IBM 3151 Asynchronous Terminals
The following provides general information concerning the use of IBM 3151 asynchronous terminals with the AIX system's tty subsystem. The following information is specific to the IBM 3151 terminal:
Overall Characteristics
The IBM 3151 has 5 models: 110 (withdrawn by IBM), 310, 410, 510, and 610. The models can be identified by the part number on the rear of the IBM 3151 terminal. Refer to "" for further information.
All IBM 3151 ASCII displays support the following capabilities:
- EIA 232 interface.
- For EIA 422, two options exist:
- Models 310 or 410, upgraded using one of the following cartridges:
- IBM/DEC
- Expansion
- Connectivity.
- Model 510 or 610 support EIA 422.
- 24x80, 25x80, 24x132, and 25x132 screen sizes. Other screen sizes such as 28x80 and 28x1302 require the expansion cartridge.
- Connectivity to the system unit.
- The 3151 Models 510 and 610 can attach to the AIX system, but are intended for PC attachment in PC mode.
- Models 310 and 410 are best suited for the AIX system.
For a detailed description of the 3151 display and cartridges, refer to the following manuals:
- IBM 3151 ASCII Display Station
- IBM 3151 ASCII Display Station Models 110, 310, 410 Guide to Operations
- IBM 3151 ASCII Display Station Models 510, 610 Guide to Operations
- User's Guide for the Cartridge for Expansion
- User's Guide for the Cartridge to Emulate IBM and DEC Terminals
- User's Guide for the Cartridge for Connectivity
- User's Guide for the Cartridge for WSYE 50/50+
Model Identification
- Model 310/410
| Display |
Green/Amber |
| Interface |
EIA 232 |
| Part Numbers |
81x4501, 09F3484/81x4511, 09F3485 |
| Keyboard |
102-key ASCII |
| Part Number |
1392595 |
| Machine Modes |
3151, 3101, 10 ASCII Emulations |
- Model 510/610
| Display |
Green/Amber |
| Interface |
EIA 232/EIA 422 |
| Part Numbers |
38F5101/38F5104 |
| Keyboard |
101-key PS/2 |
| Part Number |
1395162 |
| Machine Modes |
3151 PC, 3151 PC II and 925 PC |
Connectivity Options
The 3151 display can connect directly, or through a modem, to an AIX system. The connection to the AIX system can be made to one of the native serial ports or to an asynchronous adapter. Additionally, a printer can be connected to the 3151 display and is supported by AIX as terminal attached printing.
See the for an illustration of the 3151 connectivity options.
The 3151 display has two ports: the main port and the auxiliary port. In the scenario discussed previously, the AIX system is connected to the main port, and the printer is connected to the auxiliary port.
See the for an illustration of the physical location of the main and auxiliary ports.
The main port is DTE (DB-25) and does not require an interposer. The printer port already has an interposer (DCE); therefore, when connecting a serial printer to the 3151 display, no interposer is necessary.
Attributes for the IBM 3151 ASCII Display Station
Following are the recommended setup values for the 3151 ASCII Display Station, Models 110, 310, 410, 510, and 610 when used with an AIX system.
For a detailed description of the 3151 setup values, refer to "Setup Procedures," in the IBM 3151 ASCII Display Station Models 110, 310, 410 Guide to Operations or to IBM 3151 ASCII Display Station Models 510, 610 Guide to Operations.
IBM 3151 ASCII Display Station Models 110, 310, 410
- General Setup Menu
| Machine Mode |
IBM 3151 |
| Screen |
Normal |
| Row and Column |
24x80 |
| Scroll |
Jump |
| Auto LF |
Off |
| CRT Saver |
On or Off |
| Line Wrap |
On |
| Forced Insert |
Line |
| Tab |
Field |
- Communication Setup Menu
| Operating Mode |
Echo |
| Line Speed (bps) |
9600 |
| Word Length (bits) |
8 |
| Parity |
NONE |
| Stop Bit |
1 |
| Turnaround Character |
CR |
| Line Control |
IPRTS |
| Break Signal |
500 |
| Send Null Suppress |
On |
- Keyboard/Printer Setup Menu
| Enter |
Return |
| Return |
New Line |
| New Line |
CR |
| Send |
Page |
| Insert Character Space |
Space |
| Line Speed (bps) |
9600 |
| Word Length (bits) |
8 |
| Parity |
None |
| Stop Bit |
1 |
| Characters |
National |
IBM 3151 ASCII Display Station Models 510, 610
- General Setup Menu
| Machine Mode |
IBM 3151 PC |
| Screen |
Normal |
| Row and Column |
24x80 |
| Scroll |
Jump |
| Auto LF |
Off |
| CRT Saver |
On or Off |
| Line Wrap |
On |
| Message Type |
Status Line |
| Forced Insert |
Line |
| Tab |
Field |
| Term. ID |
(varies) |
| Alarm Volume Level |
7 |
| Cursor |
Steady-Block |
- Communication Setup Menu
| Operating Mode |
Echo |
| Line Speed (bps) |
9600 |
| Word Length (bits) |
8 |
| Parity |
None |
| Stop Bit |
1 |
| Turnaround Character |
CR |
| Interface |
RS-232C |
| Line Control |
IPRTS |
| Break Signal (ms) |
500 |
| Send Null Suppress |
On |
| Pacing |
XON/XOFF |
- Keyboard/Printer Setup Menu
| Generated Code Set |
ASCII |
| Line Speed (bps) |
9600 |
| Word Length (bits) |
8 |
| Parity |
None |
| Stop Bit |
1 |
| Characters |
National |
| DTR Pacing |
Off |
Problem Determination
Problems with the Keyboard
Function keys do not work
Possible Causes:
- The Turnaround Character value specified in the Communication SETUP menu is invalid.
