Technical data

Managing Peripheral Devices
8.10 Managing a Card Reader (VAX Only)
8.10 Managing a Card Reader (VAX Only)
On VAX systems, the Compaq CR–11 card reader reads computer card decks.
Users can submit the two following types of card decks for processing:
• Batch job card decks
• Data card decks
To ensure that card decks are processed efficiently, you must understand their
characteristics and the use of the card reader. The following sections describe
which cards you should check before processing a deck through a card reader, and
how to determine which cards are damaged.
8.10.1 Distinguishing the Type of Card Deck (VAX Only)
Before loading a card deck into the card reader, determine:
• Whether the deck is a batch job or a data deck, because their processing
requirements differ
• Whether the card reader is set to the correct translation mode
The following sections describe how to make these determinations.
8.10.1.1 Batch Job Card Deck (VAX Only)
A batch job card deck consists of three segments:
• Initial cards
• Program cards
• Last card
The initial two cards in a batch job card deck are the $JOB and the $PASSWORD
cards. These cards log in the user and the batch job to the system. Following
the initial two cards are program cards. Program cards contain instructions that
direct the system to libraries, routines, and data needed to complete the batch job.
The last card must be either an end-of-job command ($EOJ) card or an end-of-file
(EOF) card. Either of these cards tells the system that this is the end of the job.
Checking Input
The system cannot execute the job without $JOB and $PASSWORD cards. If you
are given a card deck with these cards omitted, return the deck so that the user
can insert them.
Since the card deck contains the user’s password, you must ensure that it is
always handled with care to preserve the security of the user’s account.
The last card in the deck must be either an $EOJ or an EOF card.
If the last card is not one of these end cards, you can type an end card on the
card punch (12-11-0-1-6-7-8-9 overpunch in column 1) and place it at the end of
the deck.
Checking Output
The log file produced by a card reader batch job is queued for printing to the
default system printer queue, SYS$PRINT. To have the log file queued to a
different queue, the user can specify the /PRINTER qualifier on the $JOB card.
If an error occurs while the system is attempting to validate the $JOB and
$PASSWORD cards, the operator communication manager (OPCOM) sends to the
card operator an error message that reports the job card and the error.
Managing Peripheral Devices 8–39