V2.19M Revision History for the FF-800:

These files are in Motorola "S-record" format. This format is supported by most programmers. You should set your programmer's format accordingly. NOTE: The S-record format IS NOT A BINARY (.BIN) FORMAT! It is an ASCII format that features an error checking protocol. If you have any questions with your programmer configuration, consult the programmer's documentation or manufacturer...As a LAST resort, you may contact FF-Systems and we will render any assitance that we can.

FF-800 Firmware Revision History:

• (on/off) = use "1" for on, and "0" for off.

• (cntl) = current control prefix (default = "00")

• (config) = current configuration prefix (default = "01")

• Each prefix requires that the appropriate security unlock has been performed.

v2.19M

• Fixed a persistant bug in the scheduler that would cause events to be sporadically dropped from the execution queue.
• Repaired the serial command SCHEDULE to prevent the interrogation of invalid event numbers.

v2.19L

• Fixed problem with RBI-1 memory support.
• Fixed problem in output pulse function (wouldn't pulse correct output).

v2.19K

• Decreased DTMF valid duration from 60 ms to 20 ms. Further reduction of DTMF valid time requires reduction of R37 to 470K.

v2.19J

• DVR message interrupt bug fix introduced another bug (which was fixed in this release).

v2.19I

• Fixed a minor bug in event time set (cntl471), would turn off event if hours = WC.

• Added [LEV] (%) phrase command. allows speech/tone level to be overridden in a message. (%) is a number between 0 and 99 -- the global level is not affected and is restored after the message has finished playing.

• The "-" can now be used to invoke CW anytime (previously, it could only do so at the beginning of a message). The "-" phrase command is the same as the [CW] phrase command except that the global speed/tone values are used. There are no parameters to the "-" phrase command.

• Fixed minor bug that would allow DVR messages to be interrupted even if interrupt was disabled on both FF-800 AND DVR.

• Added new message definition: secunl message at slot#93. Users can now program a custom unlock message for the 100, 139, and 00439 funtions (they all share the same custom message). The default message is "O K".

v2.19H

• Fixed error in PLMOD that didn't allow the function to clear out the rx ids in the plmode registers. This affected any of the CTCSS Modes AND, OR COS etc...

v2.19G

• added SIMSTOR call after each dip switch init, or after any master init. This allows the power to be removed after a DIP switch function without erasing the memory that was just initialized.

v2.19F

• EXCHANGE LIST SYSTEM
  The exchange list system was added to allow limited access to toll call services via the FF-800 autopatch. This would allow any group to allow toll calls to specific exchanges (presumably the exchanges where group members reside). These exchanges include area code, so any exchange in the US calling area can be an allowed exchange. The limit is 200 exchanges -- also, the exchange list uses the same memory as the pager memories, so the pager memories are disabled when enabling the exchange list (and vis-a-vis).
  • Exchange List Control
    (cnfg) 6551 "X Change List On"
    (cnfg) 6550 "X Change List Off"
    Enables or disables the exchange list.

  • Exchange Delete
    (cnfg) 656 (exchange)
    response: "X Change Not In List"
    "X change O K"
    Deletes (exchange) (if found) from the exchange list.
    (cnfg) 656**
    response: "X Change List Start"
    Deletes all of the exchanges. This command should be executed when first enabling the exchange list system.
    

  • Exchange Add
    (cnfg) 657 (exchange)
    repsonse: "X Change O K" exchange added to list
    "X Change List Full" exchange not added
    If (exchange) is 3 digits, it will be compared to phone numbers that start with "1" or "0" but only have 7 digits following.

    If (exchange) is 6 digits, it will be compared to phone numbers that start with "1" or "0" but have 10 digits following.

    No other formats for (exchange) are allowed. Phone numbers that do not have a "1" or "0" as the first digit will not be compared with the exchange list.

    LOCK-OUT LIST: When using the exchange list feature, any entries in the LOCK-OUT LIST that have the format "1?" or "0?" must be deleted. These entries take priority to the exchange list. If they are present, the exchange list is effectively disabled.

