TOPS-20 Commands Reference Manual
TERMINAL
Sets the characteristics of your terminal.
Format
@TERMINAL (FEATURE or TYPE) argument
where:
| argument | is a keyword, chosen from the list below, representing your choice of TERMINAL command options; some arguments further require a decimal number to complete their meaning. |
Summary of TERMINAL Command Arguments (defaults in boldface)
The TERMINAL command arguments are divided into two categories, feature and type. Feature arguments set individual terminal characteristics and type arguments set a group of characteristics that are defined for the model of your terminal.
| FLAG | ||||
| FORMFEED | ||||
| FULLDUPLEX | ||||
| HALFDUPLEX | ||||
| HELP | ||||
| IMMEDIATE | ||||
| INDICATE | ||||
| INHIBIT | ||||
| LENGTH n | Default n - 66 | |||
| LINE-HALFDUPLEX | ||||
| LOWERCASE | ||||
| ||||
| PAGE | ||||
| ||||
| RAISE | ||||
| RECEIVE | ||||
| ||||
| TABS | ||||
| TYPE 0-36 | ||||
| WIDTH n | Default n - 72 |
| 33 |
| 35 |
| 37 |
| EXECUPORT |
| H19 |
| LA120 |
| LA30 |
| LA36 |
| LA38 |
| SYSTEM-DEFAULT |
| TERMINET |
| TI |
| VK100 |
| VT05 |
| VT100 |
| VT102 |
| VT125 |
| VT131 |
| VT200-SERIES |
| VT300-SERIES |
| VT50 |
| VT52 |
| FLAG | instructs the system to print a single quotation mark (') before it prints an uppercase character. This takes effect only if you set the NO LOWERCASE parameter. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| FORMFEED | informs the system that your terminal has a form feed mechanism; otherwise, the system simulates form feeds by printing the correct number of line feeds (set by the TERMINAL LENGTH command) if you have set TERMINAL NO INDICATE, or by printing an ^L if you have set TERMINAL INDICATE. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| FULLDUPLEX | instructs the system to send to your terminal each character as the
program reads it. Your terminal does not print what you type until the
system sends the character back to the terminal. See also IMMEDIATE.
Default | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| HALFDUPLEX | inhibits the system from sending to your terminal each character, and assumes that your terminal prints each character itself; causes echoing of format control characters (for example, TAB and line feed). Be sure also to set any corresponding switch physically located on your terminal. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| HELP | prints information about the TERMINAL command. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| IMMEDIATE | instructs the system to echo each character as soon as you type it, instead of waiting until the program receives the character. Immediate echoing has effect only when the FULLDUPLEX parameter is also set. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| INDICATE | instructs the system to print a ^L instead of advancing the proper
number of lines whenever encountering a form feed or CTRL/L (ASCII
character 14).
Default | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| INHIBIT | notifies the system that you are not willing to receive links, advice, system messages, and user messages. Also stops beep or bell signals from users attempting to TALK to your terminal. Only output from your own job is displayed on your terminal. This command disables the settings established with the RECEIVE and REFUSE commands. Reestablish the RECEIVE and REFUSE settings with NO INHIBIT. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LENGTH | n sets the number of lines printed on each page. (If you have TERMINAL
PAUSE END-OF-PAGE set as well, the system stops after printing n lines and
continues only when you type CTRL/Q.) If you set the page length to 0, the
system stops printing only when you type CTRL/S (as long as TERMINAL PAUSE
COMMAND is in effect also); it does not automatically stop at the end of a
page.
Default n - 66 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LINE-HALFDUPLEX | inhibits the system from sending to your terminal each character, and assumes that your terminal prints each character itself; does not cause echoing of format control characters (for example, TAB and line feed). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LOWERCASE | tells the system that your terminal handles lowercase output characters
properly, by printing either the lowercase character or the corresponding
uppercase character. When NO LOWERCASE is set, the system converts
lowercase output characters to the appropriate uppercase characters before
sending them. See also the FLAG and RAISE parameters.
Default | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| NO argument | reverses any of the arguments FLAG, FORMFEED, IMMEDIATE, INDICATE,
INHIBIT, LOWERCASE, PAGE, PAUSE, RAISE, RECEIVE, and TABS
Defaults - NO FLAG, NO FORMFEED, NO IMMEDIATE, NO INHIBIT, NO PAUSE END-OF-PAGE, NO TABS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PAGE n | instructs the system to stop printing when it reaches the end of a
page, or when you type a CTRL/S. Continue the output by typing a CTRL/Q.
To set the page length, give the number n or give a TERMINAL LENGTH
command. If you set the page length to 0, the system stops printing only
when you type a CTRL/S.
Default n - argument of any TERMINAL LENGTH command given in the current terminal session, or the default page length for your terminal type | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
instructs the system to stop sending output whenever it has sent a full
page (END-OF-PAGE), or whenever you type CTRL/S (COMMAND) or x (CHARACTER).
