Operator's Manual

OM-E 2072-09689-00
C-1
APPENDIX C
OVER-THE-AIR REMOTE DISABLE FUNCTION
C-1. SCOPE
This Appendix covers the over-the-air remote disable capability of Micom-Z HF-SSB transceivers
operating in the ALE or CCIR modes.
C-2. OVERVIEW
When a radio set is lost or stolen, it is necessary to prevent unauthorized use. Among other undesirable
possibilities, unauthorized use may reveal sensitive information, for example, frequencies and call
signs.
Micom-Z is designed to prevent unauthorized use: an authorized operator can transmit a command to
another radio set to effectively disable it, by erasing its operational parameters. This returns the radio
set to the unprogrammed state (after receiving the command, the radio continuously displays NOT
PROG). Therefore, to return the radio to a usable state, it must be programmed by means of the
Micom Radio Control Application (MRC).
The over-the-air remote disable command is transmitted as an AMD message directed to the target
radio, using the paging function. Therefore, for this remote disable capability to be available, the target
radio must operate in the ALE or CCIR mode.
The command string can be individually programmed on each radio set. The factory-default string is
KILL BILL, and it can be changed using the MRC (version 2.21 or higher). Make sure to change this
default with a reasonably secure string (the maximum string length is 30 characters).
C-3. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
To send an over-the-air remote disable command:
1. Obtain the parameters needed to establish ALE or CCIR communication with the target radio
set (for example, address and ALE net parameters, or CCIR frequency table).
2. Prepare the AMD message with the prescribed command string (for example, KILL BILL), to
be sent.
3. Call the target radio, attaching the AMD message using the PAGE function.
NOTE
When the target radio receives the call request, it automatically
restarts and starts displaying NOT PROG. Therefore, do not expect a
confirmation for the disable command.
C-4. RESTORING THE RADIO TO NORMAL OPERATION
To return a radio set to normal operation, it is necessary to connect it to a PC running the MRC and
program it with the appropriate parameters.
For detailed instructions, refer to the Micom Radio Control Application User’s Guide, Publication
OM-E 2072-09602-10.