Re: TS7700 abandoned volumes questions

[Enzo D'Amato]

If you are going to need to mount and overwrite the pool, it may be easier to 
do it using an IBM linux on z system. Linxu tape handling has a lot less 
requirements, and you can easily pull garbage data from /dev/urandom. It also 
looks like Linux has support for autoloading volumes on ts7700 devices 
(https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/linux-on-systems?topic=z-tape390-display). Setting 
up a Python script to cycle through all of the free tape and fill them with 
random data would likely be easier than building a temporary z/OS system. Just 
make sure to isolate this tape pool so you don't accidentally shred other tapes.

The cluster decomposition approach originally came from someone who asked how 
to securely erase a ts7720 unit they were locked out of without destroying it.

- Enzo Damato

From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  on behalf of Tom 
Longfellow <03e29b607131-dmarc-requ...@listserv.ua.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, April 11, 2023 11:29 AM
To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
Subject: Re: TS7700 abandoned volumes questions

Yes, I agree that the only safe way out is to leave it to the professionals 
that created the problem.The first hurdle would be having a relationship 
with them that allows me to make requests or demands.Unless it is a broken 
situation that I can report to support as a 'problem' I have no alternatives.   
 My disagreement in their great and holy design does not rise to the point of 
getting them to fix what is not deemed as being wrong.

I would still be interested to know their response to the security exposure to 
data that cannot be wiped from the system.   An army of Security Auditors could 
descend upon them any day.Because 'if it exists, it can be hacked' is their 
world view.While I would like to make it no longer exist, I am not given 
that option with the current design.

The take it down, tear it apart, reformat it and put it all back together is 
the most daring approach I have ever seen. Very bold and high risk.   I have 
spent my career avoiding breadboards, soldering irons and screwdrivers for very 
good reasons.  The approval for me to do that layer of tinkering to get rid of 
annoying zombie abandoned tapes will never happen.   Plus, the skills to do 
that are not available.

I do not hate these zombie volumes enough to nuke the village in order to save 
it.   But it is sorta fun to think about.

--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions,
send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions,
send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

Re: TS7700 abandoned volumes questions

[Enzo D'Amato]

I agree. If you have the option of going to the source, that would probably be 
the safest approach.

From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  on behalf of 
Pommier, Rex 
Sent: Monday, April 10, 2023 4:48 PM
To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
Subject: Re: TS7700 abandoned volumes questions

Enzo,

Knowing nothing about the internal workings of the TS77xx boxes I should 
probably keep my mouth shut but I don't think this is a good idea.  Where does 
the TS keep metadata on the virtual volumes?  Is there a db2 or other database 
holding pointers to the virtual volumes?  Will internal links between the 
virtual libraries and the physical files (that now don't exist) be broken and 
cause the entire cluster to drop with internal corruption errors?

I would think the safest approach would be to go to the source (i.e. IBM) and 
get their approach for cleaning this up.

My $.01.

Rex

-Original Message-
From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  On Behalf Of 
Enzo D'Amato
Sent: Monday, April 10, 2023 3:04 PM
To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: TS7700 abandoned volumes questions

I don't think this is the "IBM-approved" way of doing things, but the ts7700s 
use standard FC drive shelves. Have you tried breaking the cluster links, 
powering down the controller, and then manually mounting the FC shelves on a 
generic Linux box? If you can do that, you should be able to search them for 
the actual emulated tape files and erase them. If this works on one node, you 
can bring the other two down and purge them before bringing the entire grid 
back up, and since the virtual tapes are not in memory on any of the nodes, you 
should be good to go.

-Enzo Damato

From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  on behalf of Tom 
Longfellow <03e29b607131-dmarc-requ...@listserv.ua.edu>
Sent: Sunday, April 9, 2023 9:37 PM
To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
Subject: TS7700 abandoned volumes questions

I have a TS7700 Grid of three cluster members.   In the past volumes were 
created for a z/OS system that no longer exists.  We have hundreds of tapes in 
scratch (0012) and private (001F) category.So now, the data is taking up 
space in my newest grid member because of COPYRFSH activities.

What I would like to do is totally remove the existence of these volumes from 
the Grid.   Every standard method I have found via management GUIs fails 
because these volumes have once left the 'INSERT' status at some time in the 
past.Everything that implies it might work from Z host to 'EJECT' these 
tapes require all the infrastructure  of RMM, DEVSUP00 changes, and a Tape 
Volume Catalog (TVC).   I do not want to rebuild an entire z/OS LPAR so that it 
will talk the special DEVSUP language to manipulate these tapes.  Nor do I wish 
to add hundreds of volumes to my tape management system and TVC) just to turn 
around and delete them again.

I really need a way for this GRID to never mention these tapes in any way ever 
again.   One of the prime directives of the TS7700 seems to be 'never delete 
data until you have no other choice'.  For example a 'scratch' tape is still 
there even after the hold period expires  and is still known after storage 
RECLAIM has happened.Those 'zombie' reclaimed volumes are preserved in 
perpetuity as you migrate from TS7700 to TS7700.   I am trying to Stop the 
Madness.   The 'Default' of 'We shall delete no data before its time' needs to 
be broken.  A full mind wipe for these volumes is in order.

I know this defeats the 'feature' of miraculous unexpected recoveries of data 
that has served its purpose and been honorably discharged but reality does have 
to play a role here.   If I say keep it for 8 days, I do not want it storing 
data forever and deleted by its own arcane incomprehensible rules.   If it is 
available for miracle unexpected recoveries, there may be some security 
auditors interested what that equipment is up to.

Anybody know a fast and efficient way to accomplish this?

--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to 
lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to 
lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

--
The information contained in this message is confidential, protected from 
disclosure and may be legally privileged. If the reader of this message is not 
the intended recipient or an employee or agent responsible for delivering this 
message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, 
distribution, copying, or any action taken or action omitted in reliance on it, 
is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. If y

Re: TS7700 abandoned volumes questions

[Enzo D'Amato]

I don't think this is the "IBM-approved" way of doing things, but the ts7700s 
use standard FC drive shelves. Have you tried breaking the cluster links, 
powering down the controller, and then manually mounting the FC shelves on a 
generic Linux box? If you can do that, you should be able to search them for 
the actual emulated tape files and erase them. If this works on one node, you 
can bring the other two down and purge them before bringing the entire grid 
back up, and since the virtual tapes are not in memory on any of the nodes, you 
should be good to go.

-Enzo Damato

From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  on behalf of Tom 
Longfellow <03e29b607131-dmarc-requ...@listserv.ua.edu>
Sent: Sunday, April 9, 2023 9:37 PM
To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
Subject: TS7700 abandoned volumes questions

I have a TS7700 Grid of three cluster members.   In the past volumes were 
created for a z/OS system that no longer exists.  We have hundreds of tapes in 
scratch (0012) and private (001F) category.So now, the data is taking up 
space in my newest grid member because of COPYRFSH activities.

What I would like to do is totally remove the existence of these volumes from 
the Grid.   Every standard method I have found via management GUIs fails 
because these volumes have once left the 'INSERT' status at some time in the 
past.Everything that implies it might work from Z host to 'EJECT' these 
tapes require all the infrastructure  of RMM, DEVSUP00 changes, and a Tape 
Volume Catalog (TVC).   I do not want to rebuild an entire z/OS LPAR so that it 
will talk the special DEVSUP language to manipulate these tapes.  Nor do I wish 
to add hundreds of volumes to my tape management system and TVC) just to turn 
around and delete them again.

I really need a way for this GRID to never mention these tapes in any way ever 
again.   One of the prime directives of the TS7700 seems to be 'never delete 
data until you have no other choice'.  For example a 'scratch' tape is still 
there even after the hold period expires  and is still known after storage 
RECLAIM has happened.Those 'zombie' reclaimed volumes are preserved in 
perpetuity as you migrate from TS7700 to TS7700.   I am trying to Stop the 
Madness.   The 'Default' of 'We shall delete no data before its time' needs to 
be broken.  A full mind wipe for these volumes is in order.

I know this defeats the 'feature' of miraculous unexpected recoveries of data 
that has served its purpose and been honorably discharged but reality does have 
to play a role here.   If I say keep it for 8 days, I do not want it storing 
data forever and deleted by its own arcane incomprehensible rules.   If it is 
available for miracle unexpected recoveries, there may be some security 
auditors interested what that equipment is up to.

Anybody know a fast and efficient way to accomplish this?

--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions,
send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions,
send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

Re: IBM z16 Model A02 Announcement

[Enzo D'Amato]

I think that it's very good that we now have something like the multiprise 3000 
back again. I think having smaller systems available for the "mainframe 
curious" will help a lot in getting new companies on the platform.

From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  on behalf of 
Parwez Hamid <04843e86df79-dmarc-requ...@listserv.ua.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, April 4, 2023 5:52 AM
To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
Subject: IBM z16 Model A02 Announcement

USA:

https://www.ibm.com/common/ssi/ShowDoc.wss?docURL=/common/ssi/rep_sm/1/897/ENUS3932-_h01/index.html

EMEA:

https://www.ibm.com/common/ssi/ShowDoc.wss?docURL=/common/ssi/rep_sm/1/877/ENUS3932-_h01/index.html

--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions,
send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions,
send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

Interesting article on cloud repatriation

[Enzo D'Amato]

I saw this article, and I thought that the people here might find this 
interesting.

https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/basecamp-and-hey-move-off-of-the-cloud/

--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions,
send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

Re: Added PCIe IO cards stuck in Reserved state [EXTERNAL]

[Enzo D'Amato]

I believe that I may have found the option I need. In the service element, 
under the service userid, I see an option to concurrently add or remove 
hardware. I do not see an option under install or uninstall for any of the 
cards in question, which leads me to believe that just inserting them while the 
machine was powered down was not the correct way to add them. Tomorrow morning, 
I am going to deactivate/power down the CPC cluster and IO drawer, remove the 
card, restart the system, and then follow the prompts for hardware 
installation. Before I proceed with this, has anyone done anything similar, or 
recognize any of the steps in the process?

Thank you,
Enzo D'Amato

-Original Message-
From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List [mailto:IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU] On Behalf 
Of Feller, Paul
Sent: Tuesday, July 26, 2022 4:13 PM
To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
Subject: Re: Added PCIe IO cards stuck in Reserved state [EXTERNAL]

I've never gone though the process it install hardware.  It has always been IBM 
doing it.  I have looked over the shoulder of the IBM person and from what I 
recall there are several different steps that must complete properly (and in 
the proper order) to install new hardware.  It sure sounds like something did 
not properly complete during the install process.  Just a wild guess on my part.


Paul Feller
GTS Mainframe Technical Support

-Original Message-
From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  On Behalf Of 
Enzo D'Amato
Sent: Tuesday, July 26, 2022 2:34 PM
To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
Subject: Re: Added PCIe IO cards stuck in Reserved state [EXTERNAL]

Yes. It PORes without issues, and I have booted the new partitions. If it 
helps, I can post the IOCDS and screenshots of my HMC.

-Original Message-
From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List [mailto:IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU] On Behalf 
Of Carmen Vitullo
Sent: Tuesday, July 26, 2022 3:32 PM
To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
Subject: Re: Added PCIe IO cards stuck in Reserved state

you said "I have verified that this is not an IOCDS issue by booting the debug 
IOCDS that is shipped with the machine by default"

I've not been following and I don't know your configuration but did you ever 
POR with your updated IOCDS?

Carmen

On 7/26/2022 2:23 PM, Enzo D'Amato wrote:
> Hello. I have received VM and VSE installation media from my IBM contact, and 
> the installation is coming along well, but I have been having a problem with 
> some of my IO cards. Despite a proper IOCDS configuration, all of the cards 
> that were added to the system after I got it are stuck in the reserved state, 
> even though they are properly defined. I have verified that this is not an 
> IOCDS issue by booting the debug IOCDS that is shipped with the machine by 
> default. Even with this configuration, the cards do not leave the reserved 
> and undefined state. I believe that I am missing some pre-IOCDS step that I 
> have to take when I install new hardware, but I cannot find anything in the 
> manuals or docs online. Have you seen anything like this? Do you have any 
> advice on what might be causing this?
>
> Thank you,
> Enzo Damato
>
> --
> For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send 
> email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN
>

--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to 
lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to 
lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

--
Please note:  This message originated outside your organization. Please use 
caution when opening links or attachments.

--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to 
lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions,
send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

Re: Added PCIe IO cards stuck in Reserved state

[Enzo D'Amato]

Yes. It PORes without issues, and I have booted the new partitions. If it 
helps, I can post the IOCDS and screenshots of my HMC.

-Original Message-
From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List [mailto:IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU] On Behalf 
Of Carmen Vitullo
Sent: Tuesday, July 26, 2022 3:32 PM
To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
Subject: Re: Added PCIe IO cards stuck in Reserved state

you said "I have verified that this is not an IOCDS issue by booting the debug 
IOCDS that is shipped with the machine by default"

I've not been following and I don't know your configuration but did you ever 
POR with your updated IOCDS?

