Using The Console Service Functions (65+21) - IBM i Series Handbook

details. If you do not see System Reference Code (SRC) x6xx500x (where the x can be any letter or
number) in the Function/Data display, then, see the information about handling and reporting
system problems in the Troubleshooting and service topic.
Note: If you are working with a console related problem the most common SRC code reported
would be A6005008. If you see any reference code of A600500x (where x can be any number)
then you can proceed with any console service functions (65+21) to debug or make changes.
Related reference
"Troubleshooting system reference code data" on page 95
If you receive any of these system reference codes (SRCs), you might have some problems in your
Operations Console configuration.

Using the console service functions (65+21)

Console service functions (65+21) are the emergency console recovery functions.
Note: This is a service function that requires familiarity of control panel functions. Improper use of this
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service function can cause the system to become unstable. Call your local support for assistance if
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| you have concerns about making your system unstable.
The following functions are available using the console service functions (65+21):
v Change the console type value (01-03)
You can use the console service functions (65+21) to change the console type from its current value to
another. For example, assume that you ordered your system with Operations Console LAN, but you
are having trouble getting it to work. If you have received the console cable for a directly attached
console, you might want to change the value from a 3 (LAN) to a 2 (direct).
v Clear the resource and configuration for the LAN adapter used by Operations Console (C3)
With this option, you can disassociate the current LAN adapter used for Operations Console. You
might use this option to overcome a mistake in the configuration. For example, assume that you made
a typing error and entered another device's IP address. At connection time, the client configured the
system's LAN adapter for use by the console, but the console fails to connect because the other device
is active. This option clears the system's network data for the console and allows you to delete the
client's configuration so that you can start over and make the BOOTP work again.
Depending on your intent to clear the LAN adapter configuration you might also want to stop and
restart the LAN adapter. The example here would benefit from following the clear function with a
deactivate and activate (A3) function to save time from having to do an IPL.
v Deactivate followed by an activate of the LAN adapter used by Operations Console (A3)
With this option, you can reset the LAN adapter used by Operations Console, when some network
problem causes the system to get into a bad state and the console cannot become active. This forces the
LAN adapter to deactivate, and then start back up again. This might clear up the problem, providing
the original problem that caused the connection failure has been solved.
This option may be used in place of an IPL for some circumstances, such as after a clear of the LAN
adapter configuration.
v Dump Operations Console flight recorders to vlogs (DD)
Note: This option will not work if the system performs IPL in D-mode.
This option will allow you to capture valuable debug information regarding a console connection
failure for support personnel. This method is less intrusive than performing a main storage dump
which would force an IPL. By using the console service functions (65+21) an attempt is made to gather
all the flight recorder logs from the many parts of the code used by Operations Console. A set of vlogs
is created for major code 4A00 and minor code 0500. These vlogs can then be sent to your service
provider for analysis.
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System i: Connecting to System i Operations Console