

Figure 5-2

VT103 Rear View

INSTALLATION, INTERFACE

INFORMATION, AND SPECIFICATIONS

—

VT103 BACKPLANE

STP

[ 1

SERIAL LINE INTERFACE

MODU
— ———__
LE
_|

TERMINAL

z
| 2

@)
9

| O
o

[

CONTROLLERTM——n____
MODULE

TO TUS8
TAPE CONTROLLER

(IF PRESENT)

POWER HARNESS

\
EIA

—

COMMUNICATIONS

$<r|.ncn

CONNECTOR

Slz1
21 =z
o2 fof o

Tl
=] F
QG

]

:OOO

7
-

/
GRAPHICS CONNECTOR

Figure 5-3

VT103 Backplane

MR-2993

INSTALLATION, INTERFACE

Table 5-1

INFORMATION, AND SPECIFICATIONS

VT103 Backplane Signal

and Power Pin Assighnments at Edge Connector
Pin

(Side 1 and 2)

Signal/Power

BV4 HORIZ DRIVEH

GND

DIRECT DRIVE VIDEO

BV4 VERT DRIVE L

Unused

+12V

GND

-12V

-23V

BDCOK

BPOK

GND

LTC

GND

+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 asyn-

chronous line interface or

DUV 11 synchronous line interface.

Install the STP module as follows.

Remove the terminal controller module from J1 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 J1 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

CONSOLE
INTERFACE

10-CONDUCTOR
CABLE

10-PIN

38 CM (15 IN)

CONNECTOR

\
o

ps—

=l
J2

|
\

111111111
\\

/
\

o M

A
:0

ADVANCED

J1|

VIDEO

OPTION

B
°

STANDARD

TERMINAL
|

PORT (STP)

r"—rjt

+——

—

m1
L -

- - —

ESE“T’_':R"(‘)ALLLER

J4
EIA

1. INSERT STP MODULE IN J3 ON

2. CONNECT 10-CONDUCTOR CABLE

mppiy

TO J1 ON STP MODULE.

VIDEO IN

VIDEO OUT

LEGEND

TERMINAL CONTROLLER MODULE.

CONN ||

MODULE

_________ N _____ __ rfi1/

cccocC

coocCo

STP

3. RUN CABLE BEHIND STP MODULE

TO CONSOLE INTERFACE. DO NOT
TWIST OR INVERT CABLE.

4. INSERT SPACERS BETWEEN STP
MODULE AND TERMINAL CON-

TROLLER 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:

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 inter-

faces 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

BCO8R-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

commu-

nications 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

SPACER

INFORMATION, AND SPECIFICATIONS

STP

1ST

MODULE

CONSOLE
INTERFACE

2ND SERIAL

INTERFACE WITH

/aCOOCTC//)

le(7Y

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

STP

1ST CONSOLE INTERFACE

MODULE

2ND SERIAL INTERFACE

—

)
|

fa({{((}7

WITH 40-PIN CONNECTOR

40-PIN

CONNECTOR

PLUG CABLE IN

REVERSED AS SHOWN

ON THIS END ONLY.

BCO8R-01
40-CONDUCTOR CABLE

(NOT SUPPLIED)

TO EXTERNAL
‘)

COMMUNICATIONS

DEVICE OR

MODEM

u.;ééaa
EIA

COMMUNICATIONS

TERMINAL

CONNECTOR

CONTROLLER
MODULE

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 J1 of the VT 103 backplane.

NOTES
1.

At this time, you may configure any other LSI11 modules within the VT103 backplane. Refer

to the Memories and Peripherals handbook for
available options and installation procedures.
2.

For more than two serial interfaces or for other

peripheral devices, run their cables out the bottom rear of the VT103 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 INIT L from
the terminal controller module to pin 1 of J1.
INIT

may

used

initialize the

micro-

computer 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.

Install module support guides to hold dual-height modules securely in
the VT 103 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.
b.

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 modaule.

