Tait TB8100 User manual

Service Kit
User’s Manual
MB8100-00-00-806
June 2003
TB8100 base station

TB8100 Service Kit User’s Manual Contents i
Contents
Preface .......................................................................................................vii
Enquiries and Comments .................................................................vii
Updates of Manual and Equipment ..................................................vii
Copyright ........................................................................................vii
Disclaimer .......................................................................................vii
Typographical Conventions .............................................................vii
Associated Documentation ..............................................................vii
Publication Record ........................................................................viii
Introduction .......................................................................................................1
From T800 to TB8100 ................................................................................3
Operation Modes .........................................................................................4
Channels ......................................................................................................5
Profiles ........................................................................................................6
Subaudible Signalling ...................................................................................7
Power Saving ...............................................................................................8
Task Manager ..............................................................................................9
Modifying Task Manager ........................................................................9
Tasks and Comments ............................................................................10
Inputs ................................................................................................... 10
Actions .................................................................................................10
Custom Inputs and Actions ...................................................................11
Remote Connections .................................................................................12
Alarms .......................................................................................................13
Alarm Notification Options .................................................................. 13
Enabling Alarm Notification .................................................................13
System Interface .........................................................................................14
Software Feature Enabler ...........................................................................15
Getting Started ................................................................................................17
Connecting and Logging On .....................................................................19
Monitoring Alarms .................................................................................... 20
Monitoring the Base Station ...................................................................... 21
Viewing Configuration Settings .................................................................22
Diagnosing Problems ................................................................................. 23
Configuration Tutorial ...............................................................................24
Step 1: Install the Service Kit and Calibration Kit on your PC ..............24
Step 2: Connect and Log On ................................................................24
Step 3: Read the Base Station’s Configuration ......................................25
Step 4: Configure the Base Station as a Talk-Through Repeater ...........25
Step 5: Configure a Channel .................................................................27
Step 6: Set the Default Channel. ...........................................................27
Step 7: Program the Changes into the Base Station ...............................27
Basic Tasks .......................................................................................................29
Using the Service Kit .................................................................................31
Toolbar ................................................................................................31
Status Bar .............................................................................................32
Setting Service Kit Options ........................................................................ 33
Setting Up and Configuring Connections ..................................................34

ii Contents MB8100-00-00-806 © TEL 2003
Adding a Connection ........................................................................... 34
Adding a Direct Connection ........................................................... 34
Adding a Modem Dialup Connection ............................................. 35
Adding an Over-the-Air Connection .............................................. 36
Editing a Connection ........................................................................... 37
Connecting to a Base Station System ......................................................... 38
Logging On to a Base Station .................................................................... 39
Base Station Table ................................................................................ 39
Logon Details ....................................................................................... 40
Changing Base Station Mode .................................................................... 41
Resetting the Base Station .................................................................... 41
Working With Base Station Configurations ............................................... 42
Creating a New Configuration ............................................................. 43
Reading a Configuration ...................................................................... 43
Saving a Configuration ......................................................................... 44
Programming a Base Station ................................................................. 44
Creating a Configuration Template ...................................................... 45
Changing Base Station Passwords .............................................................. 46
Logging Off and Disconnecting ................................................................. 47
Upgrading Base Station Firmware ............................................................. 48
Upgrading the Service Kit ......................................................................... 50
Working with the Software Feature Enabler .............................................. 51
Enabling Additional Features ................................................................ 51
Disabling a Feature Set ......................................................................... 52
Disabling the Alarm Reporting Feature Set ..................................... 52
Disabling the Advance Profiles and Task Manager Feature Set ......... 52
Disabling the Power Saving Modes Feature Set ............................... 53
Disabling the Default Radio System Feature Set .............................. 53
Monitoring ...................................................................................................... 55
Module Details .......................................................................................... 57
Viewing Reciter Information ............................................................... 57
Versions .......................................................................................... 58
Viewing Power Amplifier Information ................................................. 58
Versions .......................................................................................... 59
Viewing Power Management Unit Information ................................... 59
Inputs ............................................................................................. 60
Outputs .......................................................................................... 60
Versions .......................................................................................... 60
Operational Information ............................................................................ 61
Monitoring the Current Channel ......................................................... 61
Current Channel ............................................................................. 61
Profile Information ......................................................................... 61
Current Source ............................................................................... 62
Monitoring the Reciter ........................................................................ 63
Monitoring the Power Amplifier .......................................................... 64
Monitoring the Power Management Unit ............................................ 65
Viewing System Data ................................................................................ 68
Base Station Data ................................................................................. 68
Power Amplifier Data .......................................................................... 69
Power Management Unit Data ............................................................. 69
Configuring the Base Station ........................................................................ 71
Choosing a Configuration ......................................................................... 73

