WINTER 2014
THE LATEST >NEWS >VIEWS >UPDATES
EDITION 29
ACMA
Update ST GEORGE
Queensland Reds TECHNOLOGY
Solutions THE WATERMARK
Hotel
Focuson
Service Industries PARTNERS & SOLUTIONS:
As the financial year draws to a close, radio users and the radio industry are gearing up for a big six months ahead.
>
>
In 2014, Queensland is the proud host of the G20 summit – bringing together some of the world’s most powerful leaders and their support teams. Crowds of participants and a heightened security environment, can place communication networks under extreme pressure, causing congestion. A private in-house digital two-way radio system ensures reliable voice and data communications. In this issue of Wireless@Work, we look at solutions for the service industry. The phase 2 deadline for ACMA re-banding is approaching. Don’t delay! Take the time to get organised now and you will have time to plan a considered and cost-effective solution to the mandated changes by 31 December 2014. National Wireless staff are well versed in the changes and can advise on how best to become compliant and avoid hefty government fines.
ACMA Re-banding
update Due to the explosion in wireless technologies, demand for radio frequency spectrum has increased in recent years. In response to this, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has restructured the 400MHz band to enable and enforce more efficient use of the spectrum. UHF mobile radio licensees operating in the 400MHz band are required to migrate to at least 12.5 kHz channel bandwidths. Narrowbanding deadlines vary according to your location and usage situation. If you are in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Newcastle or Adelaide and operating in the 400MHz band, you probably transitioned before 31 December 2012. Read on for more information: Phase 1: Deadline 31 December 2012 > COMPLETE The ACMA did not generate renewals for non-compliant licences. Hence, license holders and all radio users in these bands that did not transition to 12.5 kHz are no longer licensed and are operating illegally – fines are applicable. Call us on 1300 852 929 is you are concerned that you are non compliant.
Phase 2: Deadline 31 December 2014 > TAKE ACTION NOW The second phase requires land mobile users within 100 kilometres of a high or medium density area, in the 450 – 470 MHz segment, to transition to 10 MHz Tx / Rx split, and change bandwidth to 12.5 kHz, prior to 31 December 2014. Traditionally the 450 – 470 MHz band is where most long term radio users / license holders have been positioned. This segment is now reserved for government use. Non-government users must vacate this band. This may be as simple as re-programming your existing radios (though some ageing equipment will not be compatible and will need to be replaced). National Wireless can assist you in determining the best course of action for your business – call us on 1300 852 929 for more information. Phase 3: Deadline 31 December 2015 > BE AWARE AND PLAN NOW This phase requires land mobile users within 100 kilometres of a high or medium density area, in the remaining band segments, to relocate to the correct non-Government / Government segments, prior to 31 December 2015. Call us on 1300 852 929 for assistance in planning for this final deadline.
Queensland Reds Since 2011 National Wireless has been the preferred wireless communications provider to the St.George Queensland Reds rugby team. Like many of our customers we are sports fans and are proud of our association with the St.George Queensland Reds. The nature of competing in some of the loudest sporting venues in world rugby is a challenge overcome thanks to the cutting edge technology we supply. St.George Queensland Reds Logistics Manager Michael Atkinson says, “National Wireless provide St.George Queensland Reds staff with high quality, reliable communications equipment that is vital to performing our match-day roles. Communication between the coaches and ground staff is a key element on match day.
The Reds perform in some of the biggest stadiums, in front of some of the most vocal and passionate fans in world rugby and National Wireless provide us with the ability to perform our roles in this area with unquestionable confidence.” National Wireless provide Vertex Standard eVerge digital two-way radios to the Queensland Reds ensuring their high performance staff remain in clear communication at some of the biggest stadiums across Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. National Wireless tailored the most suitable solution to the challenges faced by the St.George Queensland Reds. We can assess your unique situation and provide a solution that will improve productivity and safety in your workplace. Call us on 1300 852 929.
www.natwire.com sales@natwire.com
for Service Industries In 2014, Queensland is the proud host of the G20 summit – bringing together some of the worlds most powerful leaders and their support teams. Crowds of participants and a heightened security environment, can place communication networks under extreme pressure, causing congestion. Service industries will be hit hardest – accommodation, food and beverages, retail, transport and tourist attractions are amongst the groups that will be impacted by this event. A private in-house digital two-way radio system ensures reliable voice and data communications. Equip your staff with digital two-way radio voice and data solutions that utilise discreet, reliable communications to meet and exceed your guests’ expectations. Housekeeping, room service, concierge desk and security can all work together, transforming the guest experience, whilst ensuring guest and employee safety.