—

o 1/

INSTALLATION, INTERFACE INFORMATION, AND SPECIFICATIONS

il
MR 3416

Figure 5-7

Module Support Guide Installation

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
e

Number
1

Signal Without

Signal With

Description

STP Module

Protective

Do not use

Note 1

Mark state when not sending

Note 1

ground

Transmitted
data

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 re-

Note 2

Note 1

turn)
8

Carrier detect

ignored by TCU

Note 2

INSTALLATION, INTERFACE INFORMATION, AND SPECIFICATIONS

Table 5-2

EIA RS-232-C Connector Signals (Cont)

Pin
Number

Description

(not used)

Speed select

Signal Without

Signal With

STP Module

Asserted

Note 2

Ignored by TCU

Note 2

Ignored by TCU

Note 2

Ignored by TCU

Note 2

Asserted

Note 2

Asserted at all times except when:

Note 2

(secondary

request to send)

Speed indicator
(secondary

car-

rier detect)

(not used)

Transmit clock

(not used)

Receive clock

(not used)

Speed select
(same as pin 11)

Data

terminal

ready

terminal is not powered up

terminal is in local mode

during the 3.5s interval following a
SHIFT-BREAK

(not used)

Ring indicator

Ignored by TCU

Note 2

Speed select

Asserted

Note 2

(same as pin 11)
24

(not used)

NOTES

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 Vto +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 +25.0V to +2.25
V is 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 RS170-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.

abhwnN
=

The output has the following nominal characteristics. (Also, see Figure 5-8.)

Output impedance = 75 ohms, dc-coupled

Sync level = O 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 RS170 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 = 2.33us+50 ns

Vertical sync width

27.28us+200 ns

Horizontal sync width

4.71us+50 ns

Horizontal blank time

= 11.84us+50 ns(80 column mode)

12.34us+50 ns(132 column mode)
Front porch
Horizontal period

1.54us+50 ns
= 63.56us+50 ns

NOTE
The use of decoupling is not in strict agreement
with R§170. To agree with RS170, the output load
requires a 10 uF capacitor in series with the output.

This presents no problem with most monitors as
they are ac-coupled.

INSTALLATION, INTERFACE INFORMATION, AND SPECIFICATIONS
.

VERTICAL BLANKING INTERVAL

EVEN FIELD:

LAST DISPLAYED SCAN OF
PREVIOUS FIELD
!

60 Hz INT

= 2 SCANS

50 Hz INT

= 24 SCANS

60 Hz NON-INT = 22 SCANS

— 22 SCANS

60 Hz INT

FIRST OF 240 DISPLAYED

gg :i PNOTN NT = ;i 22::2

SCANS IN EVEN FIELD

/\/

60 Hz NON-INT = 2 SCANS

50 Hz NON-INT = 25 SCANS

1oV

START OF

TIME —»

EVEN FIELD

ODD FIELD:

_—

“ H PERIOD = 63.56 us + .01%

SCANS IN ODD FIELD

50 Hz INT = 75 SCANS

EVEN FIELD

60 Hz INT = 2.5 SCANS

_—

50 Hz INT = 24.5 SCANS

1.0V

aimlinassni i

|\QRT OF

TIME ——»

en N

“v— H PERIOD = 63.56 us £ .01%

ODD FIELD
NOTES:

NON-INTERLACED

EVEN

FIELD

OPERATION, THE

REPEATED

CONTIN-

UOUSLY. AND THE ODD FIELD IS NOT
USED.

‘

H BLANK {1 1.84 us £ 50 ns / 80 COLUMN

12.34 us £ 50 ns / 132 COLUMN

IN INTERLACED OPERATION, THE'
EVEN FIELD ALTERNATES WITH THE ODD

FIELD.

