I'd think that many would find it strange to have the equates precede the field definition. If you must use "*" for the equate, that is appropriate.
Or, you might choose an approach such as one of the following: F1 DS B F1B0 EQU F1,X'80' F1B1 EQU *-1,X'40' F1B2 EQU *-L'F1,X'20' Peter Relson z/OS Core Technology Design
