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How do I translate an EBCDIC file with packed-decimal fields
into ASCII?
You must purchase the Level 2, 3 or 4 EBCDIC conversion package described
on this page. You also need a file layout description, preferably a COBOL
"copy-book", which describes the location of the different fields in
the file. There is no automatic way of figuring this out. (However, we can usually
determine the packed fields from a sample file which does not contain multiple types
of records.) These field values are entered into the .LAY data layout file which
controls the conversion process.
NOTE: Be sure that the
EBCDIC file was copied to your PC in "binary" mode. If any
hardware/software was used to translate from EBCDIC to ASCII, the packed fields
will be corrupted and the original data unrecoverable.
Why can't I just use the EBCDIC/ASCII conversion in my ftp or tape program?
A simple byte-for-byte EBCDIC/ASCII conversion will corrupt all the packed
fields. (E.g. convert many numbers to zero.) Only specialized software that has
information about the specific fields can convert EBCDIC files with packed fields.
Do I need the Level 2, 3 or 4 conversion package?
If the description above is not sufficient, or you don't understand EBCDIC files
well enough, please send (fax or e-mail) us the file layout specification, e.g.
the COBOL "copy-book" and we will determine what level is needed. If possible,
please also "zip" up and send us the EBCDIC file or a small sample file; typically
just the first dozen records is enough. We will then examine the file(s) and
determine which conversion package you need. If your needs change, you can later
update to a more comprehensive EBCDIC package for the price difference.
What if I don't know and don't have time to learn about EBCDIC?
We will also give you a quotation for a ready-to-run "turn-key" solution; in this case
we create the .LAY file, convert your first data file, and supply you with the
tools to convert additional files by simply running a batch file.
How do I fully automate the conversion process?
The conversion process is always fully automated. The .LAY
data layout file lists the record lengths and the location of the packed-decimal,
packed-binary and other special fields. The conversion is started from a command line,
batch file or icon. The conversion can automatically save the file and exit; no user
intervention at all is required.
For example, Windows NT can be set up to automatically download a
mainframe file from an ftp site, and then convert it to ASCII with our package.
You mentioned the .LAY data layout file; what does one look
like?
The conversion process is completely controlled by a .LAY data layout
file. It lists the record length and the location of the packed-decimal,
packed-binary and other special fields. Here is a very simple example to convert an EBCDIC file
with three packed-decimal, one packed-binary and one zoned (signed) field:
//
// EBCDIC.LAY - Specify fields and options for converting
// EBCDIC files with packed fields into ASCII.
//
h=0 //There is no header to ignore
r=76,0 //Record length is 76, convert to DOS/Win newlines
d 10-14 //Packed-decimal
d 20-21 //Packed-decimal
d 22-23 //Packed-decimal
b 30-33 //Packed-binary
z 42-46 //Zoned number (5 digits plus sign)
Sometimes it is more convenient to specify the type and size of each field instead of
its beginning and ending columns. The following variation of the example above shows this:
//
// EBCDIC.LAY - Specify fields and options for converting
// EBCDIC files with packed fields into ASCII.
//
h=0 //There is no header to ignore
r=76,0 //Record length is 76, convert to DOS/Win newlines
e +9 //9 columns of EBCDIC text (1 - 9)
d +5 //5 columns of Packed-decimal (10-14)
e +5 //5 columns of EBCDIC text (15-19)
d +2 //2 columns of Packed-decimal (20-21)
d +2 //2 columns of Packed-decimal (22-23)
e +6 //6 columns of EBCDIC text (24-29)
b +4 //4 columns of Packed-binary (30-33)
e +8 //8 columns of EBCDIC text (34-41)
z +5 //5 columns of Zoned number (42-46)
e +30 //30 columns of EBCDIC text (47-76)
A COBOL "Copy Book" can be pasted into the .LAY file or converted
into a .LAY file. This simplifies creating the .LAY file. Here is an example:
//
// COBOL.LAY - Sample COBOL copy book for converting
// EBCDIC files with packed fields into ASCII.
//
h=0 //There is no header to ignore
r=114,0 //114-byte fixed length records; with <CR><LF>
o=z //Output leading zeros (blank '+' sign; sign at end)
p= //Start of COBOL data specifications
//Vedit comments and blank lines are OK here
******************************************************* 000100
* * 000110
* SAMPLE COPY BOOK * 000120
* * 000130
* RECSIZE = 114 BYTES * 000140
* * 000150
******************************************************* 000160
000170
01 SAMPLE-REC. 000180
03 SA-KEY. 000190
10 SA-KEY-ALPHA PIC X(7). 000200
10 SA-KEY-NUMERIC PIC 9(2). 000250
03 SA-PAC-DEC-1 PIC 9(7)V99 COMP-3. 000300
03 FILLER PIC X(5). 000350
03 SA-PAC-DEC-2 PIC 999 COMP-3. 000400
03 SA-PAC-DEC-3 PIC S9(3) COMP-3. 000450
03 FILLER PIC X(6). 000500
03 SA-SIGNED-BINARY PIC S9(9) COMP. 000550
03 FILLER PIC X(8). 000600
03 SA-ZONED-DECIMAL PIC S9(5). 000650
03 FILLER PIC X(68). 000700
q= //End of COBOL data specifications
How much documentation comes with these EBCDIC packages?
