WA Radio Scanner Users' Group

"There is some work happening in the metropolitan area in regards the digital radio network and there's some work happening in the country with the WAERN (WA Emergency Radio Network) network and I'm told that that will be ready, at least the country network will be ready, for this year's fire season."

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-11-09/b ... section=wa

If the firies go to digital encrypted in the metro area that will suck

vk6hgr wrote:If the firies go to digital encrypted in the metro area that will suck

Sounds to me that the new system recently announced (linking Police, FESA and DCS) might be done in Perth sooner than later.

A lot of work on the WAERN system has gone on in the country - Great Southern & South West essentially complete. I have heard work is being done in Goldfields/Midlands and as we know plenty has been completed in Perth.

So probably a stupid question, but wouldn't having the metro area using digital waern and "rural" using analogue waern, wouldn't that add to the already poor communication on any fire grounds that they both attend?
It would be hard to know where to draw the metro/country boundary I would have thought.

xr8edute wrote:So probably a stupid question, but wouldn't having the metro area using digital waern and "rural" using analogue waern, wouldn't that add to the already poor communication on any fire grounds that they both attend?
It would be hard to know where to draw the metro/country boundary I would have thought.

Metro are also being fitted with WAERN at the moment and they are interconnected (cross-banded) to their current radios so can be on either the current freq or WAERN. Even when digital comes in, the metro appliances can go to WAERN, which will be the standard comms plan for fireground channels to ensure that all agencies and brigades across the state can communicate. A new concept!!!!

With digital, only those users with a digital radio, programmed to the applicable talk group will be able to 'hear' what is going on. This will ensure the privacy of the 6AR/6IP network, which is not available in most country areas.

I personally believe, probably to much critism from this user group, that it is long overdue as the amount of information regarding incidents that is publicly available is over the top on the 'airwaves'. There is no privacy and does lead to more rubber neckers and even worse, family members sometimes attending quite horrific or traumatic scenes unnesessarily.

bohong wrote:
With digital, only those users with a digital radio, programmed to the applicable talk group will be able to 'hear' what is going on. This will ensure the privacy of the 6AR/6IP network, which is not available in most country areas.

What though is sensitive or secret about fire fighting, or am I missing something?

Rubbernecking is a problem, but a fire is going to draw crowds no matter what - they're big and kinda hard to keep secret

vk6hgr wrote:

bohong wrote:
With digital, only those users with a digital radio, programmed to the applicable talk group will be able to 'hear' what is going on. This will ensure the privacy of the 6AR/6IP network, which is not available in most country areas.

What though is sensitive or secret about fire fighting, or am I missing something?

Rubbernecking is a problem, but a fire is going to draw crowds no matter what - they're big and kinda hard to keep secret

It's not just fires. One example - supporting WAPOL in stand-off situations/custody disputes. Even we don't use the radio for that situation - we use mobile phones as they are somewhat more secure.

vk6hgr wrote:What though is sensitive or secret about fire fighting, or am I missing something?

Rubbernecking is a problem, but a fire is going to draw crowds no matter what - they're big and kinda hard to keep secret

While fire fighting isn't secret or sensitive, some of the information that is passed via comcen and ground crews is. Due to the raidio network been open, sensitive information is passed via other methods. Having a secure network will remove this need, especially for the volunteer brigades.

Saying that I don't know if the network will be encrypted. There may be a chance that it isn't encrypted. Don't take this as gospel. Just haven't heard one way or the other.

vk6hgr wrote:
What though is sensitive or secret about fire fighting, or am I missing something?

Rubbernecking is a problem, but a fire is going to draw crowds no matter what - they're big and kinda hard to keep secret

Its not only fires we attend, what about RCR, Clan drug labs, house fires, special service calls etc. It will make life easier rather than relying on mobile phones, that don't always have coverage (same can be said about the radio).

Yes it will be encrypted, so people won't be able to eaves drop, just like WAPOL.

Bring it on I say

FESA has just as much right as WAPol to a closed, digital radio network, in my opinion.

I think it is an improvement, and it is good to see FESA moving forward and developing it's comms technology.

Yeah can't argue with that sort of reasoning nor can I say I'm really all that surprised.

Better start getting back into airband

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HL 101 wrote:Let’s hope the PTA (Public Transport Authority) don’t go digital just yet other wise that going to suck big time.

does anything intresting happen on the band?

kyeboi wrote:

HL 101 wrote:Let’s hope the PTA (Public Transport Authority) don’t go digital just yet other wise that going to suck big time.

does anything intresting happen on the band?

A bit, you will routinely hear full names and adresses, as well as a list of prior offences/warnings for offenders. Also general locations for code 7s (train v ped).