Method and apparatus for providing a demonstration mode in a data communication receiver

A data communication receiver for operating in a demonstration mode, the data communication receiver comprising:

• a receiving circuit for receiving and decoding radio frequency signals;
• a battery for powering the receiving circuit;
• a display for displaying information;
• a switch coupled between the battery and the receiving circuit for disconnecting the receiving circuit from the battery to disable the receiving circuit when a signal has been received indicating that the data communication receiver is to operate in the demonstration mode;
• and
• a demonstration element coupled to the display for providing at least one demonstration screen to the display in response to the disabling of the receiving circuit.

A data communication receiver for operating in a demonstration mode, the data communication receiver comprising:

• a receiving circuit for receiving and decoding radio frequency signals;
• a battery for powering the receiving circuit;
• a display for displaying information;
• a clock for generating real time values;
• a switch coupled between the battery and the receiving circuit for disconnecting the receiving circuit from the battery to disable the receiving circuit when a signal has been received indicating that the data communication receiver is to operate in the demonstration mode;
• and
• an automatic demonstration element coupled to the display and the clock for automatically providing a plurality of demonstration screens to the display at predetermined times when the receiving circuit is disabled.

A data communication receiver for operating in a demonstration mode, the data communication receiver comprising:

• a receiving circuit for receiving and decoding radio frequency signals;
• a battery for powering the receiving circuit;
• a display for displaying information;
• controls for receiving user-initiated signals;
• a switch coupled between the battery and the receiving circuit for disconnecting the receiving circuit from the battery to disable the receiving circuit when a signal has been received indicating that the data communication receiver is to operate in the demonstration mode;
• and
• a manual demonstration element coupled to the display and the controls for providing a plurality of demonstration screens to the display in response to reception of the user-initiated signals when the receiving circuit is disabled.