Specifications

Section 2: System Description
2-35
2.14 SYSTEM MODES
The Alto 818 system is always in one of two modes: the operate mode or the command mode.
These modes are described below.
2.14.1 OPERATE MODE
The operate mode is the normal mode providing access control without the presence of an
operator. No commands can be entered from the terminal while in this mode. Manual change
of building modes can only be accomplished from a remote station switch. During the operate
mode, all log entries are sent to the terminal and/or printer. A system operator may be assigned
to monitor system activity from a terminal display.
2.14.2 COMMAND MODE
In the command mode, a user may enter commands at a terminal. To change from operate to
command mode, the user must press RETURN or the space bar and enter a valid password.
Commands available are determined by the user's authorization rank.
Data log entries are not printed while the system is in the command mode. Up to 4000 log entries
are stored in a buffer to be displayed or printed upon returning to the operate mode. The SE 818
times-out automatically after four minutes of no keyboard activity and returns to the operate
mode.
Section 6 provides a description of all commands. Section 7 describes the use of commands to
create or modify the ACU database. In Section 8, use of commands for system operation are
discussed.