Motorola Astro Radio Software 68 81098e85 O Manual

							 
349  
group of radios of an incoming call. Channel Scan will not take place 
until the Call Alert or Voice Sel Call is cleared. Since Call Alert signals 
are acknowledged, dispatchers can verify whether targeted radios have 
received their signals.  
Call Alert Decode 
A series of tones sounded to alert the user to an incoming page.  
Call Light 
A visual indicator that flashes when a Call Alert or Voice SelCall is 
received.  
Call List 
A list of IDs from one or more signalling formats that is used to send a 
message simultaneously to individuals or a group. 
Carrier 
A term that represents any channel activity. 
Carrier Squelch (CSQ) 
The mode that a radio is in if the loudspeaker is unmuted when a 
transmitted signal is detected by the radio.
A radio receive mode of operation that uses receiver squelch as the 
only method of muting the speaker.
A transmit or receive squelch code selection that enables the radio to 
transmit or receive audio with no sub-audible data message. 
Channel 
A single path, separated by frequency or time divisions, for 
transmitting electrical signals. A receive (one-way) or receive-and-
transmit (two-way) frequency path. May also be referred to as “Mode” 
or “Zone”. 
Clear Mode Alert Tones 
In coded radio transmission, these tones are designed to warn the user 
the message being transmitted is unprotected. 
Cloning 
A Radio Service Software (RSS) function which allows quick 
duplication programming of a radio’s codeplug data to many radios. 
Electronic tuning/alignment information is the only data not copied. 
Cloning Cable 
A radio-to-radio connector cable used to program one radio’s 
personality into another. 
Codeplug 
The contents of the radio’s EEPROM that stores the radio’s personality 
information including configuration and calibration data. The radio’s 
personality consists of system ID, Unit ID and Fleet/Subfleet/
Talkgroup information, as well as the control channel information. 
The codeplug contains all the features and options stored in the 
codeplug. 
COMport 
The logical name of the serial port available on personal computers. 
These ports are referred to as COM1, COM2, COM3 or COM4 
respectively. 
Communications Port 
See “COMport”. 
Connect Tone 
A tone generated by the radio over the voice channel to the Trunked 
Repeater. Connect tone is used as a signal to the Central Controller 
that a specific voice channel has been assigned. There are eight 
different connect tones available: 76.60 Hz, 83.72 Hz, 90.00 Hz, 105.88 
Hz, 116.13 Hz, 128.57 Hz and 138.46 Hz. 
						

							 
350 Continuous Assignment 
Updating 
The ability of the Motorola Trunked system to ensure that a radio just 
coming into service will be sent to the appropriate voice channel to 
join the rest of the Fleet, Subfleet or Talkgroup. Once a group has been 
assigned a voice channel, the control channel will continue to 
transmit the voice channel information for that call for the duration 
of the call. 
Control Channel 
One of the four highest frequencies in a Trunking system that is used 
to provide a continuous two-way communications path between 
Central Controller and all radios on the system. 
Crystal Aging 
The natural process by which the resonant frequency of a crystal 
changes with time. 
DES Encryption 
A method of encryption that contains 7.2 x 10 
16 
 encryption keys. It 
was originally developed for the US Federal Government and is used 
to protect the security of confidential radio communications. 
DES-XL Encryption 
A method of encryption that contains 7.2 x 10 
16 
 encryption keys. It 
was originally developed for the US Federal Government and is used 
to protect the security of confidential radio communications 
DOS 
Computer’s disk operating system. Also see “Data Operated Squelch”. 
DPL 
Digital Private-Line™ Coded Squelch. A continuous sub-audible data 
signal that is transmitted along with a carrier. A radio that has DPL on 
the receive frequency will require both the presence of carrier and the 
correct DPL code before it will unmute. In addition, if the radio has 
DPL on the transmit frequency, the DPL code will be continuously 
relayed during transmissions made on that channel. 
DTMF 
Acronym for Dual-Tone Multiple Frequency signaling format, widely 
used in the telephone industry. Two tones are transmitted 
simultaneously at different amplitudes for each keypad key pressed. A 
sequential series on Dual Tone makes a data word. 
DVI-XL Encryption 
A method of encryption that contains 1.8 x 10 
19 
 encryption keys. It 
features a Motorola-proprietary algorithm and is used to protect the 
security of confidential radio communications. 
DVP 
See “Digital Voice Protection”. 
DVP Encryption 
A method of encryption that contains 2.36 x 10 
21 
 encryption keys. It 
features a Motorola-proprietary algorithm and is used to protect the 
security of confidential radio communications. 
DVP-XL Encryption 
A method of encryption that contains 7.9 x 10 
28 
 encryption keys. It 
features a Motorola-proprietary algorithm and is used to protect the 
security of confidential radio communications. 
Data 
Numerical information which tells the radio what to do. 
Data Operated Squelch (DOS) 
A fast attack MDC-1200 detector. If enabled, DOS will detect an 
incoming packet of the same signalling scheme as the radio and 
squelch the audio (i.e., mute the audio path) for the duration of the 
packet. A small blip of data will be heard but most of the packet will 
not be heard. 
						

