SA Firefighter

General Discussion => SA Firefighter General => Topic started by: Steve_McLV on January 23, 2007, 08:12:52 PM

Title: GRN PAGING FROM STATIONS
Post by: Steve_McLV on January 23, 2007, 08:12:52 PM
Is there a a program availible to send messages to GRN pagers via PC/email? I'm sure there is, is it easily available and from where? (CFS/download/etc) :?
Title: Re: GRN PAGING FROM STATIONS
Post by: 24P on January 23, 2007, 08:33:41 PM
Air source, maybe ask the group officer, someone in you group is bound to have the program.
Title: Re: GRN PAGING FROM STATIONS
Post by: RescueHazmat on January 23, 2007, 08:55:01 PM
Link.

Im sure someone has the URL for it.. - All you need is the Pager ID number, you enter it, type your message, and press send.

Wallah..


Now.. - Just need someone to post the URL..  8-)
Title: Re: GRN PAGING FROM STATIONS
Post by: mengcfs on January 24, 2007, 07:24:20 AM
LINK URL
http://www.link.com.au/solutions/solutions.html (http://www.link.com.au/solutions/solutions.html)
*CFSRES: won't drop tone 7 from this site. Not that response messages should be sent from here. Remember there are SOP's related to sending pages.
Title: Re: GRN PAGING FROM STATIONS
Post by: Darius on January 24, 2007, 10:16:11 AM
Air source, maybe ask the group officer, someone in you group is bound to have the program.

or your group comms officer, they should have a copy (Airsource Pro it's called).  Failing that your regional office.  You can't download it, the company that did it (Silverlake) went bust years ago.  (Read SOP 10.1/10.2)
Title: Re: GRN PAGING FROM STATIONS
Post by: CFS_Firey on January 24, 2007, 10:32:48 AM
LINK URL
http://www.link.com.au/solutions/solutions.html (http://www.link.com.au/solutions/solutions.html)
*CFSRES: won't drop tone 7 from this site. Not that response messages should be sent from here. Remember there are SOP's related to sending pages.

In my experience it doesn't matter where the page comes from, if it has CFSRES or URGMSG in the message the pager will use tone 7... :)
Title: Re: GRN PAGING FROM STATIONS
Post by: SA Firey on January 24, 2007, 11:17:45 AM
Is there a a program availible to send messages to GRN pagers via PC/email? I'm sure there is, is it easily available and from where? (CFS/download/etc) :?

Contact Gary Bau in SOCC he should have a copy of Airsource Pro, or arrange to have it sent to you.Airsource Pro even though it is no longer available from Silverlake Communications is the only approved CFS version as per SOP 10.1

The Link site is not to be used for paging 
Title: Re: GRN PAGING FROM STATIONS
Post by: mengcfs on January 24, 2007, 11:51:55 AM
LINK URL
http://www.link.com.au/solutions/solutions.html (http://www.link.com.au/solutions/solutions.html)
*CFSRES: won't drop tone 7 from this site. Not that response messages should be sent from here. Remember there are SOP's related to sending pages.

In my experience it doesn't matter where the page comes from, if it has CFSRES or URGMSG in the message the pager will use tone 7... :)

I stand corrected! It did drop tone 7. :oops:
Title: Re: GRN PAGING FROM STATIONS
Post by: RescueHazmat on January 24, 2007, 12:04:02 PM
Is there a a program availible to send messages to GRN pagers via PC/email? I'm sure there is, is it easily available and from where? (CFS/download/etc) :?

Contact Gary Bau in SOCC he should have a copy of Airsource Pro, or arrange to have it sent to you.Airsource Pro even though it is no longer available from Silverlake Communications is the only approved CFS version as per SOP 10.1

The Link site is not to be used for paging 

I don't have the SOP's at hand, but does it just mention not to be used for response paging? Or all paging?
Title: Re: GRN PAGING FROM STATIONS
Post by: littlejohn on January 24, 2007, 12:28:20 PM
Pardon my ignorance, but by following the instructions at the given url, does that mean I/anyone can send a message to a pager?

If you had the right code, could you page a brigade/group etc?

I've no intention of doing so, I just can't believe it would be so easy to annonymously send a page.

Then again, one quiet day I might start paging myself, for sh*** and giggles.

