the kernel is the innermost core of the system. it has the highest security and is always protected by the system. only the failure of flash memory or improperly power off during system restart after updating kernel will the kernel be destroyed. the kernel module ensures that users can always download their application program even the operating system was crashed by the user's program. the kernel provides the following services:

    * information

    information includes hardware version, serial number, manufacturing date, kernel version and hardware configurations.

    * load program

    to download the application program, basic run-time or font files.

    * update kernel

    sometimes the kernel might be changed for improving performance or other reasons. this function allows you to keep the kernel updated. the update procedure is same as download user program, but note that after updating the kernel, please do not power off until the system restart itself.

    * test / calibrate

    to perform a burn-in test and tune the system clock. this function is for manufacturing purpose only.

    besides the kernel menu, if there is no application program exists, then upon power up the terminal the following application manager's menu will be shown:

    * download

    to download application programs (*.shx), basic run-time (bc8000.shx), basic programs (*.syn) or font files (8xxx-xx.shx) to the terminal. there are 6 resident locations and one active memory, i.e. at most 7 programs can be downloaded to the terminal. but only the one downloaded to the active memory will be activated and running. to run other programs, they need to be activated first, but only one at a time. right after downloading, you can input a name for the program or just press the enter key to keep its current name if there is. and then the downloaded program's type, name and size will be shown on the list when entering the download or activate menu of the application manager. the file type is a small letter follows the program number (01~06), it can be either 'b', 'c' or 'f' which represents basic program, c program or font file respectively. the program name is up to 9 characters and the program size is in unit of k bytes.

    * activate

    to copy one of the 6 resident programs to the active memory to make it become the active program. after activating, the original program in the active memory will be replaced by the new one. note a font file cannot be activated, and a basic program cannot be activated either if the basic run-time does not exist.

    * upload

    to transmit the application programs to a host pc or another terminal. the function allows a terminal to be cloned without going through a pc.