TB8100 Service Kit User’s Manual Contents iii
Configuring General Options .....................................................................74
Configuring the System Interface ...............................................................75
Viewing System Interface Details .......................................................... 75
Configuring External Channel Selection ...............................................75
Configuring RSSI Output .................................................................... 76
Converting Between Microvolts and dBm .......................................78
Configuring Miscellaneous Items ...............................................................79
Tx relay operation ................................................................................79
Minimum battery voltage .....................................................................80
Auxiliary power type ............................................................................80
CTCSS characteristics ...........................................................................80
Select external clock reference frequency (if fitted) ................................81
Fan .......................................................................................................81
Defining Access Profiles ............................................................................. 82
Printing a Base Station Configuration ........................................................84
Configuring Channels .....................................................................................85
Getting Started with Channels ...................................................................87
Customizing the Default Channel Profile ...................................................88
Customizing the Default Signalling Profile .................................................90
Using Advanced Profile Features ................................................................91
Working with Channel Profiles .................................................................92
Adding a Channel Profile ...................................................................... 92
Configuring Receiver Gating ..........................................................94
Configuring Power Saving .............................................................. 94
Editing a Channel Profile ......................................................................95
General ..........................................................................................96
Signal Path ......................................................................................99
Power Saving ................................................................................ 104
CWID System .............................................................................. 105
Task Manager ................................................................................ 106
Working with Signalling Profiles .............................................................. 107
Adding a Signalling Profile .................................................................. 107
Setting Up a Reminder Tone ........................................................ 109
Editing a Signalling Profile .................................................................. 109
Subaudible Signalling ..................................................................... 110
Tx Timers ..................................................................................... 113
Advanced ...................................................................................... 115
Task Manager ................................................................................ 116
Working With the Channel Table ...........................................................117
Channel Table Details ........................................................................ 117
Columns ....................................................................................... 117
Buttons ......................................................................................... 119
Editing a Channel (Default Profiles) .................................................... 120
Editing a Channel (Custom Profiles) ...................................................120
Adding and Copying Channels ...........................................................121
Block Copying Channels .................................................................... 121
Importing Channels ............................................................................ 122
Exporting Channels ............................................................................ 122
Selecting a Channel ................................................................................. 123
Printing Channel Data ............................................................................. 124
Alarms ............................................................................................................125
Monitoring Alarms .................................................................................. 127