Title: Re: GRN PAGING FROM STATIONS
Post by: bittenyakka on January 24, 2007, 12:41:43 PM

I stand corrected! It did drop tone 7. :oops:



this isn't you is it

*CFSRES: TEST ONLY DO NO RESPOND.
Title: Re: GRN PAGING FROM STATIONS
Post by: mengcfs on January 24, 2007, 01:31:29 PM
Curiosity killed the cat. I broke the rules and sent one to my individual address. Tut, tut.
Title: Re: GRN PAGING FROM STATIONS
Post by: wilma on January 24, 2007, 01:48:53 PM
Who dosen't every now and then
Title: Re: GRN PAGING FROM STATIONS
Post by: RescueHazmat on January 24, 2007, 03:28:24 PM
Pardon my ignorance, but by following the instructions at the given url, does that mean I/anyone can send a message to a pager?

If you had the right code, could you page a brigade/group etc?

I've no intention of doing so, I just can't believe it would be so easy to annonymously send a page.

Then again, one quiet day I might start paging myself, for sh*** and giggles.


You are correct.
Title: Re: GRN PAGING FROM STATIONS
Post by: Steve_McLV on January 24, 2007, 05:06:25 PM
 :-DThanks Guys / Girls for your help,
I tried it & it didn't work! through Link
WHAT THE?

Could just be me, wrong ID or some thing ??
Title: Re: GRN PAGING FROM STATIONS
Post by: loopylou on January 25, 2007, 01:31:41 PM
One of the brigades i am with doesn't have an Alpha decoder, so i set up the Link paging service. we use it for everything except response paging and there isn't a thing that CFS can do about it. My philosophy is that if CFS want us to use their paging service (1300720335) then they can get some operators who speak english and can sent out the proper filtered message!! :-P
Title: Re: GRN PAGING FROM STATIONS
Post by: Pipster on January 25, 2007, 02:56:41 PM
Ever heard of COSO's & SOP's relating to use of pagers?    :evil:

Pip
Title: Re: GRN PAGING FROM STATIONS
Post by: mengcfs on January 25, 2007, 03:16:19 PM
There is also a SOP/COSO's relating to what is required to be on the page in relation to a fixed alarm, eg; the page is meant to state exactly the name and address the brigade is responding to. How many Brigades with fixed alarm monitoring have that? It has always been, Fixed alarm activated, respond X Brigade station.
Title: Re: GRN PAGING FROM STATIONS
Post by: Pipster on January 25, 2007, 03:22:07 PM
I believe there is one in existence, (I reckon it was printed in the last Volunteer magazine ) that states that paging from the Link website is banned, for GRN pagers - although Link clearly encourage the use of their website to page messages.     :|

This discussion has been had before, on various forums, about the problems with Link phone Operators not reproducing the message correctly, resulting in some very bad messages, and potentially dangerous ones......

Title: Re: GRN PAGING FROM STATIONS
Post by: littlejohn on January 25, 2007, 04:58:48 PM
So where do you find the appropriate codes?

Presumably if I wanted to page the brigade, I'd use the same code I'd quote to the link operator.

What about individual pagers?

Title: Re: GRN PAGING FROM STATIONS
Post by: RescueHazmat on January 25, 2007, 05:50:07 PM
Look on the back of your pager..  PAGER ID.  6 digit number?
Title: Re: GRN PAGING FROM STATIONS
Post by: medevac on January 26, 2007, 07:18:37 AM
read SOP 10.1

GRN paging messages may only be sent by GRN approved fire station interfaces, GRN approved and liscenced paging initiation software and operator assisted services approved by the CFS...

so; station decoders, airsource paging, link via phone or SOCC via phone...

your not meant to be emailing or using the link website for paging really...

also; CFSRES or URGMSG will drop tone 7 regardless of where the message has been sent from
Title: Re: GRN PAGING FROM STATIONS
Post by: backburn on January 26, 2007, 01:18:04 PM
There is also a SOP/COSO's relating to what is required to be on the page in relation to a fixed alarm, eg; the page is meant to state exactly the name and address the brigade is responding to. How many Brigades with fixed alarm monitoring have that? It has always been, Fixed alarm activated, respond X Brigade station.

I hate it when we are paged as a default for the Brigade with fixed alarm, when the pager only says respond fixed alarm. no address so we have to then ring around to all the fixed alarm places for that Brigade, then we have to try and set the alarm at the brigade station but then they have not opened there station??????????? it happens only to often its not a joke. Our Captain has had a talk to there captain but still not fixed yet.
Title: Re: GRN PAGING FROM STATIONS
Post by: RescueHazmat on January 26, 2007, 01:20:51 PM
There is also a SOP/COSO's relating to what is required to be on the page in relation to a fixed alarm, eg; the page is meant to state exactly the name and address the brigade is responding to. How many Brigades with fixed alarm monitoring have that? It has always been, Fixed alarm activated, respond X Brigade station.