BRIGHT = 1.00 V—
NORMAL =
DIM =

79 V—»
.64 V& ———

SYNC = 0.0vV—

EQ = 2.33 us £ 50ns -’l l‘-

FRONT PORCH = 1.54 us £ 50 ns 0‘ e
H SYNC = 4,71 us £ 50 ns

-’l

J I'—'

F-V SYNC = 27.28 us

+ 200 ns

—»

’o—H PERIOD = 63.56 us + .01%
MR-3529

Composite Video Output

5.6.2

Video Input (J8)

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:
il

Figure 5-8

Input impedance = 75 ohms, dc-coupled
Black level = O V
White level = 1.0V

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

VT103 SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions

Monitor

Height: 36.83 cm (14.5 in)

Width: 45.72 cm (18 in)
Depth: 36.20cm (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

15 kg (33 Ibs)

Keyboard

2.0 kg (4.5 Ibs)

Shipping Weight

20.5 kg (45 Ibs)

Environment (VT103 without TU58)
Class B:

Operating

Temperature: 5° t0 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)
Non-Operating

Temperature: -40° to 66° C (-40° to 151° F)
Relative humidity: O to 95%

Altitude: 9.1 km (30,000 ft)

Environment (VT103 with TU58)
Class A:

Operating

Temperature: 15° to 32° C (59° to 90° F)
Relative Humidity: 20% to 80%

Non-Operating

Temperature: —-34° to +60° C (-29° to
+110° F)
Relative Humidity: 5% to 95%

NOTE
The TU58 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

ARMS maximumat

2.0

ARMS maximum at_230 V RMS

115V 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

+5Vdcat 16.0 A
+12Vdcat5.0A
-12 Vdc 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 char-

acters (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

3.356mm X 1.3 mm (0.132 in X 0.051 in) in
132 column mode
Character Set

character

percase

and

displayable

ASCIH

subset

(up-

lowercase,

numeric

and

punc-

tuation)
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

Auxiliary Keyboard

INFORMATION, AND SPECIFICATIONS

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

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

ASCI|

Character Format

Asynchronous 7- or 8-bit characters; keyboard

selectable. (If 8-bit characters are selected, the
8th bit is always a space.)
Parity

Synchronization

Even, odd, or none; keyboard selectable.
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 us per data bit; 24K bps

Data Reliability:

Search Error Rate

1 in 106 searches

(Failure to Find
Block after 8

Tries)
Soft Data Error

1 in 10/ bits read

INSTALLATION, INTERFACE INFORMATION, AND SPECIFICATIONS

Hard Error Data

1 in 109 bits read

Rate (Unrecoverable within 8

tries)
Error Checking

Checksum with rotation

Average Access Time

93s

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

cartridge

(Part

Number:

TU58-K)

with 42.7 m (140 ft) of 3.81 mm (0.150 in) tape
Size:

6.1

X 81 X 1.3 cm

24 X 3.2 X 0.5in
Capacity per

262K bytes, formatted in 512 blocks of 512

Cartridge

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 VT 103 by adding available DIGITAL options. The controller
board has space provided for an advanced video option. Other LSI-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).
6.

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
MAIN FUSE

POWER SWITCH

MODEL + SERIAL
NUMBER LABEL

KEYBOARD

POWER

POWER CORD

CONNECTOR

SELECTOR

CONNECTOR

SWITCH
MR-2891

Figure 6-1

VT103 Rear View

OPTIONS

103

Locate the four mounting holes drilled in the terminal controller board

10.

shown in Figure 6-2. Mount a standoff in each hole.

Grasp the advanced video board by the edges and carefully align the
connector pins with the connector on the terminal controller board.

11.

Gently but firmly mount the advanced video board onto the terminal
controller board.

Reinstall the terminal controller board into the leftmost slot (J1) in the

12.

backplane.

STANDOFF

COMPONENT
SIDE OF
TERMINAL

CONTROLLER

STANDOFFS (4)

TERMINAL
CONTROLLER
BOARD

J1 ADVANCED

VIDEO
CONI}IECTOR

\_1

r'l

ADVANCED
VIDEO
BOARD

—

J2 GRAPHICS
CONNECTOR

J3 STP

L_/CONNECTOR

jgj J4 EIA

COMMUNICATIONS

CONNECTOR

J8 VIDEO IN
CONNECTOR

J9 VIDEO OUT
CONNECTOR

J7 KEYBOARD
CONNECTOR
MR-3002

Figure 6-2

Advanced Video Option Installation

OPTIONS

104

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.

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

Table 6-1

Graphics Connector Pin Assignments for J2 on VT103 Backplane

Signal/Voltage

Spare

are listed in Table 6-1.

