General Electric Company

Ericsson Ge Mobile Communications Inc.

Ralph R Sherman

Terry N Garner

Richard Culbertson

Raymond W Harris

Steven L Sands

Henry A Schaefer

Friedrich H Mann

George S Dubovsky

Portable radio

The operating frequency of a radio transceiver and at least one further variable operating parameter of the radio transceiver are controlled in accordance with pre-stored information. Transmit operating radio frequency information is stored in a memory together with associated optimum modulation deviation level information (e.g., so as to maintain a predetermined modulation level at each operating frequency). Receive operating radio frequency information is similarly stored in the memory along with information indicating whether microprocessor clock oscillator frequency is to be shifted (e.g., so as to avoid spurious interfering harmonics emanating from the clock). When operating in the transmit mode, pre-stored modulation gain level information associated with the selected transmit frequency controls the gain of the modulator circuits to compensate for expected changes in modulator circuit gain with change in transmit radio frequency. In the receive mode, the microprocessor clock oscillator frequency may be shifted in accordance with the selected receive frequency, thereby automatically shifting harmonics of the microprocessor clock oscillator out of the receiver bandpass when necessary to avoid locally-generated signals from interfering with signal reception.

Method and apparatus for controlling the frequency of operation and at

A computer-controlled portable radio communications device has RF and audio circuits controlled by a programmed computer in accordance with a predetermined modus operandi and includes an externally accessible multi-point electrical connector having input/output connections which communicate with the programmed computer. The computer is programmed to monitor the electrical impedance externally connected to at least one contact point of the connector and to alter the modus operandi of the portable radio system in response to such monitoring. In the exemplary embodiment, each of plural different types of accessory devices include a predetermined electrical impedance uniquely corresponding to that particular accessory device. The circuits are arranged so that no damage can be inflicted by accidental external electrical short circuits which the user may accidentally cause. Instead, an audible warning tone may be sounded if an improper electrical short circuit or other improper electrical impedance is connected a cross certain of the externally accessible contact points.

Portable radio system with externally programmable universal device

Radio transceivers are provided with a timing circuit that ends or terminates a radio transmission after a first time period, and an audible indication signals the end of the first time period. A battery voltage sensor reduces the period of the timing circuit in response to low battery voltage. Shorter period transmissions are still permitted for emergencies, and an audible indication is provided after the short time period to indicate low battery voltage.

Voltage indicating arrangement for a radio transceiver

Precise capacitive coupling to a coil is provided by a coil form having a central winding portion for a coil and having transverse flanges at the ends of the winding portion. The flanges are shaped and dimensioned to fit in a structure or resonant cavity, and have facing grooves for receiving and holding a sheet of insulating material in a plane substantially parallel to the coil winding portion. A metallic plate of predetermined size and location is positioned on the insulating sheet, and provided with a connection to an external circuit. The metallic plate provides capacitive coupling to a coil wound on the winding portion. This coupling is of predetermined magnitude and repeatable consistency, since identical coil forms can be made to hold their respective insulating sheets and metallic plates in the same location.

Capacitor coupling arrangement for UHF resonant structure

A circuit that determines which channels of a radio receiver are to be scanned and which channels are to be skipped is programmed or preset by a first switch which selectively energizes an automatic search circuit or a manual channel selector switch and a scan-skip switch. When the channel selector switch is energized, individual channels can be selected. As each channel is selected, a readout circuit provides an indication if the channel has been previously programmed to be scanned, but provides no indication if the channel has been previously programmed to be skipped. Also, each channel selected by the channel selector switch can be programmed for scanning or skipping by the scan-skip switch. The circuit permits a large number of channels to be programmed by only three switches, thus saving space which is limited in very small radio receivers.

Circuit for programming the search circuit of a radio receiver

A search circuit is provided for sequentially activating selected local oscillators to cause a radio receiver to receive the radio frequency channel corresponding to the frequency of the activated local oscillator. The search circuit provides repetitive pulses which are passed through a skip circuit and are then decoded in sequence. The decoded signals are applied to respective local oscillators and are also applied to respective memory circuits. Each memory circuit can be preset with a scan or a skip memory signal. If preset with a scan memory signal, a memory circuit produces a constant scan output. If preset with a skip memory signal, a memory circuit produces a skip output each time it receives its respective decoder signal. All of the memory circuit outputs are applied to the skip circuit. Each memory circuit which produces a scan output causes the skip circuit to pass the repetitive pulses through without change. Each memory circuit which produces a skip output causes the skip circuit to provide a short duration, additional pulse between the repetitive pulses. This additional pulse causes the next decoded signal in the sequence to be produced, thus skipping a channel.

Search circuit for a radio receiver

A radio receiver is provided with a local oscillator whose frequency is switched so that the receiver is normally receptive to the stronger signal but so that the receiver is momentarily and periodically made receptive to the other weaker signal. A circuit compares the relative strengths of the two signals, and if the weaker signal becomes stronger than the previously stronger signal, then reception is switched to the now stronger signal with momentary and periodic reception of the now weaker signal. Thus, interference-free and good reception of the transmitted information is provided.

Growing community of inventors

Forest, VA, United States of America

Ralph R Sherman