RTCS MK II Radio Telephone Control System Tait Electronics (Shetland) Ltd. Broonies Taing, Sandwick Shetland, ZE2 9HH, UK. Phone: 01950 431414   Fax: 01950 431666 tait.electronics@zetnet.co.uk

The analogue based audio switch RTCS (Radio and Telephone Control System) was initially developed by Tait Electronics to cope with the demanding conditions at Britain's most northerly airport, on Unst in the Shetland Islands. As a fixed wing to helicopter transfer point for workers travelling to and from North Sea oilfield installations, Unst was of vital importance for the oil industry.

Extreme weather conditions on Unst could cause various air traffic control problems. Backed up traffic due to bad weather often resulted in very busy periods when noise pollution in the control tower could reach critical proportions.

Faced with such radio and telecommunication problems the airport management called in Tait Electronics to solve them. The solution was the RTCS MK 1, a system capable of interfacing several radio and telephone channels to headsets giving split headset working with radio priority. The RTCS was, however, limited to a single desk position and when a similar problem arose at Scatsta airport the multi desk capability RTCS MK 11 was developed.

Alan Tait, l.Eng., MIEIE, who developed the RTCS system has 20 years experience in air traffic engineering. These include service at Sumburgh Airport, Shetland; London Air Traffic Control Centre; Scottish Air Traffic Control Centre; Unst Airport, Shetland; and Scatsta Airport, Shetland. Prior to his involvement in ATC Alan was with Decca Survey Ltd. doing far flung service working on navigation systems for the oil industry.

Over the years the highest engineering standards have been required. When it comes to air traffic control only absolute system integrity can ensure the safety requirements demanded by the CAA.

The RTCS is a modular analogue audio switch system which can be built to the customer's requirements. The system is already installed at UK airports and approved by the UK CAA. It's interfaces are fully tested to BABT specifications and approved for connection to the public telecommunications networks, both PSTN and speechband private wire circuits.

The system provides:

• Multi desk capability
• Interface to PSTN
• Interface to PABX
• DTMF signalling
• Interface to four wire radio channels
• Phantom signalling
• Desk to desk intercom
• Tape recorder interface
• Split headset working with radio priority
• Dual power supplies with battery back up

Analogue based, no software problems. Tailormade to customer's requirements. Cost effective. Telephone interface cards available separately. Minimum maintenance easily carried out by a competent technician. Technician training available.