AC Attendant Console

1 AC Attendant Console
1.1 General

The attendant console provides an answering station for the Hicom 300 system in
allowing an attendant/operator to process external and internal calls.
The basic version of the attendant console consists of the following units:
Detachable keyboard with keys and LEDs
Swivel and tilt monitor
The monitor displays digit, operating statuses and verbal commentaries.
Fixed base with control electronics (control box)
The connection sockets and the reset key are located at the rear. .
Maximum number of attendant consoles + standby attentant console(s):
Hicom 340.3

2 AC

Hicom 370.3

12 AC

Hicom 390

37 AC

Hicom 391.1

..

Blind operator attachment: 1-2 per system, connected to any attendant console.
1.2 Cabling of Attendant Console

The basic version can be supplemented or expanded with the addition of

a blind operator Braille unit, Hicom BLIS,

via the distribution box (ACDE) of the attendant console, (one ot two per
system). The data interface to the system is the 15-point sub-miniature socket
strip.
a tape recording unit,
via the tape unit socket provided, for selective recording of calls,
a second headset,
via the existing second jack in the keyboard
an external ringing unit,
controllable by means of a relay contact, and
an external controller/processor.
The attendant console is connected at the system jack of the control module ACCO to
a distribution box (ACDE) by means of the system connecting cable. The ACDE is
connected to the main distribution frame MDF via a system cable. The a/b wires
connect the attendant console to an SLMB (burst mode) interface for voice and
signaling transmission.
The -48 V power supply is derived from the system via parallel wires in the system
cable to increase the conductor cross section (see also Installation Manual)

1.3 Keyboard Unit

1.3.1 General

The keyboard contains the devices for conversion of the manual inputs to electrically
coded commands and for the conversion of coded system responses into visual and
audible signals.
A microcomputer scans all keys cyclically for operation and suppresses key bounce
with the help of software.
1.3.2 Keyboard ACKB

The keyboard housing consists of 2 injection-molded parts connected by means of

snap fasteners.

1. Keyboard module ACKP

This is attached to the upper section and contains the contacts (carbon pads) for the
switch pad, the sockets for LEDs and the necessary resistors. It is connected to the
keyboard control module by way of flexible plug-in cables.
2. Keyboard control module ACKC
This enages in the lower section and contains the necessary electronic components
for:
a)
b)

interrogating the keyboard matrix

Activate the LED displays

c)

data processing and interfacing to control module (ACCO)

d)

the two headset jacks (right and left) for the handset/ headset.

1.3.3 Keys

1. Repertory Keys
The 42 repertory/direct destination select keys can be programmed flexibly.
Keys 41 and 42 are the routing/trunk group keys.
2.

Function and feature keys:

29 keys for call processing and maintenance.

3. Digit keys
A 12-digit keypad is available for the input of digits and special characters
1,...,9,0,*,#.
4. Setting keys
Above the digit keypad there are 4 control keys for the adjustment of:
a)

the volume of the two-tone ring

b)

the basic pitch of the two-tone ring

c)
d)

the brightness of the screen

the screen display mide (normal/inverted)

1. The volume of the two-tone ring can only be altered in the ringing state (ringing tone on), and to one
of 12 settings from zero to maximum, using the ringing tone control keys.
Key + : louder
Key - : softer

2. The basic pitch of the two-tone ring can only be altered when the headset jack is removed. One of nine
settings from 266 Hz to 1000 Hz can be selected with the aid of the ring control keys.
Key + : Basic pitch higher
Key - : Basic pitch lower
3. The brightness of the screen can be adjusted to one of 10 settings with the brightness control keys:
Key + : brighter
Key - : darker
4. If both keys are pressed simultaneously (for at least 100 ms), the monitor display is inverted.
1.3.4 Light Emitting Diodes

The LEDs light up to indicate that the key function has been activated by the attendant
or flash as a request/reminder to the attendant to press the key (e.g. incoming call,
system message, call waiting...).
The duplicated LEDs are of plug-in design and can be replaced from the outside with
the aid of a lamp extractor tool once the LED cover plate has been detached.
Table 1 AC LED status display
LED status

Expanation

Off

Idle state - key available for use

On

Operation after interrogation/button action

rapid flashing 500/500ms

Request for interrogation

slow flashing 1500/500ms

Call in waiting state-request for interrogation

1.3.5 Audible Indications

A piezo transducer serves as the electro-acoustic signal converrter for call signaling
(two-tone ring) and for signaling operating errors (alerting tone).
1.

