Host File Transfer

Send File to the Host

The Send File to Host utility allows users to upload local workstation files to a connected host session. The system automatically detects the session type (3270 Mainframe or 5250 AS/400) and adjusts the interface and transfer parameters accordingly.

  • Local File Name: The path and name of the file on your local computer. Use the Browse button to select a file. The system supports all file types, but transfer behavior depends on the selected transfer mode.

  • Host File name: The destination name on the host system.

3270 Host Filename & dataset logic: When transferring to a 3270 Mainframe host, the naming convention follows strict MVS/TSO rules. The application automatically handles the conversion between local PC filenames and host Dataset Names (DSN).
Table 1.
Dataset Type Description & Format
Sequential Dataset A single file on the host. Format: 'PROJECT.WORK.DATA'
PDS (Partitioned) A library containing multiple members. Format: 'PROJECT.WORK.LIB(MEMBER)'
Table 2. Rules and Limitations
Rule Constraint
Total DSN Length Maximum 44 characters (including dots).
Member Name Maximum 8 alphanumeric characters.
Naming Syntax Must start with an alphabet. No special characters like underscores and numerical values.
Automatic Suffix The system appends .text for text modes and bin for binary modes if not specified.

Working with Folders & the Staging area

The application supports uploading entire folders. If you have many files to send, you don't have to do them one by one. You can upload an entire folder.

  • The Staging Table: When you select a folder, all the files inside appear in a "Staging" list at the bottom of the window. This is your Draft Area. Before the files are actually sent, you can:
  • Review: See exactly where each file is going on the Host.
  • Edit: you can edit any field in the row by clicking the raw. Upon clicking, above fields will be populated from the selected row. And click the “update in list” button to get it reflected in the table.
  • Remove: If you accidentally included a file you don't want to send, just click the delete icon in the row.

Transfer Mode: Select between Text and Binary.

  • Text: Used for source code or readable documents. Uses ASCII/JISCII to EBCDIC conversion.
  • Binary: Used for executable files, PDFs, or images. No character conversion is performed.
  • Transfer option: The Transfer Option field is a concatenated command string sent to the host emulator. It is dynamically built using the following hierarchy:

    [Encoding] + [CRLF/APPEND] + [RECFM] + [LRECL] + [SPACE ALLOCATION]

Advanced transfer option settings:

Options for 3270

ASCII: Use this option for only text files and for files that you want to be converted from ASCII to EBCDIC. This is valid for SBCS languages.

JISCII: This option is valid for Japanese DBCS sessions only and converts 1-byte codes to EBCDIC and 2-byte codes to IBM Kanji. JISCII inserts shift in/shift out (SI/SO) characters into DBCS fields.

CRLF: Carriage Return and Line Feed. CRLF (x'0D0A') is removed from the end of each line. EOF (x'1A') is removed from the end of a file.

LRECL: Logical record length, How "wide" each line of data is. Common values are 80 or 133.

The record length of a file sent from the local workstation to the host system might not exceed the logical record length specified here. It must be restricted to numeric values up to 32760

RECFM: How the Host organizes the data inside. "V" (Variable) is the most common default.

  • Default - The record format is automatically selected by the host system.

  • Fixed - Specifies the number of bytes in each host record.

  • Variable - When sending a file to VM/CMS, you can conserve host disk space by specifying a record format of the variable.

  • Undefined - This option is available for MVS/TSO only.

Allocation Units

This defines the "ruler" used to measure the file size.

  • Tracks (TRK): The most common unit of measurement on Mainframe disks. A single track on a standard 3390 device holds about 56,664 bytes.

  • Cylinders (CYL): A larger unit used for very big files. One Cylinder equals 15 Tracks (approx. 850 KB).

  • Blocks (BLK): Measures space based on a specific average block size. This is often used when the exact record count is known.

    Primary Allocation

    The Primary Value is the initial amount of space the system reserves immediately when the transfer starts.

    • Rule of Thumb: This should be large enough to hold the entire file if possible.

    • Example: For a 5MB file, a Primary value of 120 Tracks is a safe starting point.

