Frequently Asked Questions
How to use Advanced Programming Mode
This document is intended for qualified technical personnel. Improper use of this information can cause erratic behavior including difficulty accessing the system. You will need to understand the basic operation of the RFC-1/B and have working knowledge of the installation before applying this information.
To utilize the full potential of the RFC-1/B you will eventually use its advanced programming mode. (This will be called "programming mode" for the rest of this discussion.) The programming pages on this site, see Links, hide the mechanics of programming mode and are easy to use. Features not specifically covered require more depth of knowledge.
Programming mode is used to make changes directly to the user memory of the RFC-1/B. When a feature is described in the operation manual it also lists the addresses that control that feature. The programming address table is a list of all addresses and a description of the associated feature. Behavior of the RFC-1/B is controlled by programming specific values at appropriate addresses.
The key to using programming mode effectively is determine which addresses to program and what data to use to achieve the desired result. Memory addresses are found by reading the operation manual or the programming address table. The documents refer to one another so that information is easily located.
| Address | Description | Section |
| 0000 | Channel 00: telemetry units or status format-value 1 | 6.3.1 |
| 0001 | Channel 00: telemetry units or status format-value 2 | 6.3.1 |
| 0002 | ... |
For example, in the advanced programming address table the first area of memory holds data for telemetry channel settings: unit words, decimal points, etc. Specifically, addresses 0000-0003 store the data that controls channel 00. To the right of the description there is a column titled Section. This refers to the section number in the operation manual that describes the feature at this address.
Using Programming Mode
Normal operations are suspended in programming mode. Channels are not selected and control relays do not function. The telephone keypad is used for programming specific functions.
- the command to enter programming mode is: 80
- the command to exit programming mode is: *
- in programming mode, the # key acts like an enter key on a computer
This is how it works. Start programming mode by entering 80 on the keypad. The RFC-1/B responds with enter advanced programming security code. Enter the correct code and the RFC-1/B responds enter four digit address. Enter the address for the feature that you are programming. The RFC-1/B repeats the address to confirm and waits for you to enter data.
When the RFC-1 is waiting for data in programming mode, your options are:
- Push # to read the data at the current memory location
- Push n# to write the value n at the current memory location
- Push 80 to enter (jump) to a new memory address
- Push * to exit the programming mode
Every time you press the # key the RFC-1/B increments to the next address. It does not matter if you are reading or writing, the address pointer always increments to the next address when the # key is pressed in programming mode.
This is important for two reasons. First, it makes entering a list of data into consecutive addresses easy. Enter the staring address. Then enter each data value followed by the # key. Each data value is written to the next consecutive address.
Second, if you enter an address and read the data at that address, the address pointer increments because of the read operation. This means that if you want to change the data, you cannot just enter the data and press the # key. Doing so overwrites the address following the desired address. In this situation you must enter 80 and reselect the address that you wish to overwrite.
Hints
If you lose your way while in programming mode, press the * key and exit. Then use 80 to re-enter programming mode. This minimizes any errant keystrokes and accidental memory writes.
If you enter illegal data, such as an address that does not exist, the RFC-1/B will say exit and return to operating mode. Keystrokes after that are interpreted as usual in operating mode. If you think you are in programming mode but you start getting channel readings then you did something wrong.
Listen to the prompts! It is tempting to rush and try to anticipate the next keys. It is also easy to make mistakes when you are tired and possibly frustrated. The RFC-1/B will ask for what it needs to continue any given process. It is not trying to trick you. Just listen to the prompts.