For argument END-OF-PAGE to stop your output, argument COMMAND must also be in effect. You continue the output by typing CTRL/Q or the y parameter of the CHARACTER argument. For argument CHARACTER to stop your output, the COMMAND and END-OF-PAGE arguments must be in effect. With the CHARACTER argument, you continue output by typing the y parameter. You can specify x and y in various ways: as the octal ASCII code for any character or control key; as any printing character in double quotes (" "); as the word "control" followed by the printing representation of a control character in double quotation marks (for example, CONTROL "A"); and as the word "space" to specify the space bar. If you specify x and y to be the same, or if you omit y, you get a toggle effect. You can specify CTRL/S and CTRL/Q as x and y parameters, respectively, only on local terminals. (Network terminal connections do not allow for CTRL/S and CTRL/Q.) But even some local terminals require that you select characters other than CTRL/S and CTRL/Q, for example, the VT125 and the VT100 with the printer port option. The default values for x and y are CTRL/S and CTRL/Q for local terminals, and CTRL/A/CTRL/A for network terminals. You can achieve consistency between local and network terminals by placing the same TERMINAL PAUSE CHARACTER command in your LOGIN.CMD files on the various TOPS-20 systems. To set the page length, use the TERMINAL LENGTH command. If you set the page length to 0, the system stops sending output only when you type CTRL/S or the x parameter of the CHARACTER argument.
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| RAISE | instructs the system to interpret all lowercase terminal input as the
corresponding upper characters. (This setting converts the tilde (~) and
right brace (}) to the <ESC> key.)
Default | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| RECEIVE | same as the RECEIVE command. NO RECEIVE is the same as the REFUSE command. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPEED n1 n2 | sets the baud rate at which the TOPS-20 monitor receives characters
from your terminal (n1) and sends characters to your terminal (n2). Be
sure also to set any corresponding switch physically located on your
terminal.
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| TABS | informs the system that your terminal has mechanical tab stops. Causes the TAB key to advance the cursor according to the tab stops on your terminal. (Some terminals let you select tab stops while others have tab stops every eight spaces). If NO TABS is set, the system simulates a tab by printing eight spaces. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| TYPE | n instructs the system to treat your terminal as terminal type n, in
accordance with the table below:
Default - 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| WIDTH n | tells the system the width, in number of characters, of your terminal
line. When the system prints a line longer than your terminal width, it
prints the first n positions and advances a line to print the rest.
Default width - 72 |
| 33 | informs the system that your terminal is a Teletype Model 33,
which
|
| 35 | informs the system that your terminal is a Teletype Model 35, which has the same characteristics as a Model 33, except that it has a form feed and tab mechanism. |
| 37 | informs the system that your terminal is a Teletype Model 37, which has the same characteristics as a Model 33, except that it prints lowercase letters. |
| EXECUPORT | informs the system that your terminal is an EXECUPORT, which
|
| H19 | informs the system that your terminal is a Heath Kit H19 terminal. The system assumes the same characteristics as for the VT52. |
| LA30 | informs the system that your terminal is a Digital Equipment
Corporation LA30, which
|
| LA36 | informs the system that your terminal is a Digital Equipment
Corporation LA36, which
|
| LA38 | informs the system that your terminal is a Digital Equipment
Corporation LA38, which
|
| LA120 | informs the system that your terminal is a Digital Equipment
Corporation LA120, which
|
| SYSTEM-DEFAULT | informs the system that your terminal has these characteristics
(ensuring an acceptable minimum level of performance for all terminal
types):
Default for terminal type |
| TERMINET | informs the system that your terminal is a TERMINET, which
|
| TI | informs the system that your terminal is a Texas Instruments terminal, which has the same characteristics as an EXECUPORT. |
| VK100 | informs the system that your terminal is a Digital Equipment VK100 with the same characteristics as the VT52 and VT100, plus graphics capability (both black-and-white and color). |
| VT05 | informs the system that your terminal is a Digital Equipment
Corporation VT05, which
|
| VT50 | informs the system that your terminal is a Digital Equipment
Corporation VT50, which
|
| VT52 | informs the system that your terminal is a Digital Equipment Corporation VT52. The system assumes the same characteristics as for a VT50 except that it prints lowercase letters, and has a page length of 24 lines instead of 12. |
| VT100 | informs the system that your terminal is a Digital Equipment Corporation VT100. The system assumes the same characteristics as for a VT52. |
| VT102 | informs the system that your terminal is a Digital Equipment Corporation VT102. The system assumes the same characteristics as for a VT100. |
| VT125 | informs the system that your terminal is a Digital Equipment Corporation VT125, which has full compatibility with the VT100 and the capability of business, laboratory, and scientific graphics in black-and-white or color. |
| VT131 | informs the system that your terminal is a Digital Equipment Corporation VT131. |
| VT200-SERIES | informs the system that your terminal is a Digital Equipment Corporation VT220, VT240, or VT241. The system assumes the same characteristics as a VT100. |
| VT300-SERIES | informs the system that your terminal is a Digital Equipment Corporation VT330 or VT340. The system assumes the same characteristics as a VT100. |
Characteristics
TERMINAL Commands Before Log-in
You can use TERMINAL commands, after an initial CTRL/C or RETURN but before logging in, to adjust your terminal's characteristics.
