IBM 3215

Systems

Console Printer-Keyboard
Component Description
This reference publication describes the functions andoperation of the IBM 3215 Console Printer-Keyboard.
Also presented are the printing method, control keys and.
lights, functional timing, forms controls, specifications,and make-ready procedures.
For system operation (including programming andoperating procedures), refer to the IBM System/360 and
System/370 Bibliography, GA22-6822, for Functional
Characteristics and Operating Procedures manuals for theparticular system and model.

Second Edition (February, 1971)
This is a major revision of, and obsoletes GA24-3550-0. The section "Operating
Procedures" has been added. This section and other changes to the text are indicatedby a vertical line to the left of the change or addition; added illustrations are denotedby the symbol. to the left of the caption.
Changes are continually made to the information herein; any such changes will be reported
in subsequent revisions or Technical Newsletters.
Requests for copies of IBM publications should be made to your IBM representative or to
the IBM branch office serving your locality. This manual has been prepared by the IBM
Systems Development Division, Product Publications, Dept. KIO, P.O. Box 6, Endicott,
New York 13760. A form for readers' comments is provided at the back of this publication. If the form has been removed, comments may be sent to the above address.

© Copyright International Business Machines Corporation 1970, 1971

Contents

Introduction .
Printing Method
Machine Operation
Keyboard Functions
Printer Functions .
Programming Information
Timing Considerations
Forms Handling .
Form Controls.
Forms Specifications.
Operating Procedures
Inserting Forms
Replacing the Ribbon

5
6
7
7
7
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
10

Index.

11

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Figure 1. IBM 3215 Console Printer-KeYboardII.

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IBM 3215 Console Printer-Keyboard

The 3215 Console Printer-Keyboard (Figure 1) is a table-top
printer and keyboard that provides independent keyboard
entry and printed output for the IBM data processing system
to which it is attached. The keyboard (Figure 2) permits
rapid and flexible communication between the operator
and the data processing system, for manual entry intostorage and alter/display functionso Eighty-eight (88)graphic characters can be sent to the system at a rate up to
15 characters per second.
Characters are printed as a pattern of dots formed by wires
striking the ribbon and paper as the print head moves.
Under program control, printing can occur at a rate up to
85 characters per second. Character spacing is 10 per inch
(25,4 mm) and up to 126 per line. Both left and right

I CANCEL I

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READY

I READY I

margins are fixed according to the width of the pin-feed
platen installed. Vertical single spacing is six lines per inch;
double spacing is three lines per inch. Depending on thepaper and carbon used, an original and up to five legible
copies can be made. A three-part form is recommended
as maximum.
The 3215 prints the 88 graphics (upper and lower case)currently in use on the 1052 Printer-Keyboard in the
IBM System/360 Data Processing System. The underscore
corresponds to the bottom row of dots, and therefore,cannot be used with other charactersc
Data signals to the printer and all power and control forthe 3215 come from the system processing unit.

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Figure 2. Keyboard Schematic

3215 Console Printer-Keyboard

5Printing Method

Printing on the 3215 is done by seven wires arranged
vertically in the print head (Figure 3). Decoded signals
from the system selectively allow the print wires to strikethe ribbon and paper. The pattern of dots formed by theends of the wires corresponds to a stored matrix in thesystem processing unite
The print head moves across each character to form a
7 x 7 dot matrix . As required by the character pattern ,each wire may strike up to four times per character (forexample , wire No.5 in Figure 3) . Three alternate positions
allow for curved and diagonal elements (wire No.3 inFigure 3).
The print head moves across the print line at a rate up
to 8.5 inches (215 ,9 mm) per second whether printing or
spacing. An indicator on the front of the printer designates
the next print pOSition fo r the print head.
A maintenance monitor indicates to service personnel
when maintenance should be scheduled .

