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Using the OPSCONSOLE macro

The OPSCONSOLE macro is a server-based debugging and analysis tool for managing or collecting data for Operations Console-related procedures.

Local macros are advanced debug and analysis tools resident on the server. These tools are intended to be used only with the direction of support personnel because inappropriate use of these tools can cause unpredictable problems with your system. If you are not comfortable using service tools, contact your service provider for assistance before using these tools.

These instructions assume you do not have a console device, but do have another workstation capable of using the system service tools (SST).
Important: Incorrect use of local macros can result in a change requiring a complete system reload.

To use the Operations Console local macro support, follow these steps:

  1. Access service tools using SST.
  2. Select Start a service tool > Display/Alter/Dump > Display/Alter storage.
  3. Select Advanced analysis. If necessary, page down to see this option.
  4. Page down until you find the OPSCONSOLE option.
  5. Type a 1 next to the option and press Enter. The Specify Advanced Analysis Options window is displayed and the command displays as OPSCONSOLE.
  6. Enter the appropriate option and any required parameters in the Options field. Use the following options based on the function you are running:
    • Change the console type = cnsltype x (where x is 1, 2, 3, or 4)
    • Clear the resource and configuration for the Operations Console LAN adapter = cnfglan -clear
    • Dump Operations Console-related flight recorders to vlogs = dump -vlog
    • Deactivate the communications adapter for a local console that is directly attached = deactdirect
    • Activate the communications adapter for a local console that is directly attached = actdirect
    • Deactivate the LAN adapter for a local console on a network (LAN) = deactlan
    • Activate the LAN adapter for a local console on a network (LAN) = actlan
    • Restart the console device (any console) = restart
      Note: Use the restart option when you need to deactivate the current console and allow the server to determine and start or restart a console. You can use the restart option to correct a problem with the original console or when switching from one console type to another.

The following options are new in IBM® i 5.4.5, IBM i 6.1, and later. These functions can be added by installing the following fixes.

IBM i 5.4.5 IBM i 6.1
MF44882 MF44644
MF44894 MF44647

The following are takeover Console Information Status window commands:

The following codes are only used when the system is not managed by a Hardware Management Console (HMC):
  • Enable the embedded Ethernet port = enbintlan. You might want to run this command if you want to use the embedded port for the console.
  • Disable the embedded Ethernet port = disintlan. You might want to run this command if you want to use a LAN console resource other than the embedded port. You must have enabled support to use the external resource, such as running the macro enbextlan.
  • Enable a 5706, 5707, 5767, or 5768 adapters = enbextlan. You might want to run this command to take advantage of the faster network capability from one of these adapters instead of your current network adapter.
  • Disable a 5706, 5707, 5767, or 5768 adapters = disextlan. You might want to run this command if you want to prevent the use of this LAN adapter for use as a console.
  • Enable both the embedded port and the 5706, 5707, 5767, or 5768 adapters = enbboth. You might want to run this command if you want to make your current model use these resources as the default settings for a new model.
  • Disable both the embedded port and the 5706, 5707, 5767, or 5768 adapters = disboth. You might want to run this command if you have a System i® model and do not want the adapters used for the console.
  • Display both the embedded port and the 5706, 5707, 5767, or 5768 adapters configuration flags = dspcfg. You might want to run this command if a service and support representative requested this information. This macro returns the state of the embedded port and gigabit LAN adapter support.
Parent topic: Working with your console configuration
Related concepts
Working with console takeover and recovery

F18 force takeover and show or skip status option

With IBM i 6.1.1, there is a screen interface for turning on the F18 force takeover option and the show or skip status option.

To change the display of the takeover console information status, follow these steps:

  1. Access dedicated service tools (DST).
  2. Select Work with DST environment.
  3. Select Service tools security data.
  4. Select 13 (Display console status screen) and press Enter. The status can be Show or Skipped.

To change the F18 console take over, follow these steps:

  1. Access dedicated service tools (DST).
  2. Select Work with DST environment.
  3. Select Service tools security data.
  4. Select 14 (Console F18 takeover) and press Enter. The status can be Enabled or Disabled.