Carmen

On 7/26/2022 2:23 PM, Enzo D'Amato wrote:
> Hello. I have received VM and VSE installation media from my IBM contact, and 
> the installation is coming along well, but I have been having a problem with 
> some of my IO cards. Despite a proper IOCDS configuration, all of the cards 
> that were added to the system after I got it are stuck in the reserved state, 
> even though they are properly defined. I have verified that this is not an 
> IOCDS issue by booting the debug IOCDS that is shipped with the machine by 
> default. Even with this configuration, the cards do not leave the reserved 
> and undefined state. I believe that I am missing some pre-IOCDS step that I 
> have to take when I install new hardware, but I cannot find anything in the 
> manuals or docs online. Have you seen anything like this? Do you have any 
> advice on what might be causing this?
>
> Thank you,
> Enzo Damato
>
> --
> For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send 
> email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN
>

--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to 
lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions,
send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

Re: "Mainframe outage affecting W.Va. state agencies could take 48, 72 hours to resolve"

[Enzo D'Amato]

I was thinking something similar when I heard that. It is unusual for 1 card to 
fail, even more so two. I am guessing that this device had some ancient ESCON 
channels in it, and no service contract. The first card probably failed months 
ago, and no one bothered to change it. When that happens, you are just asking 
for downtime.

-Original Message-
From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List [mailto:IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU] On Behalf 
Of Mike Schwab
Sent: Tuesday, July 26, 2022 3:23 PM
To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
Subject: Re: "Mainframe outage affecting W.Va. state agencies could take 48, 72 
hours to resolve"

When one part goes down, all you get is a message.  You don't get an outage 
until enough parts go down and the devices stops working (enough raid volumes 
to not rebuild blocks, all communications channels).

On Tue, Jul 26, 2022 at 1:05 PM John S. Giltner, Jr.  wrote:
>
> Seems 2 parts failed and it happened last week.
>
> https://www.wvpublic.org/government/2022-07-21/mainframe-failure-shuts
> -down-dmv-dhhr-computer-systems
>
> --
> For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send 
> email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN



--
Mike A Schwab, Springfield IL USA
Where do Forest Rangers go to get away from it all?

--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to 
lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions,
send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

Added PCIe IO cards stuck in Reserved state

[Enzo D'Amato]

Hello. I have received VM and VSE installation media from my IBM contact, and 
the installation is coming along well, but I have been having a problem with 
some of my IO cards. Despite a proper IOCDS configuration, all of the cards 
that were added to the system after I got it are stuck in the reserved state, 
even though they are properly defined. I have verified that this is not an 
IOCDS issue by booting the debug IOCDS that is shipped with the machine by 
default. Even with this configuration, the cards do not leave the reserved and 
undefined state. I believe that I am missing some pre-IOCDS step that I have to 
take when I install new hardware, but I cannot find anything in the manuals or 
docs online. Have you seen anything like this? Do you have any advice on what 
might be causing this?

Thank you,
Enzo Damato

--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions,
send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

Re: "Mainframe outage affecting W.Va. state agencies could take 48, 72 hours to resolve"

[Enzo D'Amato]

I wonder why the fiber cards were not set up in a redundant configuration. Like 
even in a lab environment, all of my peripherals are connected across 2 or more 
cards.

-Original Message-
From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List [mailto:IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU] On Behalf 
Of Jay Maynard
Sent: Tuesday, July 26, 2022 7:41 AM
To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
Subject: Re: "Mainframe outage affecting W.Va. state agencies could take 48, 72 
hours to resolve"

Makes me wonder how old the system is...state governments are notorious for 
running hardware long past its useful life. If this was ESCON, life might get 
interesting.

On Tue, Jul 26, 2022 at 6:28 AM Bill Johnson < 
0047540adefe-dmarc-requ...@listserv.ua.edu> wrote:

> A spokesperson from Gov. Justice’s administration says that the cause 
> of the mainframe outage was a physical hardware failure and not the 
> result of any outside attack. The spokesperson tells 13 News that it 
> was a failure of a fiber card. Parts had to be overnighted, and 
> technicians had to fly in because the system is antiquated, and only a 
> few specialists understand how to fix it.
>
> Antiquated of course.
>
>
> Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
>
>
> On Monday, July 25, 2022, 11:43 PM, Steve Horein 
> 
> wrote:
>
> Spotted on reddit:
>
> https://wchstv.com/news/local/mainframe-outage-affecting-wva-state-age
> ncies-could-take-48-72-hours-to-resolv
>
> --
> For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send 
> email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN
>
>
>
>
> --
> For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send 
> email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN
>


--
Jay Maynard

--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to 
lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions,
send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

Re: Locked out of my account and therefore my System

[Enzo D'Amato]

I am not an expert here, but you may want to try a boot-time recovery 
environment like ZZSA, NewEra SAE, or just the VM installation media.

-Original Message-
From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List [mailto:IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU] On Behalf 
Of Karl Severson
Sent: Sunday, July 24, 2022 7:51 PM
To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
Subject: Locked out of my account and therefore my System

​Embarrassed to report that I locked myself out of my system. System is running 
VM/ESA 2.3 with VM:Manager 2.6 and running the Rules Facility. Broadcom is no 
help as we don't have maintenance on a product that has reached end of life as 
Broadcom won't support it because of that.

What I have tried: I thought I set up VM:Operator to be able to link nopass to 
VM:Secure 1b0 but for some reason that doesn't work. I also can't link to 
VMXSYSAD 191, where we stash a nightly backup of the directory. I've tried the 
LINK command and the system wants a READ password and that doesn't work as I 
don't know what it is.I think someone undid things that I set up before I 
retired, because I knew I would be back. Link attempt to VMX 1b0 fails because 
of some RULE. We use logonby so we only have to know OUR own account password 
but I've managed to lock myself out of my account so no dice in anything I try.

What is left? There are a few privileged accounts left that I might try (OP1) 
for instance, but if someone changed its password to something other than OP1, 
my plan will fail.

Any ideas are most welcome!

TIA

Karl Severson
RTX

--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to 
lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions,
send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

Re: Buttons, we got buttons...

[Enzo D'Amato]

Does share still give out buttons?

-Original Message-
From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List [mailto:IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU] On Behalf 
Of JOSEPH1 WINTERTON
Sent: Monday, July 18, 2022 4:19 PM
To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
Subject: Re: Buttons, we got buttons...

Boy that brings back many memories.

From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  on behalf of 
Barry Merrill 
Sent: Monday, July 18, 2022 3:57 PM
To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU 
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: Buttons, we got buttons...

Button 157 at www.mxg.com/thebuttonman

VS2.2 came with a free Measurement Facility 1, but it was No Fxxxing Good, 
hence this message. At the New York SHARE meeting 18 IBMers came down from 
Poughkeepsie to meet with members of both the CME Project and the MVS 
Performance Project, and what had been scheduled for an hour session extended 
well into the evening, as we went over every field in every record in MF1 and 
educated the IBMers as to what was needed (like, in the RMF 74 record, we 
thought that VOLSER would be useful; MF1 had only provided the UCB Address!), 
Six months later, IBM announced RMF, with almost eveything we asked for fixed, 
but RMF was no longer free. However, because it was now a product, with 
revenue, it was no longer a part of the Operating System, where it had been 
competing with the Paging Supervisor, and the Dispatcher, and all of the other 
components for staff, and so we began to get the enhancements we had needed, 
now that we were paying for them directly.

-Original Message-
From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  On Behalf Of 
Seymour J Metz
Sent: Wednesday, July 6, 2022 6:30 AM
To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
Subject: Re: Buttons, we got buttons...

When was MF/1 crossed with NFG?


--
Shmuel (Seymour J.) Metz
http://mason.gmu.edu/~smetz3


From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List [IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU] on behalf of Bob 
Bridges [robhbrid...@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, July 4, 2022 7:06 PM
To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
Subject: Re: Buttons, we got buttons...

LOL, I clearly remember some buttons on a cubicle wall, buttons a coworker had 
taken home from a sci-fi or possibly software convention (I don't remember).  
The first one I saw said "This universe is full of magical things patiently 
waiting for us to grow smarter".  Another said "Good, fast, cheap: Pick two".

That was in fall 1996; it was the beginning of my tagline file, which you've 
all been suffering from.

---
Bob Bridges, robhbrid...@gmail.com, cell 336 382-7313

/* ...critics of democracy, including friendly critics, have always pointed out 
that the Achilles' heel of democracy is its tendency to turn the ballot box 
into an instrument of plunder, as voters learn to vote for those who promise 
them other people's money.  -Joseph Sobran */

-Original Message-
From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  On Behalf Of 
Gabe Goldberg
Sent: Monday, July 4, 2022 15:33

Bill Bitner (just retired from IBM Endicott after 36 years 11 months) has a 
SHARE/VM/etc. button collection.

At recent VM Workshop celebrating VM's 50th anniversary, I promised to share 
mine, send him any he'd like to add to his trove.

So here are lots of buttons spanning decades!

Spread out on basement floor.

https://secure-web.cisco.com/1bZ1SUd9takSKEgV3DvzE69_yhA3ZJxW6E31R_9ijTRJWy4vmtA3FSeLweEIxh1GzOU8c8nM9fxNRjGBRR2POgJ6uHWLcM5L48OdQVHxC5l6Se-DchzS7GxDodbzDwgT9aAO0WyVPunnxNaga3RlpxITJvyyvY65H2hsS4gTgz0ALkyMgf1uHsYKgOdIP0gA5KM48bHPb4lvQ3W1NwapIbnuOsdQHThCDnFy4Bc3axaP3NSG6Tc4bVKwkJhpkNJ1-X9VfAF9IxR3xv11zwchCI0OfuMmVHRpDBS-JBwNnxVE11QtvU0BGA6PGz4h9TiqjGMOX5xyu1IV81QrNCQuBzyhZJw_DgF-GiRE8EXBS7sWdTg1rFnFQ7m8GGO-KPwXCuis8IFmi6XZ-Y9Va4PUbOBq_Rth_oVGH8S-BZ3eF81P04c05vfYXV5QBxhuKToP-/https%3A%2F%2Fshare.icloud.com%2Fphotos%2F09b-e_A0o9IhBXd6qQ_puAyng

Bunch of photos and a panning video.

I told him to pick what he wants before my wife makes me pick them up!

--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to 
lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to 
lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to 
lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to 
lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions,
send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the 

Re: USS compare

[Enzo D'Amato]

Do you want to compare the file names in the directory, or the names and 
content of the files?

Get BlueMail for Android
On Jun 24, 2022, at 7:01 PM, Bhum Muth 
mailto:bhumi.mu...@gmail.com>> wrote:

mounted zFS files(2 etc files) them zOS, /etc is a directory and I want to 
compare the contents of two directories.

Thanks,
BM



For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions,
send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions,
send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

Re: USS compare

[Enzo D'Amato]

I am not sure if all of these are on USS, but one of these should do what you 
are looking for:
https://www.softwaretestinghelp.com/compare-two-files-unix/

-Original Message-
From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List [mailto:IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU] On Behalf 
Of Bhum Muth
Sent: Friday, June 24, 2022 6:40 PM
To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
Subject: USS compare

Would like to know if any easy way to compare 2 USS files (say compare 2 
versions of /etc).

Thanks,
BM

--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to 
lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions,
send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

Where to connect TS7720 to network

[Enzo D'Amato]

Hello.
In the time since I have last posed, someone has sent up a TS7720 tape unit 
(with all of its drives unwiped). The unit arrived yesterday, and I have been 
busy trying to get it set up. have power connected, and I have booted the cache 
controller, VEB, and TSSC, however I cannot connect to the VEB to manage it. I 
know that it has successfully booted up AIX from the output on the serial 
monitor (It gets to the TS7700 VEB AIX login prompt), and I can also log into 
the TSSC, but I do not see the VEB in the TSSC control center. I know that 
there should be some IP address that I should be able to use to pull up the 
VEB's Machine Interface, but I do not know what port on the three switches I 
should be plugging my network into. Does anyone here have any information about 
how to access the management interface on the VEB, or how to set up the machine 
in general? Lastly, the fans on my VEB never ramp down after boot. Is this 
because I only have one of the two power supplies connected?

Thank you,
Enzo Damato

--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions,
send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

Re: Modernize Mainframe Applications for Hybrid Cloud with IBM and AWS

[Enzo D'Amato]

I also agree, but as a non-insider, I wanted to know what others were thinking. 
I also belive that in most cases, the effort spent trying to get off the 
mainframe would be better spent actually fixing the code running on it in the 
first place. Moving around broken code doesn't automatically fix it.

Get BlueMail for Android<https://bluemail.me>
On Jun 18, 2022, at 5:13 PM, Charles Mills 
mailto:charl...@mcn.org>> wrote:

I always like the stories about the companies that are in the eighth year of
a three-year project to get off the mainframe.

Enzo, my friend, you have just kicked the hornets' nest! You had better
duck, because the onslaught is coming. "The mainframe is [not] dead" is near
and dear to the hearts of IBM-MAINers.

Yes, I think the consensus is that the mainframe has a future. IBM seems to
be focused mainly on the very largest shops, so the trend seems to be bigger
and bigger machines at fewer and fewer companies. But it is hard to envision
Bank of America balancing their checking accounts every day on an array of
Windows servers, in their datacenter or in the cloud. My reading of the tea
leaves -- I am not an insider -- is that for a long time IBM was *saying*
the mainframe was here to stay but internally they did not believe it and
were not making decisions on that basis -- but I think that has now changed.
IBM appears to have made a HUGE investment in the z16, an investment that
will take more than 5 or more years to recoup.

