01.10.07
Fone-Alarm Installations announce Network Rail type approval of telephone concen-trator
FAI has recently completed its first major order to supply Hawk Concentrator units. The Hawk is a compact, easily installed, and competitively priced concentrator that ranges from 4 lines to 60 lines with a single MMI panel, which can be either a key and lamp unit or touchscreen as required.
These will replace existing life expired units in smaller signal boxes in the London North Eastern Territory and FAI are currently working on a second large order. The Hawk is one of several innovative products introduced by FAI into the rail and trans-port market to enhance new and existing communications systems. They originally developed their radio public address (RPA) system to interface to existing PA sys-tems used on London Underground stations. This allows the station staff to make announcements to the passengers from anywhere on a station platform.
The RPA system continues to be developed to meet the needs and demands of the rail industry. They have also developed, on behalf of various train operating compa-nies, a solar powered RPA system that allows significant cost savings on installation, as cabling, and therefore ducts and UTX’s, are not required between the amplifier and the loudspeakers.
Working with others
FAI have developed, in conjunction with Atos Origin and Infotec, a train mass detec-tion system to improve the train reporting in areas that lack sufficient train describer information. This type approved product enhances train reporting accuracy at sta-tions for customer information systems (CIS) both audio and visual. FAI have recently completed a complex CIS installation and are currently designing a system for use on the Ebbw Valley railway development.
FAI don’t just provide technical solutions. Their fully trained and experienced installa-tion and maintenance teams have had a busy summer installing CIS and PA equip-ment on over 100 stations in the Midlands, London and Wales.
A successful company
From humble beginnings assisting S&T installing clocks and cabling on what was British Rail stations, FAI now has a 28 year history in the rail industry providing a fully integrated installation service. They have received an award from Network Rail for teamwork while installing the main CIS display board at Euston. FAI’s policies reflect their customer focus and allow them to adapt to the changing needs of the industry.