Dating back to the 11th century, Dover Castle stands as one of England’s largest and most iconic fortresses. Perched high above the town of Dover on the south coast, it offers breathtaking views across the Strait of Dover, the narrowest point in the English Channel between Great Britain and France.
Spanning 75 acres (30 hectares), this historic site is a protected Scheduled Monument, with its buildings listed as Grade 1 to preserve their original charm. While much of the site, including its intricate tunnel network, has evolved since the 11th century, it also boasts structures from Roman times. Known as the “Key to England,” Dover Castle has played a crucial role in defending the nation from invaders crossing the Strait of Dover, a legacy that continued until 1984 when its Cold War-era underground tunnels were vacated.
Today, managed by English Heritage, Dover Castle attracts over 300,000 visitors annually.
The Challenge
The castle team had been relying on an outdated FM Analogue system, which struggled to provide adequate coverage across the sprawling site, particularly within the fortified structures and underground tunnels.
To address this, English Heritage and their radio system partner, Smye-Rumsby, decided to upgrade to a digital system. The goal was to ensure comprehensive coverage, adapt to future needs, and support potential capacity increases, AI/Automation integration, or changes in digital air interface technology.
The new system is built around KENWOOD’s NX-1000 Series devices, which include a range of built-in and programmable worker safety features—an essential consideration for this application. The system is primarily used in two key areas: the Tunnels and the Castle Keep (Tower).
The Solution
After evaluating various options, the decision was made to transition to DMR digital operation on the VHF frequency. This choice met the current requirements and offered the flexibility and ecosystem support needed for future growth.
The new system integrates with four existing Base Stations and is programmed to provide SMC Alerts and automated Digital Voice Alerts to all radios in case of an incident.
Tunnels:
- NXR-1700E2 repeater
- 22 x NX-1200DE3 portable radios
- Signal delivered via an external antenna and leaky feeder cable
- 4 x 6-way KMB-35A chargers
Castle Keep:
- NXR-1700E2 repeater
- 30 x NX-1200DE3 portable radios
- 6 x 6-way KMB-35A chargers
The newly commissioned KENWOOD DMR radio systems at both castles have already streamlined operations and improved security and worker safety. The transition from FM Analogue to full digital operation, including programming the devices and installing repeater sites and antennas, was handled by Smye-Rumsby with minimal disruption.
The new digital radio systems have significantly improved coverage across the entire sites, both indoors and outdoors, enhancing operational efficiency and the overall visitor experience.
English Heritage
“Switching to digital was a significant decision. The old analogue system served us well, but we, along with Smye-Rumsby, recognized the need to upgrade to digital for its numerous benefits, including eliminating coverage blackspots and adding critical worker safety features.
“We’re pleased to report that the new system at Dover Castle, and also at Walmer Castle, has already enhanced worker mobility and provided staff in remote areas with the reassurance that support is always available.
“The Smye-Rumsby team was fantastic—they quickly tested and commissioned the systems and trained our staff on how to use the radios effectively. We’re confident that this system will meet our needs well into the future as we incorporate more intelligence and automation into our operations.”
To learn more about KENWOOD’s Communication Solutions, click here or contact us today!
About the Reseller
Smye-Rumsby Limited is a long-established company founded in 1948 and incorporated in 1959. Based in Dover, Kent, the company has sought to evolve its services to meet the ever increasing and developing world of electronics and communication on both land and at sea. We also provide procurement and maintenance services to users of marine navigational equipment, including shore-based radar and radio communications.
We are acutely aware of the need to maintain loyalty and to seek the satisfaction of all our customers. We are a service-orientated company and strive to make it personal to our clients and in recent years we have updated our Quality Management System to ISO 9001-and then ISO 14001. We are also members of Federation of communication services and are Safe Contractor approved.
Call: 01304 248 900
Email: info@smye-rumsby.co.uk
Website: www.smye-rumsby.co.uk
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