Welcome aboard!

Charles


-Original Message-
From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List [mailto:IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU] On
Behalf Of Enzo D'Amato
Sent: Saturday, June 18, 2022 1:56 PM
To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
Subject: Re: Modernize Mainframe Applications for Hybrid Cloud with IBM and
AWS

As someone who is new to this field, and hasn't been though a wave of "the
mainframe is going away" yet, will there still be companies running the
mainframe 5 or 10 years down the line? Also, when I read about companies
trying to get off of the mainframe, how often do these efforts end up
succeeding?


From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  on behalf of
Mike Schwab 
Sent: Saturday, June 18, 2022 12:04 AM
To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
Subject: Re: Modernize Mainframe Applications for Hybrid Cloud with IBM and
AWS

Moshix signed up for an AWS instance, loaded up Hercules and Turnkey
4-, got it going, and allowed some other people to log in.

On Fri, Jun 17, 2022 at 8:31 AM Bill Johnson
<0047540adefe-dmarc-requ...@listserv.ua.edu> wrote:

 Cloud - Something the mainframe has been doing for decades. We called it
outsourcing. GM ran their entire organization out of mainframes in
Charlotte, Dallas, & perhaps another in the 80's. The internet just made it
easier, and less secure & reliable. Brought outsourcing to a wider audience.

 Mainframe modernization. An oxymoron. Like saying today's cars are like
cars from 50 years ago. The mainframe is more advanced than any other
platforms. Billions of dollars of investment and patented technologies have
guaranteed its place for decades to come.

 Sure, AWS, Azure, Oracle cloud & numerous others are creating cheap,
unsecured, unreliable, platforms for small businesses, picture storage,
emails, instant messaging, and many other tasks that aren't show stoppers if
they're hacked or down for one of many reasons. As Capital One found out and
lost almost 200 million for the pleasure.

 I enjoy the glee that many of you exude when IBM has what might be
perceived as negative news. I saw the same glee when in the 90's some idiot
said the mainframe would be history circa 2000.


 Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone


 On Friday, June 17, 2022, 9:06 AM, zMan  wrote:

 On Fri, Jun 17, 2022 at 5:50 AM David Crayford 
wrote:

 Maybe it's the case that customers don't want to use IBMs cloud. Where I
 live in Australia the big four banks are moving significant chunks of
 their infrastructure to public cloud and have government legislation to
 do so. NAB in particular have been quite aggressive, although like most
 sensible enterprises they have gone down the multi-cloud route with
 Microsoft Azure so they don't have all their eggs in one basket.

 It will be interesting to see if IBM can close the cloud gap. Playing
 catch-up is difficult when competing with behemoths with a decade+ head
 start.


 Indeed. Word from insiders is that since IBM "management" have decided
 cloud is The Answer, folks have started playing games, like attributing
all
 CICS-related revenue as "cloud". Q4 2020, IBM claimed $6.2B in cloud
 revenue on total revenue of $16B. Given that nobody EVER says"cloud" and
 "IBM" in the same sentence in the real world, those numbers are quite
 difficult to believe without this kind of gameplaying.



 For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions,
 send email to lists...@list

Re: Modernize Mainframe Applications for Hybrid Cloud with IBM and AWS

[Enzo D'Amato]

As someone who is new to this field, and hasn't been though a wave of "the 
mainframe is going away" yet, will there still be companies running the 
mainframe 5 or 10 years down the line? Also, when I read about companies trying 
to get off of the mainframe, how often do these efforts end up succeeding?

From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  on behalf of 
Mike Schwab 
Sent: Saturday, June 18, 2022 12:04 AM
To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
Subject: Re: Modernize Mainframe Applications for Hybrid Cloud with IBM and AWS

Moshix signed up for an AWS instance, loaded up Hercules and Turnkey
4-, got it going, and allowed some other people to log in.

On Fri, Jun 17, 2022 at 8:31 AM Bill Johnson
<0047540adefe-dmarc-requ...@listserv.ua.edu> wrote:
>
> Cloud - Something the mainframe has been doing for decades. We called it 
> outsourcing. GM ran their entire organization out of mainframes in Charlotte, 
> Dallas, & perhaps another in the 80’s. The internet just made it easier, and 
> less secure & reliable. Brought outsourcing to a wider audience.
>
> Mainframe modernization. An oxymoron. Like saying today’s cars are like cars 
> from 50 years ago. The mainframe is more advanced than any other platforms. 
> Billions of dollars of investment and patented technologies have guaranteed 
> its place for decades to come.
>
> Sure, AWS, Azure, Oracle cloud & numerous others are creating cheap, 
> unsecured, unreliable, platforms for small businesses, picture storage, 
> emails, instant messaging, and many other tasks that aren’t show stoppers if 
> they’re hacked or down for one of many reasons. As Capital One found out and 
> lost almost 200 million for the pleasure.
>
> I enjoy the glee that many of you exude when IBM has what might be perceived 
> as negative news. I saw the same glee when in the 90’s some idiot said the 
> mainframe would be history circa 2000.
>
>
> Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
>
>
> On Friday, June 17, 2022, 9:06 AM, zMan  wrote:
>
> On Fri, Jun 17, 2022 at 5:50 AM David Crayford  wrote:
>
> > Maybe it's the case that customers don't want to use IBMs cloud. Where I
> > live in Australia the big four banks are moving significant chunks of
> > their infrastructure to public cloud and have government legislation to
> > do so. NAB in particular have been quite aggressive, although like most
> > sensible enterprises they have gone down the multi-cloud route with
> > Microsoft Azure so they don't have all their eggs in one basket.
> >
> > It will be interesting to see if IBM can close the cloud gap. Playing
> > catch-up is difficult when competing with behemoths with a decade+ head
> > start.
> >
>
> Indeed. Word from insiders is that since IBM "management" have decided
> cloud is The Answer, folks have started playing games, like attributing all
> CICS-related revenue as "cloud". Q4 2020, IBM claimed $6.2B in cloud
> revenue on total revenue of $16B. Given that nobody EVER says"cloud" and
> "IBM" in the same sentence in the real world, those numbers are quite
> difficult to believe without this kind of gameplaying.
>
> --
> For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions,
> send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN
>
>
>
>
> --
> For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions,
> send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN



--
Mike A Schwab, Springfield IL USA
Where do Forest Rangers go to get away from it all?

--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions,
send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions,
send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

Re: Restore DS8884 firmware without ibm support contract

[Enzo D'Amato]

The unit still does have the two mini pc HMCs. I am not too concerned about the 
optics, as this can be fixed quite easily (either by putting a new card in the 
mainframe, or just hooking it up to a cheap ficon switch). I know that none of 
the components have been pulled, other than the drives, which were removed for 
data security reasons. The drives have been pulled from everything (disk 
shelves, power controllers, and possibly the HMCs). I will see if I can power 
it on/get someone to power it on. If it comes with the microcode CDs, can I 
restore these without the chaperone?

Thank you,
Enzo Damato

From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  on behalf of P H 

Sent: Monday, June 13, 2022 5:34 AM
To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
Subject: Re: Restore DS8884 firmware without ibm support contract

In addition to the excellent points made by Timothy, you will have to do 
additional checks.

It seems that this DS8K might have been used to sell off individual components 
as 'spares'.

Does it still have the embedded HMC?

What type of FICON adaptors does it have (SX or LX). From previous discussions 
your z114 has SX. The DS8K end also needs to be SX.

Regards

Parwez Hamid​

From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  on behalf of 
Enzo D'Amato 
Sent: 12 June 2022 22:58
To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU 
Subject: Restore DS8884 firmware without ibm support contract

Hello. I am a high school student who has recently purchased a z114 mainframe 
(I have posted about the project before here). I have been working to find CKD 
storage for my machine, so that I can do a proper z/OS installation. I have an 
opportunity to acquire a DS8884 storage unit that I know has the licences 
required for mainframe attach. Unfortunately, the person who owns it it knows 
very little about the unit, and all of the drives have been removed. The owner 
claims that they have all of the CDs to do a full restore to factory settings, 
but they have not sent over pictures of the CDs. Is it really possible to fully 
restore one of these units with just disks? Additionally, if the disks aren't 
available, can the unit be restored without them? I am aware that getting the 
unit back up and running may take some work, but I am welling to put in the 
effort, as CKD storage is extremely difficult to find, but I don't want to 
embark on an impossible project. I would appreciate any information that you 
may have that could help me ensure that I can get the machine up and running 
before I commit to shipping it.

Thank you,
Enzo Damato?


--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions,
send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions,
send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN


--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions,
send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

Restore DS8884 firmware without ibm support contract

[Enzo D'Amato]

Hello. I am a high school student who has recently purchased a z114 mainframe 
(I have posted about the project before here). I have been working to find CKD 
storage for my machine, so that I can do a proper z/OS installation. I have an 
opportunity to acquire a DS8884 storage unit that I know has the licences 
required for mainframe attach. Unfortunately, the person who owns it it knows 
very little about the unit, and all of the drives have been removed. The owner 
claims that they have all of the CDs to do a full restore to factory settings, 
but they have not sent over pictures of the CDs. Is it really possible to fully 
restore one of these units with just disks? Additionally, if the disks aren't 
available, can the unit be restored without them? I am aware that getting the 
unit back up and running may take some work, but I am welling to put in the 
effort, as CKD storage is extremely difficult to find, but I don't want to 
embark on an impossible project. I would appreciate any information that you 
may have that could help me ensure that I can get the machine up and running 
before I commit to shipping it.

Thank you,
Enzo Damato?


--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions,
send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

Re: my new z114

[Enzo D'Amato]

If I remember correctly, RPG was originally based on the function of the 
electro-mechanical accounting machines.

From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  on behalf of 
Seymour J Metz 
Sent: Monday, May 30, 2022 1:51 PM
To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
Subject: Re: my new z114

I'd say that spec looks more like RPG than like a 407; you only identify the 
beginning and end of a field and don't need to specify every column 
individually.


--
Shmuel (Seymour J.) Metz
http://mason.gmu.edu/~smetz3


From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List [IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU] on behalf of 
Dave Jones [d...@vsoft-software.com]
Sent: Monday, May 30, 2022 9:09 AM
To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
Subject: Re: my new z114

A bit off topic here, but the IBM 407 lives on as the "spec" stage in the CMS 
Pipelines utility. From the reference document:
"Rest assured that no hardware knowledge is required to use spec effectively. 
But you will
have a head start if you have past experience with the IBM 407 Accounting 
Machine,
which influenced the design of spec."
Spec is basically the 407 implemented in software. See:
https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vm.ibm.com%2Flibrary%2F720pdfs%2F72625201.pdfdata=05%7C01%7Csmetz3%40gmu.edu%7C3a4d2c1fcd044236af0608da423da781%7C9e857255df574c47a0c00546460380cb%7C0%7C0%7C637895130220061392%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7Csdata=2I%2FPyz04oZ68fYPaUDKzpDjVKqeJhDQjVBKrXUgZh%2B8%3Dreserved=0
for more details.
DJ

--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions,
send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions,
send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions,
send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

Re: my new z114

[Enzo D'Amato]

The plug board history discussion here has been fascinating. Although I have 
always been interested in vintage computers, I have never done much research 
into the plug board type equipment. One of the biggest things I have always 
wondered about when it comes to the plug boards was where the processors in the 
system were. In the accounting machine, what did the actual addition and 
printing operations?

From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  on behalf of 
Gary Eheman 
Sent: Sunday, May 29, 2022 10:42 AM
To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
Subject: Re: my new z114

Harry:
To try and squelch a bit of misinformation here since the Internet never 
forgets, Funsoft was *not* spun off from IBM.  It was founded independently and 
the software and hardware engineering roots were definitely not IBM.

Enzo can contact me concerning a FLEXCUB. No need if his z114 has no ESCON 
channels which would be a pre-req.

A second unrelated intersection to your post relative to Columbia is a pic of 
my father:  http://www.columbia.edu/cu/computinghistory/407.html
We used the same pic when my family endowed a perpetual scholarship at 
armyscholarshipfoundation.org

On Sat, 28 May 2022 16:50:07 +, Harry Wahl  wrote:

>Enzo,
>
>You may want to see if you can get a FlexCub which, with its PC Escon card, 
>will connect your z114 to a PC based platform and emulate every type of z114 
>peripheral you could possibly use.
>
>Using standard Escon fiber cable, the z114 Escon connects directly to a PC 
>Card that is a mainframe channel adapter. Between the card's firmware and 
>specific PC programs in the one PC box you will be able to emulate all the 
>peripherals you will need.
>
>http://www.funsoft.com go to FlexCub white paper.
>
>Fundamental Software, a.k.a. Funsoft, was spun off from IBM, specifically from 
>their P/390 group.
>
>There are several other, similar vendors out there too.
>

(snippage)

>P.S.S. Also, as a professor at Columbia University in NYC, I may be able to 
>get you access to Columbia's museum of IBM history, including the parts not 
>open to the public.
>Fundamental Software, Inc.
>System/390 on Intel-Based Servers
>www.funsoft.com
>

--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions,
send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions,
send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

Re: my new z114

[Enzo D'Amato]

Thanks for the website information, this was a fascinating read. Either way, I 
am going to see what I can do about getting the additional CP and engines. I am 
quite happy about having the additional memory however, as usually find myself 
running lots of different semi-idle tasks and OSes.