08 0 _ 0-8-808 0_ 08 0
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2
3

0

0

8-8
58-0-8-8
8-8
8-8
4

0

-

0

6

0

-

0

0

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7

2345G7o Standard F iring Positions_ Alternate F iring Position s

Figure 3. Print Mechanism and Character Construction

6

MACHINE OPERATION

Alarm Reset

Pressing this key turns off the alarm light.
Keyboard Functions

RequestThe keyboard has 44 character keys and the normal shift,
shift lock, return keys, and space bar that perform normal
typewriter functions. Figure 2 shows the control keys andindicator lights for the keyboard.

Pressing this key indicates to the system that the operator
is ready to key information. The request pending lightturns on if the system is busy.
Request Pending

Intervention Required

This light indicates that the not-ready key has been pressed,
the printer has run out of forms, or the cover is openo
Loading forms, closing the cover, and/or pressing the readykey turns off this light.

This light indicates that the request key has been pressed,
but that the system is not yet ready to accept data. This
light turns off and the proceed light turns on when thesystem is ready to accept data.
Printer Functions

CancelPressing this key terminates a read operation and signals thesystem to disregard the data being transmitted. If this key
is used to end an alter/display operation, an error condition
results.
Ready

Pressing this key places the printer-keyboard in a ready state
when forms are in the printer and the cover is closed,
Not ReadyPressing this key places the printer-keyboard in a not-readystate.
Alter/Display

Pressing this key submits a request for an alter/display
operation. The proceed (and alter/display mode lights)
must be on before input data can be typed at the keyboard.

All functions of the 321 S are controlled by the systemeither manually from the keyboard or by program control.
In addition to printing, the functions are:
Space

This function moves the print head one character space tothe right without printing.
New Line

This function combines the carrier-return and line-feed
operations. A new-line signal returns the print head tothe left margin at 1S inches (381 mm) per second minimum
and advances the platen a single or double line spaceaccording to the setting of the line-feed select lever. Thisfunction can be initiated manually, from the program, or
when the right margin is sensed. Using this function
successively provides variable vertical spacing.
Test Switches

Three switches facilitate servicing the printec
Alter/Display Mode

This light indicates that a request for an alter/display
operation has been accepted.

Off-Line, On-Line. This switch places the printer off-line.

The two other switches operate only when this switch isin the off-line position.

End

Pressing this key terminates a read, write, or alter/display
operation.

Reset Off-Line. Operating this spring-loaded switch resets
the circuitry for the printer.

ProceedContinuous, Off/Keyboard, Stop-Start. Placing this switch
in its top position causes the machine to print a line of
H's for testing printer operation in continuous mode. With
the switch in the bottom position, the machine prints aline of H's in stop-start mode. In the middle position, theaction of the switch depends upon the attached system:
System/370 Model14S - Off, no action
System/370 Modell SS - printer responds to the key
pressed on the keyboard.

This light indicates that input data can be typed at the
keyboard.
Alarm

This light,indicates that an alarm command was issued toalert the operator that the system requires manual attention.
An audible tone sounds for about 1-1/2 seconds.

3215 Console Printer-Keyboard

7

PROGRAMMING INFORMATION

Copy-Control Lever

Functions and data initiated from the keyboard are transmitted to the system by an 8-bit EBCDIC code.
All printing, carrier operations, and forms-movement
controls are initiated in the system by program control, or
manually by keyboard operation.
For programming information, refer to IBM System/360
and System/370 Bibliography, GA22-6822, for the
Functional Characteristics manual for the particular system
and model.

The copy-controllever adjusts the clearance between theplaten and the print head to accommodate the thicknessof the forms used. Five positions of the lever allow adjustments for forms of thickness up to a maximum of .018 inch
(0,46 mm).

Timing Considerations
Figure 4 shows the time in milliseconds required for printeroperationso In a new-line operation, line feed is overlappedwith carrier return if the return is more than 16 print
positions.