• Link Response Control
  (cnfg) 5431 "R E T X On" echo responses.
  (cnfg) 5430 "R E T X Off" don't echo responses
  (cnfg) 543 interrogate status
  This command allowes the sysop to configure the FF-800 to echo command responses to any Link in TX when the command was entered from that link. This allows down-link users to hear function responses from commands that they enter to the FF-800.

  The responses are only echoed if the command was entered from a link. Commands entered from a Main input will not echo to the links.

v2.19E

• Added Doug Hall v3.0 support changes -- revamped band assignments, added memory set. 106mm = set memory channel mm. to turn off mem, set any frequency.

v2.19C

• Added delay to reset start-up message: "F F Eght Hundred , V Two Point..." to attempt to elliminate garbage on first speech word.

v2.19B

• Added command exec wait feature to delay DTMF execution after loss of cos. This allows the COS to drop momentarily during DTMF entry (ie., on a picket fencing signal) while not executing the DTMF until the signal has droped for a specific amount of time.

  No command to set the delay, must be poked from serial port -- contact FF Systems for information.

v2.19

• ADDED PERSONAL ID NUMBER SYSTEM (PINs)
  

  Mode Select		Mode		Response:
  	(cnfg) 5270	PINs off	"P I N Off"
  	(cnfg) 5271	PIN all cmds	"P I N All"
  	(cnfg) 5272	PIN indiv. cmds	"P I N Indicated"
  
  	(cnfg) 5273	PIN uses timer	"P I N Timer"
  	(cnfg) 5274	PIN always	"P I N One Hundred Percent"
  	(cnfg) 527	interrogate PIN mode
  

  The first three modes (0, 1, & 2) are separate from the last two (3 & 4). The first modes indicate "where" PINs apply -- ie., to all commands (all=1), some commands (some=2), or no commands (off=0).

  The PIN Timer and PIN always modes define "when" a PIN is needed (if modes 1 or 2 are active). PIN Timer sets the FF-800 to start an access timer when a valid PIN is detected. As long as comamnds are entered within this timeout (timer#17), the PIN is not required. The PIN Always mode indicates that the PIN is required for every PINed command.

  These modes are state variables, so be sure to save your active state after modifying any of these modes.

• Prefix Select
  (cnfg) 521 (prefix#) ; (on/off)
  response: "P Q R" + "On" if PIN required or "Off" if PIN not required
  When using PIN mode 2, the sysop uses the Prefix Select command to indicate which commands are to require PINs. (prefix#) is the command# used with Prefix Assign (page 19 of manual).

• PIN Enter
  (cnfg) 526 (slot#) ; (4 digit PIN)
  response: "P I N O K"
  There is no provision for interrogating PIN digits. Also, there is no dupe-checking, so the sysop must use some care and planning when entering PIN numbers. If the (4 digit PIN) is omitted, the slot is erased and the previous PIN is deleted from the system.

  The sysop must aslo use care when choosing PIN digits when the PIN Timer and/or PIN Indicated modes are used. The problem that can arise involves conflicts with regular repeater commands. For example: If the Set Output prefix is set to "112" and a PIN is set to "1124", AND the general prefix does not require PIN, the FF-800 will not execute the Set Output command when output#4 is referenced (ie, 1124) because it would interpret this as a PIN.

v2.18

• Changed the memory location of repeater CALL -- Upgrade users must re-enter their repeater CALL sign.

v2.17

• Fixed problem with using macros on control autopatch. The bug here caused the FF-800 to think that it was nesting macros until the maximum nest was reached (5 nests). After this, no macros would execute including scheduler events, command tirgger inputs, LiTZ macros, etc... The only way to recover was to reset the FF-800 which clears the nesting counter. This revision functions properly when using macros from the control patch.

• Another problem relating to macros was discovered that can be fixed by a series of DTMF commands. This problem relates to an internal status flag that indicates that a macro is in progress. This flag can be set on some controllers under certain circumstances. If so, certain control and configuration commands that are restricted to macros can be executed immeadiately -- this can cause erratic or undesired operation if the restricted commands are accidentally entered.
  • reset the FF-800 (by any means)
  • Execute any macro from the repeater input. If no macros exist, create a simple macro to read the time, or unlock security and then execute.
  • Unlock control security.
  • Set the display mode to any status (on, low, or high). Do this even if you do not have (or plan to have) a display. This command is (cntl 490x) where (x) = mode (0, 1, 0 or 2).
  • SAVE state 1.
  • Push sierra (cnfg 4851).
  This will prevent the macro in progress status from being inadvertenly initiated.