iv Contents MB8100-00-00-806 © TEL 2003
Reciter ...............................................................................................128
Power Amplifier .................................................................................129
System ................................................................................................131
Power Management Unit ....................................................................133
Viewing Recent Alarms ...........................................................................135
Disabling Unwanted Alarms .....................................................................136
Altering Alarm Thresholds .......................................................................137
Notifying Alarms ......................................................................................139
Notifying Over the Air .......................................................................139
Notifying Over the Line .....................................................................140
Configuring Alarm Center Communications ............................................141
Configuring Email Messaging ...................................................................143
Diagnosing .................................................................................................... 145
Carrying Out Diagnostic Tests .................................................................147
System Tests .............................................................................................148
Self-Tests ............................................................................................148
Control Panel Tests .............................................................................149
Reciter Tests ............................................................................................151
Receiver Tests ....................................................................................151
Testing Receiver Operation ...........................................................151
Testing Receiver Sensitivity ...........................................................152
Measuring Received Signal Levels .......................................................152
Determining Synthesiser Lock Ranges ................................................153
Audio I/O Tests .................................................................................154
Measuring the Audio Input Level ...................................................154
Generating an Audio Output .........................................................155
Digital I/O Tests .................................................................................155
Testing Digital Outputs .................................................................156
Testing Digital Inputs ....................................................................156
Testing Hardware Channel Selection .............................................157
Miscellaneous Tests .............................................................................157
RSSI Tests .....................................................................................157
Sending a Test Email .....................................................................158
Detecting Subaudible Signalling ..........................................................159
Power Amplifier Tests .............................................................................160
Control Tests ......................................................................................160
Testing the PA Fault LED ..............................................................160
Testing the Fan ..............................................................................161
Testing the Transmitter .......................................................................161
Power Management Unit Tests ................................................................164
Control Tests ......................................................................................164
Simulating Mains Failure ................................................................164
Testing the Fan ..............................................................................164
Testing the PMU fault LED ...........................................................165
Testing the Auxiliary Power Output ..............................................165
Viewing Additional Details .................................................................166
Task Manager ............................................................................................... 167
Accessing Task Manager ...........................................................................169
Working With Task Manager ...................................................................170
Maintaining the Task List ....................................................................170
Adding a Task .....................................................................................171
Adding a Comment ............................................................................172

TB8100 Service Kit User’s Manual Contents v
Disabling a Task ................................................................................. 172
Importing Tasks .................................................................................. 173
Exporting Tasks .................................................................................. 173
Task Manager Inputs and Actions ............................................................ 174
Inputs ................................................................................................. 174
General Inputs ............................................................................... 174
Channel Profile Inputs ................................................................... 176
Signalling Profile Inputs .................................................................178
System I/O ................................................................................... 179
Alarm Inputs ................................................................................. 180
Custom Inputs ............................................................................... 183
Actions ............................................................................................... 183
General Actions ............................................................................. 183
Channel Profile Actions ................................................................. 187
Signalling Profile Actions ............................................................... 189
System I/O ................................................................................... 189
Alarm ............................................................................................ 190
Custom Actions ............................................................................. 192
Task Manager Examples ........................................................................... 193
Repeater Changeover ......................................................................... 193
Data and Speech Service ..................................................................... 193
Base Station with Automatic Charging ................................................ 194
Base Station with Auxiliary Antenna ...................................................195
Base Station Regularly Emails its Status ...............................................195
Base Station that Controls Landing Lights .......................................... 195
Simplex Operation ............................................................................. 196
Scanning Repeater .............................................................................. 196
Digital Inputs with Special Functions .................................................. 196
Subtone Decode Disable Pin ......................................................... 196
Cancel Alarms Pin ......................................................................... 197
Customizing Task Manager ...................................................................... 198
Working With Custom Inputs ............................................................ 198
Viewing a Custom Input ...............................................................198
Defining a Custom Input ...............................................................199
Working With Custom Actions .......................................................... 199
Viewing a Custom Action .............................................................200
Defining a Custom Action .............................................................200
Defining Counters, Timers, and Flags ................................................. 200
Monitoring Task Manager ....................................................................... 201
Viewing System Flag States .................................................................201
Monitoring Recent Actions ................................................................ 203
Viewing Timers .................................................................................. 203
Viewing Counters .............................................................................. 203
Viewing Flag States ............................................................................. 203
Glossary ............................................................................205
Index .................................................................................215

vi Contents MB8100-00-00-806 © TEL 2003

TB8100 Service Kit User’s Manual Preface vii
Preface
Welcome to the TB8100 Service Kit User’s Manual. This manual provides you
with information about the Tait TB8100 Service Kit in PDF format. You can
view it online or print it if you want a paper copy. It describes how to use
Version 1.00 of the Service Kit.
■New Service Kit users should begin at Part B: Getting Started.
■For explanations of essential concepts, look in Part A: Introduction.
■The rest of the manual assumes that you are familiar with Part C: Basic
Tasks.
Enquiries and Comments
Any enquiries regarding this manual as well as any comments, suggestions and
notifications of errors, should be addressed to [email protected] or to the
Support Group Manager, Tait Electronics Limited, PO Box 1645
Christchurch, New Zealand.
Updates of Manual and Equipment
In the interests of improving the performance, reliability, or servicing of the
equipment, Tait Electronics Limited reserves the right to update the equipment
or this manual or both without prior notice.
Copyright
All information contained in this and other TB8100 manuals is the property of
Tait Electronics Limited. All rights are reserved. These manuals may not, in
whole or in part, be copied, photocopied, reproduced, translated, stored, or
reduced to any electronic medium or machine-readable form, without prior
written permission from Tait Electronics Limited. All trade names referenced
are the service mark, trademark, or registered trademark of the respective
manufacturers.
Disclaimer
There are no warranties extended or granted by these manuals. Tait Electronics
Limited accepts no responsibility for damage arising from use of the information
contained in the manuals or of the equipment and software it describes. It is the
responsibility of the user to ensure that use of such information, equipment, and
software complies with the laws, rules, and regulations of the applicable
jurisdictions.
Typographical Conventions
‘File > Open’ means ‘click File on the menu bar, then click Open on the list of
commands that pops up’. ‘Monitor > Module Details > Reciter’ means ‘click
the Monitor icon on the toolbar, then in the navigation pane find the Module
Details group, and select Reciter from it’.
Associated Documentation
All available TB8100 product documentation is provided on the CD supplied
with the base station. Updates may be published on the Tait support web.

viii Preface MB8100-00-00-806 © TEL 2003
Online Help. The Service Kit also has online Help. It contains more or less the
same information as this manual. To view it, start the Service Kit, then press F1
or click the Help icon on the toolbar. If you are in a dialog box, click the Help
button. The Alarm Center and the Calibration Kit also have online Help.
TB8100 Installation Guide.
TB8100 Operation Manual.
TB8100 Service Manual. (service centers only)
TB8100 Product Catalog provides information about base station parts and
modules.
Technical notes are published from time to time to describe applications for
Tait products, to provide technical details not included in manuals, and to offer
solutions for any problems that arise. Look for them on Tait’s technical support
website. The following have been published or are in development:
TN-742 Remotely Monitoring and Configuring the Tait TB8100.
TN-743 Using the TB8100 Base Station as a Talk-Through, Community, or Linked
Repeater
TN-745 Using the Tait TB8100 in TaitNet Trunked Networks.
TN-744 Using the Tait TB8100 as a Line-Connected Base Station.
Publication Record
Version Date Description
1.00 June 2003 First release of the manual. Describes version
1.00 of the Tait TB8100 Service Kit software.

TB8100 Service Kit User’s Manual Introduction 1
Part A Introduction
The Service Kit is a Windows-based software program that
makes it easy to monitor and configure a Tait TB8100 base
station. You can also use it to carry out diagnostic tests and
update the base station’s firmware.
The introduction explains concepts that are fundamental to the
base station. You need to understand them before you can use
the Service Kit effectively.
Topics
QFrom T800 to TB8100
QOperation Modes
QChannels
QProfiles
QSubaudible Signalling
QPower Saving
QTask Manager
QRemote Connections
QAlarms
QSystem Interface
QSoftware Feature Enabler

