Format the online packs (FMTR)

Do not run this step unless you are building a new z/TPF system because this process formats the online packs, erases all data stored on these packs, and prepares for a new load. If the packs that are being formatted have more than 65520 cylinders defined, FMTR formats only the first 65520 cylinders, and the online formatter must be used to format any additional space. JCL must be submitted on a z/OS® system. Therefore, all files must be moved or accepted through a text mount.

To run the formatter (FMTR), edit the JCL produced during SIP deck assembly (/tpf/z11/bss/jcl/fmtrdeck.jcl) and modify the JCL according to your z/TPF system configuration. Updates to the JCL include the following:
  • Adding the JOB card information.
  • Modifying any IPLTDD cards. These reference the IPLA object that was created during the build. The IPLA object is built on Linux®, is named /tpf/z11/bss/obj/ipla.o, and is referenced by the JCL. The object will either need to be moved to z/OS or accessed through a binary mount to Linux. As a result, you will need to update any IPLTDD cards accordingly.
  • Modifying any FMTDD1 cards. These reference the format control cards (fmta.mac, fmtb.mac, fmtc.mac, and fmtd.mac) that were created during the build. They are built on Linux and reside in the /tpf/z11/bss/macro directory that is referenced by the JCL. The macros will need to be moved to z/OS or accessed through a text mount to Linux. As a result, you will need to update any FMTDD1 cards accordingly.