• SITNAM command now uses plain text for entry. Upgrade users will find that their site name is "garbaged" -- this is due to an end of string change that affects the site name. Simply re-enter the site name to correct.

• Added upper limit to TX key-up delay (timer#19). Timer values greater than 9000 (9 sec) are the same as 0.

v2.16

• Fixed problem w/ multi-tone courtesy tones for "main" ports when in remote- base operation. The bug caused all tone elements AFTER the first to come out as a single tone at a random frequency.

• The old system of muting remote base ports during autopatch was changed to mute any half duplex port, regardless of port type. After patch, the port(s) is(are) restored.

v2.15 (test)

• Changed macro abort flag commands ((cnfg)596 & (cnfg)597) so that the "Abort" response is not sent. If the "Abort" message is desired, enter a "*" before the flag number when storing the abort command into a macro.

• Added a new macro parameter command (Macro Prefix Designate) that allows prefixes to be passed during macro entry.

• Macro Prefix Designate
  (cnfg) 699 ; (prefix/params)
  response: n/a
  This command is only valid from within a macro. If the macro is executed with (params), they are attached to the (prefix/params) and the combined group of digits are processed by the command interpreter. If the digits consist of a valid command, it is executed as though it was entered by itself - otherwise there is no action.

  (prefix/params) may contain all, part, or no part of a valid command prefix. This allows the original macro prefix to behave as an additional prefix that is required to execute the commands contained in the macro (this can allow you to create some function prefixes with up to 8 digits).

• Added speed dials, main autopatch, and emergency speed dial commands to the Secondary Patch Enable (cntl 407) command. The new syntax is as follows:
  (cntl) (407) (patch#) ; (on/off)
  • (patch#) = 1 is secondary #1 patch
    
  • (patch#) = 2 is secondary #2 patch
    
  • (patch#) = 3 is secondary #3 patch
    
  • (patch#) = 4 is speed dials (all banks except emerg.)
    
  • (patch#) = 5 is emergency speed dials
    
  • (patch#) = 6 is main patch
    
  The status of the patches is stored in the states. Be aware that the (patch#) 4, 5, and 6 need to be initialized manually as their status is not known when you plug in the new EPROMS.

• Added "Push Sierra" to Store State (cnfg 480). There is no verbalization of such, but any store state command will also perform a Simtek store command (cnfg 4851).

v2.14

• Secondary autopatch #1 now supports speed dials (even when secondary #1 = off).

• Fixed problems with macros entered from the AUXDTMF input. Any macro that used macro param designate (cnfg 599) caused problems. Feature now works without difficulty.

• The macro parameter designate (cnfg 599) command may now be used multiple times in a macro series...the same parameter is used for each occurrance.

• Instituted DTMF clear for DVR commands -- this is to elliminate spurious DTMF input when recording DVR messages via the telephone.

• AUXDTMF now supports anti-unmute.

• Added DUPLEX command to serial terminal interface:
  DUPLEX (on/off)
  Sets the duplex (echo) for the FF-800. If OFF, the FF-800 will not echo character input.

v2.13

• Fixed problem with SCHEDULER CONTROL command (config 670) -- would not turn on.

  Added pager memory commands:

• Program Pager Slot
  (cnfg) 650 (slot#) (page)
  response: ""
  (slot#) is a two digit number from 00 to 63 and specifies the pager memory slot that is to be programmed
  (page) is the reed codes for the desired page (see PAGE command for details on reed codes). The (page) parameter is normally 4 digits (two digits for group page).

• Page Memory
  {#70} 163 (slot#)
  response: sends page tone(s)
  
• Page Memory with post-page message (rev 2.14 or later)
  {#70} 163* (msg#) (alias)
  response: sends page tone(s) followed by contents of (msg#) (2 digits).
  This command allows a pager memory to be sent by referencing its slot#. The post-page message option is available for those situations where the user may desire a repeater generated message to follow.