I hate it when we are paged as a default for the Brigade with fixed alarm, when the pager only says respond fixed alarm. no address so we have to then ring around to all the fixed alarm places for that Brigade, then we have to try and set the alarm at the brigade station but then they have not opened there station??????????? it happens only to often its not a joke. Our Captain has had a talk to there captain but still not fixed yet.

Then you have the WORST system in the world !  You have to contact all the buildings with monitored fire alarms ?  And whats that bout the alarm at there station?? Surely HQ would know what they were responded too and could advise you of where to attend?  - After all, you must have been defaulted from someone??
Title: Re: GRN PAGING FROM STATIONS
Post by: Alan (Big Al) on January 26, 2007, 02:19:01 PM
We still only get the Fixed Alarm Respond Station message but we now only have the one alarm on it but can't wait until we go to the new system. Whenever that is???
Title: Re: GRN PAGING FROM STATIONS
Post by: medevac on January 26, 2007, 02:47:51 PM
HQ would only get the same amount of information as the responding brigades if the alarm is monitored via a station....

i have heard of issues like this when barker are responding to assist hahndorf at there alarms, if noone opens hahndorf stn then they have no idea where they are responding too!!!
Title: Re: GRN PAGING FROM STATIONS
Post by: Scania_1 on January 26, 2007, 03:03:18 PM
If you have a romtek type set up for fixed alarms it will indicate where the fixed alarm is. Some stations like Woodside that only have a few fixed alarms and no romtek dont know who it is until someone opens up the station.
Title: Re: GRN PAGING FROM STATIONS
Post by: loopylou on January 27, 2007, 08:51:20 AM
Yes i know there are coso's + sop's, (i am a BCO) but i still maintain that i should be able to use the most reliable means i have to get the PROPER info to members. I don't believe that i should have to use their dodgy service over one that works perfectly? I am not an admin basher, but it really irks me that our bosses say we can't use or do something that works cause it goes against their opinion. :| At the end of the day safe and effective comms is what i'm after and if Gary doesn't like the way we're doing it, then he should look at HIS system and fix it. And if some of you think i'm a prick, then i can direct you to at least another 6 BCO's and 2 GCO's in my area who agree with me.
Title: Re: GRN PAGING FROM STATIONS
Post by: Firefrog on January 27, 2007, 10:02:24 AM
Loopy have you used Airsource?

This is by far a better option than relying on the internet. A brigade I was with (rightly or wrongly) installed the software in the Station and on the Lt's home computers. This system worked very well!

I remember upgrading a fire to second alarm before I left the house (because I looked out the back window while on the fire phone and could see it)....Airsource saved probably ten minutes that day.

Airsource is quite easy to use and approved. What more do you want CFS to do for you? Your post paints a picture that you can't do what you want within the system so you are working outside of it...why is this?

I am interested to hear what challenges you have faced with paging.. :-)



Title: Re: GRN PAGING FROM STATIONS
Post by: filtered on January 27, 2007, 10:34:38 AM
Agrees with firefrog.

Whilst the webpaging is generally reliable, there is no guarentee of service from it.  The system could be down and there is no indicator on the site that it is the case.  It also doesn't come up with an actual confirmation that the page has been sent.

One of the quickest/easiest ways to upgrade an incident, though, is to contact state headquarters (via phone or regional talkgroup) and get them to do it.  I've never had an issue with upgrading through them.
Title: Re: GRN PAGING FROM STATIONS
Post by: SA Firey on January 27, 2007, 11:20:30 AM
Stations that have fixed alarms connected to them will send out that generic page "FIXED ALARM RESPOND TO STATION"

So if your brigade is getting responded as a default to the station that actually has the fixed alarm unit there,and none has attended that is a big problem.Very embarassing for the service when you have to ring every client coneccted to it to find out which one went off..Thats prehistoric :evil:

The new FIREMON system is slowly being rolled out, but as to when the whole changeover will be completed is a question Gary Bau might be able to answer.

Another thing about the Link site is that the person you page gets charged per pager message in this case CFS.(see note)

 You acknowledge that: 
 
  (a) Link may disclose information about your transactions to the Link customer to whom your paging messages are sent ("Customer");
  (b) the Customer will be liable for Link's fees for the cost of the paging message you send; and
  (c) the Customer has provided to you the Customer's pager number or mobile number for use by you for transmitting messages via the Internet using Link's website.
 
