Abstract: A method of communication mode change notification includes detecting (201), by a communication unit having an identification (ID) within a communications system having an infrastructure, that the communication unit's user initiated a communications mode change from a first communication resource to a second communication resource having an identity. The communication unit transmits (209) to the infrastructure a notification message including the ID and the identity of the second communication resource.

Abstract: A digital voice message, including a continuously embedded portable identification code, is transmitted by a portable communication unit (105) to a mobile communication unit (104) and to broadcast units (101-103). Based on the portable identification code, the mobile communication unit determines that it is associated with the portable communication unit. If, after a first predetermined period of time has elapsed, the mobile communication unit determines that the digital voice message is not being re-transmitted, in real time, by a broadcast unit (101), mobile repeater is enabled by the mobile communication unit and the digital voice message is re-transmitted as a mobile repeated message, thereby effectively extending the transmitting range of the portable communication unit.

Abstract: When a portable radio (110) receives a transmission from a mobile radio (105), the portable radio (110) mutes a speaker volume of the portable radio (110) for a duration of the transmission from the mobile radio (105). In an arrangement of the mobile radio (105) and the portable radio (110) where both radios transmit and receive on a same communication resource channel and both radios are in close proximity, acoustic feedback may be avoided.

Abstract: In a communication system (300), a controller interface (302) provides for monitoring of channel activity in order to determine communication devices (400) which are communicating using old encryption information. Upon a key management controller (306) determining that one or more communication devices are using an old encryption scheme, the key management controller (306) establishes communications with the communication device(s) (400) and provides them with the new encryption information.

Abstract: A system for allocating communication resources in a communication system where only a single frequency pair may be available for use by many users. A system wherein a resource controller transmits control information on a resource to many potential users without disrupting use of the resource by a primary user.

Abstract: In an RF communication system, a method for developing and communicating usage context information. When an inbound communication (110) is received from a communication unit (107), a repeater (101) at a base site (100) retransmits the received communication as an outbound signal (114), including usage context information interleaved with the information signal. Communication units are informed of communications of interest occurring over other communication resources without the need for sequential monitoring.

Abstract: A radio console having a CRT display that allows channel control windows (CCWs) to be moved about a work area or from a summary list to a work area and back again. The CCWs may be of various sizes, and the display provides helpful indications of suitable locations to where selected windows may be moved. The display also allows preselected windows to be linked one to another, and to ensure that when one of the linked windows is moved, the remaining linked windows are moved in tandem with it. Also, if a window is manipulated to cause it to occlude an adjacent window, a distinct border is provided for the occluding window to indicate to the user that such occlusion heat occurred.