Call signaling
a) Continuous ringing:
Two different forms of call signaling are possible:

Continuous two-tone ringing with the selected basic frequency and volume.
b) Special ringing:
Cadenced two-tone ringing with the selected basic frequency and volume:
300 ms on, 400 ms off, 300 ms on, 1000 ms off.
Disconnection takes place upon system command after the corresponding call key has been actuated.

2. Signaling operating errors

If 3 or more keys are pressed simultaneuously, or 2 keys are pressed within the
space of 10 ms, an altering tone is emitted (2000 Hz for 300 ms). This tone is
intended to draw the attendant's attention to the operating error.
1.4 Monitor Unit

The 10" monitor is the attendant console's display device for system messages and
system acknowledgements in text form, and for local test result displays.
The display comprises 12 lines of 40 characters from a modified ASCII character set.
The character display type can be set by means of a software command:
positive: light character on dark background
negative: dark character on light background
1.4.1 Monitor ACMO

The monitor consists of the complete chassis (plastic housing section and metal
screening cage) with the display tube and the modules. The monitor housing and the
basic housing ACCB (control box) are connected by way of a turn-lock connector and
secured by means of a catch to avoid unintentional detachment.
The cable to the ACCO is led through the center of the swivel joint.
The cover (hood) of the monitor housing is attached to the chassis by means of a turnlock snap fastener and can be opened with the aid of a screwdriver.

1. Monitor module ACMP

The ACMP contains the electronic components for control of the tube and

generation of the high voltage. The adjusting potentiometers are protected against
flashovers and short-circuits by means of an insulating layer. (For notes on
alignment see maintenance notes).
2. Power supply module ACPM
The ACMP contains the DC-DC converter for generation of the 12V supply voltage
required by the ACMP, and also the interference suppression components.
3. Cathode-ray tube connection module ACCC;
The ACCC contains the tube socket, the spark gaps and the plug contact for the
'aquadag' ground and is connected to the ACMP module by way of two plug-in
cables.
1.4.2 Control Box ACCB

The control module housing consists of 3 plastic injection-molded sections, which are
held together solely by means of snap fasteners. The upper section includes the swivel
joint or turn-lock connector for the monitor, while the lower part contains the control
module ACCO. The rear cover serves as a protection against accidental contact and
prevents detachment of the module and plug-in connections when the snap-in fastener
is in place.
1. Control module ACCO
This module contains the entire electronic control components, the 5V converter,
the plug-in connectors for the monitor cables, and the external keyboard, system,
tape unit and bus expansion sockets. (Hicom BLIS connection). The reset key
between the system socket and the bus expansion socket can be accessed only
when the rear cover has been removed.

2. Interface for controlling tape unit or door opener and supplementary ringing unit
a) A tape unit can be connected to 8-point tape socket X2 for recording speech.
The floating making contact of relay T can be used for the activation/ deactivation of the tape unit or
to control or door opener. This contact is also connected to the 8-point DIN tape socket (X2) (see
figure and under Connection of Tape Unit).
The specific function for the customer is dependent on the system software (device handler).
b) The floating changeover contact of relay R is used for controlling a supplementary ringing unit

(second ringer). The contact of relay R is connected to the terminal box (ACDE) by way of the 15point system connector (X4).

1.4.3 Screen Displays

The monitor displays are stored as standardized character strings in the terminal
device and can be called up as required. In order to avoid lengthy system dialog times,
information which comprises a large number of display lines is tranferred by the
system to specific display memories at the consoles during e.g. notification (and not
only when called up at the terminal). Such information includes:
System displays
- Explanation of check funtions
- display of possible night options
- display of classes of service
- display of operating modes
- display of repertory/trunk group keys
- display of station do-not-disturb groups

- display of class of service switchover status

console-related displays
- display of date and time
- display of seved number redial addresses
- display of parked connections
- display of booked lines
1.5 Supervising by System

Supervision of the attendant console by the system software is based on statistical

analysis of its error messages. In the event of frequently recurring error messages the
dependability system initiates a reset or places the attendant console out of service.
The SLID component in the interface module (SLMB) in the system detects the
occurrence of asynchronism and reports this to the relevant system software.
During local test operation the error messages are displayed on the monitor.
1.5.1 Shelf-supervision

While the attendant console is in operation continuous idle loop testing is taking place
in the background. Any errors discovered during this process are reported to the
system. These can be displayed on the monitor if required (press the Check key with
the headset removed). The data blocks received by the system are checked for correct
block length and undefined bytes are treated as unknown commands. In both cases an
error messages is sent to the system after an error has been detected. The attendant
console reports is current hardware module and firmware status during initialization
and if interrogated from the system side.
1. System interface supervision
The STID component supervises the system interface continuously for
synchronism. If the system interface remains asynchronous continously for 5 s, a
fault message appears on the monitor (flashing error display). This display is
canceled either when synchronism is restored (former image displayed again) or in
the check mode with an image refresh command.