							 
351 Default 
Standard radio settings. Also refers to standard settings that the RSS 
uses for input/output (I/O) port locations, file locations, display 
settings and other field values.The value a field will automatically 
contain if a user does not change it 
Default Drive 
The disk or diskette drive that the RSS will use to get or save data or 
files. You can change the default drive from the SERVICE SOFTWARE 
CONFIGURATION MENU ( 
F9 
). 
De-key 
Turning the radio transmitter to the off position. 
Deviation 
The measure of the amount of modulation applied to a transmitter 
signal. 
Digital Private-Line 
See “DPL”. 
Digital Voice Protection (DVP) 
One of several encryption algorithms used to protect the security of 
confidential radio communications. 
Disk Drives 
Magnetic media that the computer uses to store files. 
Display 
The CRT terminal that the computer displays information on. Also, 
the LED or LCD indicators on the radio. (See LED or LCD.) 
Dual Mode Operation 
The ability of a radio to operate in both conventional and Trunked 
modes. 
Dual-Tone Multiple Frequency 
See “DTMF”. 
Dynamic Regrouping 
A feature which allows a dispatcher to reassign talkgroup units 
without any action on the part of the radio users. The dispatcher may 
move selected units into other talkgroups, create new or special 
talkgroups consisting of selected units, and merge separate talkgroups 
into a single talkgroup. 
EEPROM 
Electronically-Erasable Read-Only Memory. Used by the radio 
microcomputer system to store the radio’s codeplug data (personality). 
EXTAL 
Crystal oscillator clock line. Provides the 3.888MHz input to the 
microcomputer. 
Emergency Alarm 
 This feature allows the user to notify the dispatcher of a crisis situation 
by simply pressing a button on the radio or flipping a hidden switch 
inside his or her vehicle. An alarm is immediately sent to the 
dispatcher along with the Unit ID so that assistance can be provided. 
This transmission will continue until the dispatcher acknowledges the 
emergency. 
Encoder Features 
Features relating to the transmit (or encode) portion of a signalling 
system(s). 
External Alarm 
A feature designed to let the dispatcher of emergency situations. When 
External Alarm is activated and a Call Alert is received, a pin on the 
accessory connector will have voltage on it for 7 seconds. This voltage 
can be used to activate a relay which can turn on the horn or lights. 
						

