The Telex FM-1, along with the installed QSB-1 Card Reader and the SMP (System Manager Program) software, work together as a system management kit, controlling the frequency and intercom settings of up to ten BTR-1 UHF wireless intercom base stations (or RKP-4B units). The TR-1 beltpack transceivers (or RKP-4) may also be configured in the system setups.
The FM-1 connects to the base station network via standard RJ-45 connectors, in a daisy-chain design called the CAN bus. The unit basically takes snapshots of all parameter settings for future recall or updating, and saves the settings to the DataFlash card, in a manner similar to the snapshot automation found in recording studio consoles.