Abstract: A communicator for a personal emergency response system determines, when a power switch is switched on, whether the communicator has previously successfully performed at least one predetermined installation sequence. If the communicator has previously completed the installation sequence, it bypasses the installation sequence. If the communicator has not previously completed the installation sequence, it prompts the user through the installation sequence using a series of audible or text prompts. During the installation sequence, the user is prompted to perform range testing to verify the operation of a transmitter in conjunction with the communicator in the personal emergency alarm system in one or more locations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for permitting a telephonic device to select the mode of dialing, pulse or tone, which is proper for the local telephone network interface to which it is connected.

Abstract: A home communicator includes aid request circuitry capable of establishing communication with a central monitoring station in response to a first predetermined activation step performed by a subscriber and test circuitry capable of self-testing the home communicator in response to a second predetermined activation step formed by the subscriber. The home communicator further includes enable/disable circuitry capable of transmitting an identification number to a central monitoring station in response to a third predetermined activation step with the aid request circuitry and the test circuitry being unresponsive prior to the functioning of the enable/disable circuitry.