Example Requirement

In the event of an emergency such as a security alert or terrorist threat, a new government initiative to safeguard a major metropolitan CBD includes the requirement for a system that allows authorities to provide real time warning and advisory announcements to city workers and visitors. Speakers shall be pole mounted and placed throughout the CBD allowing centralised operators to make announcements as required. Additionally, wireless network technology shall be used for all communications between the speaker nodes throughout the CBD.

Integration with information display signs is also required and the system must be able to be controlled and operation from a central command location.

The NetSpire™ Solution

The NetSpire™ Wide Area Emergency Announcement, Public Address and General Alarm (PAGA) System would be configured to incorporated integrated Wireless Announcer units at intersections throughout the CBD. Mounted on the intersection’s traffic poles each unit drives two high power, efficient weatherproof speakers via an integrated Class D audio amplifier. Sound pressure levels of up to 98dB across the range of coverage are supported.

The NetSpire™ Wireless Announcer units include wireless networking capabilities and minimise cabling requirements and network costs. Additionally, each unit includes a serial port that can be used to drive information display signs. Multiple signs can be controlled by a single NetSpire™ Wireless Announcer unit and messages can be synchronised with audio messages – allowing a comprehensive mass notification solution to be built in order to maximise public awareness.

Open Access's NetSpire™ Integrated Communications system provides the authorities with the ability to both make live public address announcements (Long Line Public Address) and initiate pre-recorded announcements (Digital Voice Announcement) throughout the covered area. Centralised operators can use GUI consoles to administer and manage the system, as well as make and schedule announcements to any combination of selected speakers within the system. The VoIP technology used to provide these features ensures CD quality announcements even over the wireless network.

The system’s information display signs can be configured to automatically update based upon trigger events or schedules, but the operator GUI consoles also provide users with control of all signs – including features such as remote sign disabling, or remote message update.