GB2164512A

GB2164512A - Radio with program lock

Info

Publication number: GB2164512A
Application number: GB08522275A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Joseph Bareli; Alex Shani
Original assignee: Motorola Israel Ltd
Current assignee: Motorola Solutions Israel Ltd
Priority date: 1984-09-15
Filing date: 1985-09-09
Publication date: 1986-03-19
Also published as: GB8522275D0; GB8423359D0; IL76294A0

Abstract

When a radio which can be programmed to store different sets of operating parameters for different channels is to be used by an unskilled operator, it is desirable that the radio only be operated with preprogrammed channels and that the programming functions be disabled. Therefore the radio includes a key or magnetic card-actuated switch 4 which provides a signal depending on its position to a microprocessor 3 which selectively disables selected keypads on a keyboard 2 in response. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Radio with program lock This invention relates to radio communication apparatus, referred to hereafter as a radio, of the sort having a plurality of communication channels whose frequencies and operating conditions can be selected by an operator and stored in a memory if desired.

To take full advantage of the capabilities of such a radio requires that the operator be fully trained in its use. At times, however, it may be desirable for the radio to be used for simple communications by an unskilled operator.

Thus, the controls should be self-explanatory and the possibility for human error reduced to a minimum.

Accordingly, the invention provides a radio communication apparatus (radio) having a first operating mode in which a first set of functions are available and a second operating mode in which both said first set and a second set of functions are available, and means for selecting either said first operating mode or said second operating mode whereby said second set of functions is effectively disabled or enabled respectively.

In a preferred embodiment, said first set of functions only allows the radio to be operated with preprogrammed channels whose operating parameters are stored in a memory and said second set of functions allows various operating parameters to be chosen for each channel and to be stored in said memory. Pre- ferably, said selection means comprises switching means which may be actuated by an operator and disabling means for disabling said second set of functions in response to a signal from said switching means.

The switching means conveniently comprises an electronic switch which produces said signal depending on its position and may be actuated by any desired means such as, for example, a key or a magnetic card.

The first and second sets of functions are preferably controlled from a keyboard including a plurality of keypads, and the disabling means is preferably a microprocessor which, on receiving said signal from said switching means, selectively disables the keypads.

One embodiment of a radio according to the invention will now be more fully described by way of example with reference to the drawing which is a block diagram of a selection means for selecting either the first or second operating modes.

Referring to the drawing, a radio of the type which can be programmed includes a keyboard 1 which is used by the operator for operating the radio and for selecting channeis and operating parameters such as frequency which are then displayed on a display 2. A microprocessor 3 controls the operation of the keyboard 1 and of the display 2 in dependence on a signal from a switch 4. The keyboard 1 includes a numeric keyboard for keying in the values of the channels and the frequencies and a set of function keys which are used for selecting operating parameters for the radio, for storing such parameters and frequencies in a memory and for recalling such preprogrammed channels.

When it is required for the radio to be used by an unskilled operator wha will only be using preprogrammed channels, it is desirable that only those keys requires for such use be available and that the keys which are used for programming the radio be disabled.

Thus, the microprocessor 3, on receiving a signal from the switch 4 disables a predetermined set of keys which includes all those required for programming the radio. The switch 4 is key-operated and in the alternate positions alternately completes and opens a path from a voltage source 5 to a ground reference 6 via a resistor 7 thus producing different signals constituted by different potential values at the microprocessor 3. Thus, in the limited-access mode the operator is permitted to recall preprogrammed channels for operations; to quickly select a distress-calling channel, to scan the channels, and to up/down the channels by pressing the appropriate keys on the keyboard. The display shows the number and frequency of the recalled channel, and outlines the operating conditions selected for that channel.

In the free-access operation of the radio, all the above limited-access operation functions are permitted and also all the desired frequencies within the operating range can be selected for immediate operation or can be stored in a memory.

If the operation of the radio is interrupted by turning off the radio, or by a power failure, the radio retains in its memory the last selected channel, frequency and operating conditions, to which the radio returns after power restoration, or turning on the radio again.

1. A radio communication apparatus (radio) having a first operating mode in which a first set of functions are available and a second operating mode in which both said first set and a second set of functions are available, and means for selecting either said first operating mode or said second operating mode whereby said second set of functions is effectively disabled or enabled respectively.