- You are using an IBM 3151 Model 510 or 610, and the host application you are using requires redefinable function keys.
- An application redefines the function keys on 3151 Model 310/410 but does not reset the function keys back to default values upon exiting.
Procedures for Recovery:
- Specify the correct Turnaround Character value.
- The IBM 3151's default value for the Turnaround Character is set to ETX. The operating system requires that the Turnaround Character is set to CR.
- Use a 3151 Model 310 or 410.
- The 3151 Models 510 and 610 do not support redefinable function keys
- Reset the function keys.
- The application must transmit the 3151 "Set All Default Function Keys Command" (ESC SP t).
- The operator can reset function keys to the default value in DEF F (define function key) setup mode by pressing the Clear key.
The insert key does not work
Procedures for Recovery:
Change the Insert Character attribute from mode to space.
Double Prompt occurs when the Enter or Return key is pressed
Possible Causes:
The New Line attribute is set to CRLF.
Procedures for Recovery:
Change the New Line attribute:
The IBM 3151 terminal locks up
Possible Causes:
- Operator pressed Ctrl-S (XOFF).
- To see other possible causes, turn on the Status Line either from the keyboard or from setup. This provides additional information. The following items may be displayed on the status line:
| HOST BUSY |
The system told the 3151 terminal to not send data. |
| KEYS LOCKED |
The application sent a Keyboard Lock command. |
| HOLD SCREEN |
Operator pressed Hold or Pause key. |
Procedures for Recovery:
- Problem must be corrected at the host system.
- The application must send the Keyboard Unlock command.
- Press Hold or Pause key to restore screen.
- Press Ctrl-Q (XON) to remove a possible hold (XOFF) condition.
The *, /, -, Alt, Ctrl, Page Up, Page Down keys are not working
Possible Causes:
When a Model 510 or 610 is in ASCII mode, the keyboard uses a 310/410 ASCII layout.
Procedures for Recovery:
Refer to 3151 Guide to Operations for correct keyboard layout.
Cannot redefine function keys
Possible Causes:
Using a 3151 Model 510 or 610.
Procedures for Recovery:
Redefining the function keys not supported for Models 510 or 610.
The 3151 backspace key is not working
Possible Causes:
Using DEC emulation.
Procedures for Recovery:
With DEC emulation, use the DEL key to backspace.
Problems with the Display
Double characters are displayed
Possible Causes:
The Operating Mode attribute is not set correctly.
Procedures for Recovery:
Change Operating Mode attribute from char to echo.
The IBM 3151 displays backwards question marks
Possible Causes:
- Frame error.
- Mismatch of the emulation type between the system and the display.
Procedures for Recovery:
- Ensure that the Parity, Word Length, Stop Bits, and Line Speed attributes of the terminal match the AIX system tty line characteristics.
- Check with your administrator to verify the emulation type.
The screen is wavy
Possible Causes:
The refresh rate of the terminal is incorrect.
Procedures for Recovery:
Vary the refresh rate between between 50 and 60 hertz. Press Ctrl-Shift-Hold. The 3151 displays the keyboard test pattern. Press Ctrl-F10. The 3151 displays A or B (refresh rate). Press F1 to toggle between A or B. Power off and on the 3151.
Miscellaneous Problems
The IBM 3151 terminal does not communicate to the AIX system
Possible Causes:
- The Line Control attribute is not set to IPRTS.
- The cable is attached to the auxiliary port rather than the main port.
