Operation
24
Paging Feature
The number of formats supported, the different ways in which to initiate a page, keyup
delay, tone levels, and frequency equalization curves are all organized to allow the end
users to operate the remote in the ways that suit their needs rather than reorganizing their
operations to suit the remote.
The formats supported by the Digital Tone Remote are DTMF (both pre-programmed
page and live), Two-Tone 100-call, Two-Tone 1000-call, 5-Tone (0 to 4 digit strapping
available), and Pulsed-Tone Dialing (similar to the old IMTS signaling). Each one of these
formats can be assigned to one or more leading digits when the remote is programmed by
the installer. The equalization curve to use during the transmission of a page in each
format can be assigned at the same time. This allows the remote to compensate for
whatever losses the path has and ensures the tones arrive at the transmitter in adequate
condition to make a good page.
The Digital Tone Remote has an internal data base which allows you to pre-define the
paging parameters for certain users. The reason for having a database, as opposed to just
making the operator manually enter each capcode before paging, becomes more obvious
as such features as alphanumeric labels for the users and stack paging are discussed.
The remote has a fifty user database in which it holds the capcodes, alphanumeric labels,
and transmitter assignments (if any) of individual users. The entries are used to support
both identifying pages for the operator before they are sent and the programming of stack
pages. In a different part of this database the remote stores the lists for the ten stack pages
it can hold. Each stack page can include up to ten individual pages.
Leading Digit Entry
When the remote is programmed by the installer, each of the paging formats that it will
support is assigned a “leading digit” along with all its other parameters such as tone
groups, tone timing, strapped digits, and which equalization curve to use. To use this
method of paging entry, the operator enters a digit on the DTMF keypad while the remote
is not transmitting. If the digit pressed is not assigned as a leading digit the operator will
see an error message to that effect. If the digit is a valid leading digit for a paging format,
then the second line of the LCD display will show the leading digit and a series of dashes
that indicates the required number (or the maximum number) of characters to be entered
for that format. The operator then enters the rest of the capcode for the pager or radio they
wish to signal. As the capcode is entered, the Digital Tone Remote will scan its 50-user
database for a match, and if it finds one it will show the name of the user on the top line of
the display. This feature allows the operator to confirm their entry prior to making the
page. If the entry is not in the database but conforms to the requirements of the format, the
remote will continue to show just the information entered. To make the page, simply press
the Page Send button. To cancel a page without transmitting, press the CLEAR button. If
the entry made after the leading digit does not conform to the requirements of the format,
the remote will return an error message. Use the CLEAR button to cancel the entry and try
again.
