Specifications

Using a Model 26 Fire Station Dispatcher for System Backup
126 025-9581M
they retain the ability to decode and understand the older FFSK signaling from a Model
26. In fact, if they are properly installed and setup, Model 6203 units can “downshift” into
communicating with a Model 26 by means of FFSK automatically. When they next
receive commands over their TCP/IP connection, they automatically shift back to
operating in that mode.
Please understand that the system cannot have both the FSA server and a Model 26 Fire
Station Dispatcher controlling it simultaneously. However, if the equipment is set up
correctly, the control can be shifted from the server to the Model 26 at the communications
center without having to make any changes at the fire stations. Once the IP system failure
is taken care of, control can be shifted back to the FSA server, again, without any need to
take any actions at the fire stations.
A brief review of the two possible system organizations is provided to ground you in how
the primary and backup controllers work. After that, a separate section is provided with
instructions for setting either type of backup. This is done deliberately in order to allow
the installer to concentrate on whichever approach is being used.
Voice over Radio or VoIP
The details involved in converting the system from the station alerting units being
controlled by the FSA Server to their being controlled by a Model 26 will vary based on
how the system normally works when controlled by the server.
This section provides an overview of the differences between systems which are using
radio links to distribute voice audio to the Model 6203 units at the fire stations and
systems that are using VoIP technology over the IP-network to send and receive voice
audio.
Note While the original Model 6/Model 26 Fire Station Alerting system
did offer the capability of a wire line interface between the Model
26 controller and the Model 6 station alerting units, this mode of
operation is no longer supported by the IP FSA system. The only
interface supported for using a Model 26 to control Model 6203 and
Model 6204 units is by means of FFSK signaling transmitted over
dedicated radios.
Note The FFSK packets will be heard over the PA system at the fire
stations while the Model 26 is in use as a backup to FSA. This is a
consequence of the configuration of the Model 6203 and Model
6204 units to allow them to switch modes of operation without any
operator actions at the fire stations.