Message Mate 2000 AFTN Workstation
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Message Mate 2000 workstation is a user friendly system for the preparation, dispatch and reception of standard ICAO Annex X format messages using a convenient Microsoft Windows graphical user interface running as a non dedicated application under the Microsoft Windows 2000 operating system.
MESSAGE PREPARATION
All message preparation is done under a system of templates especially designed for
particular categories of AFTN message and supports orthodox Windows editing facilities
such as cut and past and clipboard operations.
The user selects the desired message template from an a primary Category onscreen Tab
which then displays a button for each configured template in that category.
Input to each field is controlled according to parameters defined by the template
designer. Each field can have ‘hover’ hints of be linked to a windows help file
for full context sensitive help.
Any field may be associated with a database of valid entries and/or a set of validation
rules. Fields are validated as keyed and where defined, choice lists pop up automatically
as soon as a error is made.
MULTIPLE MESSAGE PREPARATION
Multiple messages of the same or different types may be under preparation at one time, which each message available for instant recall from the message tabs with a single click.
GRAPHICAL MESSAGE COMPONENTS
Template designers may include graphic images in the displayed template, for example
the logo of the aviation authority, airline etc.
Graphics may also be used to assist in the preparation of certain message types. For
example a template may be designed to aid in the preparation of briefing requests where
the user need only click on the locations of interest as displayed on a map of the area.
Graphical data is provided to enhance the preparation and display of AFTN messages only
and graphical data is not included in the transmitted message.
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This example shows a simple graphical input screen for selecting main centres in New Zealand. Clicking on the locations of interest and pressing the send key will create and send a message formatted according to the rules of the central briefing system. The actual format of the message is defined by the template designer.
TIMER MESSAGE FACILITY
Messages may be prepared in advance and filed for automatic sending at a later date or according to a schedule for sending multiple times.
MESSAGE PRINTING
Full control over printing of both sent and received messages is provided with the option to print either in italic script. Draft copies of messages under preparation and messages retrieved from the message archive can also be printed.
MESSAGE DATABASE
An included data base system holds messages for (typically) 30 days. Messages in the data base may be recalled for re-sending, printing or incorporation
into a new message.The data base may be searched by message type and content over one or a number of days.
Examples of searches may be for all FPL received in one day, all NOTAM sent in last
week. All NOTAM relating to a particular navigation aid.
CONNECTION TO THE AFTN
Message Mate 2000 uses an independent program, SERIAL-AFTN Gateway to control the link level connection to the AFTN. This program handles all formatting, ANNEX 10 service messages and number checking, automatic channel checks and priority transmission. Physical connection is either via TCP/IP LAN, Microsoft Networking, of serial port. Serial connections are made via an external script file which supports direct connect, dial up and X.25 SVC connections.
NOTAM MANAGEMENT OPTION
Message Mate 2000 NOTAM Management option provides an ultra low cost NOTAM office workstation. Features provided include
Semi automated NOTAM entry screens for NOTAMN, NOTAMR and NOTAMC and SNOWTAM Automatic NOTAM number generation Automatic FIR insertion Simple select for NOTAM codes from complete Qcode database with automatic Traffic/purpose/scope generation Default for issue time NOTAM code expansion in the E) field Verification of NOTAM replace/cancel numbers Generates ICAO standard AFTN NOTAM messages complete with all group markers Provides semi automatic NOTAM Checklist generation with automatic replacement of previous checklist Maintains a database of all current NOTAM which automatically expire on Valid To Date or on receipt of a NOTAMR or NOTAMC message Provides a detailed NOTAM search facility with ability to display and tag any number of qualifying NOTAM for inclusion in an automatically generated NOTAM bulletins
MULTI-TERMINAL CLUSTER OPTION