Gonzo has hit the nail on the head.
the heathrow VCR is just a clutter of different systems. OK, the new tower will be aesthetically more pleasing, with everything laid out in a more organised way, but thats not the issue.
What Heathrow has in terms of different technologies and equipment types is like having an office consisting of microsoft windows 3.1, windows XP, Apple Mac, Linux, VHS and DVD.
NOTHING is integrated at all. menu functions, commands, controls, etc are all accessed in a different way.
ATM
VCCS
SIS
TACT (whats tact?)
SMR
are all different in their operation.
Even the flatscreen monitors have different menus and controls
Not only is this a headache for controllers, but the Tels people have trouble remembering how each system operates, which causes delays when something needs fixing.
Lets not have new technology just for technologys sake! Heathrow's new VCR needs an integrated technology package that everyone can become familiar with in a short space of time.
I feel for the lighting operators. The new lighting panel is going to be yet another headache for everyone concerned.
What makes me laugh is that the actual airfield lights will still be the same old lights that are currently oh so reliable and well maintained. it seems that by plugging a jazzy new high tech interface into the vcr will suddenly fix the airfield lighting. (rather like buying a new keyboard for your PC when the motherboard fails!)