- The Transmit Data (TxD), Receive Data (RxD) pins do not match the AIX system's communications port.
- The system does not have the communications port defined and enabled.
Procedures for Recovery:
- Turn on Status Line. If COMM NOT READY 2 is displayed on the status line, change the Line Control attribute to IPRTS.
- Move the cable to the main port. The main port is on the right-hand connector, looking from the back.
- Use correct cabling: Asynchronous cable EIA 232/V.24 cable D and Printer/Terminal Interposer EIA 232 cable E or equivalent.
- Use SMIT or the command to enable the port. Refer to "Managing TTY Devices" in AIX Version 4.3 System Management Guide: Communications and Networks for further information.
Second session not working when using Connectivity Cartridge in Dual Session by Dual Port
Possible Causes:
The directions of pins 2 (TxD) and 3 (RxD) may be reversed.
Procedures for Recovery:
Switch pins 2 and 3 on the communications cable attached to the auxiliary port.
The 3151 display is missing or losing characters
Possible Causes:
- Pacing or data flow problem
- Incorrect TERM environment variable
Procedures for Recovery:
- To confirm that a pacing problem exists, reduce line speed to 2400 or 4800. If problems persist, activate pacing at the 3151 and the AIX system.
- Check TERM environment variable and change it so that it matches the terminal.
The 3151 terminal is losing its setup values
Possible Causes:
- Application could be changing setup values using 3151 commands: Set Control, Create Viewport.
- User changes setup options in setup menu, but does not save the changes.
Procedures for Recovery:
- Problem must be corrected at the system.
- Place cursor on the Save option and press the space bar to save new setup.
Cannot place the 3151 terminal in setup mode
Possible Causes:
- Mismatch of keyboards with the video element, that is, using a 310/410/510/610 video element with a 84-key ASCII (3151 Model 110) keyboard
- DEC VT200/VT100/VT52 emulation is selected, and keyboard does not have DEC Keycap kit.
Procedures for Recovery:
- Impossible to enter setup. Exchange the 84-key ASCII keyboard with the proper keyboard.
- Press the F3 key, the location of the setup key when in DEC emulation.
Cannot print or not is printing correctly
Possible Causes:
- Attached printer is a parallel type printer, not a serial printer.
- Incorrect cable being used with printer.
Procedures for Recovery:
- Printer must be a serial printer.
- Use correct cable.
- Printer is not configured with pacing.
Line-drawing characters do not display
Possible Causes:
A character set mismatch between system and terminal.
Procedures for Recovery:
The 3151 offers the following character sets:
- Special Graphics
- PC 00437
- PC 00850
- ISO 8859/1.2
Determine which character set is defined on the 3151, and which character set the system is expecting. The character set used by the system and the terminal must match.
The 3151 has extra blank lines
Procedures for Recovery:
- From the terminal, set Auto LF = OFF in general setup menu.
- From the AIX system, send the Set Control 3 command (ESC " 9 = b).
The setup values of one 3151 does not match another 3151
Possible Causes:
The 3151 offers many models, 8 cartridges with over 20 emulations. Compare the machine mode of each 3151. Possibilities include:
- The two 3151s may be of two different models: 110 versus 310/410 versus 510/610.
- One 3151 could have a cartridge, the other 3151 may not have a cartridge.
- Both 3151s have cartridges, but they may be different types of cartridges, such as IBM/DEC, Expansion, Connectivity, or WYSE 50/50+.
- Both 3151s have the same cartridge, but the Machine Mode is not set the same.
Common Questions About the IBM 3151 Terminal
How do you change the cursor style to Block, Underscore, or Blink?
- Model 310 or 410 with:
| No cartridge |
Press Ctrl-8 (numeric keypad). |
| Connectivity cartridge |
Use the User setup menus. |
| Expansion cartridge |
Use the User setup menus. |
| IBM/DEC cartridge |
Press Ctrl-8 (numeric keypad). |
| WYSE cartridge |
Press Ctrl-8 (numeric keypad). |
- Model 510, 610
- User setup menus or using the Set Cursor Type command. (ESC F pa)
How do you change the status line (None, Machine Status, Host Message)?
From the system:
- Write Host Message
- Display Host Message
- Display Machine Status.
From the user, by keyboards or user setup.
- Model 310 or 410 with:
- No cartridge - press Ctrl-9 (numeric keypad).
- Connectivity cartridge - User setup menus.
- Expansion cartridge - User setup menus.
- IBM/DEC cartridge - press Ctrl-8 (numeric keypad).
- Model 510, 610 User setup menus.
Does the auxiliary port support an EIA 422 interface?
No, it only supports EIA 232.
