Spectra Logic TAC/COM SERIES - Manual (Page 75)

SM06 Rev. 4.10 Tac/Com Control Head Manual
Section 3 Operation
3.1 Introduction
Information in this section consists of the functional and operating procedures for the
Tac/Com Control Heads.
3.2 General
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
CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY TO NORTHERN AIRBORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD.