Xerox 32270 User Manual
Rank Xerox Electronic Documentation
Solution for Xerox Printers
Xerox LS 3270
User’s Guide
Doc. no D60322 Revision 01
0
WARNING:
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed and used
in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause interference to radio communications. It has
been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing device pursuant to Subpart
B of Part 15 of FCC Rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference when operated in a commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a residential
area is likely to cause interference in which case the user at his own expense will be required to take
whatever measures may be required to correct the interference.
EMC directive:
This product observes the rules and regulations of the EMC directive. If so required, a declaration of
conformity in local language stipulating the applied rules and regulations can be obtained.
Trademarks:
Company and product names mentioned in this datasheet are trademarks or registered trademarks of
their respective owners.
Preface
Xerox LS 3270
Preface
September 1997
This manual applies to the Xerox LS 3270 protocol converter,
installed with firmware release S10 130.002, and to any subsequent release until otherwise specified.
The Xerox LS 3270 supports Coax and Centronics inputs. The
output is Centronics.
The manual describes how the Xerox LS 3270 is connected and
operated. Read it (and the Quick Guide provided with the product)
before you start using the protocol converter, and keep the manual
in a safe place for future reference.
It is assumed that the reader has a basic knowledge and understanding of IBM computer systems, especially the IBM 3270 Infor-
mation Display System. It is also assumed that the reader has
adequate knowledge of the printer which is going to be connected
to the Xerox LS 3270.
The Xerox LS 3270 can be used with most ASCII printers.
Related Manuals:
"3270 Programmer's Guide", Document no. D62077.
The above manual describes how the Xerox LS 3270 is
tailored for a specific printer or application. Output drivers are
FSL or PCL which are selected via the front panel of the box
(See Chapter 1. for more details).
"IBM 3268 Printer Models 2 and 2C Description"
IBM Order No. GA27-3268
Contains information on the IBM 3268 printer which Xerox LS 3270
emulates.
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Table of Contents
Xerox LS 3270
Table of Contents
Preface.......................................................................................................2
Related Manuals:...................................................................2
Table of Contents......................................................................................3
1. Introduction to the Xerox LS 3270.......................................................4
1.1. What is the Xerox LS 3270?......................................................4
1.1.1 PCL or FSL output driver..............................................4
1.2. Xerox LS 3270 Features............................................................5
1.3 Supported Control Units.............................................................6
1.4. Installation Requirements..........................................................6
1.5 Paper Size Default (US/EU).......................................................7
1.6. Operating Environment..............................................................7
2. Installation of the Xerox LS 3270.........................................................8
2.1. Knowing the Front Panel...........................................................8
2.2. Installation.................................................................................9
2.2.1 Pre-Installation Information...........................................9
2.2.2 Installation Procedure...................................................10
2.2.3 Automatic Power Supply Control..................................11
2.3. Testing.......................................................................................12
2.4. Timeout......................................................................................13
3. Operation of the Xerox LS 3270..........................................................14
3.1. Indicators of the Xerox LS 3270................................................14
CU (Contact with Control Unit)...............................................14
PAR (Parallel input)...............................................................14
4. Specifying Timeout...............................................................................15
5. Programming the Xerox LS 3270.......................................................17
5.1. Setup functions supported in PCL mode...................................18
5.2. Setup Functions supported in FSL mode..................................21
6. FSL Setup via Xerox LS 3270 Parallel Port.........................................24
6.1. Updating firmware.....................................................................26
7. Error Messages.....................................................................................27
7.1. Recoverable Errors...................................................................27
7.2. Non-Recoverable Hardware Errors...........................................29
8. Test Printouts........................................................................................30
APPENDIX A. Quick Reference Guide to FSL Functions.......................33
APPENDIX B. Selected Xerox Products.................................................54
Index...........................................................................................................55
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Introduction
1.
1.1.
Xerox LS 3270
Introduction to the Xerox LS 3270
This chapter gives a short description of the Xerox LS 3270 and its
installation requirements.
What is the Xerox LS 3270?
The Xerox LS 3270 is a protocol converter which enables any
printer (or other output device) to be connected to an IBM
computer system.
The printer or device should have a Centronics parallel connector
in order to be connected to the Xerox LS 3270 protocol converter.
The IBM system should use the 3270 type terminals. See Section
1.3, Supported Control Units, for information on the IBM systems to
which the Xerox LS 3270 connects.
1.1.1 PCL or FSL output driver
The output driver selection (rotary) switch on the front panel of the
box allows you to select between the following two drivers:
The PCL Driver (Default)
If you select PCL (set address switch to A), the box is ready to
operate as it is. When used with certain older IBM controllers, the
FSL function Y8 may have to be set to obtain the correct SCS
printer language. For further pro gramming of the box, you are
referred to the “3270 Programmer's Guide" Document no. D62077.
