PASSPORT Knowledge Base
Configuration

Date Published: October 31, 2007

Date Updated: May 1, 2009

Title

Customizing the Keyboard

Product

PASSPORT PC to Host, PASSPORT Web to Host

Emulation Types

TN3270, TN5250, VT, SCO ANSI, Wyse 60

Issue

Can I customize the way my keyboard is mapped?

Solution

When you are in a PASSPORT session, your keyboard uses certain keys and key combinations to represent standard TN3270, TN5250, VT, SCO ANSI or Wyse 60 keys. The specific mapping of keys, or the keyboard layout, can be changed to one of several preset default layouts or can be customized to suit your preferences. Custom keyboard layouts are saved in keyboard map files with .zkb extensions. Keyboard settings are saved with the session profile, although custom keyboards are available to any session.

PASSPORT provides four industry standard keyboard layouts, also known a keyboard maps, plus the ability to create a custom keyboard map. The standard keyboard maps include PASSPORT, EXTRA!, Rumba and IBM Personal Communications.
 

Both the left and right control keys can be mapped. Usually, the right control key is mapped to the 3270 host ENTER key. In Java based solutions, such as IBM's Host on Demand, it is not possible to re-map the right control key or some other keys as well.
 

All keys can be re-mapped with the exception of the Shift keys, Alt keys, Caps Lock and Num Lock keys.

For PASSPORT PC to Host:

1. Choose the Options®Keyboard menu command.
2. Select the Language you would like to use.
3. Select one of the following standard keyboard maps: PASSPORT, EXTRA!®,  Rumba or IBM.
4. Click the Customize... button. The Customize Keyboard Editor dialog box will be displayed. The keyboard map that is used for the starting point is defined by the selections you made in steps 2 and 3 above.
5. Highlight the keyboard button you want to customize.
6. Select either the Normal, Shift, Ctrl, Alt, Alt-Gr, Alt-Shift, Alt-Ctrl, or Shift-Ctrl radio button located in the Define Function or Assignment area.
7. Click on the large Edit button on the right side of the dialog box. The Key Properties dialog box will display.
8. Select the Action Category and then select an Item within the category to be mapped to this keyboard key. Click the OK button.
9. Repeat steps 5 though 8 as many times as necessary.
10. When you are finished click the OK button to save and exit.
11. Enter a name for your custom keyboard map file and press the Save button.
12. The name of your custom keyboard map will appear in the Custom Keyboard Map area to let you know which custom keyboard is currently being used.
13. Click the OK button to exit.

For PASSPORT Web to Host:

From the Client:

Instructions are the same as those for PASSPORT PC to Host.

From the Administrator:

1. Start the PASSPORT Web to Host Administrator program.
2. Select Keyboard below the emulation type you are using.
3. Open an existing keyboard, or create a new one by right-clicking and selecting New
4. Customize the keys as desired according to steps 5-9 above.
5. Click OK to save the Keyboard.
6. Open the session profile that you would like to assign this Keyboard to.
7. Select the Options tab.
8. Locate and select the keyboard from the Keyboard list.
9. Click OK to save or Connect to test.

More Information

• If you are using PASSPORT Web to Host, you will only be able to edit the keyboard if you have been granted the appropriate permissions. If the Keyboard option is not available in your Options menu, you will need to contact your system administrator to enable these permissions.

• You must have an International license code in order to use foreign language keyboard maps or to view the user interface in languages other than English. You can request an International license code here: http://www.zephyrcorp.com/support/software-license.asp

Keywords

keyboard, key, map, customize, custom, layout, function