A.A. modernises communications

Press, 29 October 1977, Page 27

A.A. modernises communications

The Automobile Association (Canterbury) has begun work on a $BOOO project to bring its system of radiotelephone communications up to date. It aims to convert the balance of the system from medium high frequency (MHF) to very high frequency (VHF), by the end of December.

The use of multi-frequency VHF sets will give the association radio-telephone coverage over the greater part of its territory. The Ministry of Works and Development has granted the A.A. and the St John Ambulance Association free use of repeater stations in Canterbury, including access to two stations built recently in the Lewis Pass and Arthur’s Pass areas.

The new’ equipment will consist of seven maxi-phone mobiles and five VHF fixed stations; it replaces MHF sets which were first used by the A.A. 20 years ago. The use of the associa-

ition's emergency breakdown service continued to increase “astronomically” — a 30 per cent rise in calls for September, compared with September last year, said the general manager (Mr E. S. Palliser). A survey had shown that in 64 per cent of cases staff responded within five minutes of receiving a call. In the six months ended September 30, 8089 breakdown calls were received. Mr Palliser said a new trend w’as apparent in the technical services demanded by members. Until recently, about 75 per cent of vehicle checks were made on cars that members considered purchasing. But now an equal number cf checks were being made on “pre-pur-chase” vehicles and members’ own cars.

The trend showed a growing awareness of the value of checking cars for engine performance, Mr Palliser said.