The FSL Driver
To use a non-PCL printer or connect to a serial input port on a
printer, you select FSL (set address switch to B). The Xerox LS
3270 is compatible with the Xerox 3270 C/RS box. For programming the internal setup of the box you must refer to the “3270
Programmer's Guide" Document no. D62077 .
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Introduction
1.2.
Xerox LS 3270
Changing the Driver
To change from PCL to FSL driver or vice versa, first of all the
rotary switch has to be in position T at power on. The current
printer driver will be indicated on a printout. The actual selection of
printer driver is then made by turning the rotary switch to position A
(PCL) or B (FSL). The new position will also be indicated on a
second printout. When the correct position is obtained, turn the
rotary switch away from the A, B or T positions (any other position
will do). The new driver is now active.
Xerox LS 3270 Features
The Xerox LS 3270 protocol converter gives you the following fea-
tures:
• IBM 3287, 32681 and 4214 emulations
• Support of the SCS (LU1) and 3270 data stream (LU0 or
LU3) modes including FMH data streams as required by
the host system.
• All IBM RPQs
• Parallel output in PCL mode
• Up to 8 user strings of variable length can be transmit ted
to the printer from the Xerox LS 3270 - automatically at
power on and before and after Local Copy from the host
system.
• Automatic input sharing between Coax and Centronics
input ports.
• Coax FSL setup via share port
• Flash prom allowing downloading of new firmware via the
coax or the centronics port.
• Support of ida PSS
• Autoconfiguration (PCL only)
1
3268 = factory default
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Introduction
Xerox LS 3270
1.3 Supported Control Units
The Xerox LS 3270 connects to the following control units:
• IBM 3174 All models
• IBM 3274 All models (A-adapter)
• IBM 3276 All models
• IBM 4321/31/41/61 All models
• IBM 81XX Via 327x controllers or 8775
• IBM 4701/4702 Through the Device Cluster
terminals
Adapter
• IBM 8775 Through 3287 attachment
RPQ
All equivalent 3274/76 PCM controllers, subject to validation by
your dealer. Contact your dealer for more information.
1.4. Installation Requirements
Please first check that you have received the following items:
• Xerox LS 3270 Converter
• Xerox LS 3270, Quick Guide; Doc. no. D10322
• Xerox LS 3270, User’s Guide; Doc. no. D60322
In addition, the following i-data accessories can be used:
• Extension Centronics cable
Order no. 999 020 030
• 5V external power supply:
Order no. 999 021 130 for EU
Order no. 999 021 230 for UK
Order no. 999 021 330 for US
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Introduction
Xerox LS 3270
1.5 Paper Size Default (US/EU)
When you receive the Xerox LS 3270, the box is ready to connect
to the system and to the printer. From the factory, the Xerox LS
3270 interface is set up for either US (Letter) or European (A4)
paper size (depending on what you specified when ordering the
Xerox LS 3270). If, however, you should need to change the
default, you may do this by using the FSL function Y8 (see
Appendix A for details).
1.6. Operating Environment
The Xerox LS 3270 protocol converter can be installed in the
following environment:
• Works in the complete temperature range specified for
the connected printer if not exceeding 45° Centigrade
• Relative humidity between 8% to 80%, non-condensing
• External power supply: 5V (250 mAmps).
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Installation
2.
Xerox LS 3270
Installation of the Xerox LS 3270
This chapter starts with an overview of the functionality of the front
panel. Then follows a description of how you connect the Xerox LS
3270 box to a printer.
NOTE:
Before you start the installation, make sure that the
rotary switch is set to the required emulation (PCL is
default). See the location of the switch in section
2.1. below.
2.1. Knowing the Front Panel
PAR
CU
B
T
A
TEST
Coax Port
Rotary Switch
Fig 2-1 Xerox LS 3270 Front Panel
Centronics Share Port
Centronics Ouput Port
External Power Supply
Connector
COAX
The coax cable is connected to the host which communicates in
accordance with the 3270 protocol.
PARALLEL/CENTRONICS OUT
The parallel/Centronics output port is connected to the
parallel/Centronics in put port on the target printer.
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Installation
Xerox LS 3270
ROTARY SWITCH
The rotary switch is used for changing the output driver (PCL or
FSL) and for generating a TEST print. See the section 1.1.1, PCL
or FSL output Driver for information on changing the driver and the
section 2.3, Testing for information on making a TEST printout.
PARALLEL/MINI-CENTRONICS IN
The parallel/mini-Centronics input port can be connected to the
parallel/Centronics output on a PC or similar source able to share
the printer with the host.
