How to print an Insight DPM for DB2 for z/OS panel to a dataset
Ever wonder how to print a set of Insight panels, or a panel that scrolls for multiple pages both across and down, to a dataset?
Has a CA Support person asked you to provide screenshots, and you dread having to take multiple graphic screen shots, then upload them to the issue ftp site?
Wondering why Insight doesn't have a convenient command like QFILE available to print the panels to a dataset?
Well wonder no more! It can be accomplished with the following simple steps.
NOTE: This TIP only applies when using TSO to access Insight.
First allocate a sequential dataset using the following DCB parameters. You can use ISPF 3.2 to accomplish this.
RECFM=FB LRECL=255 BLKSIZE=27795. Assume the dataset name is USERID.IDB2.PRINT
Invoke Insight and display the User Profile panel. This is option 7 off the TOOLS drop-down menu.
Quick access is accomplished by entering T.7 in the Insight Command line.
Then PF8 until you see the Print Parameters panel. Set the fields on this panel as follows:
- Print Method --> A
- Destination/Output ---> IDB2PRT
- NOTE: Enter a suitable DD name in the first enterable field. Ensure the second field is blank.
- Max LRECL (133-255) --> 255
- NOTE: This matches the Lrecl we used for our dataset. At this time, this is the max linesize supported for this function.
- Case --> M
Output class can be set to your shop's standard for Held output, but it won't matter when using Print Method A.
Listing ID and Lines Per Page can be left as is.
Next step is to dynamically allocate the print dataset so it can be used by your TSO Insight session.
This allocation will need to be done each time you log into TSO and access Insight, and you want to print Insight screens to a dataset.
From the Insight Command line, enter the following TSO command:
TSO ALLOC DS('USERID.IDB2.PRINT') DD(IDB2PRT) MOD
NOTE: A Disposition of MOD allows multiple panels to be printed to the dataset without overwriting a previous screen print.
A more permanent option would be to allocate an Insight print dataset during your TSO logon.
You would need to be able to specify individual user allocations as part of the Logon process. We have such a capability here at CA.
Comments on how you accomplish this in your shop would be welcome!
You are now ready to PRINT!
Navigate to the panel of interest, and use the PRINT Drop-Down menu to print either the visible screen (Option 1), or the entire report (Option 2).
Quick access is accomplished by entering P.1 or P.2 from the Insight Command line, depending on which print option you are interested in.
If you are on a panel that scrolls to the right (PF10/PF11), as well as down (PF7/PF8), like THRDACTV, option P.2 will print a report that encompasses all lines in the panel, as identified in the ITEM field in the top right of the screen, as well as all columns to the right, to the maximum line size (LRECL) specified of 255.
Any comments regarding the above tip are welcome, as are any questions!