Wollondilly PMR Down

[brianWE]

Thanks for that!

[system_tech]

Transferring from Analogue to Digital?

Now where did the affected RFS members dig that up from?

Oh thats right, these new radios are digital capable .. lets blame digital for all our problems .. who cares if its correct or not .....

Don't let the truth spoil a good story.

[Chrisco]

A bit of talk about it on Radio 2GB
Click here, follow the link to Communication problems for Rural Fire Service
Ray Hadley talks with Rural Fire Service

[JimK]

Interesting blurb!

Ted Williams refers to the GRN as the "back-up" system. I suppose that's correct but an expensive "back-up" system, which will be the only digital part when ever they switch it on.

The problems mentioned should of been fixed straight away. If a GRN site went down and was not fixed for weeks just because some lightning took it out there would be hell to pay. If the RFS want their own PMR systems they have to actually fund it too!

[scanSydney]

A bit of talk about it on Radio 2GB
Click here, follow the link to Communication problems for Rural Fire Service
Ray Hadley talks with Rural Fire Service

Interesting listen. Still strange about that Razorback interference though.

[system_tech]

Wollondilly MP Phil Costa a volunteer firefighter himself last week acknowledged the situation, but said the problems could not be fixed easily and would not be cheap.
``This is happening all over the state with the transfer from the analogue to the new digital system,'' he said. ``It's complicated and costly, but ... it doesn't matter how much it costs our frontline firefighters have to be able to communicate or lives will be at risk.''

You would think Mr Phil Costa being an MP would learn to ascertain the facts before speaking out, all he has portrayed is miss-information.

He does himself and fellow volunteers a dis-service.

And yes, the so-called back up system, the GRN, has a much higher reliability than the "primary" PMR service.

From my understanding, the GRN is monitored 24/7 for system alarms and user complaints (reported via telephone) and has maintenance contactors on stand-by for dispatch 24/7.

Commissioner Fitzsimmons quite adequately describes the situation vis-a-vis analogue v digital, and the new site at Tahmoor. Unfortunately he doesnt't address local problems such as the interference and equipment reliability inferred by the news article.

I'm surprised ACMA have not found the so called interference, they are normally very quick on the ball.

The question should be asked though, as in the trade we always do, "is the problem external, or is it generated on site by our own equipment?" its part of the self-assement you should do before bringing in ACMA.

[vk2fear]

AS OF 12.00AM 28/11/08 ALL WOLLNDILLY IS BACK ON PMR