Abstract: A telephone line test and display circuit for enabling a craftsperson to automatically monitor a plurality of communication aspects of a telephone line without impacting any communications that may be taking place over the telephone line being monitored includes a communication capability detection and indicator unit through which the craftsperson may observe the DC operational state (busy/idle, battery polarity, talk battery present) condition of the line by observing a pair of light emitting diodes. The light emitting diodes are color-coded in accordance with operational status conditions being monitored and are illuminated in either a steady state or flashing condition, depending upon the DC state of the line. Also contained with the test and display circuit is a frequency discriminator/display unit, having a set of light emitting diodes separate from those employed for monitoring the DC operational status of the telephone line.

Abstract: The telephone line test capability of a craftsperson's test set is supplemented by communication/interface circuitry which carries out data communications with a host central office control processor, and contains memory for storing (task assignment) information downloaded from the central office control processor. This task assignment information stored in the test set-communications unit may be coupled from the unit to an associated printer for providing a hard copy of service assignment information to the field technician. In addition to printing out the downloaded task assignment information, the printer unit contains a charging circuit which charges a rechargeable battery in the handset for powering its internal circuitry. During off-duty hours, the test set may be connected to a home dispatch unit installed in the craftsperson's home and through which the handset is coupled to a telephone link for providing off-duty communications with the central office processor without technician intervention.