Spare
+12 Vdc

-23 Vdc
LBAS H

Spare
—

{o/

-12 Vdc

0O ~NO

GND

14-18

GND
+5 Vdc

OPTIONS

6.4

1056

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

RS-232

female

Null modem; connects ter-

BCO3M-01

0.3 m (1 ft)

Two

BCO3M-25

7.6 m (25 ft)

Cinch connectors

BCO3M-AO

30.5 m (100 ft)

BCO3M-XX*

variable

BCO5D-10*"*

3 m (10 ft)

RS-232

BCO5D-25""

7.6 m (25 ft)

connector

BCO8R-01

0.3 m (1 ft)

Two 40-pin Berg con-

Connects

nectors

to DLV11-E/F or

Cinch

Connects

female

modem

male

minal to a line unit

terminal

Cinch connector

connector

The -XX indicates that other lengths are available but do not come preassembled.

*»

STP

When using a DFO1-A acoustic coupler, pin 23 of this cable must be disconnected.

DUV 11

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 TU58 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

TUbB8 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

Command Message Packet Structure

Byte No.

WMN

Instruction (op code)

Unit

NOO O

Switches byte (maint only)

Data byte count — low

Instruction modifier

Not used - Always Zero

Data byte count - high

=2
O

Block number - low

=
-

Not used

Block number - high

Count

Message byte count

Flag

Checksum - low

Byte

—d

Message

Byte Name

Checksum - high

Flag Byte (Byte 0) — 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 10)

followed by a byte containing the drive number
causes the TU58 to read block O 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 mes-

sage characters in the packet excluding the following.
1.
2.

Flag byte (byte O)
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

NOP

001

INIT

002

READ

003

WRITE

004

(Reserved)

005

POSITION

006

(Reserved)

007

DIAGNOSE

010

GET STATUS

011

SET STATUS

012

(Reserved)

013

(Reserved)

100

END MESSAGE PACKET

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 (0-127) 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

Drive O

001

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 15 to bit 0. The 16-bit

words are created using successive byte pairs of the command packet from byte O

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 detailed 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 (002g) for all command message

packets identifies this packet as a command packet.

TU58 MESSAGE PACKETS

Table A-3

End Packet

Message byte count

Success code

Instruction (op code)

0O ~NOO O

Unit number

Not used
Not used — Always Zero

Not used

Data byte count H

Summary status L
Summary status H

JHE N

Data byte count L

=2
O

Flag

—=
-

Byte

Message

Byte Name

~WNAMN

Byte No.

Count

111

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.

flag byte (byte 0)

checksum (bytes 12 and 13)

The message byte count used (012g) will be 10 (decimal) for all end message
packets.

Instruction Byte (Op Code) (Byte 2) — The instruction byte (or operational code)
informs the LSI-11 processor of the transaction that was performed. The instruc-

tion for an end packet is 100g. The TU58 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

Drive O

001

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
Y

000

Normal success

Operation is complete as defined by the instruc-

tion byte (byte 2).
001

Success with retries

Operation is complete as defined by the instruc-

tion 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. Con-

troller is unable to locate the data block specified
by bytes 10 and

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 com-

mand 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 INIT instruc-

tion.

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

Error Condition

Bit O

Reserved

3
4

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 O 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

TUB8 MESSAGE PACKETS

HOST

TUS8

COMMAND
PACKET

(READ 510 BYTES)

——»

DATA

128 BYTES

DATA

128 BYTES

DATA

128 BYTES

DATA

126 BYTES

-—

END

MR-2997

Figure A-1

Read Command Packet Exchange

HOST

TUS8

COMMAND
PACKET

WRITE

——————————»

620
BYTES

4—I—-L CONTINUE
DATA

128 BYTES

]

———————»

TAPE POSITIONS
AND WRITES DATA

‘—L CONTINUE j
DATA

128 BYTES

TAPE POSITIONS
AND WRITES DATA

L CONTINUET
DATA

—

128 BYTES

TAPE POSITIONS

AND WRITES DATA

‘—_{

CONTINUE

]

DATA

128 BYTES

TAPE POSITIONS

AND WRITES DATA

IL
DATA

CONTINUE

.
-

108 BYTES

TAPE POSITIONS AND WRITES
DATA. TUS8 ZERO-FILLS REMAINING 404 BYTES OF BLOCK.