Thanks for sharing that link,
Enzo Damato

From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  on behalf of Tom 
Brennan 
Sent: Saturday, May 28, 2022 7:38 PM
To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
Subject: Re: my new z114

Here's an old web page that may be of some interest.  This site (now
gone) used to list MIPS and general prices.  For IFL/zIIP/zAAP
processors I usually estimate based on a Z01 which would be 782 MIPS.
Quite a bit higher than the poor A01, if you can get it somehow.

https://web.archive.org/web/20190814064640/http://www.tech-news.com/publib/pl2818.html

And your A01 is listed there at $75K, but with the FICON, extra memory,
and CBU, I wouldn't be surprised if it originally sold for double that.

On 5/28/2022 3:04 PM, Enzo D'Amato wrote:
> Not what I meant by program for. I was referring to the ibm approved 
> workloads (DB2, zAAP for Java) and learning how the accelerators impact the 
> computing speed, and what kinds of applications take best advantage of them.
>
> Thanks for the heads up though,
> Enzo Damato
>
> Get BlueMail for Android<https://bluemail.me>
> On May 28, 2022, at 5:57 PM, Mike Schwab 
> mailto:mike.a.sch...@gmail.com>> wrote:
>
> You can't program for the specialty processors without a contract from
> IBM.  That is what got Neon to speed up DB2.
> https://www.theregister.com/2011/06/01/ibm_prevails_over_neon_zprime/
>
> On Sat, May 28, 2022 at 8:53 PM Enzo D'Amato  
> wrote:
>
>   I am trying to get in contact with someone from IBM. I don't plan on 
> pushing the processor too hard (I am only one person), so I am not too upset 
> about this. I would really like to unlock some of the specialty engines to 
> learn more about how they impact performance and software behavior. Either 
> way though, performance isn't the end of the world for me.
>
>   Thanks for the info,
>   Enzo Damato
> 
>
>   From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  on behalf of 
> Tom Brennan 
>   Sent: Saturday, May 28, 2022 2:33 PM
>   To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
>   Subject: Re: my new z114
>
>   Once a CBU record expires, the machine is stuck at whatever it was
>   originally configured for, an A01 in your case.  And since this machine
>   was withdrawn from LICC marketing a long time ago, a customer can't even
>   extend the contract.  Basically, this single restriction is probably why
>   you were able to purchase the box for only $2K.
>
>   But your case is different.  I'm hoping someone at IBM will get
>   involved, skip over the rules, and get you what you need (LICC and
>   software) in order to help popularize the mainframe with younger folks
>   who are obviously interested enough to get their own hardware.
>
>   On 5/28/2022 11:11 AM, Enzo D'Amato wrote:
>   Interesting. This seems logical considering where the machine came from. 
> Would it be possible to toggle the CBU on even though it is expired? Or would 
> the machine lock this out once the contract expired.
>
>   Thank you,
>   Enzo Damato
> 
>
>   From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  on behalf of 
> Tom Brennan 
>   Sent: Saturday, May 28, 2022 1:58 PM
>   To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
>   Subject: Re: my new z114
>
>   I think that data is from 2015, the last time the machine reported its
>   configuration to IBM as far as I can tell.  So a lot could have happened
>   between then and now.  Here are a couple of files you may find useful:
>
>   https://www.mildredbrennan.com/mvs/enzo/config.txt
>   https://www.mildredbrennan.com/mvs/enzo/diagram.png
>
>   The first is a list of the feature codes, descriptions, and counts (in
>   cards not ports) of each item reported.  This may be what was originally
>   ordered, or there could have been additions or removals between order
>   time and that 2015 list.
>
>   The png file is generated by IBM's config program and should look at
>   least somewhat like what you have and can be matched up with the
>   config.txt listing.
>
>   In addition, this appears to have been a Disaster Recovery machine with
>   a CBU contract that expired in 2016.  That would explain why it's an A01
>   with a good amount of FICON and a decent amount of memory (for the
>   time).  The CBU contract would have allowed the customer to dynamically
>   add processors/speed for DR testing (or a real DR), while only paying
>   for an A01 - which is the cheapest possible for a DR box.
>
>   What c

Re: my new z114

[Enzo D'Amato]

Joe is correct that an ESA/390 lpar is the lowest option supported on the z114. 
I can run software up to z/OS 2.2, which came out in 2015. While this is old, I 
am not sure that it is quite bit savers old yet. I believe that manuals for 
this software version are still on the public internet (it is a section on IBM 
documentation).  What additional complications are involved in programming for 
z/Archetecure and ESA/390 that you don't have to deal with on the lower ISA 
levels?

Thank you,
Enzo Damato

From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  on behalf of 
Seymour J Metz 
Sent: Sunday, May 29, 2022 6:07 AM
To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
Subject: Re: my new z114

When you ask IBM about licensing software old enough to run on that box, you 
might want to ask them whether it is possible to obtain softcopy manuals and 
training materials at the same levels. Also, you may be able to find a lot of 
the relevant manuals at the bitsaves web site.


--
Shmuel (Seymour J.) Metz
http://mason.gmu.edu/~smetz3


From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List [IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU] on behalf of 
Enzo D'Amato [edam...@octechservices.org]
Sent: Thursday, May 26, 2022 7:21 AM
To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
Subject: my new z114

I saw that Timothy Siples already posted this, but I wanted to share some more 
information about my new system, and my setup. I am currently a high school 
junior located in New York. For the last month or so, I have been in the 
process of acquiring a used z114 mainframe (you may have seen my other post 
about dasd for the machine). Yesterday, the machine finally arrived. If you 
want to see some pictures of the machine please do check out my reddit post 
here: 
https://secure-web.cisco.com/1CZItIYHeYY3-uraOprb1SqojHusTPmWTIG2Wz2teDumFhul97h-qbIpLQyGfH2SGOaW-mARuPoQt6FxTNPvs18rgJn4YMrXRGlMiYJMiMXetL6kRLsVkaREi03C_OzlkdvL5o2N7RKWdigGyvVleJLN96qzzy-6tJSF4i1NRT9G-jxb4t-eryfLXIit6rFuGT4EEzGL8xf_AHRJqCiaejRmn3TEhSmRd-3xUdSxieLHJshf-KW99yJS1PzbH7sDB8ZkE3oTAZHoD5EURxGMQUVWGsnJYFqaTn7F4hxHB-faeqWvmz_6Jv5SnXGktTD8pWPjIwUeRt6R8rCIx0hC4HOvMstxWWUjdvIoSrOCiB24/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddit.com%2Fr%2Fhomelab%2Fcomments%2Fuxsbef%2Fmy_new_z114%2F%3F%20At%20the%20time%20of%20writing%2C%20I%20have%20not%20powered%20up%20the%20machine%20yet%2C%20as%20I%20still%20have%20to%20run%20and%20connect%20the%20power%20to%20my%20220v%20supply.%20The%20HMC%20for%20my%20machine%20is%20also%20still%20in%20the%20mail%2C%20and%20I%20am%20expecting%20it%20sometime%20this%20weekend%2C%20or%20early%20next%20week.%20My%20main%20plan%20for%20the%20machine%20is%20to%20use%20it%20to%20learn%20everything%20there%20is%20to%20know%20about%20the%20platform%2C%20and%20learn%20the%20skills%20that%20I%20would%20need%20for%20a%20career%20in%20mainframe%20early.%20I%20am%20also%20trying%20to%20get%20into%20MIT%2C%20and%20having%20a%20unique%20accomplishment%20like%20this%20on%20your%20transcript%20can%20be%20a%20big%20help%20in%20that%20regard.%20Currently%2C%20I%20have%20a%20FC%20SAN%20for%20FBA%20storage%2C%20but%20I%20am%20still%20looking%20for%20CKD%20capable%20storage.%20My%20parents%20have%20allowed%20me%20to%20take%20up%20to%20three%20racks%2C%20so%20if%20you%20know%20of%20anyone%20trying%20to%20get%20rid%20of%20some%2C%20no%20matter%20how%20old%20it%20is%2C%20I%20will%20pay%20shipping%20to%20me.%20I%20expect%20to%20be%20posting%20alot%20more%20here%20as%20I%20deal%20with%20the%20myriad%20chalanges%20involved%20with%20getting%20the%20machine%20set%20up.%20If%20you%20have%20any%20questions%20you%20would%20like%20to%20ask%2C%20please%20feel%20free%20to%20do%20so.%20I%20will%20do%20my%20best%20to%20reply%20thoughout%20the%20day.


Thank you,

Enzo Damato

--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions,
send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions,
send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions,
send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

Re: my new z114

[Enzo D'Amato]

Not what I meant by program for. I was referring to the ibm approved workloads 
(DB2, zAAP for Java) and learning how the accelerators impact the computing 
speed, and what kinds of applications take best advantage of them.

Thanks for the heads up though,
Enzo Damato

Get BlueMail for Android<https://bluemail.me>
On May 28, 2022, at 5:57 PM, Mike Schwab 
mailto:mike.a.sch...@gmail.com>> wrote:

You can't program for the specialty processors without a contract from
IBM.  That is what got Neon to speed up DB2.
https://www.theregister.com/2011/06/01/ibm_prevails_over_neon_zprime/

On Sat, May 28, 2022 at 8:53 PM Enzo D'Amato  wrote:

 I am trying to get in contact with someone from IBM. I don't plan on pushing 
the processor too hard (I am only one person), so I am not too upset about 
this. I would really like to unlock some of the specialty engines to learn more 
about how they impact performance and software behavior. Either way though, 
performance isn't the end of the world for me.

 Thanks for the info,
 Enzo Damato


 From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  on behalf of 
Tom Brennan 
 Sent: Saturday, May 28, 2022 2:33 PM
 To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
 Subject: Re: my new z114

 Once a CBU record expires, the machine is stuck at whatever it was
 originally configured for, an A01 in your case.  And since this machine
 was withdrawn from LICC marketing a long time ago, a customer can't even
 extend the contract.  Basically, this single restriction is probably why
 you were able to purchase the box for only $2K.

 But your case is different.  I'm hoping someone at IBM will get
 involved, skip over the rules, and get you what you need (LICC and
 software) in order to help popularize the mainframe with younger folks
 who are obviously interested enough to get their own hardware.

 On 5/28/2022 11:11 AM, Enzo D'Amato wrote:
 Interesting. This seems logical considering where the machine came from. Would 
it be possible to toggle the CBU on even though it is expired? Or would the 
machine lock this out once the contract expired.

 Thank you,
 Enzo Damato


 From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  on behalf of 
Tom Brennan 
 Sent: Saturday, May 28, 2022 1:58 PM
 To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
 Subject: Re: my new z114

 I think that data is from 2015, the last time the machine reported its
 configuration to IBM as far as I can tell.  So a lot could have happened
 between then and now.  Here are a couple of files you may find useful:

 https://www.mildredbrennan.com/mvs/enzo/config.txt
 https://www.mildredbrennan.com/mvs/enzo/diagram.png

 The first is a list of the feature codes, descriptions, and counts (in
 cards not ports) of each item reported.  This may be what was originally
 ordered, or there could have been additions or removals between order
 time and that 2015 list.

 The png file is generated by IBM's config program and should look at
 least somewhat like what you have and can be matched up with the
 config.txt listing.

 In addition, this appears to have been a Disaster Recovery machine with
 a CBU contract that expired in 2016.  That would explain why it's an A01
 with a good amount of FICON and a decent amount of memory (for the
 time).  The CBU contract would have allowed the customer to dynamically
 add processors/speed for DR testing (or a real DR), while only paying
 for an A01 - which is the cheapest possible for a DR box.

 What concerns me about power is that I was always under the impression
 that a machine's ability to run either 3ph or 1ph is determined at order
 time, although I'm not sure since I never worked with anything but 3ph
 boxes.  Next time I talk with an IBM CE/SSR/Top-Gun I'll try to remember
 to ask about that, or hopefully somebody else here knows.

 On 5/28/2022 7:28 AM, Enzo D'Amato wrote:
 This is about what I expected in terms of CPU and memory, but I have no idea 
what happened with the expansion cards. I almost certainly will not use 18 
ficon ports anyway, so I am not too upset about those ports. Either way, I will 
ask the seller what happened with the extra channel cards. I also wanted to ask 
if anyone could share the proper 3 phase to single phase wiring for the power 
cable (I know the z114 BPRs can take 220v single phase). I am checking the 
technical and physical planning guides for this information, but I would like 
to independently verify this information so that I don't fry my new machine.

 Thanks,
 Enzo Damato


 From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  on behalf of 
Tom Brennan 
 Sent: Friday, May 27, 2022 2:18 PM
 To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
 Subject: Re: my new z114

 I was able to download the config information, but it doesn't seem to
 match what you reported.  So it could be I'm looking at something else.
 Here's a summary - I'll assume you don't mind me posting it here since
 many people here want to help.

 z114 2818-M05-A01 485F7
 26 MIPS, 3 MS

Re: my new z114

[Enzo D'Amato]

I am trying to get in contact with someone from IBM. I don't plan on pushing 
the processor too hard (I am only one person), so I am not too upset about 
this. I would really like to unlock some of the specialty engines to learn more 
about how they impact performance and software behavior. Either way though, 
performance isn't the end of the world for me.