2. A radio according to claim 1 wherein said first set of functions only allows the radio to be operated with preprogrammed channels whose operating parameters are stored in a memory and said second set of functions allows various operating parameters to be chosen for each channel and to be stored in said memory.

3. A radio according to either claim 1 or

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Radio with program lock This invention relates to radio communication apparatus, referred to hereafter as a radio, of the sort having a plurality of communication channels whose frequencies and operating conditions can be selected by an operator and stored in a memory if desired. To take full advantage of the capabilities of such a radio requires that the operator be fully trained in its use. At times, however, it may be desirable for the radio to be used for simple communications by an unskilled operator. Thus, the controls should be self-explanatory and the possibility for human error reduced to a minimum. Accordingly, the invention provides a radio communication apparatus (radio) having a first operating mode in which a first set of functions are available and a second operating mode in which both said first set and a second set of functions are available, and means for selecting either said first operating mode or said second operating mode whereby said second set of functions is effectively disabled or enabled respectively. In a preferred embodiment, said first set of functions only allows the radio to be operated with preprogrammed channels whose operating parameters are stored in a memory and said second set of functions allows various operating parameters to be chosen for each channel and to be stored in said memory. Pre- ferably, said selection means comprises switching means which may be actuated by an operator and disabling means for disabling said second set of functions in response to a signal from said switching means. The switching means conveniently comprises an electronic switch which produces said signal depending on its position and may be actuated by any desired means such as, for example, a key or a magnetic card. The first and second sets of functions are preferably controlled from a keyboard including a plurality of keypads, and the disabling means is preferably a microprocessor which, on receiving said signal from said switching means, selectively disables the keypads. One embodiment of a radio according to the invention will now be more fully described by way of example with reference to the drawing which is a block diagram of a selection means for selecting either the first or second operating modes. Referring to the drawing, a radio of the type which can be programmed includes a keyboard 1 which is used by the operator for operating the radio and for selecting channeis and operating parameters such as frequency which are then displayed on a display 2. A microprocessor 3 controls the operation of the keyboard 1 and of the display 2 in dependence on a signal from a switch 4. The keyboard 1 includes a numeric keyboard for keying in the values of the channels and the frequencies and a set of function keys which are used for selecting operating parameters for the radio, for storing such parameters and frequencies in a memory and for recalling such preprogrammed channels. When it is required for the radio to be used by an unskilled operator wha will only be using preprogrammed channels, it is desirable that only those keys requires for such use be available and that the keys which are used for programming the radio be disabled. Thus, the microprocessor 3, on receiving a signal from the switch 4 disables a predetermined set of keys which includes all those required for programming the radio. The switch 4 is key-operated and in the alternate positions alternately completes and opens a path from a voltage source 5 to a ground reference 6 via a resistor 7 thus producing different signals constituted by different potential values at the microprocessor 3. Thus, in the limited-access mode the operator is permitted to recall preprogrammed channels for operations; to quickly select a distress-calling channel, to scan the channels, and to up/down the channels by pressing the appropriate keys on the keyboard. The display shows the number and frequency of the recalled channel, and outlines the operating conditions selected for that channel. In the free-access operation of the radio, all the above limited-access operation functions are permitted and also all the desired frequencies within the operating range can be selected for immediate operation or can be stored in a memory. If the operation of the radio is interrupted by turning off the radio, or by a power failure, the radio retains in its memory the last selected channel, frequency and operating conditions, to which the radio returns after power restoration, or turning on the radio again. CLAIMS

3. A radio according to either claim 1 or claim 2 wherein said selection means comprises switching means which may be actuated by an operator and disabling means for disabling said second set of functions in response to a signal from said switching means.

4. A radio according to claim 3 wherein said switching means comprises an electronic switch which produces said signal depending on its position.

5. A radio according to claim 4 wherein said electronic switch is actuated by a key which can be removed by the operator if desired.

6. A radio according to claim 4 wherein said electronic switch is actuated by a magnetic card.

7. A radio according to any preceding claim wherein said first and second set of functions are controlled from a keyboard including a plurality of keypads.

8. A radio according to claim 7 wherein said disabling means comprises a microprocessor which selectively disables said keypads on receiving said signal from said switching means.

9. A radio substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawing.