Abstract: An apparatus and method for displaying and controlling parameters for a programmable living tissue stimulator system. Visual indicators corresponding to control parameters or signals for the tissue stimulator system are divided into a predetermined number of groups. One of these groups containing a parameter to be selected for the tissue stimulator system is selected, the selected group being identified by a visually identifiable indication. A parameter within that group is then selected for transmission to an implanted memory means which controls an implanted tissue stimulator. In a specific embodiment, a matrix of visual indicators consisting of R rows and S columns is provided, each visual indicator corresponding to a specific control signal. A means is provided whereby at least one visual indicator contained in a selected R row will blink on and off, the blinking indicators identifying control signals to be selected for the implanted memory means.