SM06 Rev. 4.10

Tac/Com Control Head Manual

Section 3 Operation

3.1Introduction

Information in this section consists of the functional and operating procedures for the Tac/Com Control Heads.

3.2General

To understand the operation of the Tac/Com control, a quick review of basic FM radio operation is helpful here. It is normally a requirement to carry out the following general operations on any FM radio system.

1.Turn the radio on and off.

2.Adjust the receive volume of the radio.

3.Select the required channel on the radio.

4.Optionally select/enable any special tones required for proper network or repeater operation.

5.Optionally select/enable any guard receive or transmit functions.

It is also helpful to show visually that the radio is transmitting or receiving, so that the pilot is assured of correct performance. If the radio is 'frequency agile' (i.e., the frequency of operation can be set directly by the operator) a method must also be provided to enter the specific frequency data, and identify and store the information.

Every manufacturer attacks these requirements in a different manner, and since the Tac/Com system provides the ability to interface with other manufacturer's equipment as well as NAT's own transceivers, a uniform method of operation must be provided. How each common operating function is accomplished in the Tac/Com system is described in the following sections. It is also possible to interrogate the control head itself for help in learning how to operate it, simply by pressing the HELP button during the first power-up screen or at any time while editing.

The on-line help function for the system is comprehensive enough to address most operational questions, and corrects a long standing problem in the cockpit relating to lost or missing operator's manuals. Every control function and valid editing choice is fully explained through this system, which can be activated by pressing the HELP button.

It is important to remember that the many radios simultaneously controlled by the Tac/Com system may have very different features and attributes as well as frequencies. If the radio was incapable of some functions prior to connection to the Tac/Com head, it will not suddenly acquire all the functions possible just by connection to the Tac/Com control. Crystal controlled radios, such as the FliteFone 40, for example, do not suddenly become agile radios, and Flexcomm radios don't scan simply because they are connected to a Tac/Com control head. Only NAT's own radios offer full capability, which includes extended tones, DPL, encryption, scanning and variable transmit power.

Jan 4, 2006

Page 3-1

ENG-FORM: 806-0106.DOT

 

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