2.2. Installation
CAUTION:
All connections to the Xerox LS 3270 protocol converter
should be made while the power is switched OFF.
2.2.1 Pre-Installation Information
Printer Dependency:
An external power supply may be needed for the Xerox LS 3270 if
the printer does not have 5V on pin 18 on the Centronics input
port.
This can be verified at the time of installation in the following way:
An external power supply is needed:
• if the PAR and CU LEDs do not turn ON when the printer is
powered ON with the Xerox LS 3270 installed, and
• if no print is generated when making a TEST printout (see
section 2.3, Testing for details.
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Installation
Xerox LS 3270
Printer Cable:
The Xerox LS 3270 does not necessarily have to be plugged
directly into the Centronics Input Port of your printer. An extention
Centronics cable can be ordered for distance connection between
the Xerox LS 3270 and your printer. This kit also contains a velcro
tape to enable mounting on the side of a printer.
Order no. 999 020 030
2.2.2 Installation Procedure
Below follows the procedure for installing the Xerox LS 3270:
1. Make sure the printer power is turned OFF.
2. Plug the Centronics Output Port of the Xerox LS 3270 into
the Centronics Input port of the printer and lock it with the
bail locks.
3. Check that the rotary switch on the Xerox LS 3270 is in the
correct position for the printer driver needed:
Position A for PCL (default)
Position B for FSL
If you need to make changes to the printer driver, see
section 1.1.1, PCL or FSL output Driver, “Changing the
Driver”, for details on how to do this.
4. Connect the coax cable to the Xerox LS 3270.
5. Power ON the printer. The CU and PAR LEDs of the Xerox
LS 3270 will turn on if the power is sufficient (for location of
CU and PAR LEDs, see figure 2-1 in Section 2.1 Knowing
the Front Panel).
6. Check power and signal connection. If po wer is sufficient
and a coax connection exists between the Xerox LS 3270
and a controller, the green CU LED will stay ON. If the CU
and PAR LEDs were not turned on at power on, you must
add an external power supply to the Xerox LS 3270.
5. Send a job from the host system and check the printout.
Note that the system printer emulation must match the
Xerox LS 3270 printer driver. If not, change the printer driver
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Installation
Xerox LS 3270
using the rotary switch (see section 1.1.1, PCL or FSL
output Driver for details).
2.2.3 Automatic Power Supply Control
The Xerox LS 3270 will perform a power supply control to see if
there is sufficient power on the unit.
Section 2.2.1, “Pre-Installation Information” describes how to
recognize whether a 5V external power supply is needed in order
to make the Xerox LS 3270 work.
The 5V power supply can be ordered, using the below order
numbers:
Order no. 999 021 130 for EU
Order no. 999 021 230 for UK
Order no. 999 021 330 for US
The transformer is connected to the plug on the box's side panel
as indicated in Fig. 2-3 in the following.
B
T
A
TEST
Fig. 2-3 The Xerox LS 3270 and its side panel
External Power Supply
Connector
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Installation
Xerox LS 3270
2.3. Testing
PCL driver:
The default configuration of the interface will suffice for
most application programs and uses. You should only
change the configuration shown in the test printout if you
have special requirements.
If you should wish to change the configuration, the options
may be set from the line as described in the Programmer's
Guide; document no. D62077 (see "Related Manuals").
FSL Driver
With the FSL driver you have selected an unprogrammed
printer driver. You have to program the internal setup of the
box to suit your printing requirements. See Programmer's
Guide; document no. D62077 for further details.
1. Power the unit ON.
2. Turn the rotary switch to the “T” position and back to the
original position. This will generate a settings printout.
3. When the switch has been turned back to its original position,
the CU indicator will start flashing for approximately 30
seconds.
4 Turn the rotary switch to the “T” position once again while the
CU indicator is flashing. The unit will now enter Online HEX
dump mode. The dump mode is terminated by turning the
switch away from and back into the “T” position.
NOTE:
The CU indicator will be blinking rapidly while the
rotary switch is in the “T” position. This is an
indication that the “T” position is not a valid
permanent position.
5. Compare the settings printout (FSL or PCL printout) with the
printout illustrated in C hapter 8, Test Printouts.
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Installation
Xerox LS 3270
Settings Printout using FSL Y120 (PCL mode only)
A settings printout can also be generated at power-on by activating
function Y1202.
2.4. Timeout
The Xerox LS 3270 enables printer sharing between the system
and a PC. For this purpose it is possible to specify a timeout
period.
Keep the settings printout together with this manual
for future reference.
If the printer is receiving input on the parallel port, for example,
and there is a break in the transmission of data, the other input
ports will not be polled for the period speci fied.