What is the difference between EIA 232 and EIA 422?
- EIA 232 defines 9 pins. Two pins are used for Transmit and Receive Data (TxD, RxD). EIA 422 defines 5 pins. Four pins are used for Transmit and Receive Data (TD+, TD-, RD+, RD-).
- RS-232C can attach 50-75 feet (15.2-22.9 meters), EIA 232D can attach 200 feet (61 meters). EIA 422 can attach 4000 feet (1219 meters).
How do you change the function keys?
- Models 310 or 410
- From the system: Issue the appropriate command sequence.
- From the terminal: Use User setup in (DEF F) mode.
- Models 510 or 610 - not available.
How many function keys are available on the 3151?
- Model 310 and 410
- 12 physical keys, shiftable to 36 (unshifted, Shift, Ctrl-Shift) redefinable from system or user setup (DEF F).
- Model 510 and 610
- 12 physical keys, shiftable to 36 (unshifted, Shift, Ctrl-Shift) Not redefinable.
How do you reset/clear a function key to default values?
- From User setup: Press Ctrl-Clear key.
- From the application: Send 'Reset All Default Default Function Keys' (ESC SP t) command.
Can an input device be attached to the auxiliary port?
Yes, the auxiliary port is bidirectional (for Models 310, 410, 510 and 610).
Can a selected key (setup, break, ctrl...) be physically disabled?
No, this requires a keystopper under keycap.
Can a selected key be remapped to another key?
No.
Can you use a 3151 Model 310, 410, 510, 610 keyboard on a 3151 Model 110?
No, you cannot mix any combination of 84-, 101-, and 102-key keyboards. The keyboard must match video display.
How do you automatically dial a modem?
Use the connectivity cartridge, or assign an unused function key. Cartridge requires 6 keystrokes; unused function key requires 2 to 3 keystrokes.
How do you activate or deactivate the printer from the keyboard?
Press Ctrl-Trace key.
How do you display CAPS information?
Turn on the status line.
What screen sizes do the various 3151 terminals support?
Model 310, 410: 24x80, 25x80, 24x132 or 25x132.
Model 310, 410 Expansion Cartridge: Models 310, 410 base screen sizes, plus 28x80 or 28x132.
Model 510, 610: 24x80, 25x80, 24x132 or 25x132.
How do you change the screen size?
- From the terminal: Use the setup menu.
- From the application: use the Create Viewport Command:
| 24 x 80 |
ESC SP r ! ! SP 8 " P |
| 25 x 80 |
ESC SP r ! ! SP 9 " P |
| 28 x 80 |
ESC SP r ! ! SP < " P (Expansion Cartridge) |
| 24 x 132 |
ESC SP r ! ! SP 8 $ D |
| 25 x 132 |
ESC SP r ! ! SP 9 $ D |
| 28 x 132 |
ESC SP r ! ! SP < $ D (Expansion Cartridge) |
Are communication cables included?
No.
What is the command to turn the printer on/off from the system?
Begin/End Pass through mode (DLE DC2 and DLE DC4)
Can you switch a 3151 between a 110 and a 220 volt?
No, each country has the appropriate video display with the proper power supply.
How can the 3151 display line-drawing characters?
- Assign G0/G1 using Select Character Set command.
- Select either G0 or G1 by:
8-bit mode, turn on most significant bit.
7-bit mode, use SO/SI ASCII control characters.
What character sets are available?
- Model 110/310/410: US ASCII and IBM Special Graphics.
- Model 510/610: US ASCII, IBM Special Graphics, PC Code Page 00437, PC Code Page 00850.
What is the gender of the main and auxiliary ports?
Both are 25-pin D-Shell female.
Which port is the main communication port?
Looking at the back of the 3151, the main port is on the right-hand side, closest to the edge. The auxiliary port is closest to the power cord.
How do you get a dual session?
Use the Cartridge for Connectivity. Select Dual Session by Dual Port in SESSION ASSIGNMENT setup menu.
Is there a keyboard extension cable available?
Changes between the keyboard and display elements are not offered and are not supported.
Is there support for an IBM 7695 Bar Code Reader placed between keyboard and display elements?
Only the Models 51/61 support the 7695 Bar Code Reader. Other bar code reader products are available that can be placed between the keyboard and display element; however, only the 7695 bar code reader is supported.
Does the 3151 offer a CRT Saver/Screen Saver?
Yes, CRT is selectable between No Save or 15 minutes. The CRT is selectable by the user in the General Setup menu, or by the system using the Set Control 2 command.
Is a tilt/swivel stand included?
Yes.
Does the 3151 have a data entry keyboard?
No.
