Modifying Diagnostic Messages

Several methods are available to modify diagnostic message behavior and output.

  • The ERROR macro command can be used to output a diagnostic message given a particular diagnostic number.

  • The PPFUN/1 command allows the user to set the minimum severity level at which to start displaying diagnostic messages in the verification listing file. By default, all diagnostic messages are output to the verification listing.

  • The PPFUN/2 command is used to specify the threshold at which NC tape generation should be discontinued. By default, tape output is discontinued when a diagnostic with severity level 16 or higher is encountered.

  • The PPFUN/3 command can be used to output a custom diagnostic message using the standard GENER format.

  • The PPFUN/14 command is used to output a standard GENER diagnostic message. The diagnostic message is referenced by its number.

  • The PPFUN/15 command has two distinctive uses. It can be used to disable and enable specific diagnostic messages. It is also used to redefine the severity level of specific diagnostic messages.

  • The $FERSEV macro function can be used to get or set the diagnostic severity associated with a particular diagnostic number.

  • The $FERSTA macro function can be used to get or set the diagnostic enabled/disabled state associated with a particular diagnostic number.

The above facilities are run-time options to alter diagnostic message handling for a particular job. The pos260.err file provided with the Icam Post installation can be used as a starting point (see next section) to permanently alter standard diagnostic message severity and/or text, or add new diagnostic messages.