Thanks for the info,
Enzo Damato

From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  on behalf of Tom 
Brennan 
Sent: Saturday, May 28, 2022 2:33 PM
To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
Subject: Re: my new z114

Once a CBU record expires, the machine is stuck at whatever it was
originally configured for, an A01 in your case.  And since this machine
was withdrawn from LICC marketing a long time ago, a customer can't even
extend the contract.  Basically, this single restriction is probably why
you were able to purchase the box for only $2K.

But your case is different.  I'm hoping someone at IBM will get
involved, skip over the rules, and get you what you need (LICC and
software) in order to help popularize the mainframe with younger folks
who are obviously interested enough to get their own hardware.

On 5/28/2022 11:11 AM, Enzo D'Amato wrote:
> Interesting. This seems logical considering where the machine came from. 
> Would it be possible to toggle the CBU on even though it is expired? Or would 
> the machine lock this out once the contract expired.
>
> Thank you,
> Enzo Damato
> 
> From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  on behalf of 
> Tom Brennan 
> Sent: Saturday, May 28, 2022 1:58 PM
> To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
> Subject: Re: my new z114
>
> I think that data is from 2015, the last time the machine reported its
> configuration to IBM as far as I can tell.  So a lot could have happened
> between then and now.  Here are a couple of files you may find useful:
>
> https://www.mildredbrennan.com/mvs/enzo/config.txt
> https://www.mildredbrennan.com/mvs/enzo/diagram.png
>
> The first is a list of the feature codes, descriptions, and counts (in
> cards not ports) of each item reported.  This may be what was originally
> ordered, or there could have been additions or removals between order
> time and that 2015 list.
>
> The png file is generated by IBM's config program and should look at
> least somewhat like what you have and can be matched up with the
> config.txt listing.
>
> In addition, this appears to have been a Disaster Recovery machine with
> a CBU contract that expired in 2016.  That would explain why it's an A01
> with a good amount of FICON and a decent amount of memory (for the
> time).  The CBU contract would have allowed the customer to dynamically
> add processors/speed for DR testing (or a real DR), while only paying
> for an A01 - which is the cheapest possible for a DR box.
>
> What concerns me about power is that I was always under the impression
> that a machine's ability to run either 3ph or 1ph is determined at order
> time, although I'm not sure since I never worked with anything but 3ph
> boxes.  Next time I talk with an IBM CE/SSR/Top-Gun I'll try to remember
> to ask about that, or hopefully somebody else here knows.
>
> On 5/28/2022 7:28 AM, Enzo D'Amato wrote:
>> This is about what I expected in terms of CPU and memory, but I have no idea 
>> what happened with the expansion cards. I almost certainly will not use 18 
>> ficon ports anyway, so I am not too upset about those ports. Either way, I 
>> will ask the seller what happened with the extra channel cards. I also 
>> wanted to ask if anyone could share the proper 3 phase to single phase 
>> wiring for the power cable (I know the z114 BPRs can take 220v single 
>> phase). I am checking the technical and physical planning guides for this 
>> information, but I would like to independently verify this information so 
>> that I don't fry my new machine.
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Enzo Damato
>> 
>> From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  on behalf of 
>> Tom Brennan 
>> Sent: Friday, May 27, 2022 2:18 PM
>> To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
>> Subject: Re: my new z114
>>
>> I was able to download the config information, but it doesn't seem to
>> match what you reported.  So it could be I'm looking at something else.
>> Here's a summary - I'll assume you don't mind me posting it here since
>> many people here want to help.
>>
>> z114 2818-M05-A01 485F7
>> 26 MIPS, 3 MSU
>> 40 GB
>> 18 ports FICON 8S SX
>> 8 ports OSA 3-2P 1000BASE-T
>> STP
>> CPACF
>> 1 HMC Tower
>> 2 Power cables - 14ft 200V 30A 3Ph Line
>>
>> On 5/27/2022 9:18 AM, E

Re: my new z114

[Enzo D'Amato]

Thanks for the heads up. One of my dad's friends is an electrician. I will 
contact him for some more advice on how everything should be wired up, and I 
will wait until he can come over and supervise the wiring and the first power 
up. Honestly, I am not even near ready to be doing the power wiring yet, right 
now, I was just hoping to get an idea of what to expect (single-phase or phase 
changer, what connector I would need, etc).

Thank you,
Enzo Damato

From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  on behalf of 
Harry Wahl 
Sent: Saturday, May 28, 2022 2:50 PM
To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
Subject: Re: my new z114

Enzo,

Do not plug that machine into public power without a licensed electrician 
looking at what you doing!

I am a NYS licensed PE and you are not only risking your machine (the least of 
your problems), but also a major fire, explosion, or even death. You will be 
held responsible for the inevitable damage you will be causing your local 
electrical grid.

The people on this list are sincerely trying to help you, but this level of 
electrical accommodation must be done by professionals. Home electrical work is 
one thing, three phase commercial power is another.

Good Luck,
Harry

From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  on behalf of 
Enzo D'Amato 
Sent: Saturday, May 28, 2022 1:58 PM
To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU 
Subject: Re: my new z114

Thanks for the info. From what I have read, the BPRs in all of the z114s are 
the same weather or not you are using three-phase or single phase. The only 
difference is the power cord that connects to them. I have a bare-ended power 
cord with the following leads: black, grey, brown, green. I also have the 
unbalanced (single) BPR configuration. I got this assumption from Connors 
Kurkowsy's talk, and from Christian Svensson's experiences 
(https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.mainframe.dev%2F2019%2F07%2Fpowering-mainframe.htmldata=05%7C01%7C%7C130801fe49164d8bdd8e08da40d41b05%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435%7C1%7C0%7C637893577046734414%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7Csdata=3y%2FgztZ4cqB2dwdK%2BSuSxQo%2Fp9AryKaOFuOTIM2ApkE%3Dreserved=0).
 I also didn't see anything in the physical planning or technical guides 
showing different BPR modules, only separate power cords. If this is not the 
case, please do let me know, as I would hate to fry my machine. If I do need 
three phase, i'll get a converter. Thanks for the info about fundamental 
software though. The flexcub looks exactly like what I am looking for if I can 
get my hands on one.

Thank you,
Enzo Damato

From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  on behalf of 
Harry Wahl 
Sent: Saturday, May 28, 2022 12:50 PM
To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
Subject: Re: my new z114

Enzo,

You may want to see if you can get a FlexCub which, with its PC Escon card, 
will connect your z114 to a PC based platform and emulate every type of z114 
peripheral you could possibly use.

Using standard Escon fiber cable, the z114 Escon connects directly to a PC Card 
that is a mainframe channel adapter. Between the card's firmware and specific 
PC programs in the one PC box you will be able to emulate all the peripherals 
you will need.

https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.funsoft.com%2Fdata=05%7C01%7C%7C130801fe49164d8bdd8e08da40d41b05%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435%7C1%7C0%7C637893577046734414%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7Csdata=nsXcIPwi%2F59dU4OZ6zu2XXx4J9rI6oMX1TnAIGk4Hkg%3Dreserved=0
 go to FlexCub white paper.

Fundamental Software, a.k.a. Funsoft, was spun off from IBM, specifically from 
their P/390 group.

There are several other, similar vendors out there too.


One other, unrelated word of advice, if your z114 is 3-phase, you must convert 
it to single phase. In the specific town you live in, if you order three phase 
(different from dipole) service the electric company will charge "peak load 
usage" where they will charge you your highest usage fee for the entire month, 
even if you use it only for a brief time. This is justified because whatever 
amount you use they still need to build the delivery capability for you highest 
demand.

I think it will be cost prohibitive to replace the z114 internal power units. 
Instead, get a single phase to 3-phase power converter. For the power needs of 
a z114, if you shop around, for the amount of power you need, it will only cost 
$300-$400.

Good-Luck,
Harry

P.S. There is an ex-IBM CE living in Mamaroneck, N.Y. which is reasonably close 
to where you live: about a 2 hour drive...115 miles up the Taconic.

He maintains a huge museum of old IBM hardware and really knows a lot about 
this. He may be able to help, but I cannot promise as I have not ask

Re: my new z114

[Enzo D'Amato]

This is kind of what I thought in terms of the power cable. I was wondering 
what the configuration was from the 4 connectors on the mainframe side of that 
cable with the 3 pins on the supply side. Would you know if the configuration 
of the BPRs would be the same regardless of the cable connected to it? Thanks 
for supplying the ebay link. I appreciate it.

Thanks,
Enzo Damato

From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  on behalf of Joe 
Monk 
Sent: Saturday, May 28, 2022 2:36 PM
To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
Subject: Re: my new z114

The IBM part # is 41U0111 for a single phase 240VAC cable for the z114.

Joe





On Sat, May 28, 2022 at 11:50 AM Harry Wahl  wrote:

> Enzo,
>
> You may want to see if you can get a FlexCub which, with its PC Escon
> card, will connect your z114 to a PC based platform and emulate every type
> of z114 peripheral you could possibly use.
>
> Using standard Escon fiber cable, the z114 Escon connects directly to a PC
> Card that is a mainframe channel adapter. Between the card's firmware and
> specific PC programs in the one PC box you will be able to emulate all the
> peripherals you will need.
>
> http://www.funsoft.com go to FlexCub white paper.
>
> Fundamental Software, a.k.a. Funsoft, was spun off from IBM, specifically
> from their P/390 group.
>
> There are several other, similar vendors out there too.
>
>
> One other, unrelated word of advice, if your z114 is 3-phase, you must
> convert it to single phase. In the specific town you live in, if you order
> three phase (different from dipole) service the electric company will
> charge "peak load usage" where they will charge you your highest usage fee
> for the entire month, even if you use it only for a brief time. This is
> justified because whatever amount you use they still need to build the
> delivery capability for you highest demand.
>
> I think it will be cost prohibitive to replace the z114 internal power
> units. Instead, get a single phase to 3-phase power converter. For the
> power needs of a z114, if you shop around, for the amount of power you
> need, it will only cost $300-$400.
>
> Good-Luck,
> Harry
>
> P.S. There is an ex-IBM CE living in Mamaroneck, N.Y. which is reasonably
> close to where you live: about a 2 hour drive...115 miles up the Taconic.
>
> He maintains a huge museum of old IBM hardware and really knows a lot
> about this. He may be able to help, but I cannot promise as I have not
> asked him yet.
>
> P.S.S. Also, as a professor at Columbia University in NYC, I may be able
> to get you access to Columbia's museum of IBM history, including the parts
> not open to the public.
> Fundamental Software, Inc.<http://www.funsoft.com/>
> System/390 on Intel-Based Servers
> www.funsoft.com
>
>
> 
> From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  on behalf
> of Enzo D'Amato 
> Sent: Saturday, May 28, 2022 10:28 AM
> To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU 
> Subject: Re: my new z114
>
> This is about what I expected in terms of CPU and memory, but I have no
> idea what happened with the expansion cards. I almost certainly will not
> use 18 ficon ports anyway, so I am not too upset about those ports. Either
> way, I will ask the seller what happened with the extra channel cards. I
> also wanted to ask if anyone could share the proper 3 phase to single phase
> wiring for the power cable (I know the z114 BPRs can take 220v single
> phase). I am checking the technical and physical planning guides for this
> information, but I would like to independently verify this information so
> that I don't fry my new machine.
>
> Thanks,
> Enzo Damato
> 
> From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  on behalf
> of Tom Brennan 
> Sent: Friday, May 27, 2022 2:18 PM
> To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
> Subject: Re: my new z114
>
> I was able to download the config information, but it doesn't seem to
> match what you reported.  So it could be I'm looking at something else.
> Here's a summary - I'll assume you don't mind me posting it here since
> many people here want to help.
>
> z114 2818-M05-A01 485F7
> 26 MIPS, 3 MSU
> 40 GB
> 18 ports FICON 8S SX
> 8 ports OSA 3-2P 1000BASE-T
> STP
> CPACF
> 1 HMC Tower
> 2 Power cables - 14ft 200V 30A 3Ph Line
>
> On 5/27/2022 9:18 AM, Enzo D'Amato wrote:
> > I have a model 2818 with s/n 02-485F7. I am fairly sure that I have a
> relatively low CPU capacity number, and all my unused PCIE card slots have
> blank fillers, but 2 of my I/O drawer slots are empty (no card or filler).
> If you can do a lookup, I would appreciate it.
> >
> > Thank you,
> > Enzo Damato
> > ___

Re: my new z114

[Enzo D'Amato]

Interesting. This seems logical considering where the machine came from. Would 
it be possible to toggle the CBU on even though it is expired? Or would the 
machine lock this out once the contract expired.

Thank you,
Enzo Damato

From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  on behalf of Tom 
Brennan 
Sent: Saturday, May 28, 2022 1:58 PM
To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
Subject: Re: my new z114

I think that data is from 2015, the last time the machine reported its
configuration to IBM as far as I can tell.  So a lot could have happened
between then and now.  Here are a couple of files you may find useful:

https://www.mildredbrennan.com/mvs/enzo/config.txt
https://www.mildredbrennan.com/mvs/enzo/diagram.png

The first is a list of the feature codes, descriptions, and counts (in
cards not ports) of each item reported.  This may be what was originally
ordered, or there could have been additions or removals between order
time and that 2015 list.