2. Keyboard interface supervision

The processorr uC1 monitors the serial keyboard interface. If this interface is
interrupted, e.g. by disconnection of the plug (cable between control ACCO and
keyboard), a fault message appears on the monitor (flashing error display). The
message is only canceled by restoring the serial data connection.
Insertion of the subminiature connector in the appropriate ACCO module socket
results in an attendant console RESET if the supply voltage is connected.
Error Handling:
The errors detected at the attendant console are reported to the system. System
interface asynchronism cannot be reported by the attendant console via this interface.
The SLID component in the interface module (SLMB) in the system detects the
occurence of asynchronism and reports it to the appropriate system software.
During local test operation, error messages and displays are indicated on the monitor.
The terminal can be reset by means of the reset key if it is not functioning correctly.
1.6 Testing and Maintenance

The attendant console has a local test mode for testing and maintenance purposes. For
this functioning the headset jack must be removed and the Check key actuated. The
attendant terminal then enters an internal check and test mode in which it displays a
special check and test layout on the monitor. Various check and test functions can then
be activated by way of the digit keys (menu driven).
Actuation of key <0> terminates the particular test function (exception: keyboard test,
in which case the Check key and then key <0> must be pressed).
1.6.1 LED Display Test

The LED displays are tested by means of digit key <1>. After digit key <1> has been
actuated, all the LED displays light up simultaneously for a brief period. After this
they light up one after the other (from left to right on the keyboard, starting with the
upper row of LEDs). The test can be repeated any number of times.

1.6.2 Keyboard Test

The keyboard test is activated by means of digit key <2>. After digit key <2> has been
actuated, the image of the keyboard appears on the monitor. The keys are represented
as follows:
40 destination/repertory keys numbers from 1 to 40
29 function keys rectangular frames
4 setting keys symbols "+" and "-"
12 digit input keys digits 1 to 9, "*" and "#"
Actuation of a key is confirmed on the monitor by inversion of the key display. If this
does not take place, there is a fault in the key function.
The keyboard test is terminated by pressing the Check key and key <0> in turn.
1.6.3 Display of Internal Test Results

The results of the internal test routines for all processors are displayed on the monitor
after actuating digit key <3>.
Three columns indicate <a> the types of faults which have occurred in processors, (b)
the number of test runs executed by the particular processor since a RESET and (c)
the number of faults detected (classified according to type of fault). The last line but
one indicates the system telegrams sent to the attendant console and any faults
involved in this process.
On line is reserved for an error message for each processor. If a number of errors
occur per processor during self-testing, it is possible to advance cyclically to the next
error message by means of key <3>.
1.6.4 Display of Module and Firmware Statuses

The module and firmware statuses of the control and keyboard control modules are
displayed on the monitor by means of digit key <4>. The firmware statuses are stored
in the EPROM's of the corresponding processors. The module statuses are coded on
the 2 PC boards in binary form by way of 4 solder straps.

1.6.5 Maintenance Aids

Four test images can be produced on the monitor by means of digit keys <5> to <8>.
These images are used for aligning the screen geometry in the course of maintenance
work. The setting potentiometers on the ACMP module can be accessed externally
through drillholes in the chassis after the monitor cover has been removed (see
figure).
Maintenance aid 1 Test image raster 1 (large grid patterns)
Maintenance aid 2 Test image raster 2 (chessboard pattern)
Maintenance aid 3 Test image: Hicom symbol
Maintenance aid 4 Test image: full page with standard character set
Digit key <9> is used for displaying the last 192 system telegram bytes in
hexadecimal format.
The tone ringing can be activated/deactivated and the pitch altered by means of digit
keys <*> and <#>.

1.6.6 Opening Attendant Console

Observe safety precautions!

1. Monitor
Open the monitor:
Unlock cover (hood) turn-lock fastener and remove cover backwards.
To detach monitor from box:
a) Remove rear cover from box (push in side locks carefully with a screwdriver or similar and detach).
b)

Remove all cable connectors.

c) Detach control module ACCO and place it on a conductive surfaces.

d)

Open control box by pressing in two locks on lower part of box.

e)

Undo connecting lead in upper part of box (cable tie)

f)

Rotate monitor until stop is reached (45 degrees)

g) Swivel monitor downward, press in rear monitor catch, turn monitor to 90 degrees position and lift
off.
h) Pull back connecting lead through swivel joint.
After the control module and the cables have been reconnected, the attendant console - without the
monitor - is ready for operration (with obvious limitations!)..
Assembly takes place in the reverrse order.

