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The Right Tool for AMHS/AFTN Communications

Overview

The Universal TAU^® Terminal is a workstation fitted with a native application of 32-bits developed by our engineers, using modern communications and software tools.

Universal TAU^®Terminal was designed originally to be used in AFTN according ICAO Annex 10 Vol. II (amendment 76), Annex 15, and Vol. III, Doc. 4444, Doc. 9705 and Doc. 8259.

Following the state of the art of aeronautical communications, TAU^® has evolved to be a versatile tool for the aeronautical ATN system geared to work with new AMHS concept on LAN/WAN networks using X.400 P3 protocol to communicate with an AMHS Message Transfer Agent (MTA) and X.400 P7 with a Message Store (MS).

Access to directory servers as prescribed in Doc. 9705 (Subvolume VII) using X.500 access protocols makes TAU^® an ATN Directory User Agent.

Connectivity

The TAU^® Intelligent Data Terminal has multiple connectivity possibilities. TAU^® can exchange information using different physical links such as point to point or point to multipoint nets, as well as supporting the following device types:

• Asynchronous serial port (RS232).

• Dial/up telephony modems.

• EIA to loop converters.

• Audio micro-modems.

• Ethernet network cards (wired or wireless).

Using a proper interface it also has handshaking capability to high frequency radio equipment (HF) ideal to link places without other communication means.

TAU^® supports X.400 protocols as required by Doc. 9705/AN 956 (Subvolume III) paragraph 3.1.2.2. for an extended AMHS service.

Easy to use

TAU^® operator facilities were developed as a graphical (GUI) easy to use interface.

It has pop-up and pull-down menus, on line and on-screen help and it can also be presented in an English, Spanish or other languages on request.

Writing messages is an easy process through template selection. These forms were designed to help data entry and validation. The messages cannot be sent if they do not reach the validation standards.

The program also allows strict control on data entry. Prior to transmission all data is converted to the selected format and packed up, then the message reaches the output queue where the serial number is added. All these are automatic procedures.

Security features

To support correct administration, TAU^® allows establishing three user levels with different passwords.

The PC used could also be restricted to AFTN/AMHS exclusive use.

In this case TAU^® assumes full PC control from the start up.

Other  features

• Background processing:
  To allow for continuous reception of messages, TAU^® has, at background level, a processing engine that controls also the line status and availability.
  

• Reception and auto validation:
  When an electronic message is received, the software auto-detects: message type, format, serial number, and all information related to it. Meanwhile, a validation process is started.
  The Flight Plan item 15 (content) is controlled particularly in order to keep the flight information free of mistakes on airways and route.
  

• Printing process:
  TAU^® can be configured to print manually or automatically. If manual printing is selected, the message remains in the incoming queue to be viewed by operators.
  When an error is detected, the operator receives a sound or visual alert, and a service message is generated and transmitted with the proper information to supervisor and sender. All these processes are fully automatic.
  

• Historical archive:
  All messages can be stored up to one year from the current date. The operator or supervisor can search messages using field filters such as message type, sending or receiving date, range of serials, defined text, etc. The cleaning process can be programmed to delete automatically all messages one year older. Other options are available.
  

• Easy message or data transfer:
  Storing messages or transfer data using diskettes is simple, allowing prior encryption, updating of different terminals or maintenance.
  

• Backups:
  This process is done manually and can store up to ten backups. The eleventh backup will delete the older one. In case of a fault, the system can be restored using any existing backup.
   

• Continuous service:
  During any of the processes previously described, TAU^® keeps e-mail reception or transmission capability.
   

• Automatic database updating:
  The local system databases can be remotely updated through special messages sent by the system manager.
   

• Availability:
  To reduce operator's workload , enhance system security and availability, TAU^® has different automatic processes to recover lost messages in case of system failures, as well as capacity to look for last back up stored.
  

• Operator control:
  To allow supervision TAU^® has a special register where most relevant events are logged, for instance: start up, shut down, log on, log off, backups, file restoring, change of interfaces to communication nets, settings changes, date or time changes, etc.

Technical Description

• 32-bit multitasking software (running on background and foreground).

• Real-time processing.

• Full compliance with ICAO SARP and ITU recommendations and standards.

• Wide range of link capabilities with other e-mail systems.

• LAN / WAN network protocol compatibility over TCP / IP and X.25, Frame Relay, etc.

• Full compatibility with X.400 networks and X.500/LDAP (and other network types as requested).

• Radio communication links through MS Windows MAPI.

• Data validation using forms and templates.

• Customized settings.

• ASCII and Baudot codes.

• IA5 and ITA2 alphabets.

• User management and system control by privilege assignments.

• Remote management and monitoring through SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol).

• Multi-user platform.

• Multiple connection capabilities through a wide range of devices.

• Encoding and decoding methods customized by a network supervisor.

• Graphical User Interface (GUI).

• Minimum hardware requirements.

Message types:

• Meteorological.

• Aeronautical Information Service.

• Air Traffic Service.

• Administrative.

• Service.

• Others - As required by customer.

Copyright © Apr-05/Nov-08  RADIOCOM, Inc.
Last site modification: 07-Nov-2008