    Secondary Allocation

    The Secondary Value acts as a "safety net." If the file is larger than the Primary space, the system will automatically add "extents" (extra chunks of space) using this value.

    • How it works: The system can add up to 15 secondary extents. If the file is still not finished after the 15th extent, the transfer will fail with a "Space Abend" (B37 or E37 error).

    • Recommendation: Always set a secondary value (e.g., 10-20% of your primary) to handle unexpected file growth.

Options for 5250

SRC: This option specifies the i5/OS or OS/400 file type to be used for the transfer. If the host file does not exist, then a new file is created with the file type "Source physical file". This option is applicable only for the files in the QSYS library file system.

DTA: This option specifies the OS/400 file type to be used for the transfer. If the host file does not exist, then a new file is created with the file type "Physical data file". This option is applicable only for the files in the QSYS library file system.

LRECL(n): This option specifies the logical record length when creating a file on the i5/OS or OS/400 operating system. It can have the following values:

  • An integer from 1 through 32766 when Host File Type is set to Source physical file.

  • An integer from 1 through 32754 when Host File Type is set to Physical data file.

  • It is ignored when the Host File Type is set to Save file.

SAVF: This option specifies the i5/OS or OS/400 file (binary files) type to be used for the file sent. If the host file does not exist, a new file is created with the file type "save file". If this option is specified, then the transfer mode must be binary. Also, this option is applicable only for files under the QSYS library file system.

Receive File from the Host

1. Introduction

The Receive File from Host utility allows you to download datasets (Mainframe) or members (AS/400) from a host system directly to your local workstation. The interface adapts based on whether you are connected to a 3270 (Mainframe) or 5250 (AS/400) session.

2. Starting a Download

Step 1: Specify the Host Filename

Enter the name of the file currently residing on the host.

  • 3270 Sessions: Enter the Dataset name (e.g., 'PROD.DATA.FILE'). If you are downloading a member from a PDS, use the format 'PROD.BASE.LIB(MEMBER)'.

  • 5250 Sessions: Enter the library path (e.g., /QSYS.LIB/MYLIB.LIB/MYFILE.FILE/MYMBR.MBR).

  • Tip: You can use the Host File Browse icon (if available) to navigate and select the file graphically.

Step 2: Set the Local Destination

This is where the file will be saved on your computer.

  • The system will automatically suggest a filename based on the host name you entered. For example, if you are downloading a text file from a 3270 session, it will automatically append .txt to the local name.

Step 3: Choose the Transfer Mode

  • Text Mode: Use this for source code, logs, or reports. The system will convert the data from EBCDIC (Host) to ASCII (Local) so you can read it in Notepad or Excel.

  • Binary Mode: Use this for compiled programs, images, or compressed files. No conversion is performed, ensuring the file remains exactly as it is on the host.

3. Managing Your Transfer Lists

Above the transfer table, you will see the List Management tools. These allow you to save your entire queue of files so you don't have to re-type the filenames tomorrow.

Saving a List

Once you have added one or more files to the table:

  1. Click the Save List button.

  1. Enter a unique name for your list (e.g., Daily_Morning_Downloads).

  1. Click Ok. All files currently in your queue are now saved under this name.

Opening a Saved List

To bring back a list you previously saved:

  1. Click the Open List button.

  2. A window will appear showing all your saved lists.

  3. Select the list you want and click Ok.

  4. The table will instantly fill with the Host and Local filenames exactly as you saved them.

Deleting a List

To clean up old or unused lists:

  1. Click the Delete List (or Manage List) button.

  2. Select the name of the list you wish to remove.

  3. Click Ok.

Transfer option:

ASCII: Use this option for only text files and for files that you want to be converted from ASCII to EBCDIC. This is valid for SBCS languages

JISCII: Use this option only for text files and files you want converted from JISCII to EBCDIC. This is valid for DBCS languages.

CRLF: Carriage Return and Line Feed. CRLF (x'0D0A') is removed from the end of each line. EOF (x'1A') is removed from the end of a file.