Tait mobile radio equipment is destined for some of New Zealand's most scenic locations as the Department of Conservation (DOC) is upgrading its mobile communications.

In a seven figure contract, Tait Communications is providing base station equipment for 43 sites, more than 1200 Tait terminals, and compact fixed repeaters for radio communications for DOC's VHF network.

The new equipment will improve safety for DOC staff working in the field, improve communications during rural fire emergencies, and enable DOC to more effectively manage its staff.

DOC Science, Technology and Information Services Manager, Alan Edmonds says the new mobile communications have been designed to meet the department's changing needs.

"We constantly have staff working in the most remote parts of New Zealand on threatened species projects or managing the hut and track network, and it is vital we are able to ensure effective communication with them.

"We also need to be able to react quickly and effectively to rural forest fires, and to co-ordinate our response with other emergency services.

"The upgrade will bring the department's entire radio system into line with current needs and with the opportunities that new technology can offer."

Tait has customised Tait Orca 5020 portable radios to DOC's needs, with tailored firmware and controls. A key advantage for DOC staff is that will now be able to use the Tait portables to place and receive telephone calls within their VHF network coverage area.

The customisation also extends to the network equipment. Tait T800 base stations have been modified, mainly to operate most effectively at solar-powered sites. Compact, fixed repeaters have been created for DOC, based on T700 mobile radios.

Tait will also be involved in the provision of HF communications equipment for DOC's use in especially remote areas like the vast Fiordland National Park and offshore islands.

Tait Communications Business Development Manager Mike Waluszewski says the contract is a good example of how Tait can tailor the latest technology to provide efficiency benefits for customers.

"A large proportion of DOC's people are mobile and often work in distant areas, so our new equipment will be very useful, particularly in emergencies."

About 30% of DOC's VHF network had been successfully upgraded prior to the latest contract. The new equipment will be adopted by the Nelson/Marlborough Conservancy before being rolled out to other regions.

Read this case study about the Tait solution for DOC.