Hints
Setting Your Terminal's Speed
If the initial speed setting of your terminal line is not what you want but your terminal will function at that speed, you can give a TERMINAL SPEED command even before log-in to set the proper value. If your terminal will not work at the initial speed, ask the operator to set an appropriate value.
Using Split Speeds
If you have a terminal that allows split speeds, you can set the input and output speeds to different values. This will allow you to take advantage of fast system response, for example, without providing a needlessly fast input line. A setting of 150 2400 will accomplish this. Note that you cannot use split speeds on a terminal that is part of a DECSYSTEM-2020 system. Note also that using split speeds on VT100, VT125, or VK100 terminals may cause the "smooth scrolling" feature to function improperly. See the appropriate terminal manual, for example, the VT100 User's Guide, for details.
Special Cases
Terminal Types and Defaults Peculiar to Your System
The preceding pages describe terminal types and system defaults as they are shipped with TOPS-20. However, by making changes to the monitor and the TOPS-20 command processor, your installation can add different terminal types and change the default characteristics associated with terminals. Check with your system manager to find out what changes, if any, are in effect for your system.
Terminal Speed Retained from Last Session
Although most terminal characteristics revert to default settings when you log in, the terminal line will retain the value for speed set by the last user of the line, even if he was using a different kind of terminal. However, if the system failed and was restarted after the terminal line was last used, the initial speed will be determined by the appropriate TERMINAL SPEED command in the system configuration file. Also, dial-up lines return to the speed specified in this file after every use.
Restrictions
CTRL/S and CTRL/Q Not Passed to Remote Nodes
CTRL/S and CTRL/Q are always processed by your host node; they are not sent to a remote node. Therefore, when you are connected to a remote node with the SETHOST program and TERMINAL PAUSE (ON) END-OF-PAGE is set on the remote node, CTRL/Q will not continue scrolling. CTRL/A is the default control character recognized by the remote node for pausing and continuing scrolling. You can use the TERMINAL PAUSE (ON) CHARACTER command to specify the pause and continue characters of your choosing - except CTRL/S and CTRL/Q. It is recommended that you define the same pause and continue scrolling characters on your host and the remote node.
Disabling CTRL/S and CTRL/Q on High Speed Terminals
Some terminal models, when set to a high receive baud rate, such as 9600, require that the CTRL/S and CTRL/Q pause and continue characters be enabled in order to correctly format terminal output. If you must disable CTRL/S and CTRL/Q with the TERMINAL NO PAUSE COMMAND, manually set the terminal to fast or "jump" scroll. If the output is still not correctly formatted, set a slower receive baud rate with the TERMINAL SPEED command. Then, manually set the same baud rate on the terminal.
Warning
Setting an Improper Terminal Speed
If you set an incorrect speed for your terminal, for example, one that is too high, you will be unable to use it further. A TERMINAL SPEED command in the LOGIN.CMD file in your log-in directory can cause the same problem. In such a case, obtain your terminal line number if possible (the second column of SYSTAT command output consists of line numbers) and ask the operator to set an appropriate value.
Related Commands
| INFORMATION TERMINAL-MODE | for examining your current terminal settings |
Examples
- Declare that your terminal is an VT100.
@TERMINAL VT100
- Do the same thing, using the corresponding numerical type.
@TERMINAL TYPE 16
- Prepare your LA36 terminal for you to type in some upper- and lowercase
text files on narrow paper.
@TERMINAL LA36 @TERMINAL NO RAISE @terminal width 72
- Find out your terminal's characteristics, then give the command that
causes it to print a full page of blank lines when you type a CTRL/L (or
when it encounters an ^L in a file it is printing on your terminal).
@INFORMATION TERMINAL-MODE TERMINAL LA36 TERMINAL SPEED 300 TERMINAL NO INHIBIT (NON-JOB OUTPUT) RECEIVE LINKS REFUSE ADVICE RECEIVE SYSTEM-MESSAGES RECEIVE USER-MESSAGES TERMINAL PAUSE (ON) COMMAND TERMINAL NO PAUSE (ON) END-OF-PAGE TERMINAL LENGTH 66 TERMINAL WIDTH 132 TERMINAL LOWERCASE TERMINAL RAISE TERMINAL NO FLAG TERMINAL INDICATE TERMINAL NO FORMFEED TERMINAL NO TABS TERMINAL NO IMMEDIATE TERMINAL FULLDUPLEX @TERMINAL NO INDICATE