							 
352 Failsoft (F/S) 
A pre-assigned channel. In the event that the Central Controller 
should fail, the radios in the system will enter a “Conventional” 
Failsoft channel. Each Trunked repeater in the system will key and 
transmit a data word informing every radio in the system that the 
system has gone into the Failsoft mode and communication will act as 
a Conventional radio repeater. 
Field Choices 
A set of direct-entry values (or values that can be scrolled) from which 
the user may select to populate a field (feature) on an RSS screen. 
FLASHport™
 
A Motorola-proprietary technology that makes it possible to load new 
operating software onto radios equipped with the Flash EEPROM 
Memory Chip. Features and enhancements can thus be added based 
on changing user needs. 
Fleet 
A grouping structure used in Type I Trunking. A fleet is a group of radio 
users with a common functional responsibility who, under normal 
circumstances, coordinate actions among themselves. 
Fleet Call 
A type of call that can be directed simultaneously to all radios in the 
fleet. 
Fleet Mapping 
The process of identifying who needs to talk to whom and how 
individual radio users should be grouped. The fleet map also addresses 
expansion needs, that is, how many radios can be added to the system 
in future. 
Firmware 
Software or a software/hardware combination of computer programs 
and data, with a fixed logic configuration stored in a read-only 
memory. Information cannot be altered or reprogrammed. 
Frequency 
The location of the center of a channel of operation in the radio 
spectrum (typically measured in MHz). 
Function Keys 
The ten (or twelve) keys located on the PC keyboard that are labeled  
F1 
 through  
F10 
 (or  
F1 
 through  
F12 
) that perform specific functions 
within the RSS. 
GET 
The term used for the process by which personality data is transferred 
from a radio codeplug or from a radio archive file to the computer’s 
RAM for use by an RSS user. Synonymous with “READ”. 
Group 
A collection of radios the users of which communicate with each other 
on a regular basis. 
Group ID 
This ID is used to call a number of radios that form a group. 
Hz 
Hertz, or cycles per second. 
HandshakingThe data interchange that takes place between the radio and the 
Central Controller via the control and voice channels. This is to make 
sure that each side knows that the other is present on the channel and 
is ready to exchange information or allow voice conversation to 
proceed.
Hard DiskAn alterable permanent magnetic storage medium with a much larger 
storage capacity than a diskette, located inside the computer’s system 
unit. 
						

							353 HearClear™An advanced audio processing technology that reduces noise and 
provides crisp, clear audio. It can enhance reception even in marginal 
conditions. This type of processing is only used in Motorola 900 MHz 
systems and is not used in Motorola 800 MHz systems.
Home ChannelThe channel the user was on prior to pushing the SCAN button.
Home RevertThe channel the user will revert to when PTT is pressed while in scan 
mode unless the scan talkback feature is enabled. Defines the transmit 
channel requirement for a feature. Typically refers to scan mode 
operation.
kHzKilohertz, thousands of cycles per second.
KeyRefers either to a button on the radio or computers keyboard or to the 
act of turning the transmitter to the on position.
LCDLiquid Crystal Display.
LEDLight Emitting Diode. A visual indicator on the radio that flashes or 
glows.
Logic BoardThe circuit board within the radio that contains the embedded 
microprocessor and other logic-related components.
Low Battery AlertAn audible alert tone that is generated when the radio’s battery charge 
is low.
MDC-1200A Motorola-proprietary signaling format. It is a binary format using a 
1200-baud Minimum Shift Keying modulation. MDC-1200 is used for 
IDs, Selective Signaling, Emergency, Status/Message and Text.
MHzMegahertz, million of cycles per second.
MS-DOSMicrosoft Disk Operating System. The operating system used by IBM 
compatible computers.
MenuContains a list of functions that can be selected and performed by 
pressing a function key. Also see “Screen”.
Memory DialerA DTMF phone number dialer that stores up to 16 phone numbers. 
Each phone number can contain up to sixteen DTMF digits.
Message Time-Out TimerA timer in the system Central Controller that maintains a channel 
allocation for calling parties. The timer may be programmed to time 
out the channel allocation within 0 to 6 seconds after de-key.
Message TrunkingA type of Trunking operation. When PTT is released, a Portable radio 
will remain on the voice channel for a pre-programmed period of time. 
This allows other members of the talkgroup to respond without 
returning to the control channel for another voice channel 
assignment. Message Trunking is commonly referred to as Hangtime 
on the repeater. Message Trunking Systems generate less control 
channel traffic per conversation than Transmission Trunking Systems.
MicrocomputerThe central processing unit that controls the functions of the radio. 
						

