Multiple console support (MCS) in VTAM

An operator can enter VTAM® commands and receive messages at the system master console and at designated secondary consoles. To enter VTAM commands at a secondary console, the console must be authorized to accept commands from command group 1 (system control group) and command group 2 (I/O control group).

A VTAM command response goes to the console where the command was entered. Depending on their contents, VTAM messages use routing codes 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, or 10.

Therefore, a secondary console should be assigned routing codes based on the kinds of VTAM messages that are to be routed to that console.

To determine the routing codes used by particular messages, see z/OS Communications Server: SNA Messages.

The operator can change command authorization and message routing using the MVS™ command VARY. The following command, for example, designates a secondary console where any VTAM command can be entered and where any VTAM message that has not been suppressed can be received:

VARY 01F,CONSOLE,AUTH=(SYS,IO)

The channel device name of the console is 01F. It is authorized to enter commands from Command Group 1 (SYS) and Command Group 2 (IO). This console receives all messages that have not been suppressed.

Details about using the VARY command to designate a secondary console are contained in the MVS reference document z/OS MVS System Commands.