2 Introduction MB8100-00-00-806 © TEL 2003

TB8100 Service Kit User’s Manual From T800 to TB8100 3
From T800 to TB8100
The TB8100 is a software-based radio. This means that its programming
software has far more scope. For those who are familiar with the Tait
PGM800Win programming software, here are some key differences.
QThe Service Kit does more than configure channels. It can monitor
operational details, receive alarms, log a user-defined set of parameters, and
carry out diagnostic tests. It can switch the base station’s operating mode
from Run to Standby and back again and even reset the base station or
upgrade its firmware. It also lets you edit Task Manager tasks, which enables
you to customize the TB8100 for individual applications. See “Task
Manager” on page 9.
QThe Service Kit can connect remotely to the base station via dial-up
modems or radio modems. You can make routine monitoring checks and
carry out diagnostic tests without needing to travel to the site.
QThe channel table does more than define the transmit and receive
frequencies and the frequency of the tone used for CTCSS. It specifies a
whole range of operational parameters. Because there are so many
configurable parameters, most are grouped into profiles. There are two
kinds of profiles: channel profiles and signalling profiles. See “Profiles” on
page 6.
QThe Service Kit provides both a simple and a complex method for
configuring the channel table. The simple way uses default profiles and lets
you edit items directly in the table. The complex way is available if the base
station has an Advanced Profiles and Task Manager license. You define a set
of custom profiles then select the right ones for each channel.
QCustom profiles make it possible for you to assign up to 16 subtones to any
channel, meaning that a tone panel is not needed for most applications.
QThe Service Kit can configure signal paths. In effect this means that you can
customize ‘virtual backplanes’. These are profile-based so that the base
station can change its virtual backplane in the middle of operations. For
example, a Task Manager action can change the base station from a line-
connected base station to a talk through repeater, simply by changing to a
channel with a different custom profile.

4 Part A: Introduction MB8100-00-00-806 © TEL 2003
Operation Modes
A base station can operate in three different modes. Some functions are disabled
until you shift the base station into the required mode.
QRun mode is used for normal operation.
QStandby mode is required if you want to program the base station or carry
out diagnostic tests on it. Standby mode puts the base station out of service.
However it will still transmit if you push the Carrier button on the control
panel, use a microphone, or carry out a transmission test.
QDownload mode is required if you want to update the base station’s
firmware.
Appropriate messages alert you to the need to change mode so that you do not
inadvertently leave the base station out of service when you end a Service Kit
session.
The Mode icon on the toolbar displays the current mode of the base station you
are logged in to.
It is in the form of a traffic light:
QGreen indicates Run mode
QOrange indicates Standby mode
QRed indicates Download mode
Click on it to change mode.
The status bar also displays the current mode.

TB8100 Service Kit User’s Manual Channels 5
Channels
A TB8100 base station consists of the equipment needed to operate on just one
channel. However, using the Service Kit you can program up to 255 channels
into a single base station. This is confusing, until you realize that ‘channel’ has
different meanings. The one channel is the transmit and receive frequency pair
and the 255 channels are different channel configurations, each with its own
number and name. You select one of these channel configurations and the base
station operates according to all the settings defined by it. These include a
transmit and receive frequency pair, a transmitter power output, a channel
spacing, and many other configurable items.
Channel Table Each base station has a channel table. This is the database that stores the channel
configurations. It is a good idea to maintain a single channel table for your
system. This means that you can use almost the same configuration file for all
base stations. To configure a new or replacement base station, all you need to
do is copy the standard configuration file and select a different default channel.
This simplifies maintenance. Alternatively, you can use the Export and Import
functions to copy channels from one base station to another.
Default Channel You need to tell the base station which channel to use. The usual way to do
this is to use the Service Kit to select one channel in the channel table as the
default channel. When the base station starts up for the first time, it selects the
default channel unless it is connected to external equipment that selects the
channel.
Current Channel The current channel is the channel that the base station is actually using.
Usually, this is the default channel. However, external equipment can use
digital input lines to choose another channel. Moreover, Task Manager can
instruct the base station to change channel. It can even select another channel
to be the default. Monitor > Monitoring > Channel displays the current
channel.
Note: If the base station is reset, it starts up on the default channel,
unless external equipment defines another channel.