Operation

Time (milliseconds)

Print or Space

12 ms/Print Position

New-Line
Carrier Return6.67 ms/Print Position(Less than 7 spaces,
12 ms/Print Position)Line Feed

140 ms/Line

Figure 4. Timing for Printer Operations

End-of-Forms Switch

The end-of-forms switch signals the system that the end of
the form is within 4-1/4 inches (107,9 mm). On the system
console, the keyboard-printer lights show not-ready andintervention required.
Forms Specifications
The 321S accepts marginally punched, continuous-form
paper. Forms can be one to six parts depending on theweight of paper and carbon used. For optimum feeding
and stacking, no more than three parts are recommended.
Total thickness cannot exceed .018 inch (0,46 mm).
Stapled forms cannot be used.
Form width must correspond to the pin-feed platen
installed. See Figure S. Form length can be 3 to 14 inches(76,2 to 3SS,6 mm). For optimum stacking, 11 inches(279,4 mm) is recommended. Forms should not be longer
than the depth of the forms stand provided.
The special ribbon cartridge (part 1136906, or equivalent)
has a ribbon life of at least two million characters.
For more complete specifications, refer to the Systems
Reference Library Manual, Form-Design Considerations-System Printers, GA24-3488.

FORMS HANDLING

Forms placed on the lower platform of the forms standenter the rear of the printer, pass up through a channel,
and up over the platen Forms are stacked on the top
platform.
cOverall Width
in.
13
135/8

mm

330,2
346,1

Hole-to-Hole Width

Print Positions

in.

mm

Maximum

12 1/2317,5120

13 1/8333,4126

Figure 5. Available Pin-Feed Platens

Form Controls
Paper-Advance Knobs

OPERATING PROCEDURES

Rotating the knob on either end of the platen moves theform for coarse vertical positioning.

For operating the 321S as part of a particular system, referto the IBM System/360 and System/370 Bibliography,
GA22-6822, for the Operating Procedures manual for theparticular system or model. Figure 6 shows the operating
controls used for making the printer ready.

Vertical Alignment VernierPressing in and rotating the paper-advance knob on theright end of the platen provides fine vertical adjustmentof the form with the print line.
Line-Feed Select Lever

The line-feed select lever allows the operator to selectsingle or double vertical line spacing.

8

Inserting Forms
1. Raise the printer cover.
2. Set the copy-controllever to position S for maximum
clearance between the print head and the platen.
3. Raise both doors covering the pin-feed mechanism at
the ends of the platen.

From the rear of the machine:
4 . Place the forms on the lower rack of the forms stand .
5. In sert forms (side to be printed down) in the paper
feed sIaL The form enters easily if started with one
corner entering the feed slot first,
6. Work the form up in front of the platen .
From the front of the machine:
7 . Grasp the form and position it on the platen pin-feedmechanism .
8. Close the doors over the feed pins,
9. Set the copy-controllever to one of the fo ur positions
determined by the number of parts in the form being
used.
Position

Type of Form Used1

1 Part2 or 3 Parts
4 Part s
5 or 6 Parts

2
3
4

Copy·Control
Lever

10, Set the line-feed select lever for single or double spacing.
110 Press in and rotate the right paper-advance knob forvertical alignment of the form with the print line .

Note 1: To move the for m backward, rotate the paperadvance knob backward and pull the form from behindthe machine to keep the form from buckling at theprint head .

Note 2: If checking for precise alignment is necessary :a. Set the left of the test switches to OFF-LINE andthe right switch to CONTINUOUS (a continuousline of H's prints),
b . Press in and rotate the right paper-advance knob toalign the print line , andc, Return the left service switch to ON-LINE.
12. Rotate the paper-advance knob to feed the form throughthe form exit slot in the cover.
13. Close the cover.

Lin e· Feed
Sel ect Lever

Pin· Feed Door
Pin · Feed Door
Paper·Advance
Knob _ _ _~~~--~-Paper·A dva nce
Knob

Ribbon Cartridge•

Figure 6. Printer Operating Controls
3215 Console Printer-Keyboard

914. Press the ready key on the keyboard.
15. When printing starts, check that the forms stackproperly on the forms stand. For efficient stacking,the fold should be in the same directio~ as theoriginal fold.

