FIELDREAD

Enables or disables Field Read operation on a terminal, or reports on whether the terminal is configured for it.

Command Class

TCL-I command.

Syntax

FIELDREAD {(options}

Options

E Enables Field Read.

D Disables Field Read.

FIELDREAD with no options reports the Field Read status of the terminal.

Restrictions

Valid only on terminals capable of supporting Field Read operation.

Field Read Operation

Normally, for a local connection between a terminal and a host system (for example within the same building), characters entered at the terminal's keyboard are sent directly to the host. The host carries out any special processing (e.g. on control characters) and echoes characters (sends them back to the terminal). The terminal then displays them on the screen.

Field Read operation is used when a terminal is networked to a remote host, causing a significant delay before characters are echoed by the host to the terminal's screen. In Field Read operation, characters entered at the terminal are not sent to the host until the field (that is the current read, terminated by a return) is completed. Echoing of characters and any special processing of input, usually performed by the host, is carried out by the terminal executive.

Field Read capability is selected using SSM command option Define Network Profiles.

The Field Read terminal executive is down-loaded using LOAD-FR.

Field Read Status Reports

If you enter FIELDREAD without options, one of the following messages is displayed:

• [810] Port is not configured for fieldread

  This message indicates that Field Read is not configured on your terminal. The procedure to configure your terminal for Field Read is described below.

• [811] Fieldread is not enabled

  This message indicates either that the terminal does not support Field Read, or that the terminal is configured for Field Read but Field Read is not enabled; in the latter case, to enable Field Read, use:

  FIELDREAD (E

• [812] Fieldread is active

  This message indicates that Field Read is currently operating on your terminal. To disable it you can use:

  FIELDREAD (D

Configuring Field Read

To configure a terminal for Field Read, proceed as follows:

1. Use SSM from SYSMAN account to set the Field Read characteristic (field 12 in the Define Network Profiles option) to 1.
2. Logoff and logon again.
3. Use LOAD-FR to down-load the Field Read terminal executive.

On completing the terminal executive load, Field Read is automatically enabled. However, you can disable and re-enable it again using FIELDREAD with the D and E options.