IF WRITE/

VERIFY, TAPE REWINDS AND READS

BLOCKS JUST WRITTEN AND TESTS
CHECKSUMS.
END

SUCCESS/FAILURE
MR -2998

Figure A-2

Write Command Packet Exchange

TU58 MESSAGE PACKETS

Table A-5

115

Data Packets
Byte Name

Flag

Byte count = M

First data byte

Next data byte

(data)

M+ 2

Checksum L

M+ 3

Checksum H

Data

Bytes

Byte No.

Transferred

Last data byte

M+ 1

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 128 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 O 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

004

INIT

Function

Initialize tape and perform selftest.

020

CONTINUE

Ready to receive command or
continue data transmission.

023

XOFF

Stop transmission and wait for
CONTINUE.

116

TUb58 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

TUBS8 reinitializes itself, returns a CONTINUE command, and waits for
further instruction.
If the TUS58 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.
After a message is sent by the host to the TU58, the host must wait
until the TUS58 sends CONTINUE before any more messages can be
sent. The TUSB8 enters an idle state and waits for further instruction.

If the host is unable to receive all of a message from the TUS58, it may
send XOFF to stop transmitting. The TU58 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 transmis-

sion.

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 instruc-

tion 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

117

Instruction Set

Octal Code

Op Code

Instruction

000

NOP

001

INIT

002

READ

003

WRITE

004

(Reserved)

005

POSITION

006

(Reserved)

007

DIAGNOSE

010

GET STATUS

011

SET STATUS

012

(Reserved)

013

(Reserved)

NOP - Op Code O

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 Name

Byte No.

Octal Code

002

Flag (Command)

012

Message byte count

000

Instruction (op code)
Instruction modifier

010) &

Unit number

000

(not used)

000

(not used)

000

(not used)

000

Byte count L (no data involved)

000

Byte count H

000

Block number L (no tape positioning)

000

Block number H

01X*

Checksum L

012

Checksum H

*X = A variable number from O 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

Flag

012

Message byte count

100

Instruction (op code)

000

Instruction modifier

0[0) &

Unit number

000

(not used)

000

(not used)

000

(not used)

000

Data byte count L (no data involved)

000

Data byte count H

000

Summary status L

XXX*

Summary status H

oxXX*

Checksum L

XXX*

Checksum H

*X = A variable number from O 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 O) 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 con-

troller 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 diag-

nostic 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 con-

troller 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 TU58 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 the 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 the 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 oper-

ations, the TUB8 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

B.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 O 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 60g to 176g inclusive.

The final character in a control sequence is from 100g to 176g 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 “l”" in notation (Para-

graph B.2) is from 40g to 57g inclusive.

GLOSSARY AND NOTATION

123

Numeric Parameter — A string of characters that represents a number Pn. Pn has
a range of O (60g) to 9 (7 1g).

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 O to 9 (60g-7 1g);
each character is separated by a semicolon.

VT52 Mode - A mode in which the terminal recognizes and responds only to con-

trol functions used in early DIGITAL video terminals; for example, VT52.

B.2

CONTROL FUNCTION NOTATION

The abbreviations or notation used for defining the control functions for the VT 103
are in accordance with ANSI standard X3.41 - 1974 and DEC STD 138 which
define control function terminology.

B.2.1

Control Sequence Notation

A control sequence is defined by the notation: ESC[IPn;Pn...PnF
where:

ESCJ is the control sequence introducer (033 133g) for a 7-bit character environment.

P is a parameter character within the range of 060 to O77g. Zero or
more parameter characters may be included in a control sequence. Pa-

rameter characters are separated by a semicolon (073g).
a.

Pn is a numeric parameter within the range of O through 9

(060g-071g).
b.

Ps is a selective parameter from a specified list.

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

B.2.2

F is a final character within the range of 100-176g.

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 | .. .| F
where:

ESC is the introducer control character (33g) that is named Escape.

124

GLOSSARY AND NOTATION

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

character formats.
3.

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

The occurrence of control characters (Og to 37g)
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.