							354 ModeA collection of personality values, such as frequency, PL codes and 
scan lists. A mode is assigned a number or name that is displayed on 
the front panel of the radio. Personality values are in effect for the 
mode displayed. May also be referred to as “channel” or “zone”.
Mode NumberThe number assigned to a particular mode.
Mode SlavedTerm used to describe features that are associated with a particular 
mode.
Mode Slaved ScanA type of scan that uses a scan list associated with a particular mode.
Mode Slaved Scan ListA scan list that is associated with a particular mode.
One Touch ButtonA radio feature that provides the ability to program a specific message, 
status, call or telephone number to one of the radio’s programmable 
side buttons.
Operating SystemA computer program that coordinates your computer’s activities such 
as memory allocation, file management, input and output operations, 
communications and interfacing to other application software 
packages, such as the RSS.
PLPrivate-Line Coded Squelch. A continuous sub-audible tone that is 
transmitted along with the carrier. A channel that has PL on the 
receive frequency will require both the presence of a carrier as well as 
the correct PL code before it will unmute. Also, if PL is on the transmit 
frequency, all transmissions on that channel will be modulated at a 
sub-audible level by the PL code. Modulation is continuous. Also, a 
generic term used to refer to both TPL and DPL.
PL CodeA two-digit alphanumeric code used to represent a specific sub-audible 
tone.
PTTPush-To-Talk feature or button located on the left side of the radio 
which, when pressed, causes the radio to transmit.
PTT-IDPush-To-Talk IDentification. A feature that identifies a caller instantly. 
When the user presses the radio transmit button, a signal is activated 
and the caller’s radio identification appears on the dispatcher’s 
console.
PortA parallel or serial hardware interface connection at the back of a 
computer used to communicate with other hardware devices, such as 
a radio, a modem, or a printer. Same as “COMport”.
PathThe location of a sub-directory on a disk or diskette. Paths start at the 
root directory of the disk or diskette and end at the directory 
containing the desired file. For example, the path C:\MRSS\MAXLS 
\ARCHIVE shows the hierarchy or ordering of directories that the 
computer must follow to find a file located in the directory called 
“ARCHIVE”.
Path NameSee “Path”.
PersonalityA term used to describe the data in the radio’s codeplug or in an 
archive file that contains a set of unique features that is radio or 
customer specific. 
						

							355 Personality FileA file that contains the data to be stored in a radio’s EEPROM. This file 
contains information such as receive frequency, transmit frequency, 
squelch code, and so on.
Pop-up WindowA message area that overlaps on a data entry/display area; used to 
indicate a data entry error or to verify destructive commands and 
provide function key choices for the next course of action. Also known 
as the Dialog Box.
PortAn input/output (I/O) port that transmits data one bit at a time; as 
opposed to a parallel port which transmits multiple (usually eight) bits 
simultaneously. RS232C is a common serial interface standard. A port 
on the back of a computer is normally designated by a slot position 
such as COM1, COM2, COM3 or COM4.
Preferred SiteA feature that provides the ability to prioritize sites within a system. 
This lets the system steer roaming radios onto fewer overall sites, 
freezing up system resources for other calls. Low density sites are thus 
kept open for their intended users.
PretimeThe delay between the time that the operator pushes PTT to the time 
that the ID is transmitted by the radio. This delay is typically used to 
make sure that repeater paths are open.
Priority ChannelA channel that is deemed more important to the radio operator than 
any other. The radio is required to always unmute on activity there 
even though receiving activity on another channel during priority 
scan.
Priority LevelsA number given to each radio user on a Trunked system to allow 
system access to the most critical users during busy periods. 
Assignment of priority levels is controlled by the System Manager. 
Three levels of priority are available on a Privacy Plus System and five 
levels are available on Type I SMARTNET system.
Priority Sample RateThe rate at which the priority channel is checked for activity in 
priority scan.
Priority ScanA feature that scans all channels, but keeps returning to the channel(s) 
designated as having the highest priority. All Receive frequencies that 
are assigned as priority are scanned for activity more often than non-
priority frequencies. When the radio is locked on a busy non-priority 
frequency, the scanner will periodically check the priority channels for 
activity. Priority 1 has a higher priority than Priority 2 and so on.
Privacy PlusA type of Trunking system which is limited in the options it provides 
to radio users. The system does not have emergency or dynamic 
regrouping capabilities. Most shared (Public) Trunking Systems are of 
the Privacy Plus variety.
Private-Line Coded SquelchSee “PL”.
Program TreeA figurative term used to describe the organization of a multi-level 
menu-driven software program.
Proper Code DetectA SECURENET feature that mutes the speaker if the received 
encryption code does not match the encryption code programmed  
						