The png file is generated by IBM's config program and should look at
least somewhat like what you have and can be matched up with the
config.txt listing.

In addition, this appears to have been a Disaster Recovery machine with
a CBU contract that expired in 2016.  That would explain why it's an A01
with a good amount of FICON and a decent amount of memory (for the
time).  The CBU contract would have allowed the customer to dynamically
add processors/speed for DR testing (or a real DR), while only paying
for an A01 - which is the cheapest possible for a DR box.

What concerns me about power is that I was always under the impression
that a machine's ability to run either 3ph or 1ph is determined at order
time, although I'm not sure since I never worked with anything but 3ph
boxes.  Next time I talk with an IBM CE/SSR/Top-Gun I'll try to remember
to ask about that, or hopefully somebody else here knows.

On 5/28/2022 7:28 AM, Enzo D'Amato wrote:
> This is about what I expected in terms of CPU and memory, but I have no idea 
> what happened with the expansion cards. I almost certainly will not use 18 
> ficon ports anyway, so I am not too upset about those ports. Either way, I 
> will ask the seller what happened with the extra channel cards. I also wanted 
> to ask if anyone could share the proper 3 phase to single phase wiring for 
> the power cable (I know the z114 BPRs can take 220v single phase). I am 
> checking the technical and physical planning guides for this information, but 
> I would like to independently verify this information so that I don't fry my 
> new machine.
>
> Thanks,
> Enzo Damato
> 
> From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  on behalf of 
> Tom Brennan 
> Sent: Friday, May 27, 2022 2:18 PM
> To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
> Subject: Re: my new z114
>
> I was able to download the config information, but it doesn't seem to
> match what you reported.  So it could be I'm looking at something else.
> Here's a summary - I'll assume you don't mind me posting it here since
> many people here want to help.
>
> z114 2818-M05-A01 485F7
> 26 MIPS, 3 MSU
> 40 GB
> 18 ports FICON 8S SX
> 8 ports OSA 3-2P 1000BASE-T
> STP
> CPACF
> 1 HMC Tower
> 2 Power cables - 14ft 200V 30A 3Ph Line
>
> On 5/27/2022 9:18 AM, Enzo D'Amato wrote:
>> I have a model 2818 with s/n 02-485F7. I am fairly sure that I have a 
>> relatively low CPU capacity number, and all my unused PCIE card slots have 
>> blank fillers, but 2 of my I/O drawer slots are empty (no card or filler). 
>> If you can do a lookup, I would appreciate it.
>>
>> Thank you,
>> Enzo Damato
>> 
>> From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  on behalf of 
>> Tom Brennan 
>> Sent: Friday, May 27, 2022 11:53 AM
>> To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
>> Subject: Re: my new z114
>>
>> Do you know the serial number?  It's typically on a small label on the
>> front door.  With that, someone from IBM (or maybe even me, I'm not
>> sure) can go to IBM's Inventory Services and get the configuration data
>> that was uploaded the last time the machine was connected to IBM's "call
>> home" network.  That data includes model, CP speed and count, cards, and
>> other items.  And if that data matches your card count, that's a good
>> sign nobody has been picking spare parts out of the box.
>>
>> On 5/27/2022 7:43 AM, Enzo D'Amato wrote:
>>> Parwez is correct that this is a M05 model, I will let you know what I have 
>>> in terms of processor capacity as soon as I finish setting up power and 
>>> turn it on. I in terms of my IO card configuration, this is what I 
>>> currently have in the box:
>>> 2 2 port pcie 8g ficon cards (pcie)
>>> 2 2 p

Re: my new z114

[Enzo D'Amato]

Thanks for the info. From what I have read, the BPRs in all of the z114s are 
the same weather or not you are using three-phase or single phase. The only 
difference is the power cord that connects to them. I have a bare-ended power 
cord with the following leads: black, grey, brown, green. I also have the 
unbalanced (single) BPR configuration. I got this assumption from Connors 
Kurkowsy's talk, and from Christian Svensson's experiences 
(https://blog.mainframe.dev/2019/07/powering-mainframe.html). I also didn't see 
anything in the physical planning or technical guides showing different BPR 
modules, only separate power cords. If this is not the case, please do let me 
know, as I would hate to fry my machine. If I do need three phase, i'll get a 
converter. Thanks for the info about fundamental software though. The flexcub 
looks exactly like what I am looking for if I can get my hands on one.

Thank you,
Enzo Damato

From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  on behalf of 
Harry Wahl 
Sent: Saturday, May 28, 2022 12:50 PM
To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
Subject: Re: my new z114

Enzo,

You may want to see if you can get a FlexCub which, with its PC Escon card, 
will connect your z114 to a PC based platform and emulate every type of z114 
peripheral you could possibly use.

Using standard Escon fiber cable, the z114 Escon connects directly to a PC Card 
that is a mainframe channel adapter. Between the card's firmware and specific 
PC programs in the one PC box you will be able to emulate all the peripherals 
you will need.

http://www.funsoft.com go to FlexCub white paper.

Fundamental Software, a.k.a. Funsoft, was spun off from IBM, specifically from 
their P/390 group.

There are several other, similar vendors out there too.


One other, unrelated word of advice, if your z114 is 3-phase, you must convert 
it to single phase. In the specific town you live in, if you order three phase 
(different from dipole) service the electric company will charge "peak load 
usage" where they will charge you your highest usage fee for the entire month, 
even if you use it only for a brief time. This is justified because whatever 
amount you use they still need to build the delivery capability for you highest 
demand.

I think it will be cost prohibitive to replace the z114 internal power units. 
Instead, get a single phase to 3-phase power converter. For the power needs of 
a z114, if you shop around, for the amount of power you need, it will only cost 
$300-$400.

Good-Luck,
Harry

P.S. There is an ex-IBM CE living in Mamaroneck, N.Y. which is reasonably close 
to where you live: about a 2 hour drive...115 miles up the Taconic.

He maintains a huge museum of old IBM hardware and really knows a lot about 
this. He may be able to help, but I cannot promise as I have not asked him yet.

P.S.S. Also, as a professor at Columbia University in NYC, I may be able to get 
you access to Columbia's museum of IBM history, including the parts not open to 
the public.
Fundamental Software, Inc.<http://www.funsoft.com/>
System/390 on Intel-Based Servers
www.funsoft.com



From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  on behalf of 
Enzo D'Amato 
Sent: Saturday, May 28, 2022 10:28 AM
To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU 
Subject: Re: my new z114

This is about what I expected in terms of CPU and memory, but I have no idea 
what happened with the expansion cards. I almost certainly will not use 18 
ficon ports anyway, so I am not too upset about those ports. Either way, I will 
ask the seller what happened with the extra channel cards. I also wanted to ask 
if anyone could share the proper 3 phase to single phase wiring for the power 
cable (I know the z114 BPRs can take 220v single phase). I am checking the 
technical and physical planning guides for this information, but I would like 
to independently verify this information so that I don't fry my new machine.

Thanks,
Enzo Damato

From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  on behalf of Tom 
Brennan 
Sent: Friday, May 27, 2022 2:18 PM
To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
Subject: Re: my new z114

I was able to download the config information, but it doesn't seem to
match what you reported.  So it could be I'm looking at something else.
Here's a summary - I'll assume you don't mind me posting it here since
many people here want to help.

z114 2818-M05-A01 485F7
26 MIPS, 3 MSU
40 GB
18 ports FICON 8S SX
8 ports OSA 3-2P 1000BASE-T
STP
CPACF
1 HMC Tower
2 Power cables - 14ft 200V 30A 3Ph Line

On 5/27/2022 9:18 AM, Enzo D'Amato wrote:
> I have a model 2818 with s/n 02-485F7. I am fairly sure that I have a 
> relatively low CPU capacity number, and all my unused PCIE card slots have 
> blank fillers, but 2 of my I/O drawer slots are empty (no card or filler). If 
> you can do a lookup, I would appreciate it.
>
> Thank you,
> Enzo Damato
> _

Re: my new z114

[Enzo D'Amato]

This is about what I expected in terms of CPU and memory, but I have no idea 
what happened with the expansion cards. I almost certainly will not use 18 
ficon ports anyway, so I am not too upset about those ports. Either way, I will 
ask the seller what happened with the extra channel cards. I also wanted to ask 
if anyone could share the proper 3 phase to single phase wiring for the power 
cable (I know the z114 BPRs can take 220v single phase). I am checking the 
technical and physical planning guides for this information, but I would like 
to independently verify this information so that I don't fry my new machine.

Thanks,
Enzo Damato

From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  on behalf of Tom 
Brennan 
Sent: Friday, May 27, 2022 2:18 PM
To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
Subject: Re: my new z114

I was able to download the config information, but it doesn't seem to
match what you reported.  So it could be I'm looking at something else.
Here's a summary - I'll assume you don't mind me posting it here since
many people here want to help.

z114 2818-M05-A01 485F7
26 MIPS, 3 MSU
40 GB
18 ports FICON 8S SX
8 ports OSA 3-2P 1000BASE-T
STP
CPACF
1 HMC Tower
2 Power cables - 14ft 200V 30A 3Ph Line

On 5/27/2022 9:18 AM, Enzo D'Amato wrote:
> I have a model 2818 with s/n 02-485F7. I am fairly sure that I have a 
> relatively low CPU capacity number, and all my unused PCIE card slots have 
> blank fillers, but 2 of my I/O drawer slots are empty (no card or filler). If 
> you can do a lookup, I would appreciate it.
>
> Thank you,
> Enzo Damato
> 
> From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  on behalf of 
> Tom Brennan 
> Sent: Friday, May 27, 2022 11:53 AM
> To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
> Subject: Re: my new z114
>
> Do you know the serial number?  It's typically on a small label on the
> front door.  With that, someone from IBM (or maybe even me, I'm not
> sure) can go to IBM's Inventory Services and get the configuration data
> that was uploaded the last time the machine was connected to IBM's "call
> home" network.  That data includes model, CP speed and count, cards, and
> other items.  And if that data matches your card count, that's a good
> sign nobody has been picking spare parts out of the box.
>
> On 5/27/2022 7:43 AM, Enzo D'Amato wrote:
>> Parwez is correct that this is a M05 model, I will let you know what I have 
>> in terms of processor capacity as soon as I finish setting up power and turn 
>> it on. I in terms of my IO card configuration, this is what I currently have 
>> in the box:
>> 2 2 port pcie 8g ficon cards (pcie)
>> 2 2 port rj45 Ethernet cards (pcie)
>> 1 4 port ficon card (IO drawer)
>> 2 16 port escon cards (IO drawer)
>>
>> I did want to ask however, do that crypto express cards and OSA adapters 
>> require LICCC codes to enable? Most of my home network is 10GbE, and I 
>> wanted to put one of those cards in so I can directly network it to my core 
>> switch, but I don't want to order one if it will not activate. I am 
>> currently working on sourcing FICON storage, and I will update you if I make 
>> any headway on that front. I also have a plan and I think I will be able to 
>> get some mainframe attached virtual tape set up. As Harry recommended, I do 
>> plan on doing some experimenting with the bare metal on the machine, but I 
>> don't have much experience with embedded/bare metal programming, so I would 
>> really be starting from the ground up with that. I would like to get in 
>> contact with someone about getting software disks/licences for my machine. I 
>> know that you said that it would be a special order as the software is 
>> withdrawn from marketing, but considering the circumstances, it may not hurt 
>> to ask. I would also like to look into what would be involved in getting a 
>> LICCC capacity upgrade (the z114 is not completely out of support until the 
>> end of this year). If you know anyone who I should reach out to, please let 
>> me know.
>>
>> I am quite close to both the z/VM and Marist events (I am like 20 minutes 
>> from the IBM Poughkeepsie plant), but I will have to check my calendar to 
>> see if I can make them (I should be able to, but I may have finals that 
>> week. I will have to check).
>>
>> I will keep this list updated as I make progress and work on getting the 
>> system set up.
>> Thank you,
>> Enzo Damato
>> 
>> From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  on behalf of 
>> Timothy Sipples 
>> Sent: Friday, May 27, 2022 6:04 AM
>> To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
>> Subject: Re: my new z114
>>
>> Enzo,
&

Re: my new z114

[Enzo D'Amato]

Interesting. I had seen this a while ago. I wonder if it would be possible to 
run this on z/VM and then pass that through to the z/OS images. Either way, 
this looks quite interesting. Thank you for sharing.

From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  on behalf of 
Wayne Bickerdike 
Sent: Friday, May 27, 2022 7:25 PM
To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
Subject: Re: my new z114

One partial solution to CKD might be MFNETDISK. You would need some real
CKD to get z/OS up and running.

Not sure what the current status of MFNETDISK is, however, I know a few
years back Fundi (Now Rocket) were using MFNETDISK to offload lots of their
SMF and test data and it apparently worked well.

Dave Crayford may be able to chip in here.

