Monday, March 25, 1974
NEW RADIOS FOR FIRE SERVICES
Fire Services Department communications have taken a big
step forward with the purchase of 30 transmitter/receiver sets which
can be used in both portable and mobile roles.
Aptly named "Porta-Mobil", the American-made sets will greatly
improve the flexibility of officers commanding fire fighting operations.
The sets are replacing those at present installed in senior
officers' cars and on fire appliances, which are non-portable.
Senior officers attending fire grounds have been operating
small "walkie-talkie" sets which cannot be used to contact control
because of their limited range.
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Whenever they needed to get in touch with control, they had
to break off fire fighting and use the longer range sets installed in
their vehicles or on appliances at the scene. This was inconvenient
if, for example, the officer was on an upper floor of a multi-storey
building. Now, they can carry the "Porta-Mobil" with them wherever they go and maintain constant two-way communications with control.
The sets weigh less than 13 lbs and can be carried by hand
or strapped to an officer's back or shoulder. They are small enough
to be fitted beneath the instrument panel of a vehicle and can be
connected to a battery so as to provide additional charging. When
fully charged, they give eight hours' continuous operation.
The "Porta-Mobil" ....