Intelligibility of New Mass Notification System for CFB Esquimalt Verified by Field Tests
BOSTON, MA (PRWEB) JUNE 30, 2015
Acoustic Technology, Inc. (ATI Systems), the world leader in mass notification and intelligible voice systems, worked with Delco Automation of Calgary Alberta, to supply Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt (CFB Esquimalt) with a Mass Notification System (MNS). The MNS is capable of issuing warnings for emergencies including hazardous materials, environmental threats, earthquakes, and tsunamis. ATI Systems provided the modeling and the acoustic design for the system, which is shown below. After installation was complete, the sound pressure levels produced by the MNS system were tested.
ATI Systems conducted a comprehensive acoustic analysis of the area requiring notification to develop the recommended siren layout and evaluate the voice and tone coverage. The results of this analysis are shown on the acoustic coverage map above which illustrates the 80 and 70 dBC voice and tone contour areas. This acoustic analysis involves evaluation of local topographical features, including buildings, structures, ground and terrain conditions, and atmospheric effects, to see how they affect geometrical spreading, providing the most accurate possible prediction of acoustic coverage.
This design was put to the test on March 4, 2015 by Wakefield Acoustics Ltd. (WAL from Victoria, Canada) who conducted independent testing to verify that the sound levels created by the MNS conform to the sound contour mapping specified by ATI Systems. “I was glad to get this confirmation from the Canadian government of how accurate our acoustic coverage and predictions are,” said Tarek Bassiouni, ATI Systems Managing Director. “The results were observed by five individuals, who deemed it meeting voice and tone requirements.”
The design provided by ATI Systems consists of five (5) 1600 Watt electronic High Powered Speaker Stations (HPSS), which provide the acoustic coverage. The siren system is controlled by using two (2) Control Stations that run ATI’s MassAlert® software. MassAlert® is an advanced software program that utilizes a graphical user interface for overall control and monitoring, allowing activation of all the sirens at once, individual sirens, or groups, and it can be programmed with a variety of messages or used for live public address.
About Delco Security, Inc.
Delco Security Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary of Delco Automation, Inc., is a 100% Canadian owned and operated security integration firm. Delco’s core expertise lies within complex integration security and life safety projects. Whether the project requires developing an approach to maximize security operational efficiency or designing an easy way of combining various systems for instant Emergency Communication, Delco offers an unmatched portfolio of professional services. Founded in 1994, Delco operates all across Canada and has stringent business processes and insurances to assure that projects are completed successfully with the least possible risk.