On Sat, May 28, 2022 at 4:18 AM Tom Brennan 
wrote:

> I was able to download the config information, but it doesn't seem to
> match what you reported.  So it could be I'm looking at something else.
> Here's a summary - I'll assume you don't mind me posting it here since
> many people here want to help.
>
> z114 2818-M05-A01 485F7
> 26 MIPS, 3 MSU
> 40 GB
> 18 ports FICON 8S SX
> 8 ports OSA 3-2P 1000BASE-T
> STP
> CPACF
> 1 HMC Tower
> 2 Power cables - 14ft 200V 30A 3Ph Line
>
> On 5/27/2022 9:18 AM, Enzo D'Amato wrote:
> > I have a model 2818 with s/n 02-485F7. I am fairly sure that I have a
> relatively low CPU capacity number, and all my unused PCIE card slots have
> blank fillers, but 2 of my I/O drawer slots are empty (no card or filler).
> If you can do a lookup, I would appreciate it.
> >
> > Thank you,
> > Enzo Damato
> > 
> > From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  on
> behalf of Tom Brennan 
> > Sent: Friday, May 27, 2022 11:53 AM
> > To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
> > Subject: Re: my new z114
> >
> > Do you know the serial number?  It's typically on a small label on the
> > front door.  With that, someone from IBM (or maybe even me, I'm not
> > sure) can go to IBM's Inventory Services and get the configuration data
> > that was uploaded the last time the machine was connected to IBM's "call
> > home" network.  That data includes model, CP speed and count, cards, and
> > other items.  And if that data matches your card count, that's a good
> > sign nobody has been picking spare parts out of the box.
> >
> > On 5/27/2022 7:43 AM, Enzo D'Amato wrote:
> >> Parwez is correct that this is a M05 model, I will let you know what I
> have in terms of processor capacity as soon as I finish setting up power
> and turn it on. I in terms of my IO card configuration, this is what I
> currently have in the box:
> >> 2 2 port pcie 8g ficon cards (pcie)
> >> 2 2 port rj45 Ethernet cards (pcie)
> >> 1 4 port ficon card (IO drawer)
> >> 2 16 port escon cards (IO drawer)
> >>
> >> I did want to ask however, do that crypto express cards and OSA
> adapters require LICCC codes to enable? Most of my home network is 10GbE,
> and I wanted to put one of those cards in so I can directly network it to
> my core switch, but I don't want to order one if it will not activate. I am
> currently working on sourcing FICON storage, and I will update you if I
> make any headway on that front. I also have a plan and I think I will be
> able to get some mainframe attached virtual tape set up. As Harry
> recommended, I do plan on doing some experimenting with the bare metal on
> the machine, but I don't have much experience with embedded/bare metal
> programming, so I would really be starting from the ground up with that. I
> would like to get in contact with someone about getting software
> disks/licences for my machine. I know that you said that it would be a
> special order as the software is withdrawn from marketing, but considering
> the circumstances, it may not hurt to ask. I would also like to look into
> what would be involved in getting a LICCC capacity upgrade (the z114 is not
> completely out of support until the end of this year). If you know anyone
> who I should reach out to, please let me know.
> >>
> >> I am quite close to both the z/VM and Marist events (I am like 20
> minutes from the IBM Poughkeepsie plant), but I will have to check my
> calendar to see if I can make them (I should be able to, but I may have
> finals that week. I will have to check).
> >>
> >> I will keep this list updated as I make progress and work on getting
> the system set up.
> >> Thank you,
> >> Enzo Damato
> >> 
> >> From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  on
> behalf of Timothy Sipples 
> >> Sent: Friday, May 27, 2022 6:04 AM
> &

Re: my new z114

[Enzo D'Amato]

You would be correct on this. My switch is fibre only for the 10gig. I got it 
at a surplus auction a few years ago. I can connect it to the standard 1 gig 
copper links, but I wanted to maximize my speed if possible.

Thank you,
Enzo Damato
On May 27, 2022, at 1:12 PM, Grant Taylor 
<023065957af1-dmarc-requ...@listserv.ua.edu>
 wrote:

On 5/27/22 11:01 AM, Joe Monk wrote:
 They do make 10 gig. Copper SFPs...

I assume that you mean copper RJ45s.  Yep.  I've seen and used them.

I've also seen and used copper Direct Attached Cables where the SFP+,
intermediate cable, and SFP+ are one fixed unit.

This is why I said "vast majority".  ;-)



--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions,
send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

Re: my new z114

[Enzo D'Amato]

I have a model 2818 with s/n 02-485F7. I am fairly sure that I have a 
relatively low CPU capacity number, and all my unused PCIE card slots have 
blank fillers, but 2 of my I/O drawer slots are empty (no card or filler). If 
you can do a lookup, I would appreciate it.

Thank you,
Enzo Damato

From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  on behalf of Tom 
Brennan 
Sent: Friday, May 27, 2022 11:53 AM
To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
Subject: Re: my new z114

Do you know the serial number?  It's typically on a small label on the
front door.  With that, someone from IBM (or maybe even me, I'm not
sure) can go to IBM's Inventory Services and get the configuration data
that was uploaded the last time the machine was connected to IBM's "call
home" network.  That data includes model, CP speed and count, cards, and
other items.  And if that data matches your card count, that's a good
sign nobody has been picking spare parts out of the box.

On 5/27/2022 7:43 AM, Enzo D'Amato wrote:
> Parwez is correct that this is a M05 model, I will let you know what I have 
> in terms of processor capacity as soon as I finish setting up power and turn 
> it on. I in terms of my IO card configuration, this is what I currently have 
> in the box:
> 2 2 port pcie 8g ficon cards (pcie)
> 2 2 port rj45 Ethernet cards (pcie)
> 1 4 port ficon card (IO drawer)
> 2 16 port escon cards (IO drawer)
>
> I did want to ask however, do that crypto express cards and OSA adapters 
> require LICCC codes to enable? Most of my home network is 10GbE, and I wanted 
> to put one of those cards in so I can directly network it to my core switch, 
> but I don't want to order one if it will not activate. I am currently working 
> on sourcing FICON storage, and I will update you if I make any headway on 
> that front. I also have a plan and I think I will be able to get some 
> mainframe attached virtual tape set up. As Harry recommended, I do plan on 
> doing some experimenting with the bare metal on the machine, but I don't have 
> much experience with embedded/bare metal programming, so I would really be 
> starting from the ground up with that. I would like to get in contact with 
> someone about getting software disks/licences for my machine. I know that you 
> said that it would be a special order as the software is withdrawn from 
> marketing, but considering the circumstances, it may not hurt to ask. I would 
> also like to look into what would be involved in getting a LICCC capacity 
> upgrade (the z114 is not completely out of support until the end of this 
> year). If you know anyone who I should reach out to, please let me know.
>
> I am quite close to both the z/VM and Marist events (I am like 20 minutes 
> from the IBM Poughkeepsie plant), but I will have to check my calendar to see 
> if I can make them (I should be able to, but I may have finals that week. I 
> will have to check).
>
> I will keep this list updated as I make progress and work on getting the 
> system set up.
> Thank you,
> Enzo Damato
> 
> From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  on behalf of 
> Timothy Sipples 
> Sent: Friday, May 27, 2022 6:04 AM
> To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
> Subject: Re: my new z114
>
> Enzo,
>
> Congratulations on your acquisition!
>
> I’m curious if you happen to know yet the physical model (it’ll be either 
> 2818-M05 or 2818-M10) and general capacity details, notably the capacity 
> model, number/type(s) of specialty engines (if any; IFLs, zIIPs, ICFs), and 
> memory configuration. The capacity model is a letter (A to Z), the number 0, 
> and a number 0 to 5. For example, Q02. [A00 would be unfortunate since that’d 
> mean no general purpose engines (CPs) are configured. If it’s a Z05 you won 
> this lottery, but really any CP capacity is fine for a home lab.] Also, have 
> you figured out yet what features you have installed in the I/O slots?
>
> As I think I mentioned, if you have a 2818-M10 and/or lots of I/O features 
> you might be able to (unofficially, after very careful study) field modify 
> the physical configuration so that you’re powering fewer components to reduce 
> electricity consumption and heat output in your home lab. But if you have a 
> -M05 with just a few I/O features then this’ll be a moot point.
>
> I wonder if the machine has any Crypto Express adapters.
>
> I really like the suggestion to visit the z/VM conference if you can. There 
> are bound to be many curious and knowledgeable people there. If 21st Century 
> Software happens to be at that conference then you could ask them about VSEn 
> 6.3 if that interests you. There’s also a mainframe conference coming up at 
> Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York, from June 12 to 14, if convenient

Re: my new z114

[Enzo D'Amato]

Parwez is correct that this is a M05 model, I will let you know what I have in 
terms of processor capacity as soon as I finish setting up power and turn it 
on. I in terms of my IO card configuration, this is what I currently have in 
the box:
2 2 port pcie 8g ficon cards (pcie)
2 2 port rj45 Ethernet cards (pcie)
1 4 port ficon card (IO drawer)
2 16 port escon cards (IO drawer)

I did want to ask however, do that crypto express cards and OSA adapters 
require LICCC codes to enable? Most of my home network is 10GbE, and I wanted 
to put one of those cards in so I can directly network it to my core switch, 
but I don't want to order one if it will not activate. I am currently working 
on sourcing FICON storage, and I will update you if I make any headway on that 
front. I also have a plan and I think I will be able to get some mainframe 
attached virtual tape set up. As Harry recommended, I do plan on doing some 
experimenting with the bare metal on the machine, but I don't have much 
experience with embedded/bare metal programming, so I would really be starting 
from the ground up with that. I would like to get in contact with someone about 
getting software disks/licences for my machine. I know that you said that it 
would be a special order as the software is withdrawn from marketing, but 
considering the circumstances, it may not hurt to ask. I would also like to 
look into what would be involved in getting a LICCC capacity upgrade (the z114 
is not completely out of support until the end of this year). If you know 
anyone who I should reach out to, please let me know.

I am quite close to both the z/VM and Marist events (I am like 20 minutes from 
the IBM Poughkeepsie plant), but I will have to check my calendar to see if I 
can make them (I should be able to, but I may have finals that week. I will 
have to check).

I will keep this list updated as I make progress and work on getting the system 
set up.
Thank you,
Enzo Damato

From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  on behalf of 
Timothy Sipples 
Sent: Friday, May 27, 2022 6:04 AM
To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
Subject: Re: my new z114

Enzo,

Congratulations on your acquisition!

I’m curious if you happen to know yet the physical model (it’ll be either 
2818-M05 or 2818-M10) and general capacity details, notably the capacity model, 
number/type(s) of specialty engines (if any; IFLs, zIIPs, ICFs), and memory 
configuration. The capacity model is a letter (A to Z), the number 0, and a 
number 0 to 5. For example, Q02. [A00 would be unfortunate since that’d mean no 
general purpose engines (CPs) are configured. If it’s a Z05 you won this 
lottery, but really any CP capacity is fine for a home lab.] Also, have you 
figured out yet what features you have installed in the I/O slots?

As I think I mentioned, if you have a 2818-M10 and/or lots of I/O features you 
might be able to (unofficially, after very careful study) field modify the 
physical configuration so that you’re powering fewer components to reduce 
electricity consumption and heat output in your home lab. But if you have a 
-M05 with just a few I/O features then this’ll be a moot point.

I wonder if the machine has any Crypto Express adapters.

I really like the suggestion to visit the z/VM conference if you can. There are 
bound to be many curious and knowledgeable people there. If 21st Century 
Software happens to be at that conference then you could ask them about VSEn 
6.3 if that interests you. There’s also a mainframe conference coming up at 
Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York, from June 12 to 14, if convenient.

https://ecc.marist.edu/web/conference2022

Operating systems that do not require ECKD/FICON-attached storage (technically, 
leaving any licensing issues aside): Linux, z/VM, z/VSE, VSEn. Possibly also 
MUSIC/SP, as a guest of z/VM anyway, but I’m guessing a bit. I think you can 
start the z/OS Customized Offerings Driver without actually having any attached 
storage, but then you can’t do that much with it.

Operating systems that require ECKD/FICON-attached storage: z/OS, z/TPF. (z/TPF 
is even a little more particular about minimum storage configurations. I 
believe it requires some physical or virtual tape as well.)

There are some bootable “mini things” that people don’t generally consider 
operating systems but that do serve useful functions. Standalone IOCP and Jan 
Jaeger’s ZZSA are two good examples.

Good luck, and please keep us posted.

— — — — —
Timothy Sipples
Senior Architect
Digital Assets, Industry Solutions, and Cybersecurity
IBM zSystems/LinuxONE, Asia-Pacific
sipp...@sg.ibm.com


--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions,
send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions,

my new z114

[Enzo D'Amato]

I saw that Timothy Siples already posted this, but I wanted to share some more 
information about my new system, and my setup. I am currently a high school 
junior located in New York. For the last month or so, I have been in the 
process of acquiring a used z114 mainframe (you may have seen my other post 
about dasd for the machine). Yesterday, the machine finally arrived. If you 
want to see some pictures of the machine please do check out my reddit post 
here: https://www.reddit.com/r/homelab/comments/uxsbef/my_new_z114/? At the 
time of writing, I have not powered up the machine yet, as I still have to run 
and connect the power to my 220v supply. The HMC for my machine is also still 
in the mail, and I am expecting it sometime this weekend, or early next week. 
My main plan for the machine is to use it to learn everything there is to know 
about the platform, and learn the skills that I would need for a career in 
mainframe early. I am also trying to get into MIT, and having a unique 
accomplishment like this on your transcript can be a big help in that regard. 
Currently, I have a FC SAN for FBA storage, but I am still looking for CKD 
capable storage. My parents have allowed me to take up to three racks, so if 
you know of anyone trying to get rid of some, no matter how old it is, I will 
pay shipping to me. I expect to be posting alot more here as I deal with the 
myriad chalanges involved with getting the machine set up. If you have any 
questions you would like to ask, please feel free to do so. I will do my best 
to reply thoughout the day.


