Common PF Keys Mapping Across Popular Terminal Emulators

PF (Program Function) keys are essential for navigating ISPF and mainframe systems. Different terminal emulators map these keys differently, which can be confusing when switching between emulators or working with different systems. This guide provides mappings for popular terminal emulators and explains how to find and customize PF key mappings.

Understanding PF key mappings is crucial for efficient mainframe work. The same PF key (like PF3 for End) may be triggered by different key combinations in different emulators. This guide helps you understand these differences and find the right keys for your emulator.

Understanding PF Keys

PF keys are function keys that send commands to the mainframe host. In ISPF, they're mapped to common operations:

Common ISPF PF Key Functions

TN3270 Emulator

TN3270 is IBM's official terminal emulator for mainframe access.

Default Mappings

Customization

TN3270 allows customization through the Settings menu:

• Go to Settings → Keyboard → Key Mapping
• Select PF key to customize
• Assign new key combination
• Save settings

PuTTY

PuTTY is a popular open-source terminal emulator that supports TN3270.

Default Mappings

Customization

PuTTY allows customization through the Configuration window:

• Go to Connection → Data → Terminal-type string
• Or use Keyboard settings in Terminal category
• Configure key mappings in Terminal → Keyboard
• Save session settings

SecureCRT

SecureCRT is a commercial terminal emulator with extensive customization options.

Default Mappings

Customization

SecureCRT provides extensive customization:

• Go to Options → Session Options → Keyboard
• Select Key Mapping tab
• Add or modify key mappings
• Assign PF keys to any key combination
• Save as session or global settings

MobaXterm

MobaXterm is a Windows terminal emulator with built-in X server.

Default Mappings

Customization

MobaXterm allows customization:

• Go to Settings → Configuration → Terminal
• Configure keyboard mappings
• Set function key behavior
• Save settings

x3270 (Unix/Linux)

x3270 is a Unix/Linux terminal emulator for TN3270.

Default Mappings

Customization

x3270 can be customized via configuration files:

• Edit ~/.x3270pro or ~/.s3270 configuration file
• Add key mapping definitions
• Use x3270 key mapping syntax
• Restart x3270 to apply changes

Finding Your Emulator's Mappings

If you're not sure about your emulator's PF key mappings, here's how to find them:

Method 1: Check Settings

• Open your terminal emulator's settings or configuration menu
• Look for "Keyboard", "Key Mapping", or "Function Keys" section
• View current PF key mappings
• Note the key combinations for each PF key

Method 2: Test in ISPF

• Connect to ISPF
• Try different key combinations (F1, Alt+F1, Ctrl+F1, etc.)
• Observe what happens (e.g., PF3 should exit/end)
• Document which combinations work

Method 3: Check Documentation

• Refer to your emulator's documentation
• Search for "PF keys", "function keys", or "key mapping"
• Look for TN3270 or mainframe-specific sections
• Check online forums or user communities

Customizing PF Key Mappings

Most emulators allow you to customize PF key mappings. Here's why and how:

Why Customize?

• Keyboard Limitations: Some keyboards don't have function keys
• Preference: You may prefer different key combinations
• Consistency: Match mappings from another emulator
• Efficiency: Optimize for your workflow

How to Customize

General steps for customizing PF keys:

• Open emulator settings/configuration
• Find keyboard or key mapping section
• Select PF key to customize
• Assign new key combination
• Test the new mapping
• Save settings (session or global)

Common Issues and Solutions

Common issues with PF key mappings and how to resolve them:

Issue 1: PF Keys Not Working

Problem: Pressing function keys doesn't trigger PF keys.

Solutions:

• Check if emulator is in TN3270 mode
• Verify terminal type is set correctly
• Try Alt or Ctrl combinations
• Check keyboard settings in emulator
• Verify function keys aren't disabled

Issue 2: Wrong PF Key Triggered

Problem: Pressing a key triggers the wrong PF key.

Solutions:

• Check current key mappings in settings
• Verify no conflicting mappings
• Reset to default mappings
• Reconfigure problematic keys

Issue 3: PF13-PF24 Not Accessible

Problem: Can't access PF13-PF24 (typically Shift+F1-F12).

Solutions:

• Try Shift+Function key combinations
• Check if Shift is being intercepted
• Remap PF13-PF24 to other keys
• Use alternative key combinations

Quick Reference Table

Quick reference for common PF keys across emulators:

Explain Like I'm 5: PF Keys

Think of PF keys like special buttons on a remote control:

• PF Keys are like the numbered buttons on your TV remote. Each button does something special - like button 3 might change the channel, button 7 might turn up the volume!
• Different Emulators are like different brands of remote controls. They all have the same buttons (PF1, PF2, etc.), but the buttons might be in different places or you might need to press them differently!
• Mapping is like a guide that tells you which button on your remote does what. If you have a Sony remote, the guide tells you where the "channel up" button is. If you have a Samsung remote, it might be in a different place!
• Customizing is like reprogramming your remote. If you don't like where a button is, you can change it to a different button that's easier for you to press!

So PF keys are like special buttons for controlling your mainframe - different emulators have them in different places, but they all do the same things, and you can customize them to work the way you want!

Practice Exercises

Practice working with PF keys:

Exercise 1: Identify Your Mappings

Objective: Identify PF key mappings in your emulator.

Steps:

• Open your terminal emulator settings
• Find keyboard or key mapping section
• Document PF1-PF12 mappings
• Document PF13-PF24 mappings
• Create a reference card for yourself

Exercise 2: Test PF Keys in ISPF

Objective: Test PF keys in ISPF.

Steps:

• Connect to ISPF
• Try PF1 (should show help)
• Try PF3 (should exit/end)
• Try PF7 and PF8 (should scroll)
• Try PF12 (should cancel)
• Document which key combinations work

Exercise 3: Customize a PF Key

Objective: Customize a PF key mapping.

Steps:

• Choose a PF key to customize (e.g., PF3)
• Open emulator settings
• Find key mapping configuration
• Assign new key combination to PF key
• Test the new mapping
• Save settings

Related Concepts