Title: Re: GRN PAGING FROM STATIONS
Post by: CFS_Firey on January 27, 2007, 09:59:42 PM
If you have a romtek type set up for fixed alarms it will indicate where the fixed alarm is. Some stations like Woodside that only have a few fixed alarms and no romtek dont know who it is until someone opens up the station.
Romtek are a brand of alarm monitor - one of our alarms is monitored by a Romtek monitor, and it still pages us with "FIXED ALARM ACTIVATED RESPOND STATION".  The new wireless systems page with location details though...
Title: Re: GRN PAGING FROM STATIONS
Post by: loopylou on January 27, 2007, 10:12:46 PM
This discussion is getting interesting isn't it?

1st - No i haven't used Airsource because:

a: haven't been able to get a copy no matter where i look or who i ask, although a couple of people have said they'll get me a copy. (8 mnths n still waitin)
b: some other people i talked to about it on diff occasions both complained bout it.
so i spose i should look harder n give it a go. :wink:

2nd - u assume that the link account i'm using is CFS's, and it ain't. Na Na  :-D
Title: Re: GRN PAGING FROM STATIONS
Post by: medevac on January 28, 2007, 09:21:46 PM
yeh id recommend having a look at airsource, it is good software if you know how to use it and have all the right paging IDs for it...


it doenst matter where you are paging from in link, from my understanding regardless of where it is paged from CFS get the bill for a msg hitting a CFS pager.
Title: Re: GRN PAGING FROM STATIONS
Post by: CFS_Firey on January 29, 2007, 09:57:26 AM
*Technically* is it the CFS getting billed, or the government?  After all, it is the Government Radio Network, not the CFS radio network... :?
Title: Re: GRN PAGING FROM STATIONS
Post by: fire03rescue on January 29, 2007, 10:34:56 AM
The only problem with email messages from your computer is  it can take sometime

Airsource is good but I think you can only use it if you are the Administrator of the PC, not Power Users
Title: Re: GRN PAGING FROM STATIONS
Post by: mengcfs on January 29, 2007, 12:29:25 PM
And i believe only good if you have dial up.
Title: Re: GRN PAGING FROM STATIONS
Post by: backburn on January 29, 2007, 02:20:50 PM
There is also a SOP/COSO's relating to what is required to be on the page in relation to a fixed alarm, eg; the page is meant to state exactly the name and address the brigade is responding to. How many Brigades with fixed alarm monitoring have that? It has always been, Fixed alarm activated, respond X Brigade station.

I hate it when we are paged as a default for the Brigade with fixed alarm, when the pager only says respond fixed alarm. no address so we have to then ring around to all the fixed alarm places for that Brigade, then we have to try and set the alarm at the brigade station but then they have not opened there station??????????? it happens only to often its not a joke. Our Captain has had a talk to there captain but still not fixed yet.

Then you have the WORST system in the world !  You have to contact all the buildings with monitored fire alarms ?  And whats that bout the alarm at there station?? Surely HQ would know what they were responded too and could advise you of where to attend?  - After all, you must have been defaulted from someone??

The system they have is still the old type it just reads respond to station. If SHQ have not heard anything from them in 6 mins we get a defult. The alarm board at the station will tell us which building needs us but if they do not have anyone respond we then have to ring who we think it could be. Then we have to get into there station some how to re set the board. SHQ only get the same message we get, no more information than that. The alpha decoder box at the station does not work and has been sent back for repairs 8 times still no good. Hope the new system come in soon.
Title: Re: GRN PAGING FROM STATIONS
Post by: medevac on January 29, 2007, 07:30:16 PM
The only problem with email messages from your computer is  it can take sometime

Airsource is good but I think you can only use it if you are the Administrator of the PC, not Power Users

the emails are not even slightly reliable.

airsource is good software, we encountered an issue runnign ADSL and using airsource, but i believe there was a way around it, cant remember atm though.

backburn, the new system is being phased in slowly i believe,,,, those messages you see every now and then that contain *WFAM* are a part of the new alarm system....

shouldnt be too long hopewfully.
Title: Re: GRN PAGING FROM STATIONS
Post by: fire03rescue on January 30, 2007, 06:26:06 AM
So can we use the new system from the computer, via some software
Title: Re: GRN PAGING FROM STATIONS
Post by: medevac on January 31, 2007, 08:02:57 AM
what do you mean fire03rescue?

we dont need to acess the alarm system from computers at stations... any fiddlign should be done at the actual premises or at state level via consultation with whoever the person that does that stuff is...
Title: Re: GRN PAGING FROM STATIONS
Post by: fire03rescue on January 31, 2007, 08:17:54 AM
Hmm what I thought,
Is there new software, instead of using airpro or email to send pages.

Just reading the topic GRN PAGING FROM STATIONS
Title: Re: GRN PAGING FROM STATIONS
Post by: medevac on January 31, 2007, 08:40:07 AM
no new paging software that im aware of... sorry thought you were talking about firemon