National Wireless generally recommends two digital technologies for Service Industries – TETRA or DMR.
DMR (Digital Mobile Radio) is an international open digital radio standard recently developed by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI). DMR offers an affordable solution for hotels looking for digital functionality at a good price.
TETRA is an international open digital radio standard developed by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI). The standard was developed over ten years ago and continues to be updated regularly to ensure it remains at the forefront of radio technology.
This technology is a TDMA based standard which means the radio divides the frequency into time slots. This provides the benefit of allowing you greater efficiency from infrastructure and licensing as two different radio user groups can concurrently use a frequency.
The TETRA standard reduces the risk associated with deployment of two-way radio systems by providing access to a wide choice of independent vendors to keep your enterprise radio communication system running well into the future, irrespective of what happens to your supplier arrangements. Most manufacturers are into their third or four generation of TETRA product ensuring a stable and mature solution. Competition between manufacturers creates a dynamic market, fostering innovation.
DMR supports backward compatibility to analog modes of operation, providing a migration to digital without a forklift upgrade. Advanced voice features are supported, such as group call, which is ideal for announcements to multiple groups, one-to-one calling and text messaging. Some features such as messaging will require a terminal with a display and full keypad. Private call capability is useful for restricting radio calls to specific people like a supervisor or a security guard when you don’t want them to broadcast over an open channel.
Like DMR, TETRA technology is a TDMA based standard which means the radio divides the frequency into time slots. TETRA is a digital Two-Way radio technology for building highly scalable, secure and intelligent, radio communication systems. TETRA features enable your radio to become a full extension of your internal phone system, effectively joining your voice communications systems together. Advanced handset features to meet diverse operational needs including configurable emergency safety systems – man-down, lone worker with location services.
Watermark case study
National Wireless has experience designing and installing systems in some of Australia’s best hotels. Notable TETRA installations include Palazzo Versace and Intercontinental Hotels in Adelaide and Sanctuary Cove. We recently installed a DMR system for The Watermark Hotel & Spa Gold Coast. Read on for more information. The Watermark Hotel & Spa Gold Coast, is a 4½ star hotel located in the heart of vibrant, sun-drenched Surfers Paradise, just 5 minutes walk from white sandy beaches and popular shopping, dining and entertainment. The Watermark offers a stylish, contemporary retreat and provides guests with access to a diverse range of hotel facilities including a luxury day spa, two specialty restaurants, sports bar & gaming lounge, 7 conference venues, 2 pools and gymnasium. Prior to transitioning to digital two-way radio, employees at The Watermark were using mobile phones as the primary method of internal communication. Over time they found mobile telephony to be costly due to ongoing call costs and hand-set breakages, inefficient for communicating a common message to groups and lacking in additional features. Paul Truman, The Watermark group’s Queensland Chief Engineer, previously worked in hotels that utilised two-way radio and was well versed in the benefits two-way radio can offer this industry. He wanted an efficient system that would allow for group calls, instant delivery of messages and advanced safety features. Following an extensive consultation process, including an onsite product trial, it was decided that the Vertex Standard eVerge range of DMR radio’s offered the best combination of digital functionality and affordability to fulfil the customer’s requirements. National Wireless designed and installed a single repeater system, utilising a Vertex Standard EVX-R70 repeater and 29 EVX-531 handsets. Now in operation across several departments, including concierge/security, room service, engineering and housekeeping (whose employee’s often work alone in isolated locations within the hotel), a key feature for The Watermark has been the emergency call function. Our customer has been so impressed by this function that it has now been written into their OH&S procedures. Paul Truman says that he proceeded with National Wireless for their new radio system as we “offered good advice and were responsive to their enquiries and requests”. With the forthcoming G20 Summit and 2015 Commonwealth Games being hosted in Queensland, The Watermark Hotel is well equipped to capitalise on the opportunities and mitigate the challenges these events will present.
Vertex Standard VX-456 & VX-426CB Vertex Standard VX-456 The Vertex Standard VX-456 is a dual mode CB and UHF Commercial portable radio. For durable, on-the-job responsiveness, the VX-456 maximises worker uptime with flexible communication options, expanded safety applications and convenient built-in features designed for both heavy duty and recreational use. Whether you’re on the job or having an outdoor adventure, the VX-456 enhances your safety by providing reliable and versatile communication options. ons. Exclusively designed for Australia and New Zealand, the VX-456 is fit-for-purpose in tough, rugged environments to keep you in touch, when communication counts. The VX-456 CB radio features seven programmable keys and an eight character alphanumeric display allowing for ease-of-use in a range of situations. The VX-456 CB is a 450 to 520 MHz portable radio that meets military standards for ruggedness and also features the DVS-9 man-down option, a major safety inclusion. It meets the IP57 ingress protection standard, whereby water does not harm the radio when submersed to a maximum depth of one metre for up to thirty minutes. Featuring 700 mW loud audio output, the VX-456 CB is ideal for working in noisy environments. Using voice activation (VOX), when used with the MH-81A4B headset, it enables users to transmit voice without pressing the push-to-talk button, which is ideal for hands-free operation. Additionally, users can record and store up to 120 seconds of voice messages using the optional DVS-8 Voice Storage unit. This new two-way radio combines both citizen band and private channels which allows greater flexibility in extreme environments.
Vertex Standard VX-426 The Vertex Standard VX-456 is entering the market to complement the VX-454 and replace the VX-426. We have stock remaining of the VX-426CB and have reduced the price to clear. Offer includes:
• • • • •
VX-426 CB portable radio 1800mAh battery Rapid charger Antenna Belt clip
SPECIAL
OFFER
344+GST
$
The Vertex Standard VX-426 Citizen Band portable radio has been designed to meet the needs of both commercial and recreational users. With 80 open channels on the Citizen Band (CB) and 88 private channels within the commercial spectrum, you can choose the mode that suits your needs. Dust, water and drop resistant, with an intuitive design and array of easy-to-use features, it performs in the most challenging of environments.
www.natwire.com sales@natwire.com
To find out more information or to purchase any of our stocked items
PORTABLE
call National Wireless on 1300 852 929 $
Vertex EVX-531 719 +GST
Vertex VX-426
• 32 channels in digital mode
• Choice of Citizen Band (CB) or commercial frequencies
• Industry leading size and weight • Includes lightweight slim-line battery • Operates in both analog & digital modes es • IP57 – Submersible 1 metre for 30 mins • Dedicated emergency button & Lone Worker features
FURTHER PRICE REDUCTION $ +GST
344
• 5 watt power • IP 54 – Resistant to dust and water • Emergency alarm for enhanced safety • Includes 1800mAh battery, rapid charger, antenna & belt clip • Programmable front-panel function buttons
• CALL FOR A FREE TRIAL!
• 8 character alphanumeric display
Vertex EVX-534 $764 +GST
Sepura STP9000 Seriess
• • • • • •
512 channels in digital mode Industry leading size & weight Includes lightweight slim-line battery Operates in both analog & digital modess IP57 – Submersible 1 metre for 30 mins 8 character display & 7 programmable keys • CALL FOR A FREE TRIAL!
• Indoor/urban canyon GPS location features
Vertex EVX-5400
GME TX3820
• • • •
• Available in UHF and VHF
512 Channels / 32 Groups 8 character display 6 programmable keys Backward compatible with analog systems • Text messaging in digital mode
• IP67 – Dust & water-proof • Enhanced user interface – a choice of three different presentation styles • Haptic Technology – physical movement confirms that key press is successful • Enhanced safety features • RFID tags
660 +GST
$
• 25 watt output power • High contrast LCD display • Compact modular design • Rugged die-cast aluminium chassis – withstands constant vibration & extreme temperatures
Sepura SRG3900
MOBILE E
• Supports the Sepura Colour Console (SCC) with Hi-Colour user interface • Ready to support Direct Mode Gateway, Direct Mode Repeater, PEI-–based Data & E2EE options • 10 Watts RF Power • Backwards compatible with existing Sepura Mobile installationss
Selected items now available for purchase online
• Night Mode for low-glare night use
163 Main North Rd Nailsworth SA 5083 T (08) 8269 5311
49 Caswell Street East Brisbane QLD 4169 T (07) 3891 2600
5/8 Channel Road Mayfield West NSW 2304 T (02) 4967 5800
Piercefield Rd Mt Thorley NSW 2330 T (02) 6574 6677