Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC)
Instructions for setting up the ATC Unit for CPDLC
Note: CPDLC is currently not used within the New Zealand Domestic FIR, so only controllers operating an oceanic position are permitted to use this software.
For controllers wishing to use the system, you must install the ATC Client. The link to this program can be found at http://www.hoppie.nl/acars/prg/atc.
Use the install program to install the ATC Client. Once installed (C:\Program Files (x86)\hoppie\acarsatc), run the program (the icon is in the BIN folder). This program does not require the BROKER and runs on its own.
On the first screen, you will see the CPDLC screen announcing that it has successfully read some messages and vocabularies. No call sign has been entered yet, so it will not try to reach the ACARS network. The amber-coloured box indicates it has read the messages but is not connected to the network.
Enter your callsign for CPDLC. For Auckland Radio (NZZO_FSS), use NZZO. Click OK, then click in the grey message box to the left of the amber-coloured box.
You will get a message about an illegal logon code; this is OK as it indicates that it has connected to the server. Enter your logon password and click OK. The indicator will turn green, and you will be ready to communicate with aircraft.
When an aircraft contacts you via ACARS, a logon request message box pops up.
Click on the aircraft callsign, and click 'accept logon' from the drop-down box. The green colour turns amber and then drops off the current messages. Further communication with this aircraft can be done via the TELEX or CPDLC MESSAGE COMPILER.
The Telex Unit is not part of the CPDLC as its primary function is to handle free-form text messages, whereas the Message Compiler is for fixed-form messages.
The TELEX unit can be used for larger messages, such as pre-departure clearances (PDC). There are insufficient pre-selected messages in the message compiler to handle a PDC.
The TELEX window is constructed with large quantities of similar messages to cater to the typical PDC. Its operation is straightforward: incoming telexes on the left, outgoing telexes on the right. You can copy the callsign from incoming to outgoing with the reply button.
ATC can transfer the aircraft to the next sector (if that ATC has CPDLC) with the 'handover message' (COMMS). The aircraft will automatically switch to the next unit. Pilots will not need to do anything or even notice.
ATC can also terminate the CPDLC server with the 'logoff' message (COMMS) when the aircraft has left the area of responsibility of the ATS unit.
The CPDLC Message Compiler is the heart of the CPDLC system. With the message compiler, you can build the message by selecting pre-compiled text messages in the compiler. This compiler has been built around the Australian variant using Australian phraseology and closely follows the real-life interface. Note: There are a lot of similarities between New Zealand and Australian phraseologies in the ATS environment.
Each message can consist of up to five elements with variables that can be changed to suit the message you are building. Simply click on the variable and change the value or text. Lengthy messages used for different aircraft can be saved and recalled if required.
For more information, downloads, examples and explanatory notes, visit http://www.hoppie.nl/acars