Add 1 to the seed each time?    Use the previous result as the seed ?


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Brian Donaldson" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 12, 2006 17:35
Subject: [HP3000-L] Cobol Function RANDOM "Problem" Issue



I’m using the combination of the system date (X8) and time (X8) as the  seed
for the Cobol function RANDOM (e.g. 2006121309215430 may be the date/time
combo seed). Works fine the first time it is executed. The result being moved
into a PIC S9(18) COMP field.
The problem is that the next time around executing this routine the
date/time combo may not have advanced any, therefore giving me the same
“random”
number.
I thought the date/time combo might be unique but obviously not. Then I
thought  by pausing the program for  one second before getting the system
date/time again might help things  along.
The problem with that -- the run time of the program is  significantly
increased.
Has anyone any idea on how to pass a (more) unique seed number to the  random
function?
Any and all  suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
TIA,
Brian  Donaldson.


* To join/leave the list, search archives, change list settings, *
* etc., please visit http://raven.utc.edu/archives/hp3000-l.html *

* To join/leave the list, search archives, change list settings, *
* etc., please visit http://raven.utc.edu/archives/hp3000-l.html *