[AT] Can you hear me now?

[David Bruce]

In reading my comments after fully waking up I see I wasn't as clear as 
I could have been.
To make my comments more clear - I think computer controls without a 
reasonable backup system is a recipe for trouble with emergency vehicles.

David
NW NC

David Bruce wrote:
> In an emergency vehicle are such really needed?  I get the idea of a 
> black box but with my experience with sensor failure I think this is 
> really problematic .
>
> I could make a case for emergency vehicles NOT having the various 
> interlocks or having reasonable non-computer back up systems.
>
> David
> NW NC
> sharing the soapbox
>
> Steve W. wrote:
>   
>> I have already seen a couple of newer rigs shut down during drills when
>> a sensor decided something was wrong.
>>
>> We picked up a tanker from a local department who just got a new rig
>> that is all computer controlled. They called the other night asking if
>> we would like to swap back. The new rig has been in the shop more than
>> it has been on the fire ground. Seems that they keep having problems
>> with the computer controls.
>>
>> With the new stuff they are adding this year it is only going to get worse.
>> This year they are adding the new emissions rules to the engine, new
>> spec rules for the pump system, seat belt interlocks (if the seat has
>> weight in it and the seat belt isn't connected the engine won't start!)
>> Continuous data recording (just like aircraft black boxes) plus new
>> impact requirements and striping. Total added cost over an engine from
>> last year is around $60,000.00.
>>
>> Last year a new standard went into effect about our turn out gear. As it
>> stands now when the gear is 10 years old you are required to throw it
>> out. Regardless of what the gear has actually been through. We are
>> getting 20 sets of new gear this year. Total cost $35,478.00. Thankfully
>> this time we are getting a grant for it.
>>
>> Well I'd better shut up and get off the soap box.....
>>
>>   
>>     
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