199203 – Guerra & Leeder – Melbourne’s Metropolitan Radio System: Equipment & Networking

In July’ 1990, the Public Transport Corporation in Victoria awarded a turn-key contract to Motorola Communications Australia to provide a computer based radio despatch system. To meet the operational, frequency and coverage requirements of the IrIC, Motorola Australia supplied a Trunked Mobile Radio Network that incorporated a Despatch Computer supplied by Westinghouse Brake and Signal.

The system will give radio communication for the complete electrified urban railway network of
Melbourne and will provide effective communications for drivers, guards, maintenance crews,
supervisors, area and train controllers.

The PTC have structured the railway network into five geographical areas, where each area covers several rail lines with its own Train and Area controller. The Controller positions, consisting of a combination of customised touch screen VDU’s, audio headset and handset, will be located at the main control centre in Melbourne. From each of these operating positions, private and group communication is possible to the 1300 portable and mobile radio units of the users, throughout the Trunked Radio Network. The network consists of eighteen base sites comprising fifty six base stations and using this network, many conversations can proceed at the one time.