Edinburgh Tattoo
Two Way Radio Case Study
Scotia Radio Services
Scotia Radio Services
Two Way Radio Case Study
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is one of Scotland’s most iconic annual events, featuring a stunning showcase of military precision, music, and artistic performances. Each August, it attracts performers and spectators from around the world, taking place on the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle. With large-scale operations and logistics, the Tattoo required a robust communication system to ensure smooth coordination, safety, and real-time responsiveness.
Given the size and complexity of the event, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo required a reliable communication infrastructure that would facilitate clear, uninterrupted communication across various teams—ranging from traffic management and event production to operational leadership. The system had to ensure high-quality voice transmission over a wide area, including the challenging terrain surrounding Edinburgh Castle, while offering features such as priority interrupt, emergency handling, and remote monitoring.
Scotia Radio was selected to deliver a comprehensive two-way radio solution to meet the unique demands of the Tattoo. Their solution featured a state-of-the-art infrastructure that included:
•2 x PR900 Repeaters: These repeaters provided the backbone of the system, ensuring full coverage and seamless communication across the expansive event area.
•Server with PD200 and ROMc: The server supported by PD200 and ROMc allowed for remote access to monitor and manage the communication system in real-time, providing technical teams with essential oversight and quick troubleshooting capabilities.
•102 PH660 Radios: Event staff were equipped with 102 PH660 radios, which were connected via the repeaters, providing reliable voice communication across the venue.
•POC Radios: A few standalone POC radios were deployed to manage traffic coordination around the event, enabling efficient control of vehicle movement and external logistics.
•Priority Interrupt and Stun/Revive Features: These features ensured that management teams could prioritize critical communications, while the stun/revive capability enabled the team to instantly disable or re-enable radios when needed, enhancing security and control over communications.
For the technical production crew, Scotia Radio supplied:
•35 radios with RSMs, ‘D’ shape earpieces, and headsets: This setup allowed for clear communication during the event’s technical production, using dedicated back-to-back channels for the setup phase, ensuring smooth operation and minimal interference during the live event.
Throughout the event, Scotia Radio’s communication system performed flawlessly. The PR900 repeaters ensured full coverage across the event grounds, while the PD200 server allowed for real-time system management, enabling rapid response to any potential issues. The 102 PH660 radios used by staff ensured that event operations—from managing performers and coordinating teams to overseeing logistics—ran efficiently. The POC radios, used for traffic control, ensured that vehicles were directed seamlessly, preventing any delays or confusion during peak hours.
The technical production crew was able to execute the complex setup of the show with ease, thanks to the 35 radios provided, which were optimized for clarity and ease of use in a high-stress environment. Back-to-back channels enabled uninterrupted communication during the pre-event build-up and live event, helping the crew manage every technical aspect with precision.
Results:
Scotia Radio’s two-way radio solutions contributed significantly to the smooth execution of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. The robust communication infrastructure allowed for:
•Seamless coordination across various teams, ensuring the event ran smoothly despite its complexity.
•Enhanced control and oversight for management, with features like priority interrupt and the ability to monitor or adjust communications remotely.
•Clear, reliable communication for the technical crew, enabling them to focus on the production without communication concerns.
Scotia Radio’s system ensured that all elements of the event—traffic control, operations, and production—were synchronized perfectly, resulting in an unforgettable experience for the audience and performers alike.
Conclusion:
Scotia Radio’s expertise in delivering tailored two-way radio solutions played a key role in the success of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Their ability to provide reliable, high-quality communications across different aspects of the event demonstrates their commitment to supporting large-scale operations with precision and professionalism. The event’s success is a testament to Scotia Radio’s capabilities in delivering top-tier communication solutions for complex, high-profile events.
