IBM 2922 explained

The IBM 2922 Programmable Terminal is a Remote Job Entry (RJE) terminal introduced by IBM in 1972.[1] The 2922 communicates using Binary Synchronous Communications (Bisync).

The 2922 and associated peripherals were RPQs; that is, special-order equipment not on the standard price list. The system is a repackaging of an IBM System/360 Model 20 and peripherals for use as a dedicated terminal.

Standard components

The 2922-1 Terminal Control Unit (RPQ 810563) has the same instruction set architecture as the Model 20. It incorporates 8,192 bytes of 3.6 μs magnetic-core memory. The control unit also contains the Binary Synchronous Communications Adapter (BSCA) integrated into the Terminal Control Unit that supports a single line at speeds up to 7200 bits per second.[2]

The 2922-2 Terminal Printer (RPQ 810564) is a repackaged 1403 printer. The printer uses a print chain and provides a page width of 132 characters using fanfold paper. The controls and indicators for the printer are located on the front panel of the Terminal Control Unit, except for a duplicate start key on the rear of the printer.

The 2922-3 Terminal Card Reader (RPQ 810565) is a repackaged 2501, an optical punched card reader for 80-column cards with a rated speed of 500 cards per minute. The controls and indicators for the card reader are located on the front panel of the Terminal Control Unit.

Optional components

One IBM 2152 printer/keyboard could be attached to an adapter in the Terminal Control Unit. This device has a selectric print mechanism and resembles the 1052 printer/keyboard used as a console on many System/360 computers. It operates at 15.5 characters per second.

One IBM 1442 Model 5 card punch could be attached to an adapter in the Terminal Control Unit. The 1442 can punch 80-column cards at a rate of 91 cards per minute if all 80 columns are punched.

Software

The 2922 has no disk; however, magnetic core has the property of retaining programs loaded from cards through power on-off cycles.

IBM supplied a remote job entry program for the 2922 as Type 2 Field Developed Program (FDP).[3]

DOS/VS POWER Workstation Support for the IBM 2922 (FDP 5198-BBY) handles communication with a DOS/VS system using POWER software for remote job entry.

Users

In 1974 Computerworld reported that the State of Mississippi was using six 2922 terminals to communicate with a central System/370 Model 145.[4]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: IBM Corporation. DPD Chronology 1972. IBM Archives. February 12, 2013.
  2. Book: IBM Corporation. IBM 2922 Programmable Terminal RPQ 810563, 810564, 810565 Component Description. 1972.
  3. Book: IBM Corporation. IBM System/360 and System/370 Bibliography. 1974.
  4. News: Centralization Saves $500,000 Annually for Miss.. February 12, 2013. Computerworld. July 17, 1974.