FRC Technical News online

July 15th, 2008

Posts appear here in reverse chronological order (the most recent posts at the top). You can simply scroll down to read them, or select something of interest from the navigation menus at left. Commenting is enabled, so if you would like to share your opinion look for a comment box after each post. However, comments must be approved by FRC staff before they will appear.

New Surface Mount LED flood and loading light!

December 2nd, 2009

FRC is very excited to announce this new light designed specifically for Ambulance and Emergency Response Vehicles. Now that the cost of LEDs is finally becoming reasonable, we’re able to make a 12V (or 24V) light that can improve the usually dismal lighting conditions around an ambulance on a night call. Our new LED900-Q65 surface mount light is easy to install with NO PANEL CUTOUT required and provides an incredible 4400 lumens without requiring a generator.

New IETM [2009 v03] available

August 28th, 2009

The latest IETM (Interactive Electronic Technical Manual) for 2009 [Version 03] is now available. Read about what’s new in the IETM, or run it live over the web on the IETM page. This version includes new PumpBoss IETM, a short interactive for our new Seat Monitor and Data Acquisition system, and the latest catalog PDFs.

Chrome bezel for TankVision

August 12th, 2009

In response to popular demand, the TankVision is now available with a chrome bezel option. The bezel can also be retrofit on newer style TankVisions (those with the rectangular bezel).

See the model table on the TankVision page for option code.

Bridge Collapse After Thoughts

July 21st, 2009

by Walt Lee

Minneapolis Fire Department (MFD) covers 59.7 square miles with a population of 382,618. It has a budget of 50 million, 424 sworn members, and 19 stations that consists of 19 engines, 5 ladders and 2 heavy rescues trucks.

The function of the MFD Engineering Officer is to be a liaison between city departments. One of these departments is the Minneapolis Public Works where the Fire Repair Shop is staffed. The facility is located near downtown. It has five bays for fire with five full time mechanics, one travels station to station to perform quick repairs while the other four work at the shop on longer term repairs and major Preventive Maintenance (PM) work. The shop is managed by an Equipment Repair Foreman. The Engineering Officer position involves working with the Fire Shop Foreman on such things as rig specifications and acceptance of new rigs, modifications, installation of tools, officer vehicle build, repairs, maintenance, etc. The two different city departments work well together.

What makes this relationship work so well is that the Engineering Officer relies on the Shop Foreman to know not only the maintenance of the rigs, but also the operation of the equipment and the department. In turn the Shop Foreman relies on the Engineering Officer to know the shop functions and have a keen understanding of the operation, maintenance and repairs of the fire equipment. Minneapolis Public Works, Fleet Services Division views Fire, Police and support of snow removal equipment as their main functions and responsibilities; and in that order.

This relationship proved itself the evening that the 35W Bridge collapsed…..

Read the rest of this entry »

New PumpBoss!

May 19th, 2009

Our very popular PumpBoss pressure governor has been updated. The new PBA400 series monitors both incoming and discharge pressure for maximum cavitation protection. Read more about it on the new PumpBoss page. A full manual is available linked off the product page. Look for an updated IETM (Interactive electronic technical manual) to come.