• Program Pager Alias
  (cnfg) 651 (slot#) (alias)
  response: ""
  (slot#) is a two digit number from 00 to 63 and specifies the pager memory slot that is to be programmed. (alias) is a two or three digit code that is used as an alternate designator for the indicated slot. Two digit numbers are converted three digits by adding a "0". Therefore, the (alias) codes "23" and "023" are the same.
  

• Page Alias
  {#71} 164 (alias)
  response: sends page tone(s)
  
• Page Alias with post-page message (rev 2.14 or later)
  {#71} 164* (msg#) (alias)
  response: sends page tone(s) followed by contents of (msg#)
  This command allows a pager memory to be sent by referencing its alias. The post-page message option is available for those situations where the user may desire a repeater generated message to follow.

• Added group page option to pager commands -- when specifying only one reed code, the FF-800 will send that single tone for 8 sec to activate pagers equiped with a group option module.

• Added programmable un-mute and anti-unmute digits: DTMF Unmute Program
  (cnfg) 554 (digit) Set unmute digit
  (cnfg) 55400 Disable un-mute feature
  response: "U M D" + digit
  This feature allows the sysop to specify which digit is to be the DTMF unmute digit. When this digit is entered as the first digit of a sequence, the FF-800 un-mutes the repeater audio and ignores the following digits (this digit was "#" on previous revisions).

• DTMF Anti-Unmute Program
  (cnfg) 564 (digit) Set anti-unmute digit
  (cnfg) 56400 Disable anti-unmute feature
  response: "O M D" plus digit
  This feature allows the FF-800 to "strip-off" the unmute digit from another repeater. The FF-800 must have a different digit for unmute and anti unmute -- if these digits are the same, the unmute takes preceedence which effectively disables the anti-unmute.

v2.12

• Fixed problems with macro speech mute command.

• Fixed problems with the command trigger macro assign command.

• Fixed problem with user control patch logon command.

v2.11

• Added command number response to SET PREFIX when a prefix conflict arises.
  SET PREFIX is a configuration command:
  (cnfg) 520 (id) (prefix) (id) = function #
  (prefix) = new prefix code (1 - 4 digits)
  This command now responds:
  "Abort" + function ID# when a prefix conflic arises. This allows the sysop(s) to easily track down conflicts.

• Added capup msg to patch cancel from control telephone call mode (also referred to as "control reverse patch")

• User reverse control patch logon mode (function# 69, default prefix: 162) now restricts commands to USER level only. No control or configuration level commands can be used in the user logon mode.

• Added voice ID interrupt mode cmd
  (cntl) 453 ; (on/off)
  response: "I D I" + "On" or "Off"
  If the ID interrupt is ON, any valid COS will interrupt a speech or DVR ID inprogress and revert to the CW Short ID. Turning the ID interrupt OFF prevents speech or DVR IDs from being interrupted by a COS.

• The regular autopatch command (function# 14, default prefix: 111) now duplicates the reverse autopatch command (function# 58, default: 151). This is only valid when the reverse patch is enabled and the autopatch command is entered from the phone.

• The Secondary Patch #1 will also answer a reverse patch that is waiting.

• Paging system now activates PTT for all ports where TX = on AND aux. interrogate is on. This includes remote base and link ports. This allows paging commands to issue over the remote base or link ports.

• Added a new function id (ff) to MESSAGE ASSIGN:
  (ff) = 92 default: "Call Cancel"
  This message is sent in response to an autopatch command which has a phone number that violates the lockout list (see serial terminal commands).

v2.10

• Changed RESET commands -- DTMF version won't allow any parameters, serial terminal version requires "800" validation parameter. examples:
  "1041" as a DTMF command will not reset the controller, but "104" will.
  "RESET" will not reset from the serial terminal, but "RESET 800" will.
  

• Added "SET" prompt to TR MODE command. Also added port# telemetry to TR MODE interrogate -- now responds "T R" + port# (A, B, C, or D) + the normal response as indicated in the FF-800 manual.

v2.09

• Fixed DTMF EXEC. to allow PATCH HANG-UP if user functions = off.