							356into the radio. The user will hear only those transmissions encrypted 
with his or her radio’s individual key.
Quik-Call IIA two-tone sequential tone signalling system or format typically used 
in portable and paging products.
RAMRandom Access Memory. Used by the computer to store the program 
it is executing. The radio’s RAM is loaded with a copy of the EEPROM 
data. The program will sometimes write to the radio’s RAM to 
temporarily change certain features such that the user can get 
immediate feedback. These changes will not become permanent in the 
radio’s codeplug until the radio is programmed.
RAT1 & RAT2Repeater Access Tones 1 and 2. A hardware control on the side of the 
radio that lets the user access a repeater.
RIBSee “Radio Interface Box”.
RPT/TARepeater/Talkaround.
RS-232An asynchronous, serial data transmission standard for computers 
that defines the required sequencing, timing and hardware interface.
RSSSee “Radio Service Software”.
RSSIReceived Signal Strength Indicator. A DC voltage proportional to 
received signal strength. On some radio models, there is a visual 
indication of the received signal.
Radio CheckA feature that allows a dispatcher to discreetly poll a radio to 
determine whether it is on the air and within range. An MDC-1200 
data packet is sent to the target radio and if the radio is on the channel, 
it will acknowledge the Radio Check. The user will receive no 
indication of the poll except perhaps a brief lighting of the transmit or 
busy light.
Radio Interface Box (RIB)Hardware used to connect a computer system to a radio for the 
purpose of communication between the radio and the computer. The 
RIB consists of level-shifting circuits that convert the standard RS-232 
voltage levels of the computer to the single-ended voltage levels 
present on the Serial Bus contacts of the radio’s feature connector. An 
appropriate RIB-to-radio cable and RIB-to-computer cable must be 
used in conjunction with the RIB to program a radio.
Radio Interface CableA cable that allows the radio to be connected to or interfaced with a 
host computer for programming or tuning purposes.
Radio Service Software (RSS)Licensed software for use by Motorola product resellers delivered on a 
3-1/2” diskette(s) and used to program two-way radios with a unique 
set of features called personalities.
Random Access MemorySee “RAM”.
RapidCallA method of signalling designed by Motorola Radius Products. This 
signalling method may include both industry standard and Motorola-
proprietary formats, but utilizes common ergonomics and features for 
each. 
						

