Data Entry Keyboard - IBM 3270 Operator's Manual

Data Entry Keyboard
Introduction
Only the basic Data Entry keyboard (Figure 3-3) is discussed in this section.
Both types of Data Entry keyboards (basic Data Entry configuration/Data Entry
Keypunch Layout) contain the same keys. Some of the keys are at different
locations; however, the functions performed are identical on both keyboards.
The Data Entry keyboard combines the features of the typewriter keyboard with
those of the familiar keypunch keyboard. The alphabet keys are arranged accord-
ing to the typewriter touch system, and a group of the right-hand keys serves two
purposes, for digits as well as letters. These keys are arranged like the corre-
sponding keys on a keypunch keyboard. A three-finger touch system for the
numeric keys can be used from the normal home position of the alphabetic key-
board. The touch system for the 10 numeric keys is: index finger for the I, 4,
and 7; middle finger for the 2, 5, and 8; and ring finger for the 0,3,6, and 9.
All other keys that have two characters on the key face also have two purposes.
The character displayed is determined by whether the keyboard is in Alphabetic
Mode or Numeric Mode when the key is pressed. Alphabetic Mode is the normal
state of the keyboard, and the lower character on the key face displays when you
press the key with the keyboard in this mode. To display the upper character,
you must shift the keyboard into Numeric Mode. This is done by pressing the
Numeric Shift key (
0 )
or the Numeric Lock (
&J )
key. A more detailed· .
discussion of these keys is presented later.
Some of the keys have a function name or symbol on the front of them. These
keys are called alternate function keys. To perform the functions on the front
. of these keys you must shift the keyboard into Alternate Mode and then press
the alternate function key. To do this, press and hold down the ALT(Alternate
Shift) key, then press the desired alternate function key.
Whenever the cursor enters a program-defined numeric input field on your screen,
the display station will automatically shift the keyboard into Numeric Mode.
Without shifting your hands from the home position or pressing any keys to shift
modes, you can key a numeric field with the right hand only. While keying in
the numeric field, your left hand is free for document handling if it is required.
After you have keyed your input digits into the field, and as the cursor leaves the
numeric field, the keyboard shifts back to Alphabetic Mode. This permits you
to key an alphabetic field with both hands.
Chapter 3. Keyboards 3-17