Thank you,

Enzo Damato

--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions,
send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

Re: HS student with question about small mainframe DASD

[Enzo D'Amato]

>>5. A tape drive and controller
>
>Not required. Are you thinking of initial startup/OS installation? On this 
>vintage 
>machine there should be non-tape IPL (startup/“bootstrap”) options, notably 
>HMC DVD. 
>Such options were standard well before the z114. Assuming Enzo gets a working 
>HMC with 
>the z114, and assuming the HMC was ordered/shipped with the z114 (rather than 
>an older 
>carry forward HMC), it should also support USB flash memory drives. And there 
>are some 
>network-based options with the HMC. Without the HMC startup is “much more 
>interesting” 
>at least.

Based on what I read in the z114 technical guide, I thought that unless the 
machine was running in an ensemble mode, the HMC just acted as a remote 
management console for the SEs. Does the HMC have extra features that the SEs 
don't? I also have an IBM TS3200 tape library (one of the small 4U rack mount 
units) that I got broken and repaired. I'll have to see what kind of controller 
I would need for it. I have seen some FICON switches that advertise having a 
tape license, I wonder if this means that the controller unit is built in to 
the switch.

>>6.  A cluster controller and 3270 terminals, with licensed internal code
>
>Fun perhaps but not at all required. A cluster control/3270 terminals were 
>vintage way >before the z114 debuted. And if the z114 has OSA-Express 
>1000BASE-T adapters > (likely) then it should be capable of OSA-ICC if that’s 
>even needed.

I wish. I think that the old green screen CRTs still look quite cool.

>>9. An operating system. I doubt that you can get a license for anything
>>that will run on a box that old...
>
>Standard commercial licensing IBM z/VSE 6.2 (and VSEn 6.3 I believe) licensing 
>and 
>delivery are still available for the IBM z114 without any unusual or 
>exceptional 
>steps.(*) Standard commercial z/TPF 1.1 licensing and delivery might also be 
>possible 
>depending on how the z/TPF team packages/ships their PUT levels. (Not sure.)

I'd really like to get my hands on z/TPF. All of the other major IBM OSes have 
either ADCD releases, or 24-bit predecessors that are open source, so you can 
get some experience playing around with them. z/TPF has nothing, and I have 
never even seen someone do a video, or write an article about it online. It 
seems like the ulitmate challenge for the mainframe hobbyist.

>>It's likely to be less expensive to use one of the IBM offerings.
>
>Perhaps, but it depends on what the objectives are. If for example Enzo would 
>like to >get into the commercial z/VSE or VSEn service bureau business then a 
>used z114 machine 
>might be a reasonable entry point.

I am sorry, but I have never head this term before, and I could not find a 
definition online. Is there any way you could elaborate?


From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  on behalf of 
Timothy Sipples 
Sent: Monday, April 18, 2022 2:02 AM
To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
Subject: Re: HS student with question about small mainframe DASD

Shmuel Metz wrote:
>There are several issues that you will need to deal with in order to
>get a running system.
>[]
>2. Licensed internal code for the CEC, which may or may not
>need an upgrade

I’d say this part doesn’t matter. Whatever level(s) of LIC firmware are on the 
machine are probably going to be good enough for Enzo’s purposes.

>[]
>5. A tape drive and controllwe

Not required. Are you thinking of initial startup/OS installation? On this 
vintage machine there should be non-tape IPL (startup/“bootstrap”) options, 
notably HMC DVD. Such options were standard well before the z114. Assuming Enzo 
gets a working HMC with the z114, and assuming the HMC was ordered/shipped with 
the z114 (rather than an older carry forward HMC), it should also support USB 
flash memory drives. And there are some network-based options with the HMC. 
Without the HMC startup is “much more interesting” at least.

>6.  A cluster controller and 3270 terminals, with licensed internal code

Fun perhaps but not at all required. A cluster control/3270 terminals were 
vintage way before the z114 debuted. And if the z114 has OSA-Express 1000BASE-T 
adapters (likely) then it should be capable of OSA-ICC if that’s even needed.

>9. An operating system. I doubt that you can get a license for anything
>that will run on a box that old...

Standard commercial licensing IBM z/VSE 6.2 (and VSEn 6.3 I believe) licensing 
and delivery are still available for the IBM z114 without any unusual or 
exceptional steps.(*) Standard commercial z/TPF 1.1 licensing and delivery 
might also be possible depending on how the z/TPF team packages/ships their PUT 
levels. (Not sure.)

>and I don't know whether the free DOS/VSE, OS/VS or VM will run on it.

Not without a lot of contrivance.

A MUSIC/SP hobbyist license is possibly available if you know the right party 
to ask, but I really can’t speak to that and don’t actually know. MUSIC/SP 
would probably work on an IBM 

Re: HS student with question about small mainframe DASD

[Enzo D'Amato]

I hadn't known about zPD student edition. I had only known about the personal 
edition, which last time I checked was close to 6k per year. The learner's 
edition looks pretty interesting however. The unit in question still has it's 
SEs intact, and the seller claims that it was pulled out of service in working 
condition, and hasn't been modified since. The z114 can be fed from standard 
220v power, and will pull around 9A. In terms of cooling, I am planning to keep 
it in my enclosed garage. The space is within the IBM spec for humidity and 
temperature, and the space is usually quite cold, so I am hoping to leverage 
the passive cooling. I am definitely standing on the cliff, and trying to 
decide weather or not my parachute will hold. Thanks for the info.

From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  on behalf of 
Grant Taylor <023065957af1-dmarc-requ...@listserv.ua.edu>
Sent: Friday, April 15, 2022 10:46 PM
To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
Subject: Re: HS student with question about small mainframe DASD

On 4/15/22 6:35 PM, Enzo D'Amato wrote:
> Nothing in particular about the z114, other than the seller is offering
> it to me at an unbeatable price.

Okay.  You have passed the "you've been informed" and "you have an idea
what you're biting off" gates.  That's my concern as someone else in the
hobby.

I too would probably be very interested in a ... let's go with ... full
sized mainframe (CEC) if the price was good enough.

> In terms of the zD, I have messed around in Hercules before,
> and it would probably be more expensive than buying the unit that
> I am looking at.

I question the veracity of that.  Though there is a chance that you can
acquire the CEC itself for less than a year of zD Personal / Learners
Edition.

But that's just the CEC.  That doesn't say anything about powering /
cooling said CEC, much less any DASD.  Unfortunately, I think the DASD
and / or cooling / power is going to be the real big unknown expense.

> I am also hoping to learn more about the 'care and feeding' of the
> hardware.

That definitely speaks the the physical hardware that you can get your
hands on.

Regarding the physical hardware, does the CEC in question come with the
Service Elements?  (I assume that the z114 has a pair of SEs.)  Without
the SEs, the CEC is probably going to be ... problematic.  --  If the
SEs are physically there, check to see if they have their hard drives in
them and if they boot.

I have no idea if there is any power up procedure that you could do
quickly at the seller's location.  Though, if we're talking $100 ~ $200
and the SEs are there and boot, I'd probably be tempted to take it as
is.  If nothing else, you can mess with the physical hardware and
potentially part things out / scrap / ewaste things after you're done
messing with it.  That is if it turns out to not be enough of a
functioning system.  If it is a functioning system, someone else who
does have DASD (and can't / won't part with said DASD) might acquire the
CEC from you in the future.

> I agree that there are certainly concerns, which is why I am posting
> here :-).

*nod*

As long as you have an idea of the cliff that you are standing at the
edge of.  You research the potential the risk / rewards and make your
own judgement call.  Which, it sounds like you are doing.

Here's hoping that it's a fully functional z114 with it's SEs fully
functional and that you can get the entire thing for a song plus hauling
it off.  :-D



--
Grant. . . .
unix || die

--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions,
send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions,
send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

Re: HS student with question about small mainframe DASD

[Enzo D'Amato]

Nothing in particular about the z114, other than the seller is offering it to 
me at an unbeatable price. In terms of the zD, I have messed around in 
Hercules before, and it would probably be more expensive than buying the unit 
that I am looking at. I am also hoping to learn more about the 'care and 
feeding' of the hardware. I agree that there are certainly concerns, which is 
why I am posting here :-).

From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  on behalf of 
Grant Taylor <023065957af1-dmarc-requ...@listserv.ua.edu>
Sent: Friday, April 15, 2022 6:58 PM
To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
Subject: Re: HS student with question about small mainframe DASD

On 4/15/22 3:32 PM, Enzo D'Amato wrote:
> Hello.

Hi,

> I am a US high school student who is seriously considering acquiring a
> z114 mainframe.

I hope that I don't come off too wrong when I ask, but why do you want a
z114?  --  I completely get wanting a mainframe.  --  But why a z114?

Or, perhaps more accurately, why a z114 over a zD?

Is there something specific to the z114 that appeals to you more than
other IBM mainframes?

Don't get me wrong, I think that owning a big big iron box would be very
appealing.  I just think that caring for (equiping), feeding (powering),
and cleaning up after (cooling) it is probably a big task.

> I have found a listing selling one for a price that I think
> is reasonable, and I have determined that I can meet the space,
> transportation and power requirements for the machine.

These are just some of the hurtles that I think having a physically big
system.

> I did however have one question before I continued. I know in Connor
> Krukosky's talk, his biggest issue was finding DASD for the machine.

This is yet another BIG problem.  I know of multiple people that have a
CEC but don't have DASD for their CEC.  As such, their CEC is of
relatively limited use for them.

> I have looked, and it appears that proper ficon DASD is still rare. My
> situation is not quite as significant as Connor's , as my machine
> has SCSI IPL as a native feature. Despite this, I wanted to know if
> anyone here could give some advice on the topic. Would the machine
> still provide a good learning experience with just FBA storage?​

Others are WAY more qualified to speak to this than I am.

> Thank you for any information that you can provide

I hope that you'll take my "why a z114" question in the light spirit it
is intended.  I would encourage you to spend some time looking at the
zD (family of) product(s) as I suspect it might be a much more
accessible entry point into the IBM mainframe ecosystem.

I also say this because I would be ... disheartened to end up in a
position like Connor et al. wherein I purchased a system to later learn
that there was a different option to ... simplify introduction to the
ecosystem.

Perhaps I'm completely wrong and you are very well versed in IBM
mainframes.  If that is the case, I humbly apologize and will see myself
out.

Best of luck to you and your endeavors.  :-)



--
Grant. . . .
unix || die

--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions,
send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN


--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions,
send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

Re: HS student with question about small mainframe DASD

[Enzo D'Amato]

Thank you for the input. Would you know where to look for ckd devices? I have 
seen parts of a DS6800, but always without the controller. I know luminex and 
IBM also make smaller rack mount units, but I haven't seen any of those either.

From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List  on behalf of Jay 
Maynard 
Sent: Friday, April 15, 2022 5:50 PM
To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU
Subject: Re: HS student with question about small mainframe DASD

Basically, running FBA storage restricts you to running z/VM and z/VSE, and
possibly z/Linux (I've never run it on FBA, but there's no particular
reason it wouldn't work). z/OS requires CKD DASD.

Learning experience? Absolutely!

I want to get a z/Series myself, but there's a tradeoff there...in
particular, I don't think I could manage 3-phase power.

On Fri, Apr 15, 2022 at 4:43 PM Enzo D'Amato 
wrote:

>
> Hello. I am a US high school student who is seriously considering
> acquiring a z114 mainframe. I have found a listing selling one for a price
> that I think is reasonable, and I have determined that I can meet the
> space, transportation and power requirements for the machine. I did however
> have one question before I continued. I know in Connor Krukosky's talk, his
> biggest issue was finding DASD for the machine. I have looked, and it
> appears that proper ficon DASD is still rare. My situation is not quite as
> significant as Connor's , as my machine has SCSI IPL as a native feature.
> Despite this, I wanted to know if anyone here could give some advice on the
> topic. Would the machine still provide a good learning experience with just
> FBA storage?​
>
> Thank you for any information that you can provide
>
>
> --
> For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions,
> send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN
>


--
Jay Maynard

--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions,
send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN


--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions,
send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN

HS student with question about small mainframe DASD

[Enzo D'Amato]

Hello. I am a US high school student who is seriously considering acquiring a 
z114 mainframe. I have found a listing selling one for a price that I think is 
reasonable, and I have determined that I can meet the space, transportation and 
power requirements for the machine. I did however have one question before I 
continued. I know in Connor Krukosky's talk, his biggest issue was finding DASD 
for the machine. I have looked, and it appears that proper ficon DASD is still 
rare. My situation is not quite as significant as Connor's , as my machine has 
SCSI IPL as a native feature. Despite this, I wanted to know if anyone here 
could give some advice on the topic. Would the machine still provide a good 
learning experience with just FBA storage?​

Thank you for any information that you can provide


--
For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions,
send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN