VFBV

A new digital scanner has been selected to replace existing listening sets at CFA brigades, with an order now placed with the supplier.

The Uniden UBCD436HP-ES digital scanner was selected after an exhaustive 18-month selection process.

The scanner was subjected to a thorough technical testing process before samples of the scanner were provided to VFBV representatives across the state for field trials.

After considerable consultation between the CFA Evaluation Team and the VFBV representatives, the Uniden scanner was evaluated as being the superior product offered during the tender process.

CFA has signed a contract with Preston-based Pacific Telecommunications - the Australian distributer for Uniden scanners. Uniden is gearing up for production, and delivery is planned for the end of October 2015.

CFA understands the selection process for the new digital scanners has led to frustration among some CFA members. The rigorous selection process has revealed that the selected digital scanner is the best product currently available and has features that will enable it to be used with future developments in CFA’s radios including transition to P25 Phase 2 technology.

The new digital scanner will be delivered pre-programmed with the current CFA/DELWP radio channel plan. These scanners are capable of receiving analogue and digital radio traffic and meet all of CFA’s technical requirements for a digital scanner.

CFA is working with VFBV to determine a process for equitable distribution of the scanners across all CFA brigades, along with implementing a subsidy to lessen the financial impact. Further details of the distribution and subsidy will be provided when they are finalised.

You can see the CFA announcement on CFA News & Media.

<News on listening sets & scanners coming soon>

The VFBV/CFA Joint Communications Committee is pleased to advise that you can now tune in to regional radio dispatch traffic from anywhere in the state by using the free website Broadcastify.

This web streaming service allows you to receive radio comms via your computer, smart phone or tablet, without the need for a listening set, or an upfront cost. 

To hear CFA traffic, go to www.broadcastify.com/listen/stid/152 and select your region.  Official CFA streams are identified by a white star inside a red circle.  For those using smartphones, you may need to install a player from the app store.  Be aware that some free apps might have time restrictions which will stop the streaming after several minutes.

Anyone listening via their mobile phone or tablet should keep track of their data usage to avoid the extra cost of exceeding their monthly data limit.  The VFBV/CFA Joint Communications Committee has requested that CFA publish streaming rates and estimated data use per hour to ensure people can factor that into their decision to use the service.

This service is not designed to replace listening sets, but the streaming service will provide a convenient way to listen for those that prefer a smartphone or computer. The committee is still working very closely with CFA as they progress to tender, and will have news on listening sets very shortly.  

Transition

The Regional Radio Dispatch Service (RRDS) project reached a significant milestone on Sunday 10 August 2014, with District 5 marking the final transition across regional Victoria to digital dispatch. All CFA regional brigades now have access to clearer, high quality dispatch communications. The transition to RRDS enables CFA members communication between a 24/7 CAD centre and emergency appliances in regional Victoria using enhanced coverage and better audio quality.

“This has been a major project and CFA is very pleased with the results. RRDS will make a major contribution to better emergency management as well as the safety of our members and the wider community,” said CFA Deputy Chief Officer Joe Buffone.

“RRDS solves many radio ‘black spot’ issues,” Mr Buffone said.

“RRDS ushers in a new generation of high-quality digital dispatch capability across the state. It’s the sort of service already enjoyed by Victoria Police, MFB, Ambulance Victoria and our brigades in metropolitan Melbourne.”

Reflash 2

Following the transition to CFA’s new digital radio network, the Radio Reflash 2 team has once again commenced scheduling brigade visits to upgrade software in CFA Tait radios.

All CFA Tait radios must be updated with new software enhancements, enabling additional radio features which are available through the digital network.

Radios across the state will be upgraded with new software, delivering additional functionality, including a 6 digit grid reference display.

When operating within regional districts, additional functionality will also allow for:

• Resource tracking - this feature allows IMTs to track appliance movements whilst on a dispatch talkgroup
• Trunk RMR network site name display – shown when the PPT is pressed

End User Observation Reports

RRDS team members have performed extensive field testing of the regional radio dispatch service and, in collaboration with members, conducted confidence trials across the state.

We are currently in the warranty phase, and members are reminded to inform us of unexpected coverage issues through the use of the end-user observation reports (Docs, Forms, Manuals > Fire & Emergencies > Communications > Regional Radio Dispatch Service). These observation reports are an important tool for capturing feedback relating to black spots, echoes or delays in transmission, difficulties receiving or transmitting to ESTA VicFire and/or other appliances and any other coverage issues.

End-user observation forms are currently available for download on CFA online, via a link from the communications page. Instructions on where to send the form are available on the bottom of the form.

The RRDS team is developing an online version of the observation report. Members will receive communication once this has been finalised.

RRDS Support Material

To assist with maintaining the learning from RRDS, we have provided each brigade with the following:

• Complete Learning Package & Materials DVD

A DVD containing all materials of the Regional Radio Dispatch Service’s learning program. Brigades may have already received some of this material as part of their RRDS trainer kit however this disc contains the full catalogue of the learning package to assist with ongoing training and skills maintenance.

• CFA District Dispatch Talkgroups/Channels Map

The map and associated table below ensure all brigades and members will have access to one complete visual list of digital talkgroups, as well as current and previous analogue channels for each district.

Download maps RRDS-1 and RRDS-2 below

• Dispatch Radio Procedures Sticker (download RRDS-3 below)

The dispatch radio procedures sticker is designed to be applied to the dashboard of brigade appliances, support vehicles, big fills and FCVs. This is to replace the current “wordback table” sticker.

The blue “radio information” sticker is designed to provide radio operators with talkgroup and local command channel information as found in your current local “comms” plan.