STRCPYSCN:

Often we have some scenarios where we would be required to demonstrate some functionality to a remote user operating the same AS400 Box. Though there are various third party tools like Sametime screen sharing etc., we also have the advantage of using the AS400 inbuilt command known as STRCPYSCN.

STRCPYSCN is a simple command that allows viewing or capturing all the screen output from an active 5250 session. So if we are in Hyderabad and onsite is in US, and both are running on the same i5 partition, we can easily see what the other is doing on his 5250 session by running the following command on the green-screen session.

STRCPYSCN SRCDEV(job_name) OUTDEV(*REQUESTER)

where job_name is the job name of the 5250 device session that we want to view.

After STRCPYSCN starts, i5/OS will show the following break message on the 5250 target screen that we are asking to monitor.

Type reply (if required), press Enter.
From . . . : JOE 05/10/06 20:53:47
Cause . . . . . : Start copy screen has been requested
with output to job_name. Reply C to prevent copy screen or
G to allow it. (C G)

Reply . . .

This message asks the target user for permission to monitor their session. If the user types in 'C', permission is denied and the command ends on the requesting session. If the user types in 'G', permission is granted and copies of the target session's 5250 screens will automatically be forwarded to receiver’s session, following along as the target user performs various i5/OS and menu commands.

There are a few things to be aware of, when running STRCPYSCN over a remote user's terminal session. First, receiver’s keyboard will be locked up during STRCPYSCN processing, and will not be able to run any commands on either the target 5250 session or on own session.

In addition, the forwarded screen captures on viewing machine will always be one screen behind those on the target machine. So the user will always have to be working one screen ahead in order to view the functions.

To end the user's STRCPYSCN session, run the End Copy Screen command (ENDCPYSCN).

While STRCPYSCN is not as elegant as other PC remote control programs, it serves the purpose of providing a quick and dirty way to troubleshoot 5250 green-screen problems without having any additional software loaded on the target machine. Besides helping troubleshooting, STRCPYSCN can also be used for demonstrating software functionality.