3153 Terminal: Common Application Display and Keyboard Problems


Contents

About this document
    Related documentation
3153 key not working: any key on the keyboard
3153 key not working: F1, F3, F7, F8, or F12 (function keys)
3153 key not working: Page Up or Page Down
3153 key not working: Insert
3153 key not working: Delete
3153 key not working: Enter
3153 key not working: Return
3153 displays nothing (no video), has a blank screen, or its cursor does not move
3153 displays application or menus incorrectly
3153 displays extra blank lines between lines of data
3153 displays a large block in screen center
3153 displays a single row or line of characters or data
3153 displays parallel port transmit error condition
3153 dual or multiple session not working
3153 line drawing or box characters not displaying
3153 not saving (losing) setup parameters
3153 not displaying correctly when using vi editor
3153 screen is wavy, flickers or jitters

About this document

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

Related documentation

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


3153 key not working: any key on the keyboard

This problem or symptom is similar to these other problems:

Recommended solution

Refer to the section in this document called "3153 displays nothing (no video), has a blank screen, or its cursor does not move".


3153 key not working: F1, F3, F7, F8, or F12 (function keys)

Background information

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

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

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

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

     Key   ASCII Sequence
     ---   --------------------------------------------------
     F1    Esc  a  LTA
     F2    Esc  b  LTA
                              (unShift F1 to F12)
     F11   Esc  k  LTA
     F12   Esc  l  LTA
     ---   --------------------------------------------------
     F13   Esc  !  a  LTA
     F14   Esc  !  b  LTA
                              (Shift F1 to F12)
     F23   Esc  !  k  LTA
     F24   Esc  !  l  LTA
     ---   --------------------------------------------------
     F25   Esc  "  a  LTA
     F26   Esc  "  b  LTA
                              (Ctrl-Shift F1 to F12)
     F35   Esc  "  k  LTA
     F36   Esc  "  l  LTA
 

LTA is the 3153 Turnaround Character = CR, ETX, EOT, DC3. For IBM eServer pSeries and RS/6000 Attach, the recommended Turnaround Character = CR.

Recommended solution

Users need to be familiar with:

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

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


3153 key not working: Page Up or Page Down

Background information

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

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

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

Recommended solution

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

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

NOTE: For customers with AIX 4.2.0: The AIX IBM TERMINFO file has a Terminal Type (TERM TYPE) that has the changes to support the Page Up and Page Down keys.

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

Example:

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

3153 key not working: Insert

Background information

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

IBM 3151 emulation supports:

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

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

The Insert Character can be selected in the following ways:

Recommended solution

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

NOTE: For pSeries and RS/6000 Attach, the preferred setup value is Insert Character=Space.

3153 key not working: Delete

Background information

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

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

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

Recommended solution

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


3153 key not working: Enter

Background information

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

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

IBM 3151 emulation supports:

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

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

The Enter key can be selected in the following ways:

Recommended solution

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

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

NOTE: For pSeries and RS/6000 Attach, the preferred setup values are Enter Key = Return and Return Key=New Line.

3153 key not working: Return

Background information

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

IBM 3151 emulation supports:

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

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

The Return key can be selected in the following ways:

Recommended solution

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

NOTE: For pSeries and RS/6000 Attach, the preferred setup value is Return Key=New Line.


3153 displays nothing (no video), has a blank screen, or its cursor does not move

This item covers the following, similar problems and symptoms:

Background information

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

The preceding problems and symptoms mostly result from the following:

Users should know:

Recommended solutions

If the 3153 does not display anything (there is no video):

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

Problem determination tips:

The following items may assist with problem determination:


3153 displays application or menus incorrectly

Background information

The following items will cause the application not to display correctly:

Emulation selected in 3153 does not match host emulation
The 3153 supports many ASCII terminal emulations (IBM 3151, DEC VT200, WYSE 50/60). If the host operating system or application is expecting DEC emulation and the 3153 is configured for IBM 3151 emulation, the 3153 will not display the application correctly. IBM 3151, DEC VT200 and WYSE 50 commands are different. The emulation selected in the 3153 must match the host.

3153 setup menus
Many 3153 setup parameters affect the display of an application. Users need to know what the host operating system or the application program expects. These setup values must match the host. Review the 3153 setup menus for accuracy.

3153 setup parameters include:
Auto Wrap, Rows, Columns, Scroll, Page Length, Character Set and Code Page.

Recommended solution

This is a common problem for 3151, 3153 and other ASCII terminals. Users must know the host operating system or application program requirements. The system administrator or application programmer should be contacted.

If there is a 3151 or 3153 that is working correctly, it is recommended to compare its setup values to those of the 3153 that is not working correctly.


3153 displays extra blank lines between lines of data

Background information

The following items will cause the application not to display correctly:

The emulation selected in the 3153 does not match the host emulation
The 3153 supports many ASCII terminal emulations (IBM 3151, DEC VT200, WYSE 50, and WYSE 60). If the host operating system or application is expecting DEC emulation and the 3153 is configured for IBM 3151 emulation, the 3153 will not display the application correctly. IBM 3151, DEC VT200 and WYSE 50 commands are different. The emulation selected in the 3153 must match the host operating system or application program.

3153 setup menus
Many 3153 setup parameters affect the display of an application. Users need to know what the host operating system or application program expects. These setup values must match the host operating system or application. Review the 3153 setup menus for accuracy.

The 3153 setup parameters include:
Auto Wrap, Rows, Columns, Scroll, Page Length, Recev <CR>, Character Set and Code Page.

Recommended solution

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

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


3153 displays a large block in screen center

Problem or symptom

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

Background information

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

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

Recommended solution

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


3153 displays a single row or line of characters or data

Problem or symptom

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

Background information

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

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

Recommended solution

Change the 3153 setup parameter Auto Wrap=On.

NOTE: For pSeries and RS/6000 Attach, the preferred setting is Auto Wrap=On.


3153 displays parallel port transmit error condition

Problem or symptom

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

Background information

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

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

Recommended solution


3153 dual or multiple session not working

Problem or symptom

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

Background information

Dual (Multiple) sessions by multiple ports information:

WARNING:

Recommended solution


3153 line drawing or box characters not displaying

Problem or symptom

The following symptoms are similar:

Background information

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

Host control:

3153 setup parameters:

Recommended solution

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

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

NOTES:


3153 not saving (losing) setup parameters

Problem or symptom

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

Background information

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

Recommended solution

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

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

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


3153 not displaying correctly when using vi editor

Problem or symptom

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

Background information

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

When Force Insert=Off:

When Force Insert=Line:
When Force Insert=Character:

Recommended solution

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


3153 screen is wavy, flickers or jitters

Background information

This symptom may occur if you have another workstation (PC, Terminal), fluorescent light, motor, or other electrical device near the 3153. Electrical devices may create electromagnetic interference that affects the 3153.

Recommended solution

Power off the other electrical device, or move the other electrical device away from the 3153.

The 3153 has been manufactured and adjusted for optimum performance (3153 factory default setting of Refresh Rate=71 Hz). To overcome external electromagnetic interference, the Refresh Rate can be modified in the 3153 setup menus. It is recommended to change the Refresh Rate to the values that minimize flicker and/or jitter.

In the 3153 setup menus (press F3 to display):

Refresh Rate = 60 Hz
Refresh Rate = 71 Hz
Refresh Rate = 82 Hz
Refresh Rate = 100 Hz

NOTE: Not all Refresh Rates are available in screen formats (rows by columns).


[ Doc Ref: 90881061510734     Publish Date: Dec. 22, 2000     4FAX Ref: 4438 ]