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

|If the character CAN

(30g) or the character

SUB (32g) occurs, the current control function
stops.

APPENDIX C

7-BIT ASCIlI CODE
Table C-1 7-Bit ASCIl Code/Character Chart

Char

Octal
Code

140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
150
151
162
163
154
155
156
157
160
161
162
163

\
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
|

112
113
114
115
116
117
120
121
122
123

@
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S

125

165

Octal
Code

Char

Octal
Code

040
041
042
043
044
045
046
047
050
051

SP
!
a
#
$
%
&
'
(
)

100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
110
111

012
013
014
015
016
017
020
021
022
023

NUL
SOH
STX
ETX
EOT
ENQ
ACK
BEL
BS
HT
LF
VT
FF
CR
SO
S|
DLE
DC1
DC2
DC3

0562
053
054
055
056
057
060
061
062
063

)
+
,
—
.
/
0
1
2
3

025

NAK

065

Octal
Code

000
001
002
003
004
005
006
007
010
011

024

Char

DC4

064

124

164

Char

j
k
I
m
n
0
p
q
r
S

026

SYN

066

126

166

027
030
031

ETB
CAN
EM

067
070
071

7
8
9

127
130
131

W
X
Y

167
170
171

w
X
y

033

ESC

073

;

133

173

{

175

}

032

034
035

036
037

SUB

072

;

132

172

074

134

174

136
137

A
—

RS
US

075

076
077

>
?

135

176
177

~
DEL

125

APPENDIX D

SUMMARY OF

VT103 CONTROL FUNCTIONS

Table D-1 summarizes ANSI mode control functions; Table D-2 summarizes V152
mode control function.
Table D-1

ANSI| Mode Control Functions

Cursor up

ESC

[

Cursor down

ESC

[ Pn

Cursor forward (right)

ESC

[

Cursor backward (left)

ESC [

Direct cursor addressing

ESC

[

PI;;

Pc HY or

ESC

[

PI;;

Pc ft

Index

ESC

New line

ESC

Reverse index

ESC

Save cursor and attributes

ESC 7

Restore cursor and attributes

ESC 8

w>»

Cursor Movement Commands

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

ESC#3

Change this line to double-height bottom half

ESC#4

Change this line to single-width single-height

ESC#5

Change this line to double-width single-height

ESC#6

TPl = 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

(073g). 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

Any other parameter values are ignored.

Erasing

From cursor to end ofline

ESC

[

Kor

From beginning ofline to cursor

ESC

[

Entire line containing cursor

ESC

[

From cursor to end of screen

ESC

[ Jor

From beginning of screen to cursor

ESC

[

Entire screen

ESC

2 J

ESC

[

0 J

Programmable LEDs

ESC | Ps;Ps...Ps q
Ps are selective parameters separated by semicolons (073g) and executed in order, as follows.

Parameter (Ps)

Meaning

O or None

All LEDs Off

L1 On

L2 On

L3 On

L4 On

Any other parameter values are ignored.

Character Sets (GO and G1 Designators)
The GO and G1 characters sets are designated as follows.
Character set

GO designator

G1 designator

United Kingdom (UK)

ESC(A

ESC)A

United States (USASCII)

ESC(B

ESC)B

Special graphics characters

ESC(O

ESC)O

Alternate character ROM

ESC (1

ESC)1

Alternate character ROM for

ESC(2

ESC)2

and line drawing set

special graphics characters

SUMMARY OF VT103 CONTROL FUNCTIONS

Table D-1

129

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

ESCH

Clear tab at current column

ESC|[gorESC|g

Clear all tabs

ESC[3g

" Modes
To Reset

Mode Name

Mode

Sequence

Mode

Sequence’

Line feed/new line

New line

ESC [20h

Line feed

ESC [20I

Cursor key mode

Application

ESC [?1h

Cursor

ESC [?1]

ANSI/VT52 mode

ANSI|

N/A

VT52

ESC [?2]

Column mode

132 Col

ESC [?3h

80 Col

ESC [?3I

Scrolling mode

Smooth

ESC [?4h

Jump

ESC [?4]

