Find out DCB information of existing TAPE dataset

anishdosslin · New User Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1

Hi,

I am developing a REXX tool that has to find out information like LRECL, BLKSIZE et al of a set of tape datasets and write them into a file.

Please let me know how to go about this.

Regards
Anish

ofer71 · Posted: Thu Dec 29, 2005 12:09 pm

anishdosslin -

REXX is a programming language. It does not have access to datasets directly, but only through "others", like TSO commands or ISPF services.
Even the famous LISTDSI function is actually a TSO function.

Ask your system guys what kind of TMS (tape management system) you have. Then, read the manual and find the best way to interface it from within REXX.

O.

mak_tcs · Posted: Thu Dec 29, 2005 12:32 pm

Dear Anish,

I dont think you can get Tape Parameters through REXX. U need to refer Tape Management System to do the same!

But I can give you the code which helps you to find parameters of a sequential file;

ofer71 · Posted: Thu Dec 29, 2005 12:41 pm

IBM's REXX reference states that you can't use LISTDSI to retrieve tape information.

O.

MGIndaco · Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2005 1:44 am

I'm in accord with ofer71 but if you want to use rexx anyway I suggest you to run IEBANTP to retrieve every kind of information about your tape.

P.S. = I never tested it with virtual tape only with 3480/3490

punitsurana · New User Joined: 17 Jan 2006 Posts: 6

Hi MGIndaco,

Could you please provide a sample REXX using the IEBANTP Command?

Thanks and Regards,
Punit Surana

sureshrathnam · Posted: Mon Jan 12, 2009 11:20 pm

DSLIST can list the volume and storage device type. You may call DSLIST from either Clist or REXX.

Below is the example in REXX

X = Outtrap("OUT.",20)
LISTDS DSN DSN === Your tape or DASD dataset name
X = Outtrap("OFF")

Below is the trapped output of DSLIST

VOLSER-DEV---TYPE-----------DSN----
U84388 3490 NON-VSAM ------DSN name CATALOG: SYS1.ICFUCAT.TSTWT040

where U84388 is the volume (ignore)

3490 is storage device for tape. (3390 is for DASD datasets.)

dick scherrer · Posted: Tue Jan 13, 2009 1:19 am

Hello and welcome to the forum,

First - please be aware that you have replied to a topic that has been inactive for 2 years. It is best to reply to current, active topics.

Second - when providing info, please provide what was requested rather than something else. The request was for "dcb" type info and what the posted code provides is catalog info.