6 Part A: Introduction MB8100-00-00-806 © TEL 2003
Profiles
Profiles are groups of configuration settings. They simplify the task of
configuring channels. The base station has a large number of configuration
settings, but most of these will be the same for all channels. Instead of
configuring all options many times over for each channel, you configure them
once in a profile. You then assign the profile to the appropriate channels (if you
are working with the default profile, this is already done for you).
Two profiles group almost all configuration settings: the channel profile (which
defines the signal path for example) and the signalling profile (which defines the
subaudible signalling and tail timers).
The way you work with profiles varies, depending on whether the base station
has an Advanced Profiles and Task Manager license.
Using Default
Profiles The standard base station can only use the default profiles. You define most
configuration settings globally in the two default profiles, and then you define
the rest individually for each channel in the channel table.
Using Custom
Profiles If the base station has the Advanced Profiles and Task Manager license,
additional options are available and you can create a set of custom profiles. To
configure an individual channel, you assign custom profiles to it. The only items
you configure in the channel table are the transmit and receive frequencies.

TB8100 Service Kit User’s Manual Subaudible Signalling 7
Subaudible Signalling
The TB8100 base station can transmit and receive using subaudible signalling.
Both CTCSS tones and DCS codes are supported. CTCSS attaches a
subaudible tone to the carrier signal. DCS attaches a digital code. A receiver
programmed with a particular tone or code will not unmute unless that tone or
code is presented with the RF signal.
CTCSS tones and DCS codes are referred to collectively as subtones. Subtones
make it possible for different groups of users to operate on the same channel
without hearing or disturbing each other. The base station and the radios that
use it need to be programmed with the same subtone(s). In some parts of the
world, the use of subtones is regulated.
Assigning
subtones You assign a receive and a transmit subtone to a channel by editing the channel
table. When the base station is operating on that channel, it opens the receiver
gate to signals with the receive subtone and transmits using the transmit
subtone.
If the base station has a license for the Advanced Profiles and Task Manager
feature set, you can use a custom signalling profile to assign up to 16 subtones
to a single channel. The receiver recognizes any of the assigned tones and
responds according to its configuration for the particular tone. It can transmit
the signal (encoding it with the same subtone), transmit the signal (with a
different subtone), or carry out a Task Manager action. You can also add an
audible reminder tone to the transmissions (for example, for customers who are
behind with their payments). The 16 subtones can contain CTCSS tones and
DCS codes.
Matching DCS
codes Matching the base station’s DCS code to the code programmed into a group of
radios can be tricky. This is because the polarity of a DCS code can become
inverted. For example, a radio has a DCS code of 017 but the base station may
need to be programmed with 050 (017 inverted). Either use simple trial and
error to see which code works, or make test calls on the radios while running
the base station’s subaudible scan diagnostic test, to find out what codes the base
station is receiving.
Advanced options The base station always transmits a DCS end tone for muting the receive audio,
but transmitting a CTCSS reverse tone burst is optional and configurable. The
base station receiver can also be configured to respond to reverse tone bursts if
they are expected.

8 Part A: Introduction MB8100-00-00-806 © TEL 2003
Power Saving
The TB8100 base station can save power by switching off parts of its circuitry.
The standard base station has a limited ability to reduce the current that the base
station uses, but the Power Saving Modes license lets you configure three
different power saving modes. This gives greatly increased flexibility and makes
it possible to get the power savings needed with a minimum sacrifice in quality
of service.
Note: Power saving only occurs when the base station is battery-
powered. It is not available if the PMU supplies more than one base
station.
Power saving
modes A base station with a Power Saving Modes license can operate in Normal,
Sleep, and Deep Sleep modes. These modes are enabled and configured in the
Service Kit.
The base station begins in Normal mode. If the base station is idle (receives no
valid signal) for a defined length of time, it switches to Sleep mode, which saves
more power. If the base station is idle for a further defined length of time, it
switches to Deep Sleep mode, saving even more power. When it receives a
valid signal, it reverts to Normal mode.
Both receiver and transmitter contribute to the power saving.
The receiver is switched off, and then periodically switched back on. If it
detects a valid signal, it stays on, otherwise it is switched off again. The power
amplifier is always off when the base station is not transmitting. In power saving,
other parts of the transmitter circuitry are switched off as well. The longer the
Tx keyup time you select, the more circuitry is switched off.
Quality of service The more power saved, the greater the effect on the quality of service. At the
beginning of a call, the radio user needs to press PTT and wait before speaking,
to give enough time for the receiver to come back on and for the transmitter
to key up.
Configuring
power saving You configure power saving when you define the channel profile that the base
station will use. For each mode, you specify Rx cycling (how long the receiver
stays switched off before it wakes up to check if there is a valid signal and the
Tx keyup time. In addition, you specify how long the base station must be idle
before it enters Sleep and Deep Sleep modes. The exact amount of power saved
varies, depending on the model of base station and the pattern of traffic.

