Australia Zoo’s Digital Communication System Put Safety First
When Queensland's world famous Australia Zoo needed a new radio system, it was Hytera to the rescue with a state-of-the-art digital trunking solution.
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User
Australia Zoo -
Project Time
2019 -
Market Segment
Commercial -
Product
Hytera XPT digital trunking solution
RD98XS repeaters
PD46XS
PD66X
MD65X
Challenge
When it comes to communications systems, Australia Zoo has some fairly unique requirements and characteristics — a complex and extensive physical environment and a large volume of public visitors. It's vitally important for the public, staff and animals that reliable communications are available at all times.
Australia Zoo was keen to upgrade from its outdated communications system, which was a mix of analog and digital technology.
Solutions
After evaluating a number of options, the Zoo selected a digital solution from Hytera. “We chose the Hytera XPT digital trunking solution using RD982S repeaters,” said Australia Zoo’s Operations Manager, Brian Dore. “The trunking system accommodates our large quantity of radios using a small number of repeaters while the IP-based radios allow for system monitoring, remote configuration and diagnostics. “We trialed Hytera PD462s with our old system and found them suitable for the application,” he added. “System tests using a loan system from Hytera reinforced the decision.”
For portable radios, the PD662 was chosen. The units were trialed prior to purchase and the Zoo found them to be simple, robust and suitable for zoo operation riggers. The MD652 model was chosen for the base/mobile radios, with their low cost and simple operation via the handheld controller microphone making them attractive.
The scope of the project was quite large, bearing in mind that the zoo covers 44 hectares (110 acres) and that 210 radios would be needed to accommodate all staff members during the busiest periods.
Dore says the new system “easily” covers all of the zoo’s environs and, in fact, coverage extends to the Beerwah shopping district a couple of kilometers away.
The deployment required the acquisition of new ACMA private frequency licenses; installation of the base/mobile radios in cars and trucks; a new antenna system with multi-coupler; a new control cabinet containing repeaters, a backup battery and associated equipment; and system configuration, IT assistance, training and document provision.
About Australia Zoo
Many zoos seem designed around separation and observation from a distance, the animal enclosures at Australia Zoo are open and sprawling. The point is to forge a personal connection to the animals as individuals, to develop the passion Steve Irwin was known for, and experience the environment not only with your eyes, but with your body and your heart.
The trunking system accommodates our large quantity of radios using a small number of repeaters while the IP-based radios allow for system monitoring, remote configuration and diagnostics.
Brian Dore, Operations Manager at Australia Zoo
Benefits
“Mobile Communications have done an excellent job with the installation and commissioning of all the equipment,” said Dore, adding that all of the radios and repeaters were programmed and tested at Mobile Communications headquarters in Brisbane. The company also took care of training zoo staff in the operation of the new radios.
IT connections were supplied by Australia Zoo and the existing aerial mast was used. “We could not have any radio down time during the implementation, so the new system was installed and commissioned in parallel with the old system. This negated any issues during testing and commissioning,” said Dore.
According to Dore, feedback from the staff has been very good, with users not reporting any communication issues.
Finally, an unexpected benefit of moving to the new system has been that the radio channel system has reduced the excess radio communications experienced on the old main zoo channel, making the office environment much quieter.
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