2. Keyboard
Two snap fasteners can be accessed on the lower part of the baseplate through
recesses in the housing. The box can be opened up by pressing these brackets
simultaneously.

1.7 Operating Voltage

The operating voltage, the minimum level of which is specified as 44 V, is derived

from the system voltage. The input voltage at the attendant console must not be less
than 36 V and, accordingly, the total voltage drop between the PABX and the power
input at the attendant console must not exceed 8 V for a current drain of 0.7 A. This
corresponds to a total permissible resistance of 2 x 5.7

The monitor also contains a DC-DC converter in order to generate the 12 V supply
voltage required for the ACMP.
The attendant consoles are protected by means of a fuse, and circuit breakers on the
connection panel PC in the system:
One main fuse 6 A

1A per attendant console

1.8 Operation

The attendant consoles are connected to the peripheral SLMB modules (see
Installation Manual, Chap. 10).
The attendant activates/deactivates the attendant console by inserting or removing the
headset jack.
After the jack has been inserted, the console is ready for operation in approx. 1
minute.
After the jack has been removed, the system issues the software command for
disconnection of the monitor.
First the screen goes dark, then after 10 mins. the monitor is deactivated.
If the headset jack is re-inserted within 5 secs. of being disconnected, any held or
parked calls can still be answered. Any recalls after this are lost.
The RESET key is located on the back panel of the attendant console.

1.8.1 AMOs
ACSU

Attendant Console Configuration

NAVAR

Administration of Static Night Switch Option Data

VFGR

Attendant Console Groups

VFGKZ

Administration of Attendant Group Dialing Codes

CTIME

Customer-Specific Timers, Switching Unit

1.8.2 Timers

1. Period of 5 (3-10) secs. (following removal of the headset jack) within which any
held or parked calls can still be answered by re-inserting the headset jack. These

calls are lost once the time-out period has elepsed.

2. Screen warmup period 60 (30-90) secs. Only outgoing connections can be set up !
3. If any console (not call status) fails to answer a call within 60 (30-90) secs.,
automatic night switching of this position takes place and the call is returned to the
call distributor.
1.9 Blind Operator Attachment Hicom-BLIS

The blind operator attachment is designed as a supplement to the ATND. It consists of

a Braille indicator which "displays" 40 + 2 characters simultaneously with a line
display on the "screen". The line to be indicated can be selected by means of a 4x4
pushbutton pad. During normal operation the selection process is largely automatic.
The Braille indicator, drivers and pushbutton set are contained in a housing which is
normally countersunk in a recess in the desk. A control section (installed beneath the
desk) contains the rest of the electronic components (processor, I/O, power supply
elements).
The unit is activated/deactivated by pressing the ON/OFF key (for at least 5 secs.).
The blind operator attachment is connected to the control section of the associated
ATND. One of the two connector locations in the control distribution box ACDE is
required for the power supply of the blind operator attachment, with the result that
only one console can be connected.
Hicom-BLIS
1. Connection
The ABLIS adapter and the Braille indicator are plugged into the control
distribution box ACDE of the attendant console, and are supplied with the required
feed voltage from the system voltage.
The blind operator terminal is supplied with feed voltage from the Hicom 300
system, the minimum voltage of which is 44 V.
Since the DC converters used require a minimum input voltage of 36.5 V the
voltage loss between the system and the blind operator terminal must not exceed
7.5 V. This must be ensured by using the correct line diameter for the connecting
lines. The internal voltage supply of the BLIS control unit is electrically insulated
from the system voltage, and the electronic components are earthed via the data

interface and thus via the attendant console ground wire.

The data interface to the attendant console is the 15-point sub-miniature socket
strip.
2. Cable connections and initial startup
The cables must be attached in sequence, as follows:
a) Plug in connecting lead S30807-Z5452-X200 at the Braille indicator and the ABLIS adapter, and
tighten lock screws.
b) Connect the ABLIS adapter and the Braille indicator to the attendant console interface (C39334-Z38C44). Once the two leads (S30807-Z5366- X500) have been connected, the Blind Operator
Attachment is under power.
c) Wait until the device has completed its self-test (Braille indicator is tested).
d) Connected the ABLIS adapter to the connector strip marked "Extension" on the attendant console
(cable S30807-Z5452-X100, connect ABLIS end first) and tighten the lock screws. The Blind
Operator Attachment is now in service.

