SA Firefighter
Equipment => All Equipment discussion => Topic started by: CFS_Firey on October 07, 2006, 11:26:12 PM
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I was watching the ABC's "New Inventors" program today and saw an invention by a FF from the MFB. He's made a radio transmitter that can be installed on trucks, and broadcasts a recorded message on all FM and AM channels. Basically, it sounds a warning signal then says "Give way to approaching emergency vehicle" (or similar).
It reaches about 300M in front of the truck, a little less to the sides, and nothing at the back, so cars with their radios on in front of the truck, and to the sides (like at intersections) will hear the warning, probably well before they hear the siren.
I see it as a great invention maybe not as usefull in country areas, but its a great idea... what do other people think?
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so what happens if you are sitting at home in your lounge room and the truck goes past:lol:
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You get warned ;)
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The program you watched wasnt a repeat was it? Saw an article about this device some time ago in a CFA magazine.
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Yes, it was a repeat (from 2004 it seems...)
More info here: Emergalert (http://www.abc.net.au/newinventors/txt/s1230893.htm)
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was it not a CFA firefighter from dandenong and a fire officer???
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Could well have been... He said professional fire-fighter from Melbourne, so I assumed MFB... I guess he could have been from anywhere though....
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was it not a CFA firefighter from dandenong and a fire officer???
Just confirming that it was a repeat and Don Wilkie is a CFA firefighter and it is Emergalert that distributes it :-D
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Could well have been... He said professional fire-fighter from Melbourne, so I assumed MFB... I guess he could have been from anywhere though....
Professional fire fighter - that is CFA, CFS etc - professionalism IS NOT A RATE OF PAY!!!!!!!!!!
and
Yes it's a repeat, the devises have been on display at several conferences and are similar to what is now being used overseas - maybe they stole the idea or the PROFESSIONAL CFA member has found an international market!
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As both a paid and volunteer Fire Fighter, I agree with your comment OZ, all paid and volunteer services are, and should be seen as professional.
However I don't think CFS_firey meant anything by it..
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Hey what about that BA holder Flex I think it as called? will we see it in action?
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It'll probably come right after we get carbon fibre cylinders...
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I Want One For My Car. CFS Member Responding To Incident Please Give Way. :P Still No Speeding Involved But It Would Improve Times To Station As The Slower Drivers Would Be Aware Of On Coming Cars.
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I Want One For My Car. CFS Member Responding To Incident Please Give Way. :P Still No Speeding Involved But It Would Improve Times To Station As The Slower Drivers Would Be Aware Of On Coming Cars.
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I Think It Would Be Good For Our Trucks.
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Agreed - would be great for our appliances - and so what if it broadcasts to people in their homes - its a reminder that we are out, serving our community in their time of need
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So what if it broadcasts to people in their homes - its a reminder that we are out, serving our community in their time of need
It Acts As PR. Then All The Little Kids Can Hear It & Come Out To Watch The Truck & We Can Wave As We Go Past. Build Up the PR :P But Would Also Be Good For Parents If Their Kids Are Playing Cause Then They Know A Truck Might Be Coming Though And To Keep An Eye On The Kids.
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what about those who live near where MFS are always going past. Like listening to the radio next door to Adelaide station. Every 30mins they keep gettign told theres a fire truck coming!
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oh well... build a bridge.
its benefits out weigh its downfalls
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youd get sick of it after a week.
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as the MFS control the traffic lights in the city turn it on once outside the city
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The new MFS BA sets have a bit of `flex` in the harness/bracket set up. Wont know more till I try one out in a couple of weeks.
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Whats the point of having a warning device which broadcast warnings on both radio bands when all you need to do is use the PA option on your siren box and speak out through the speaker just like police do :lol:
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This would be rather intrusive. I understand the need for emergency vehicle right of way, but 300m ahead? Thats an awful long way. What about people listening to the CD Player? Not to mention that it is only slightly projected out to the sides.
Wouldn't the money be better spent on a Traffic light/Strobe control system to ensure Emergency Vehicle right of way at intersections?
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Wouldn't the money be better spent on a Traffic light/Strobe control system to ensure Emergency Vehicle right of way at intersections?
Traffic lights? You're talking at least $50,000 to install them - an Emergalert would be far cheaper...
300 Metres is a long way though... How about a model that does maybe 150m instead?
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Whats the point of having a warning device which broadcast warnings on both radio bands when all you need to do is use the PA option on your siren box and speak out through the speaker just like police do :lol:
What PA system like the police do...? I don't recall any patrol cars yelling at drivers through the PA system to get out of the way.... :?
The problem with sirens & modern day cars, is that many of the cars are designed to keep the noise out - and then the occupants crank up the stereo system (radio, CD, DVD, MP3) and there is a difficulty in hearing the oncoming siren.....
I reckon having a system that warns drivers, through their own sound system, is a great idea - particularly in the metro area...not sure how much benefit it is in less populated areas...
Pip
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Wouldn't the money be better spent on a Traffic light/Strobe control system to ensure Emergency Vehicle right of way at intersections?
Traffic lights? You're talking at least $50,000 to install them - an Emergalert would be far cheaper...
300 Metres is a long way though... How about a model that does maybe 150m instead?
Installing traffic lights? or installing the storbe light control?
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the warning device was designed by two CFA staff members who are /where attached to dandenong CFA fire station,it works well from what a few people have said and it was aired some 18 months ago in Victoria and that is why its being aired around austraila now as its on the market. Sounds good and hope it takes of for them both......
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Its amazing that people come up with a good idea and do all the R&D to get it out there, but agencies take so long to adopt it
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Its amazing that people come up with a good idea and do all the R&D to get it out there, but agencies take so long to adopt it
Just for the record,
It was Don Wilke and Rob Chocrane both FO's CFA career fire fighters
It is not the Fire Services who are not taking it up, but the Commenwealth Govt, DCIT who will not issue permits, it also contravenes the Privacy Act, The Broadcasting Industry commission and ACT amongst other departments.
It is a very good system, but has some issues as well.
Don has tried very hard to obtain compliancy but unfortunately, things do not look good for the product.
Andy
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Could you please Explain the law and or governments role in this kind of development?
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Could you please Explain the law and or governments role in this kind of development?
The Emergalert unit is a broadcasting unit,
To broadcast a signal over a certain power rating, over public airwaves you need a broadcast license issued by DCITA, but as it interferes with general receiving of Standard radio networks, the issue of privacy also comes into it, just as a telemarketer interferes with your phone, it interferes with the users right not to hear the transmission.
I know, some of it's stupid, some of it is an issue, I'm just the messanger !
There are many more issues in regards to the Comms side.
I work with Don Wilke looking after the firesales side of the business now.
Andy
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Thanks
I can sort of understand the govts view tho