Communication is key for first responders in any emergency response. Two-way radio communication using public safety radio repeater antennas is what first responders rely on to communicate with each other and the command center. Radio signal strength is essential for communication when lives and property are at risk. Imagine being at the command center post outside of a burning building and not getting two way communication with the firefighters inside the building. Or, being a firefighter inside and not being able to communicate your location or status of the fire. Same issue for police responding to an active shooter or other threat. Not being able to communicate both ways with other officers and dispatch puts all at risk, and increases the time of the threat.
What causes weak or no radio signals?
Signal strength within a building can be impaired by radio frequency interference, building materials such as steel and concrete, underground floors, obstructions within the building, and even Low-E glass windows. Additionally, the proximity of the Public Safety Radio Repeater antenna tower to the building, and the building’s orientation to that tower effects the strength of the signals. All of these factors can cause broken communication, only one way communication, and even dead spots with no communication.
An in-building Emergency Radio Communication Enhancement System (ERCES) can be achieved with a Bi-Directional Amplifier (BDA) System. Notifier offers this UL Code compliant life safety system complete with a dedicated antenna strategically installed on the rooftop. The antenna captures the signal from the Public Safety Radio Repeater antenna tower and delivers the signal to the Bi-Directional Amplifier (BDA) within the building. The amplified signals are distributed throughout the building through dedicated plenum rated aluminum coaxial cable to strategically installed internal antennas (DAS) Distributed Antenna Systems. The radio signals are now strengthened to provide two-way communication for first responders throughout the building.
Notifier’s Class B BDA’s deliver reliable performance and have been tested and evaluated in accordance with UL2524 1st Edition requirements for in-building 2-way Emergency Radio Communication Enhancement Systems. NFPA and IBC/IFC standards compliance.
Leave it all to the professionals
Fox Valley Fire & Safety’s technicians are FCC GROL (General Radiotelephone Operator License) Licensed and factory trained/certified to be your Installation and Service Provider. BDA Systems are a life safety system and are required by code to be installed, tested and maintained by qualified factory trained, licensed and certified technicians. Each application is unique, we work directly with Notifier to determine the proper equipment and layout to achieve code required radio signal coverage for new construction and existing buildings. The BDA System seamlessly integrates with NOTIFIER Fire Alarm Control Panels, providing continuous monitoring of the system.