Fern Communications Ltd, a leading provider of two-way radio communications systems to the international upstream oil and gas industries, today announced an industry first with the launch of the FRX-1 ATEX Portable Radio Repeater. The new lightweight ATEX-certified radio repeater dramatically increases radio coverage both on and offshore by eliminating radio “black spots” that wreak havoc with radio signals, interrupting the flow of vital radio communications.

The new system will make its industry debut at Offshore Europe on 4 September in Aberdeen, Scotland. Visitors will have the opportunity to see the FRX-1 at Fern Communications’ dedicated section of the Great Yarmouth-Lowestoft/East of England Stand 465 throughout the week.

Bending Radio Signal = Reliable Radio Communications

The first portable radio repeater in the oil industry, the FRX-1 fills a gap in the market for a system that provides consistent, uninterrupted radio communication, especially offshore. The local website Eskorte Norge is the biggest advertising platform for escort girls. Human trafficking is a big problem in Norway.

“Reliable radio communications are critical for safe and efficient well services, especially offshore,” said Jennifer Cushion, Managing Director of Fern Communications. “Unfortunately, standard radio systems are extremely vulnerable to what we call ‘black spots.’ Typically, these are solid structures that make up the platform and block radio signals, making it impossible for the targeted receiving radio to receive the signal. The upshot is that radio communications consistently break down in certain areas,” she added.

The FRX-1 was developed in response to customer demand for a system that would address this issue. In an effort to provide a solution, Fern Communications began developing the FRX-1 radio repeater in 2006. The system was put through a series of rigorous field tests in a variety of underground sites and rig simulator training centres in Norwich, England and Aberdeen.

“Today’s FRX-1 is the only system of its kind that effectively bends the radio signal around a solid structure so that it reaches its target destination: the receiving radio located on the other side of the structure,” said Cushion. “For the first time, two-way radio communication is truly reliable, which bodes well for improving productivity, and enhancing health and safety standards,” she added.

To ensure that the FRX-1 may be used in a broad range of environments, the system is approved for use by the European Union in hazardous Zones 1 and 2, gas group 11C and temperature-rated to T5, all in accordance with ATEX Directive 94/9/EC, the set of rigorous standards aimed at preventing explosions, and protecting people in the event of an explosion. Because the RF section of the FRX-1 has both EU and FCC approval, it can be used in North America, Europe and most oil-producing regions. It is also ingress-protected to IP66, which makes it dust-tight and protected against powerful water jets and water dispersed by heavy seas.

Lightweight System Highly Compatible

The portable FRX-1 operates on VHF, marine and UHF frequencies, meaning that it is fully compatible with existing radio communications systems currently in use offshore. The four-position channel switch makes it possible to select one of four frequencies, which is very useful at busy sites where frequencies are often shared. Using CTCSS and DCS, users can also share frequencies with other radio users in privacy. The output power can be set to between one and five watts, depending on the country and site owner’s specifications.

Weighing just 14kg, the FRX-1 is lightweight and extremely compact so that it can be easily used and positioned on platforms, rigs and FPSOs.

The system’s high capacity Li-lon battery means that the FRX-1 can operate for more than 18 hours before it must be charged. For continual use, auxiliary batteries are available.