Metropolitan Fire Service

Radio Frequencies/Radio Network

(The MFS Use VHF and UHF radio frequencies, in conventional mode.)

 

UHF Link Frequencies.

 

Notes:

1.                   The MFS Call Centre’s callsign is “Adelaide Fire” is located at 99 Wakefield St, Adelaide. It has been moved to a temporary home while the MFS Communications network is upgraded.

2.                   The MFS also have access to the SA GRN radio network.

In November 2003 the MFS transferred all communications centre functions to a temporary facility in its headquarters building so the upgrading of its existing communications centre could begin, it is anticipated that the new centre will be operational by mid 2004.

Metro appliances use a mobile data terminal for receiving information on incidents and also for sending status messages, the data network operates on the VHF radio channels previously used for voice transmissions. Another VHF frequency is dedicated to the station turnout systems; the communications centre operator broadcasts details of incidents over this channel which is then directed into the station PA system.

Metropolitan appliances transmit messages to the communications centre on talkgroup 150 MFS Dispatch 1. When operating at incidents simplex channel 182SPX01_MFS (411.5857 mhz) is used. For larger or specialized incidents the communications centre will allocate a talkgroup for fire-ground communications, these are normally talkgroups 155 -159 for metropolitan incidents and 160 - 164 for incidents involving the Country Fire Service.

The GRN radio equipment in vehicles consists of one Motorola MCS 2000 mobile radio and three MTS 2000 portable radios. One 99 channel Motorola Syntryx radio (Same as VICPOL & Victorian CFA & DSE radio) is used with the Mobile data terminal and also to serve as a backup should the GRN fail.

The MFS has fire stations in many larger country towns (Regional Centres), which rely on retained firefighters who carry SAGRN pagers for incident notification. Country Fire station MFS crews don’t transmit messages back to the Adelaide comms centre, all reports and requests are relayed to the local fire station using the SAGRN.

The MFS use the SAGRN for voice transmissions throughout South Australia. Its communications centre (“Adelaide Fire”) is located at 99 Wakefield St, Adelaide. It handles all call receipt and dispatch functions for the MFS as well as some CFS calls. Operators also control traffic lights in the CBD and dispatch keys required to gain access to city buildings.

©2004 COPYRIGHT The Australian Scanning Encyclopedia, VicNews Ltd, and Ashley Geelan.

No part of this page may be transmitted or re-produced in whole or part without permission from the author(s). Unless for the purposes of education, research or bona fide study. This Page Last Updated: January 16^th, 2004

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