Sync & Breathe with MCS-NX Control

One control system. One co-ordinated lighting strategy.

When multiple emergency vehicles arrive at an incident, coordinated warning lighting can help create a more controlled and consistent environment for responders, road users and the public.

Sync & Breathe is an advanced safety feature included as standard across the Standby MCS-NX Next Generation Control System range. What makes the system different is where synchronisation happens.

Not just synchronised lightbars. A synchronised vehicle.

Synchronisation is controlled by the vehicle’s central MCS-NX control system and not by the lightbar.

This means the synchronisation isn’t limited to the lightbar itself. All compatible warning lights connected to the MCS-NX system can operate as part of the same synchronised sequence, creating a coordinated lighting effect across the entire vehicle, with a single point of control.

Fleet-wide synchronisation without vehicle proximity

MCS-NX receives precise time signals from satellite atomic clocks also used by vehicle navigation systems to establish the timing of the lighting sequence.

Because synchronisation is controlled by the MCS-NX system, vehicles do not need to be near one another to establish the same timing. Once programmed with the same emergency warning lighting pattern, compatible MCS-NX-equipped vehicles maintain the same coordinated sequence across the fleet.

The result? Synchronisation that goes beyond the lightbar – creating a complete, coordinated warning lighting effect across the vehicle and across the fleet.

Sync whilst responding. Breathe upon arrival.

While responding, Sync provides a coordinated emergency warning pattern across the vehicle and compatible MCS-NX-equipped vehicles.

Once at the scene, responders can switch to the Breathe function – moving from the intensity of the response pattern to a visually calmer lighting sequence. Breathe maintains a visible synchronised warning presence around the incident with a calmer lighting pattern helping to reduce eye strain for on-scene emergency workers.

Why MCS-NX makes the difference

• Built into MCS-NX – Sync & Breathe is an advanced safety feature included as standard across the Next Generation MCS-NX range
• Control system synchronisation – timing is controlled centrally by MCS-NX, rather than being dependent on the lightbar and removes duplication
• Full-vehicle synchronisation – compatible warning lights connected to MCS-NX can operate in the same coordinated sequence
• A consistent visual effect – synchronised lighting across the vehicle creates a more complete and cohesive warning presence
• Fleet-wide coordination – vehicles will maintain the same programmed lighting pattern without needing to be close together
• Sync to Breathe – move from coordinated response lighting to a more controlled scene pattern when required

Note on system operation

• Should vehicles activate their warning lights within a vehicle garage, a satellite time signal may not available. Lighting patterns may initially start at different points. Once outside and a satellite signal is restored, they will instantly synchronise.

• All vehicles must be programmed with the same warning light pattern to achieve synchronisation.
• Receipt of GPS time signals and Sync & Breathe functionality are selectable options and can be switched on or off by trained workshop staff.