• Added config level version/serial # interrogate function
  (cnfg) 800
  This command will respond with the FF-800 version and serial number. If any peripherals (ie., FF-8090, FF-8070, etc...) are connected at the time of execution, their version and serial numbers are also interrogated.

v2.08

• Added TX keyup delay feature
  Timer #19 = Keyup delay timer (ms)
  This timer causes the TX PTT lines to delay on initial key-up. After initial key-up, the FF-800 behaves normally until the main PTT drops, on the next valid COS, the key-up delay will apply. See Set Timer commands in the DTMF and Serial Terminal sections of the FF-800 manual.

• Added read last number cmd
  (cntl) 409
  This command allows a sysop or control operator to interrogate the last autopatch phone number even if the user set the supress read-back when they entered the number.

• Added user control patch logon
  {#69} 162
  This command is for user access to the FF-800 from the telephone. It is primarily intended to allow users to access the DVR over the phone while not giving out the main control patch logon code. this function arms the control patch timer for 2 minutes.

• Added control patch security reset to SPI#6 command (resets to 2 min)

• Added COS flags to macro flag test
  Flag# Flag variable
  36 COS A active = true
  37 COS B active = true
  38 COS C active = true
  39 COS D active = true
  These flags are now supported in the macro flags commands.

• Added reverse autopatch
  Reverse Patch Mode
  (cnfg) 534 (mode)
  (mode):
  0 = reverse patch disabled "R A P Off"
  1 = passive reverse patch "R A P Automatic Wait"
  2 = active reverse patch "R A P Manual Wait"
  PASSIVE REVERSE PATCH:
  The FF-800 answers an incomming call -- if control patch is enabled, the FF-800 waits 13 seconds for the CONTROL PATCH LOGON command. If no logon is entered, the FF-800 then enters the reverse patch wait mode.
  ACTIVE REVERSE PATCH:
  The FF-800 answers an incomming call. Regardless of the control patch status, the caller must enter the REVERSE AUTOPATCH (user level "151") command within the 13 second logon delay period or the call is disconnected. If the REVERSE AUTOPATCH command is entered, the FF-800 enters the reverse patch wait mode.
  REVERSE PATCH WAIT MODE:
  When no valid COS is received, the FF-800 will issue a 420Hz/440Hz tone (2 seconds on, 3 seconds off) that is similar to the phone company's ringing tone. Users on the repeater may interrupt the tone and continue their use of the repeater.
  ANSWERING A REVERSE PATCH:
  If a user chooses to answer an incomming call, they simply issue the AUTOPATCH command without any additional digits. The FF-800 connects the user to the repeater output and enters the autopatch mode -- the patch is canceled by the user on the repeater by using the PATCH HANG-UP command (the caller doesn't have DTMF control in reverse patch wait or autopatch modes).

  Entering the PATCH HANG UP command while in reverse patch wait mode will cause the FF-800 to hang-up on the waiting caller without bringing them on-the-air.

• Added Reverse Patch Wait timer command
  (cnfg) 637 ; (time)
  response: "R P W Time" + time in seconds
  The (time) value represents the number of seconds that a caller is allowed to wait in Reverse Patch Wait Mode. After this time expires, the FF-800 aborts the waiting call and hangs up the phone line.

v2.07

• Added Serial terminal memory load command
  LOAD
  This command allows an S-record memory image file (ASCII format) to be transfered to the FF-800 (this command is the corallary to the SAVE command). Refer to the manual updates for additional information.

• Added [POZ] phrase -- word number is 186
  This word pauses and waits for input #4 (P9-7) to go low. After the input goes low, the rest of the message is processed normally. Intended for external play device interface. The pause will also cancel if the logic signal is not brought low within 2 minutes, which sets an upper limit to the length of the wait time.

v2.06

• Fixed problems with state save/recall.

• Increased length of MODEMI string to 32 chrs.

• Added DCEUP/DCEDN strings for (cnfg)535 command. When (cnfg)5351 is issued, the DCEUP string is sent out the serial port. DCEDN is sent for (cnfg)5350. DCEUP/DCEDN are serial terminal commands and are used to store or interrogate the appropriate string. examples:
  

  	>DCEUP ATS0=1
  	Modem ON-LINE string: ATS0=1
  	>DCEDN ATS0=0
  	Modem OFF-LINE string: ATS0=0
  	>
  

• Added DCEON string for (cnfg)536 command. This command is for bringing the modem on-line and has the default of "ATA". DCEON is also a serial terminal command and is used the same as for DCEUP/DCEDN.

