Abstract: An integrated services digital network (ISDN) test set includes an ISDN transceiver, a supervisory control processor which is operative to cause the ISDN transceiver to controllably transmit and receive ISDN communication messages over a communication circuit, and an alpha-numeric message display through which messages associated with the operation of the ISDN test set are displayed. The test set keypad also includes a dedicated ‘ASSIST’ key, that is selectably operated by the user, to cause the control processor to execute a user assistance routine, which accesses a contextual-based alpha-numeric database, whose contents are associated with and provide additional information of a displayed alpha-numeric message. This enables a test set user, regardless of training or experience, to be provided with information necessary to competently operate the test set and successfully test an ISDN line.

Abstract: A wireless butt set for testing a telephone line includes a base station that is connectable to tip and ring leads of a line under test and is configured to be operated by a wireless telephone handset. The handset is detachably nestable with the base station to form a hand-held integrated butt set assembly. This configuration allows a craftsperson to directly or remotely control the test set using controls of the wireless telephone handset. The internal circuitry of the base station is placed in a high impedance line-monitoring mode without going off-hook, in response to one ‘click’ of a talk switch of the handset, and goes off-hook in response to a ‘double-click’ of the talk switch the handset.

Abstract: A test set interface automatically determines the type of communication link to which it is coupled, and then configures internal test circuitry to support testing of that particular type of line, irrespective of which of a plurality of different types of communication signals the line may be conveying. The interface includes a multiconductor line cord, end connections of which are configured for connection with any of multiple types of telecommunication circuits. A telecommunication circuit analysis is coupled to the line cord and to test circuitry, and is operative to analyze electrical characteristics of a respective telecommunication circuit to which the line cord is selectively connected by a test set microcontroller, so as to determine which of the different types of communication signals is being conveyed by the telecommunication circuit.