							357 READThe means by which a radio’s codeplug information is transferred 
from the radio’s EEPROM to the workspace via the RIB.
Receive FrequencyThe center of the receive channel (usually represented in MHz).
Recent User PriorityThe ability of the Motorola Central Controller to ensure uninterrupted 
communications to a recent user of the Trunked system. Recent User 
Priority ensures that a group engaged in a conversation will get 
priority access even if there is a significant delay between 
transmissions.
RegistersShort-term data-storage circuits within the microcontrol unit or 
programmable logic IC.
Remote MonitorThis feature enables the dispatcher to monitor voice transmission 
from the radio unit and is of value during emergency situations when 
the radio operator is unable to press the PTT button.
RepeaterRemote transmit/receive facility that re-transmits received signals in 
order to improve communications coverage. A repeater will re-
transmit information at 125, 70, or 35 Watts of power. A Trunked 
repeater used in 800 MHz Trunking systems will typically have 
transmit and receive frequencies separated by 45 MHz depending 
upon the original communications system configuration.
Repeater AccessA feature that enables radios equipped with it to selectively access 
multiple repeaters channels automatically. This provides for selective 
repeater usage on the same channel. This helps maximize wide area 
systems.
SECURENET™A method of communication that enables encryption (scrambling) of 
voice messages transmitted by radios that have this capability. Under 
this system, the radio operator may elect to transmit in “Clear” (non-
encrypted) or “Coded” modes to suit his or her needs.
ScanA process by which the radio checks a list of stored receive frequencies 
for activity. If activity is found, the radio will be locked onto that 
frequency until the frequency is no longer active.
Selective Radio InhibitA feature that enables the dispatcher to remotely disable a radio unit, 
thus causing it to appear inoperable to the radio operator. Radios 
inhibited in this manner can usually be revived using a single 
command from the terminal. This feature will come in handy if a radio 
unit is lost or stolen, for instance.
Serial PortSee “Port”.
SidetonesSidetones are tones generated by the radio, which are heard in the 
loudspeaker when the radio is in transmit. They are typically used to 
alert the operator that the microphone is muted.
Signaling SquelchWhen Signaling Squelch is active, the loudspeaker will open for 
channel traffic only if the ID of the radio is detected.
Signaling SystemsSystems used to alert radio operators or perform specific functions 
using the radio. 
						

							358 Site De-registrationThe automatic site “sign-off” by the radio when the user roams to 
another site or selects a talkgroup on a different system. This 
notification alerts the system control equipment that the channels at 
the site will not be used by that radio until it returns to that site.
SMARTNET™A type of Trunking system primarily used in support of public safety 
and industrial communication systems. This type of system has 
emergency and dynamic regrouping capabilities.
SmartZone™A wide area coverage system that supports SMARTNET II trunking 
features including group calls, selective calls and telephone calls as 
well as unique SMARTNET features such as Emergency Alarm/Call, 
Dynamic Regrouping, Selective Radio Inhibit and Console Dispatch.
SnapshotA feature which allows the dispatcher to check the operating mode of 
any radio in a Trunked system. This feature is used to obtain up-to-the-
second reports on a radio’s operating status, talkgroup affiliation, 
announcement group affiliation, and last registered site of operation.
SoftpotSoftware potentiometer. A computer-adjustable electronic attenuator.
SquelchA radio circuit that eliminates noise from the loudspeaker when a 
transmit or receive signal is not present.
Standby ModeAn operating mode in which the radio is muted but still continues to 
receive and monitor data.
STAR™A tone signalling system developed and trademarked by General 
Electric.
Status/MessageA predefined and stored message or radio status indication sent to the 
dispatcher without the user having to talk.
Sub-directoriesA list of computer directories that are located under a unique directory 
label.
System Central ControllerAlso referred to as Central Controller. Main control unit of the 
Trunked dispatch system. A software-controlled, computer-driven 
device that receives and generates data for the Trunked radios assigned 
to it. The Central Controller is responsible for monitoring and 
directing the operations of the Trunked repeaters.
System IDA number assigned to a Trunked system distinguishing it from other 
systems. The system ID is sent out every three seconds on the Control 
Channel.
TOTSee “Time-Out Timer”.
TPLTone Private-Line Squelch. Private-Line Squelch that uses sub-audible 
tones to unmute the receiver. Also known as Channel Guard, Quiet 
Call or CTCSS.
Talkaround FrequencyA frequency used for simplex conversions or radio-to-radio 
communications without the use of a repeater.
TalkbackA radio feature that allows the user to return a call simply by pressing 
PTT and articulating a response.