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IBM remote batch terminals

From Alfawiki
IBM 2780 and IBM 3780
Company typeProduct line
IndustryComputer hardware, Telecommunications
Founded1967
Headquarters
Rochester, Minnesota
,
United States
ProductsData transmission terminals for remote job entry and batch processing

The IBM 2780 and IBM 3780 are communication terminals created by IBM designed for remote job entry (RJE) and batch processing via telephone networks, interfacing with mainframe systems through Binary Synchronous Communications (BSC or Bisync). These models succeeded earlier terminals that utilized synchronous transmit-receive (STR) technology. Additionally, IBM developed workstation software compatible with platforms such as the IBM 1130, 360/20, IBM 2922, System/360, System/370, and IBM System/3.

2780 Data Transmission Terminals

Introduced in 1967, the 2780 Data Transmission Terminal comprises:

  • A line printer resembling the IBM 1443, capable of printing up to 240 lines per minute (lpm), or reaching 300 lpm when using a restricted character set.
  • A card reader/punch assembly similar to the IBM 1442, with throughput rates of up to 400 cards per minute (cpm) for reading and up to 355 cpm for punching.
  • A line buffer that facilitates data transmission.
  • A binary synchronous adapter responsible for managing data flow across communication channels.

The 2780 supports offline card-to-print functionality and is available in four distinct configurations:

  • Model 1: Reads punched cards and transmits data to a remote host while receiving and printing data from the host.
  • Model 2: Extends Model 1 capabilities by adding card punching from host data.
  • Model 3: Dedicated solely to printing data received from the host.
  • Model 4: Handles card reading and punching without printing features.

Operating on dedicated communication lines, it supports data rates of 1200, 2000, 2400, or 4800 bits per second. Although it functions in half duplex mode, utilizing full duplex lines can improve data throughput. The terminal accommodates Transcode (6-bit), standard 8-bit EBCDIC, or 7-bit ASCII character encoding schemes.

2770 Data Communication System

Launched in 1969 by IBM's General Products Division located in Rochester, MN, the IBM 2770 was recognized for its extensive range of input-output peripherals. The system consisted of a desktop terminal featuring a keyboard and could connect up to two peripheral devices through the 2772 Multi-Purpose Control unit. Supported peripherals included:

  • Magnetic Data Inscriber Model 50
  • Card Punch Models 545-3 (non-printing) and 545-4 (printing)
  • IBM Paper Tape Reader Model 1017 and Paper Tape Punch Model 1018
  • Printer Model 1053-1
  • Magnetic Character Reader Models 1255-1 through -3
  • Printers Models 2203-A1 or A2
  • Printers Models 2213-1 or -2
  • IBM Display Station Model 2265-2
  • Card Reader Models 2502-A1 or A2
  • Data Recorder Model 5496

3780 Data Communications Terminal

Released in May 1972, the 3780 was an upgraded iteration of the earlier 2780 terminal, developed by IBM’s Data Processing Division (DPD). This single-model system offered an optional card punch device while eliminating Transcode support to enhance overall efficiency.

Significant advancements introduced with this model included run-length encoding for compressing blank fields, double buffering techniques, interleaved data transfer processes, and new Binary Synchronous control characters such as Wait-before-transmit ACKnowledgement (WACK) and Temporary Text Delay (TTD).

Performance details are as follows:

  • Integrated card reader capable of processing at a rate of 600 cards per minute
  • Printer speeds vary between 300, 350, or up to 425 lines per minute depending on character set size (63, 52, or 39 characters respectively)
  • Optional IBM 3781 Card Punch capable of punching up to approximately 160 columns per second or around 91 cards per minute

Both the IBM 2780 and IBM 3780 terminals were subsequently emulated on various computing platforms, including early personal computers. Notably, Digital Equipment Corporation introduced the DN60 emulator in the late 1970s to replicate their functionality.

3770 Data Communications System

Launched in 1974 by IBM's Data Processing Division (DPD), the 3770 Data Communications System succeeded the 3780 model and offered support for SDLC, BSC, BSC Multi-leaving, and SNA, depending on its configuration. This series features desk-integrated terminals that provide a variety of keyboard and printer setups, diverse I/O connections, and communication capabilities.

The desk-style terminals within the 3770 lineup include:

  • 3771 Communication Terminal: equipped optionally with a card reader/punch and wire matrix printer; available in Models 1 (40 cps), 2 (80 cps), and 3 (120 cps).
  • 3773 Communication Terminal: features diskette and wire matrix printer; Models 1 (40 cps), 2 (80 cps), and 3 (120 cps) are offered, each with a P variant that adds programming functions.
  • 3774 Communication Terminal: supports optional card reader/punch, belt printer, and wire matrix printer; Models 1 (80 cps) and 2 (120 cps) include P versions with programming enhancements, a 480-character display, and a fixed diskette.
  • 3775 Communication Terminal: optionally includes card reader/punch/diskette and belt printer; Model 1 offers a 120 lpm printer, with P1 adding programming capabilities and display.
  • 3776 Communication Terminal: equipped optionally with card reader/punch/diskette and belt printer; Models 1 (300 lpm) and 2 (400 lpm), with Models 3 and 4 having similar specifications.
  • 3777 Communication Terminal: optionally outfitted with card reader/diskette and train printer; Model 1 supports printing speeds up to 1000 lpm depending on character set. Model 2 adds a card punch; Model 3 incorporates a magnetic tape drive; Model 4 replaces the train printer with a slower IBM 3262 unit and allows for an additional optional device.

The system supports these input/output peripherals:

  • IBM 2502 Card Reader: available in Models A1 (150 cpm), A2 (300 cpm), A3 (400 cpm)
  • IBM 3203 Printer Model 3: capable of reaching speeds up to 1000 LPM using a 48-character set
  • IBM 3501 Card Reader: desktop model with speeds up to 50 cpm
  • IBM 3521 Card Punch: operates at up to 50 cpm
  • IBM 3782 Card Attachment: connects the IBM 2502 or IBM 3521 to any terminal except the 3777
  • IBM 3784 Line Printer: can be attached as a secondary printer to the 3774 terminal; delivers speeds up to 155 LPM using a print belt with a 48-character set

Workstation programs

IBM provides workstation software bundled with system software such as:

With the exception of the RJE workstation programs included in OS/360, these utilize a variant of BSC known as Multi-leaving. Additionally, IBM offers separately purchasable workstation software supporting BSC, Systems Network Architecture (SNA), and TCP/IP protocols.

Workstation applications developed by IBM as well as third-party providers accommodate various protocols including:

  • 2770/3770
  • 2780/3780
  • Multileaving
  • Network Job Entry (NJE)
  • OS/360 RJE
  • SNA
  • TCP/IP
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