Commands for special operating modes

IMS provides commands to enter and exit special operating modes, such as preset mode, test mode, MFSTEST mode, looptest mode, and exclusive mode. These modes alter the relationship between the terminal and the system.

A special operating mode remains active until one of the following events occur:

The user issues a command to exit from the special operating mode
The MTO stops and restarts the line, physical terminal, or user by issuing the /START command

To restart a terminal or user without affecting its special operating mode, use the /RSTART command.

Preset mode

Preset mode fixes the destination for all messages entered from a terminal. Use the /SET command to enter preset mode. To leave preset mode, use the /RESET command.

Test mode

Test mode (also called echo mode) performs input and output operations between a terminal and IMS. The /TEST command places a terminal in test mode. Messages entered from a terminal in test mode are transmitted back to that terminal. The /END command terminates test mode. In an ETO environment, the /TEST command applies only to ETO-defined users, not to ETO-defined terminals.

MFSTEST mode

MFSTEST mode tests MFS control blocks without interrupting normal production activity. The /TEST MFS command places MFS-supported terminals in MFSTEST mode. The /END command terminates MFSTEST mode. In an ETO environment, the /TEST command applies only to ETO-defined users, not to ETO-defined terminals.

Looptest mode

Looptest mode tests output operations between a terminal and IMS. Use the /LOOPTEST command to enter this mode. This command creates an output write loop that repeatedly transmits a single-segment message to the terminal being tested. The /END command terminates looptest mode.

Exclusive mode

Exclusive mode prevents output messages from being transmitted to the terminal.

Exception: Output messages that are responses to messages entered at the terminal during exclusive mode are transmitted to the terminal.

After the terminal is removed from exclusive mode, the output messages are held for transmission. Use the /EXCLUSIVE command to enter exclusive mode, and the /END to leave exclusive mode. In an ETO environment, the /EXCLUSIVE command applies only to ETO-defined users, not to ETO-defined terminals.

Disconnecting from IMS

If an ETO-defined terminal or user ID is idle (no transactions are performed) for a given amount of time, IMS automatically disconnects the terminal or user ID. This amount of time is determined by the MTO. The end user can sign back on by issuing the /SIGN command.