Microcomputer based keyboard command entry concept for vhf communication

Abstract

Airborne navigation and communication systems are disclosed including a VOR/LOC (VHR Omnirange/Localizer) receiver and a communication transceiver each with separate control and display panels. Each panel includes a ten push-button press keys numbered 0-9, a function controller for operating mode selection and general control, a pair of digital displays (5 digits each) for displaying keyboard channel selection including an active channel and a standby channel and additional data, three function press keys--one for switching a standby channel into the active channel or vice versa or resetting the timer or changing the digital bearing display from 'TO' to 'FROM', a second key for either recalling a channel or backing up to a digit for correction during data entry, and a third key for storing frequency in memory locations or entering data. The panels are connected to a data processor and the data processor is connected to a plurality of circuits corresponding to the panel functions whereby the panel commands are received by the data processor and the data processor stores the panel's information in electronically alterable ROMs, or controls the operation of the plurality of circuits or both in response to the panel commands and generates return signals for display and output to other instruments.