Jobs system values: Initial printer output block size

Controls the initial size of an internal control block (SCB). (QJOBSPLA)

Initial printer output block size, also known as QJOBSPLA, is a member of the jobs category of i5/OS™ system values. You can use this system value to specify the initial size for the spooling control block for a job. (There is one spooling control block for each job in the system.) To learn more, keep reading.

Quick reference
Location In iSeries™ Navigator, select your system, > Configuration and Service > System Values > Jobs > Printer Output
Special authority None
Default value 3516
Changes take effect At the next restart of the iSeries server.
Lockable No

What can I do with this system value?

You may specify the initial size of the spooling control block for a job. (There is one spooling control block for each job in the system.) The spooling control block records information about inline spooled files and output spooled files. This value primarily affects auxiliary storage requirements and has little affect on performance. The auxiliary storage is retained for every job known to the system. Possible values are 3516 through 32767.

The allocated area is made up of standard control information plus a separate set of control information for each inline spooled file. The default is 3516 bytes, which allows for about 8 inline spooled files per job. If your typical job uses more than the 8 inline files and you are not concerned with an additional 4 KB allocation per job, a good choice would be 8192 bytes. This allows for approximately 59 inline spooled files per job.

Where can I get more information about this system value?

To learn more, go to the jobs system values overview topic. If you are looking for a specific system value or category of system values, try using the i5/OS system value finder.

Related concepts
System values: Jobs overview
Related information
System value finder