Specifications

56 MDS 4790/9790 Series I/O Guide MDS 05-3438A01, Rev. E
6.4 Configuration and Programming using the
Front Panel
If a PC running MDS diagnostics software is not available to connect to
the radio, the front panel display and controls may be used to review and
change operating parameters and perform diagnostics. This section
explains how to use the front panel controls and screens. Cross-refer-
ences to the corresponding PC-based commands are included.
The front panel display has two modes: “safe” mode (display only), and
configuration mode. These modes are changed by defining the user
access level. When the radio is powered on, the front panel display is in
safe mode. The front panel display mode, and the brightness and con-
trast of the front panel display, are the only changes that can be made to
the radio in safe mode. The front panel display reverts to safe mode after
a period of time has elapsed without a button press, whenever the radio
is powered back on and whenever a switchover occurs.
Normally, if no button activity occurs for one hour, the LCD display
reverts to a power saving mode. The only exception is the Operating
Status screen. This is a special screen, found under the Diagnostics
main menu. This screen displays key status, RSSI, and SNR (if appli-
cable). The screen does not time-out, and is preserved during power out-
ages and radio switchovers.
Changing the front panel display to configuration mode is described in
“Switching the Front Panel Display to Configuration Mode” on Page 59.
Figure 28 is an overview of the front panel screens. Each screen displays
a single piece of information or radio function. The screens are divided
into configuration, diagnostics, and event log functions. Individual
screens are described in more detail in Section 6.5, Screen Descriptions,
beginning on Page 60.
The flowchart shown in Figure 28 is intended to be a guide as to the fea-
tures available and may be subject to additions, deletions, or other mod-
ifications according to the software revision installed in the radio.
Table 13. Front Panel Display’s
“Safe” Mode vs. “Configuration” Mode
Changes to... When… Configurable Pa-
rameters
Access
Level
Safe Mode Radio is powered on
A period of time has elapsed
without a button pressed
Display mode
(safe/configuration)
Display brightness
Display contrast
None
Configura-
tion Mode
Access level is set to “User” All parameters User