Any HW errors of the control unit or the Braille indicator must always be repaired on
a part-exchange basis.
1.9.1 Controls

All controls are located in the control unit and consist of the Braille indicator and the
operating keys.
1. Braille indicator
The single-row indicator contains a total of 42 modules (characters), each with 8
pins. The two modules positioned separately to the left are for the row number.
Hardware activation is the same for all modules.
The tactile pins are raised and lowered electromagnetically and are locked when in
the raised position. They therefore remain in position irrespective of the force
applied to them by the operator.
The texts on the indicator are formed by the software on the basis of the messages
from the ATND and the key actuations.
2. Keys
There are 16 keys on the right-hand side next to the Braille indicator.
The 4 keys in the first column have control functions; the remaining 12 keys are
used to input the particular line on the AC screen which is to be reproduced on the

Braille indicator..
Table 2 Hicom blind operator attachment (BLIS) keys
Backward

Forward

Status

On/Off

10

11

12

1.9.2 Testing and Maintenance

1. Device Self-testing
The device can be checked by means of the self-testing facility without any further
aids except the connecting cable to the console). This is also possible without the
console or without the Hicom system, provided that the power supply (35 V-70 V,
min. of 1 A) is available.
Once the supply voltage has been applied, the unit is in the call processing mode. If
the keys "Backward" and "Line 12" are actuated, the device switches to
maintenence module until the keys "Backward" and "Line 12" are actuated again.
In the maintenence test, after the different keys have been actuated on the Braille
indicator, various test patterns are displayed:
Key actuation "Row 1"
All pins down, except for module M1 pin S1, M2-S2, M3-S3, M4-S7, M5-S4,
M6-S5, M7-S6, M8-S8. This produces a regular pattern which can easily be
checked.
Key actuation "Row 2"
Same pattern for module 9 to module 16
Key actuation "Row 3"
Same pattern for module 17 to module 24
Key actuation "Row 4"
Same pattern for module 25 to module 32

Key actuation "Row 5"

Same pattern for module 33 to module 40
Key actuation "Row 6"
Same pattern for modules 41, 42
Key actuation "Row 7" to "Row 12"
The previous patterns inverted.
All pins raised, except for those referred to above.
Key actuation "Backward"
All pins down in inoperative position
Key actuation "Forward"
All pins raised
Key actuation "Status"
Software status is displayed
Key actuation "On/Off" (press for approx. 5 secs.!)
Set all the pins alternatively up and down approx. every 4 secs. until another key
is actuated.
The patterns for "Row 1" to "Row 12" indicate possible faults on the driver board and
in the control leads of the Braille indicator. If, for example, the same pin is raised in
two modules, there is a short in the module lines.
The patterns for "Forward", "Backward" and "On/Off" can be used to test the Braille
indicator.
2. Maintenance
In the course of operation the Braille indicator collects a certain amount of dirt;
accordingly, it must be disconnected about once or twice per year and cleaned in an
ultrasonic bath.
Since the device is divided into two parts (electronic control section and operating
section), it is possible to remove the operating section independently for
maintenance purposes or replacement.
1.10 Connection of Tape Unit

ZA tape unit can be connected to the 8-contact take jack X2 for recording speech.

The floating normally-open contact of the T relay is available for connecting and
disconnecting the device if it is not already used for the door opener. This is likewise
fed to the 8-contact jack (see also Fig. Connection of console relays R and T).
The feature "incoming CO call recording" can be activated and deactivated as follows:
Unplug the headset and press the memory key <>
Main menu CHECK MODE appears
Press keys 'CO', 'Tape' and '1' in sequence. This activates the feature.
Press keys 'CO', 'tape' and '0' in sequence to deactivate
The pin assignment of the jack is listed in the following table.
The assignment of pins 1 to 5 complies with DIN 41512 (magnetic tape devices). The
output voltage is 0.5 to 2 V.

Table 3 AC Recorder Connection

Pin-No.

Signal

unassigned

Ground

Voice (IF output)

unassigned

linked to pin no.3

unassigned

TAPEC (T relay contact)

TAPENO (T relay contact)

To connect the Atis cassette recorder GC 100 E, make the following settings via DIPFIX switches at the control module (see also figure):
1. Normal operation
Operation via keys and remote control connection
2. Normal rewind (REWIND)
Start the drive with START or RECORD key
Continuous reverse, reverses the drive direction at end of tape