Eleven years ago, the Fryslân Safety Region started a unique experiment: centrally-controlling of all their training materials with the help of a mixing console. In this experiment, solutions and protocols were chosen that were frequently used within the theatre world. DMX was used to control the flame effects and smoke machines, while transmitters were chosen to control sound wirelessly. Frans Stabel of the safety region had the ambition to bring the manpower’s skills to a higher level through dynamic staging. An ambition he successfully achieved!
Technological developments
At the time of the experiment, FireWare was allowed to supply the then-modern set and train a group of instructors in its use. Over the years many beautiful exercises have been realized. Technological development, however, has been rapid lately. During a recent evaluation on dynamic staging, room for improvement became visable.
The control of the mixing console was complex. Therefore, instruction training was necessary to set up the centrally controlled dynamic staging. In addition, many cables were needed and feedback through video streams is missing. The main experienced disadvantage was that a separate mixing console was needed for both the control of the smoke generators and the flame effects as for the sound effects.
Incident Server and Client
“Is that the only way nowadays?”, Frans Stabel wondered. Partly due to his request, FireWare developed the Incident Server and Incident Client, a powerful control system for dynamic exercises. With one or more tablets, practice leaders have control over all exercise effects wirelessly. This includes all flame effects, the smoke machines, other effects and the sound mixing. In addition, the staff can view a video streams of the exercise on the tablet. Within 10 minutes the system is set up. The Incident Server and Clients are compact and connect wirelessly to each other.
The set, consisting of an Incident Server and two Clients, was officially transferred to the safety region on 4 November 2019. New training materials were not required. The training materials owned by the safety region could simply be linked to the new control system. That same evening, the first exercise with the set was build up. We wish the Fryslân Safety Region the best with their new set!