Each EBCDIC package includes a text file which describes in detail how
to run the software. Most of the documentation describes how to create the
.LAY layout
file. Customers who are not familiar with EBCDIC files often contract us to create the
.LAY file(s) for them and convert their first file.
Click here to view the documentation
supplied with the Level-2 EBCDIC conversion package. This documentation is
included with the VEDIT for Windows trial version.
Click here to view the documentation
supplied with the Level-3 EBCDIC conversion package.
Click here to view the documentation
supplied with the Level-4 EBCDIC conversion package.
What about an EBCDIC file with different types of records?
The Level-3 and Level-4 packages can convert EBCDIC files that contain different types
of records, even of different lengths. Such an EBCDIC file can either be converted into
one ASCII file, or into multiple ASCII files, one ASCII file per record type. The
different types of records are identified with a "key" field or fields. The
conversion packages support all kinds of keys - specific value keys, packed-decimal keys,
key ranges, default record types, headers, footers, etc. Since EBCDIC files with different
types of records and variable length records can be quite complex, most customers prefer
to use our contract services and purchase a ready-to-use "turn-key" solution for
such files. We typically complete such work within two days.
Can VEDIT also translate from ASCII to EBCDIC?
Yes, VEDIT can also perform a simple character-by-character translation
from ASCII to EBCDIC. The Level-4 package can also translate from ASCII to EBCDIC
with packed fields, including variable length records.
Can VEDIT translate from non-English EBCDIC characters to ANSI?
Yes. VEDIT has a built-in EBCDIC to ASCII translation table for normal
text characters which is optimized for English. However, the EBCDIC translation table is
also supplied as a file EBCDIC.TBL which can easily be modified and loaded into VEDIT.
This supports non-English characters and any non-standard EBCDIC characters that you might
have.
How soon can I start converting my files?
After placing your order, we will e-mail you the EBCDIC conversion software.
You can realistically have your first file converted within an hour! And we are
readily available to help in case you encounter any problems.
If you have us create a ready-to-run "turn-key" solution for
you, we typically complete this work within 2 business days.
What about support? What if it just doesn't work?
We provide very personal service to ensure that you get your files converted
correctly and quickly. You can e-mail or call Ted Green (sales), Tom Burt (contract work
and main programmer) or George Christman (contract work and support) and we will
immediately help you with any questions or problems.
We have been able to convert every EBCDIC file encountered in the last year;
over a hundred different formats. Therefore, we are confident that you too will
be very pleased with our software and services, and that we can accurately
convert your particular files. Of course, we also offer a 30-day money-back
guarantee on the software. (The return rate is less than one percent.)
Who can read and convert my 9-track and cartridge tapes?
Unless you have compatible tape drives on your PC, the first step in
translating data on 9-track or cartridge tape is to transfer the data to
CD-ROM. We can do this for you, or you can use another, perhaps local, service
bureau. Be sure that the copy is
in "binary" or "raw" mode so that no data is lost.
Currently, we can only transfer 9-track tapes in-house; we use a local
affiliated company to transfer IBM 3480, 3490 and 3590 tapes to CD-ROM.
Pricing is $100 to $125 per tape. Please call us for details.
Where can I purchase a 9-track or IBM cartridge tape drive for my PC?
If you are transferring two or more tapes a month, you may want to consider
purchasing your own tape drive. We recommend Comco,
Inc. as a source for new and reconditioned SCSI compatible tape drives.
They can supply you with the drive, the Adaptec SCSI controller and software
to read and write tapes.
What about 3780 BSC & I.P. file transfer technologies?
A great source for 3780 BSC communication software and hardware
is CTI Communications. They offer
support for Windows (95/98 & NT), DOS, UNIX and Linux platforms.
You can order the EBCDIC conversion packages on-line or by calling us. You
will immediately receive a serial number and directions for downloading and
installing VEDIT PLUS for Windows. After processing your order, we will promptly
e-mail you the EBCDIC conversion software, typically within a few hours during
normal business hours (9am-5pm, Mon-Fri, Eastern
Standard Time). If you need the software immediately, please contact
us directly, preferably by calling 1-800-458-3348.
|
NOTE: |
Since the current printed manuals are for version 5.2,
we recommend purchasing updates without printed manuals at this time. We
plan on having new 6.0 manuals available as .PDF files in April, and
printed manuals in May. Printed manuals can then be purchased for
$19 plus shipping. Thank you. |
|
VEDIT PLUS Deluxe with EBCDIC Level-2 - $544.00
Includes VEDIT PLUS Deluxe for Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP and DOS,
CD-ROM and printed manuals. (650+ pages)
EBCDIC Level-2 software, 1-Year of support and updates. Single user license. |
|
VEDIT PLUS Deluxe with EBCDIC Level-3 - $744.00
EBCDIC Level-3 software, 1-Year of support and updates. |
|
VEDIT PLUS Deluxe with EBCDIC Level-4 - $944.00
EBCDIC Level-4 software, 1-Year of support and updates. |
|
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