The factory default timeout is 20 seconds. The timeout may be
changed to suit your requirements. This is done by sending a new
setup to the Xerox LS 3270 input port where you want it to take
effect. See Chapter 4. Specifying Timeout.
When specifying the timeout it is also possible to specify a user
string. A user string may be used for changing from one symbol set
(e.g. Roman 8) to another (e.g. IBM-PC8), for example.
NOTE:
Settings on the coax input port are automatically
reestablished after another input port has been
using the printer.
On the parallel input port, you have to program the
required setup yourself.
For more detailed information on the commands required, see
Chapter 5, Specifying Timeout.
2
For details on how to define the ESC character %, please see Chapter 5.
- 13 -
Operation
Xerox LS 3270
3. Operation of the Xerox LS 3270
The Xerox LS 3270 top panel has been designed to register the
operation of the box via the following indicator LEDs :
• CU (contact to Control Unit)
• PAR (parallel input)
See the illustration in the section Knowing the Front Panel for the
position of the LEDs.
3.1. Indicators of the Xerox LS 3270
CU (Contact with Control Unit)
This indicator LED has 3 states:
State Indication
ON
BLINKING
OFF
PAR (Parallel input)
Contact with the control unit.
1. Contact with the control unit, and data pending
in the Xerox LS 3270 buffer.
2. Indicates that the address switch has been
activated and the box is ready to enter on-line
HEX dump mode
No contact to the control unit, or the contact has
been broken for more than 1 minute.
The indicator LED has 2 states:
State Indication
ON
OFF
Indicates that the box is processing data from the
Centronics parallel port
Indicates that the box is idle or processing data
from the coax input
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Specifying Timeout
Xerox LS 3270
4. Specifying Timeout
In order to specify the timeout for a specific input port, an FSL
(Function Selection via the Line) sequence must be sent to the
port in question. To do this a tempo rary Escape (ESC) Character
must be defined first. This is done in the following way:
&&??<character>
The sequence "&&??%" will define "%" as the ESC Character.
Timeout is specified in FSL Function 100 . This function has the
following syntax ("%" is the ESC Character):
%Y100,<timeout>[,user string]%
Factory default = 20 seconds
Timeout: 0 to 255 indicating number of seconds
User string: Optional - string in HEX to be sent to the
printer before transmission of data,
when the printer is selected by the
share unit.
If function 100 is sent to the coax, a
user string number can be defined
instead of a HEX string. The user string
then has to be defined in function 61.
NOTE:
The Timeout string must be written in ONE line (see
example overleaf).
The user string and settings will only be sent if a share condition
has occurred.
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Specifying Timeout
Xerox LS 3270
The new setup must be saved in the NVRAM3 with the following
command ("%" is the ESC Character):
The FSL string above was split up into several lines for reasons of
clarification to simplify the explanation of the different functions.
Below is an example where the FSL string is typed in one line.
Example:
%X1
&&??%%Y100,30,1B,45%%X1
The FSL string above has the following effect:
• Defines % as ESC character
• Sets timeout to 30 seconds
• Send 1B 45 HEX before the next data transmission.
• Saves setup in the NVRAM.
NOTE:
FSL Y100 works on the port it is sent to. If it is sent
to the parallel input port, the string containing the
Function Y100 programming will be printed when it
is sent to the Xerox LS 3270. See Chapter 6, FSL
Setup via Xerox LS 3270 Parallel Port
3
NVRAM = Non-volatile RAM
- 16 -
Programming the Xerox LS 3270
Xerox LS 3270
5. Programming the Xerox LS 3270
The Xerox LS 3270 supports approximately 60 internal Setup
Functions (FSL Functions)4. When the protocol converter has been
installed and connected to a printer, you may have to consider the
use of these setup options.
FSL setup functions can be sent either from your IBM system or
from a PC.
PCL Driver (Default)
If you have decided to run the Xerox LS 3270 in PCL mode (see
Chapter 1), the Xerox LS 3270 is ready to operate after you have
completed the installation procedure. The factory default setup will
meet the demands of most host systems and users, and special
programming is therefore normally not required.
FSL Driver
However, special circumstances may require changes in the
programming of the box. For full details on this please see the "
3270 Programmer's Guide" Document no. D62077. In the
Programmer's Guide you will find an extensive description of the
FSL Functions with notes, comments and examples.
If you have decided to run the Xerox LS 3270 in FSL mode (see
Chapter 1), you have just selected an unprogrammed printer driver
and you need to program any further settings of the box using FSL
functions. The " 3270 Programmer's Guide" Document no.
D62077, gives you full details on how you do this.
On the following pages you will find a list of the
functions available in PCL mode and FSL mode
respectively.
4
FSL = Function Selection via the Line
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