TB8100 Service Kit User’s Manual Task Manager 9
Task Manager
Task Manager is the ‘brains’ of the base station. When something changes, Task
Manager carries out actions based on the intelligence contained in its list of
tasks. Each task defines what you want the base station to do in response to a
particular event.
For example, when the battery voltage low alarm is triggered, Task Manager
can tell the transmitter to reduce its power output. If an alarm you want to
know about is triggered, Task Manager can tell the base station to start the over-
the-air alarm or email you a status message via the Alarm Center. If a line-
controlled base station’s line fails, Task Manager can tell the base station to
function as a talk through repeater.
Task Manager is essential for sending alarms to the Alarm Center, for emailing
alarms and status messages, and for turning over-the-air and over-the-line
alarms on and off. It can also carry out override actions that enable or disable
many configured base station functions.
If the base station has an Advanced Profiles and Task Manager license, you can
initiate any action simply by sending the base station a CTCSS tone or DCS
code. Task Manager can also change the whole operating configuration simply
by changing to another channel that uses different profiles.
Task Manager only operates when the base station is in Run mode.
Modifying Task Manager
To change the way Task Manager works, you add and modify tasks using the
Service Kit, and then you program the changes into the base station. In effect,
you are creating scripts that make the base station perform simple actions. This
customizes the way the base station operates without modifying its firmware.
Task Manager can perform many functions that previously required expensive
external equipment.

10 Part A: Introduction MB8100-00-00-806 © TEL 2003
In a standard base station, Task Manager can process up to 40 tasks. In a base
station with an Advanced Profiles and Task Manager license, Task Manager can
process up to 200 tasks.
Tasks and Comments
Task Manager acts only on the basis of the tasks in its task list. A task is rather
like computer code and takes the form:
IF < input> THEN <action>
When the IF part of the task becomes true, the THEN part is executed. There
are also IF NOT tasks: when the input of such a task becomes false, the THEN
part is executed. You can add comments describing the purpose of a task or
group of tasks. Comments have no effect on Task Manager processing.
Inputs
Task Manager inputs are of two main types, ‘basic’ and ‘override.’ Tasks are
processed differently, depending on the kind of input they have. You need to
understand these differences if you are creating complex sets of tasks.
Basic inputs Basic inputs come from various parts of the base station. They include all alarms.
While basic inputs can become true at any time, Task Manager will only process
them in the course of the regular 10 ms processing cycle. For example, if an
input becomes true in the middle of a processing cycle, Task Manager won’t
process tasks with that input until the next processing cycle. This is because it
only learns of the change after the completion of the first cycle.
Override inputs Override inputs can only become true through a Task Manager override action.
They are internal to Task Manager. Most become true automatically each time
the base station enters Run mode.
There are some other inputs that don’t quite behave like basic or override
inputs. Look under the input for more information.
Actions
Task Manager actions are of two main types, ‘override’ and ‘do now’. These
actions have different effects.
Override actions Override actions enable, disable, or toggle a configured base station function.
As most of these functions are enabled by default, the main use of override
actions is to let you turn off a function such as talk through repeater, power
saving, or even the receiver as a whole. The action changes the state of a flag,
which can only be changed by another override action. The status of each flag
that is controlled by an override action is displayed in Monitor > Base Station
> System Flags.
This flag can also be an override input. When an override action is carried out
(for example Enable power saving), the equivalent override input (for
example Power saving enabled) becomes true and any tasks with that input
will be processed.