Eventide ARGUS 5000 - Page 179

display is so shaip because the CRT dot size on the Argus tube is drastically smaller
than is possible with state-of-the art Liquid Crystal or Electroluminescent displays.
Of course the key to the system is the software, also known as the "operating system,"
which required many person-years to write, and for which a patent has been allowed.
The software has to know what the data streams from the various compatible receivers
mean, and "parse" that information. Ultimately, it is translated to set or reset locations
in memory that are scanned to produce a graphic image that says "airport below" to
the pilot.
Selftest
Each time the Argus is turned on, several tests are performed. These tests assure that
the digital circuitry is working correctly. They confirm that the CPU is operational,
the input/output circuitry is working (INTERRUPT and RS-232), the setup
information is still valid (SETUP), and the operating system (SYSTEM ROM) and
database haven't been corrupted (DATABASE). The AID converter test confirms
that the interface to the gyro and other sensors is functional and accurate. If any test
fails, refer to the troubleshooting hints (Appendix 5) to decide what to do about it.
July 1999 Argus 5000/7000 Ver. 5.xx Reference Manual Part#141003 175