The radio network in the VHF 160 MHz band provides the Fire Rescue Service of the South Moravian Region (hereinafter referred to as HZS JHM) with communication with units of volunteer fire brigades (hereinafter referred to as “SDH”). At the same time, analogue radio networks in the VHF band are used for backup communication and communication of the Regional Operations and Information Centre (hereinafter referred to as KOPIS) with the Fire Brigade and Fire Brigade units. From the KOPIS building on Lidická Street in Brno, the JHM Fire and Rescue Service coordinates the communication of analogue radio networks throughout the entire South Moravian Region. The antenna system on the KOPIS building is used for communication with the infrastructure of radio networks in different parts of the region. However, the new adjacent Central Park apartment building is taller than the KOPIS building and overshadows the current antenna system. Therefore, the JHM Fire and Rescue Department agreed with Central Park Lidická, s.r.o. to place a new 10 m high antenna mast for the backup radio communication system on the Central Park building at a height of 31 m.

Preparation of the construction of a new mast on Lidická Street in Brno

DCom was awarded a contract for the implementation of a new antenna mast and delivery of an antenna system on the building of Central Park Lidická, s.r.o. It was a rather demanding task. The new fully-fitted mast with a length of 10 m had to be lifted and installed on the new building to a height of 31 m from Lidická Street. Lidická Street is one of the important and busy streets in the centre of Brno. An important tram line runs along the street, which is used by the backbone lines No.1 and No. 6. Work could start no earlier than 23:30. They had to finish no later than 4:30 pm. This is a very short time interval.

Choosing the right antenna mast installation option

When preparing the installation, we considered various options together with the investor, Central Park Lidická, s.r.o. (hereinafter referred to as “the investor”), including the installation of the mast by helicopter. Conventional cranes of the required size require a long and complex preparation time of approximately two hours for dismantling and then another two hours for assembling. Too little time would be left for actual mast retrieval and installation. Following discussions with Hanyš, we chose to install the antenna mast using a special Liebherr MK140 crane. This type of crane is ready to work within 15 minutes after being hooked up.

Challenging installation of the antenna system at night within 5 hours

The installation itself was preceded by thorough preparation. The mast was designed and manufactured directly to the requirements of the investor and the JHM Fire Department. Before installation, the mast was fully equipped. We discussed the implementation procedure in detail with the representatives of all participating organisations in advance. For safety reasons, the overhead tram line was disconnected during the installation. Thanks to the thorough preparation, excellent cooperation of our skilled technicians, Hanyš company and the user of the JHM Fire Brigade, who provided the place for the mast installation and its subsequent transport to the place of pick-up by crane, the installation of the new mast went exactly as planned. All the necessary work was completed in the required time and the new antenna system is already in service with the JHM Fire Brigade.

The installation process is documented in the video

The following short video documents the installation of the new antenna system.