Screen mode

Reverse

ESC [?5h

Normal

ESC [?5l

Origin mode

Relative

ESC [?6h

Absolute

ESC [76]

Wraparound

ESC [?7h

Off

ESC [?7I

Auto repeat

ESC [?8h

Off

ESC 78I

Interlace

ESC [?9h

Off

ESC [?9I

Keypad mode

Application

ESC =

Numeric

ESC >

Reports

Cursor Position Report

Invoked by

ESC[6n

Response is

ESC[PI;
Pc Rt

Status Report
Invoked by

ESC[5n

Response is

ESC [ 0 n (terminal OK)

ESC [ 3 n (terminal not OK)

What Are You

Invoked by

ESCjc
or

ESC|[Oc
Response is

ESC[?1;Psc

*The last character of the sequence is a lowercase L (154g).

TPl = line number; Pc = column number.

130

SUMMARY OF VT103 CONTROL FUNCTIONS

Table D-1

ANSI| Mode Control Functions (Cont)

Meaning

NoOoOoapdwhNh--=0

Ps is the “option present” parameter with the following meaning.

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

ESC#8

Invoke test(s)

ESC[2;Psy

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

VT52 Mode Control Functions

Cursor up

ESC

Cursor down

ESC

Cursor right

ESC

Cursor left

ESC

oOO®>»

Table D-2

Select special graphics
ESC

Select ASCII character set

ESC

Cursor to home

ESC

R~ Io

character set

Reverse line feed

ESC

Erase to end of screen

ESC

Erase to end of line

ESC

Direct cursor address

ESC Yl

Identify

ESC

(see Note 1)
(see Note 2)

Enter alternate keypad mode
ESC

Exit alternate keypad mode

ESC

Enter ANSI mode

ESC

NOTES

Line and column numbers for direct cursor address are single

character codes whose values are the desired number plus 37g.
Line and column numbers start at 1.

Response to ESC Zis ESC/ 2

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 D)
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, 65
Autowrap, See Wraparound

Auxiliary keypad, 4, 25
Backplane

assembly, 65

configuration, 66, 67, 70-72
signals, 85
Battery backup, 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

LSI-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, b5
movement, 41, 42, 54, 127

position report, 40, 56, 129
restore, 45

save, 47

selection, 10, 11, 18, 30
CTRL key, b, 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, 27
80/132 columns, See Characters, per line
ENTER key, b, 17, 35
Equipment care, 22
Erase, 48, 49, 55, 128
Error characters, See Characters
ESC key, 3. 5, 17

Format effector, 122
Final character, See Characters

Flags, 14, 46

Graphics, 44, 57, 84, 104

Graphic character, See Characters

INDEX

Identify terminal, 44, 56, 129

Indicators L1-L4, 8, 9, 21, 22, 30
INIT signal, 90

Installation procedure, 81-92

Interlace/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
LSI-11 bus, See Bus

LSI-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 Interlace/Noninterlace
Nonvolatile memory (NVR), 22, 23
NO SCROLL key, See Scrolling

Origin mode, 30, 45, 52, b5
Parameter, 38

report, 45, 46

request, 46, 47

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

135

136

INDEX

Radial serial protocol, 107

Recall set-up features, 16, 20

Receive speed, setting, 7, 14, 15, 20, 87
Reports, 48, 56, 129
Report terminal parameters, 45, 46

Request terminal parameters, 46, 47
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, 47, 52, 55
Screen brightness, 6, 10, 12, 20, 30, 34
Screen mode, See Screen background
Scrolling, 5, 12, 20, 32, 47, 55, 62, 129
region 47, 56, 129

Self-test, 21, 22, 62
Set modes, 52

Set-up A, 12, 13
Set-up B, 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 speed, setting, 7, 12, 14, 15, 21

TUS58 DECtape Il, 1, 22, 25, 70, 73-80
Video in/out jacks, 94, 95

Voltage selection, 2
VT52 mode, See ANSI/VT52, mode selection
control functions, 57-60, 131

Wraparound, setting, 12, 21, 565
Write protecting tape, 74, 75

XON/XOFF, setting, 11, 17, 18

VT103 LSI-11 Video Terminal

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