• Changed SIMTEK memory support command to allow save or restore of memory.
  (cnfg) 4851 = store memory ("PUSH SIERRA")
  (cnfg) 4850 = restore memory ("PULL SIERRA").
  

• Added feature for courtesy tones during autopatch
  Patch Courtesy Tone
  (cnfg) 531 (on/off)
  When off (default) courtesy tones are supressed during an autopatch. When on, courtesy tones are issued as normal.

• Added modem escape character config -- ESCAPE (serial terminal) When entering modem control strings, the (ASCII 27 dec) is the escape char (default is "+"), (ASCII 04 dec) is a three second delay. example:

  	>ESCAPE +
  	Modem ESCAPE character: +
  	>
  

• Added remote a/p mode
  Remote Patch Enable
  (cnfg) 533 (on/off)
  This command enables the remote autopatch mode -- refer to appendix F (page F-3) in the FF-800 manual for more information.

• Added patch hang-up suffix
  Patch Hang-up Set
  (cnfg) 633 (hang-up DTMF sequence)
  Patch Hang-up Read
  (cnfg) 635
  response: "S F X" + digit sequence
  These commands allow a DTMF "hang-up" suffix to be sent by the FF-800 before the telephone line is placed on-hook (hang-up). The hang-up sequence can be empty (no digits after Set command) or it can have up to 6 DTMF digits.

• Made "D" digit as the only dial delay character during patch dial operations.

• Added 1/2 sec delay after telephone number dial in all patch functions.

• If a TEXT EDIT, MACRO ENTER, or CT EDIT function is in progress when a control patch is initiated, the FF-800 will abort the function and allow the control patch user to log-on.

• Added auxiliary delimiter support
  (cnfg) 522 (on/off)
  response: "P S Is Enter Complete" for normal delimiter ("#*")
  response: "Delta Is Enter Complete" for aux. delimiter ("D" for on the air, "#" for control autopatch).
  The delimiter is used to force the execution of DTMF commands without dropping carrier (as is normally required). It is also needed for control autopatch commands since there is no carrier to drop.

• Macro commands don't clear security timers anymore.

• Added tx-pot command
  (cnfg) 501 (pot#) (level%)
  (pot#):
  1 = tx port A response: "T X A" + level
  2 = tx port B response: "T X B" + level
  3 = tx port C response: "T X C" + level
  4 = tx port D response: "T X D" + level
  5 = CW and Courtesy tone master level
  response: "T X T" + level
  

• Serial Terminal Command:
  TPOT (pot#) (level%)
  These commands allow the tx levels to be adjusted.

• Added unique macro prefixes for bank 8
  MACRO EXEC. #81 GENERAL ACCESS
  {#61} (154) (parameters)
  MACRO EXEC. #82 GENERAL ACCESS
  {#62} (155) (parameters)
  MACRO EXEC. #83 GENERAL ACCESS
  {#63} (156) (parameters)
  MACRO EXEC. #84 GENERAL ACCESS
  {#64} (157) (parameters)
  MACRO EXEC. #85 GENERAL ACCESS
  {#65} (158) (parameters)
  MACRO EXEC. #86 GENERAL ACCESS
  {#66} (159) (parameters)
  MACRO EXEC. #87 GENERAL ACCESS
  {#67} (160) (parameters) MACRO EXEC. #88 GENERAL ACCESS
  {#68} (161) (parameters)
  response: n/a
  These user level commands allow a unique prefix to be defined for each of the macros in bank 8. They are functionally identical to the bank 8 macro command except that the macro number is not used in the prefix.

v2.05

• Added master control function to scheduler
  (cnfg) 670 (on/off)
  response: "S C D Unit" + "On" or "Off"
  This command allows the scheduler system to be enabled or disabled without affecting the individual event settings.
  

• Added MODEMI function to init modem on reset.

v2.04

• Fixed problem w/ zero length parameters inside macros.

• Added extended words -- currently ~420 words supported.

    

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