Replacing the Ribbon

1. Raise the printer cover.
2. Remove the used ribbon and cartridge. (Before removing
the used ribbon, observe how the ribbon is threaded so

Print Head

Print Position Scale•

Figure 7. Ribbon Schematic

10

RibbonCartridge

as to be familiar with the ribbon schematic shown on
the machine and also in Figure 7.
3. Press the new ribbon cartridge in place. Locating pin
assures correct cartridge and proper positioning.
4. Draw out some ribbon and thread it around guide pins
and print head as shown in the schematic. Do not twist
the ribbon.
5. Rewind any slack ribbon back into the cartridge by
rotating either of the ribbon feed hubs in the direction
shown on top of the cartridge.
6. Close the cover.
7. Press the ready key on the keyboard.

IndexmIIIhole-to-hole width 8

alarm 7
alarm reset 7
alignment vernier 8
alter/ display 7
alter/ display mode 7

Dindicator, print position 6
input rate 5
inserting forms 8
intervention required 7(Icancel 7
carrier return
function 7
timing 8
cartridge, ribbon 8channel 8
character construction 6
character spacing 5
continuous-form paper 8
continuous mode 7
continuous switch 7
control signals 5
controls, forms 8
copies 5
copy-control lever 8
copy-control lever position

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keyboard functions 7
keyboard schematic 5
keyboard switch 7
keys 7II
legible copies 5
9IIdata signals

5

II
EBCDIC 8
end 7
end of forms
intervention required
switch 8IIruing positions 6
forms
controls 8
handling 8
insertion 8
movement 8
platform 8
specifications 8
stacking 8
stand 8width 8functionskeyboard 7
printer 7

IIgraphic characters

7lights 7line feed
function 7
timing 8line-feed select leverfunction 8
setting 7
loading forms 8

machine operation 7
maintenance monitor 6
manual entry 5
margins 5
matrix 6
mode alter/display 7
monitor, maintenance 6
multiple-part forms 8

II
new linefunction 7
timing 8
not ready 7

EDoff-line 7
off/keyboard switch 7
on-line 7
operating procedures 8
output rate 5
overall width 853215 Console Printer-Keyboard

11II
paper 8B
signals 6

paper advance knobs 8
pin-feed platen 8
pitch, character 5
platen pin-feed 8
platform, forms 8
position, copyoeontrollever 9
power 5print head 6
print line 5
print mechanism 6
print-position indicator 6
print positions
pin-feed platen 8
print line
5
print timing 8
print wires 5
printer functions 7
printer timing 8
printing method 6
printing rate 5
proceed 7
program control 8
programming information 8

spacefunction 7
timing 8
spacing 5
spacing, character 5
specifications, forms 8
staples 8
stop/start mode 7
stop/start switch 7
switches 7IItest switches 7
thickness 8
timing considerations
typing rate 5

8

III
underscore 5

m
iii
rate
carrier return 7
print head 6
printing output 5
typing inpu t 5
ready 7
request 7
request pending 7
reset, alarm 7
reset off-line 7
ribbonreplacement 10
specifications 8

12vertical alignment vernier
vertical spacing 5

8IIwidth, form 8
8-bit code 8
44 character key s 7
88 graphics 51052 Printer-Keyboard

5

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IBM 3215 Console Printer-Keyboard Component Description

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International Business Machines Corporation
Data Processing Division
112 East Post Road, White Plains, N.Y.IOGOl[USA Only)
IBM World Trade Corporation
821 United Nations Plaza, New York, New York 10017[International)

GA24-3550-1

International Business Machines Corporation
Data Processing Division
112 East Post Road, White Plains, N.Y. 10601[USA Only]
IBM World Trade Corporation
821 United Nations Plaza,
New York, New York 10017[International]