Abstract: A method of transferring a data message from a remote unit to a central location is provided. A plurality of data channels is selected for transmitting the data message from the remote unit to the central location. At least one random transmit time is generated for transmitting the data message for each of the plurality of data channels. The data message is transmitted over the plurality of data channels at the transmit times. An apparatus for transferring a data message from a remote unit to a central location is also provided.

Abstract: Automatic level calibration apparatus for transmitting data from a cable television terminal to the headend of a cable television system comprises programmable transmitter apparatus of the terminal, programmable receiving apparatus at the headend and a calibration controller. Responsive to an addressed command from the headend, the programmable transmitter apparatus returns a sequence of levels at a particular calibration frequency. The programmable receiver apparatus determines an indication of the received signal strength of each of the levels of the sequence of levels. The controller determines an optimum level for transmissions from the terminal.

Abstract: A BPSK modulator for modulating a data signal onto a carrier signal comprises first and second transistors connected in a mirror configuration and a center tap transformer. The collectors of the first and second transistors are coupled to a first winding of the center tap transformer and the BPSK modulated carrier signal is provided at the output of the transformer. Unmodulated data is input to each of the bases of the first and second transistors. The emitters of the first and second transistors are coupled to the collector of a third transistor whose base receives the carrier signal. A programmable gain control circuit is also coupled to the base of the third transistor for step-wise adjustment of the transmit level of the BPSK modulated carrier signal. In this manner, the transmit output level of the modulator may be adjusted when necessary in the event of changing environmental or other considerations.