Example of controlling problem determination mode for the system console

The following example shows how an operator can control problem determination mode for the system console. The example illustrates how the system handles the console attribute definition ROUTCODE for the system console SYSCON1 defined in CONSOLxx as follows: 
CONSOLE DEVNUM(SYSCONS) NAME(SYSCON1)
        ROUTCODE(1-5)
The operator initializes the system from the system console SYSCON1. After initialization, the CONSOLxx defaults are in effect for the system console. In this example, the following default value applies:
  1. Normal operations

    The operator receives a minimum set of messages on the system console and monitors normal system operations from an MCS console.

    The MCS console fails on the system. The operator enters VARY CN(*),ACTIVATE on SYSCON1 to place the console in problem determination mode for the first time during this IPL.

  2. Problem determination mode
    The system console is now in problem determination mode. The system uses the value for ROUTCODE defined in CONSOLxx:
    • ROUTCODE(1-5)

    Along with other messages it can receive, the system console receives messages defined by routing codes 1 through 5.

To receive more information about the problem, the operator decides to change the routing codes on the system console.

  1. Problem determination mode

    Without having to re-IPL, the operator issues the VARY command to change ROUTCODE to ALL. The system console can receive messages with all routing codes. The operator is able to restore the MCS console and continue normal operations. The operator enters VARY CN(SYSCON1),DEACTIVATE on any console to deactivate problem determination mode.

  2. Normal operations
    The system console again receives a minimum set of messages. The CONSOLxx default for ROUTCODE is in effect:
    • ROUTCODE(NONE)

The MCS console fails again on the system. The operator reissues VARY CN(*),ACTIVATE on SYSCON1 for the second time during this IPL.

  1. Problem determination mode
    The system console is again in problem determination mode. In this example, the system uses the system console attribute for ROUTCODE based on when the operator last changed the routing code value:
    • ROUTCODE(ALL)

    Along with other messages it can receive, the system console receives messages defined by all routing codes.

    The operator restores the MCS console and issues VARY CN(SYSCON1) DEACTIVATE on the system console to deactivate problem determination mode.

  2. Normal operations

    The operator continues normal operations from the MCS console.

Parent topic: Problem determination and the system console