BDA, DAS, & ERCES Testing & Recertification
BiDirectional Antennas, Distributed Antenna Systems, and Emergency Radio Communcation Enhancement Systems are different names for different versions of the same thing. Whichever name is chosen, the vital purpose of a BDA, DAS or ERCES system is to ensure First Responders are able to use their walkie talkies to communicate with each other and back to their local command center. These mission crtical devices are required in many juristictions for large buildings including schools, hospitals, arenas, industrial plants, and most other structures 100,000 square feet or larger. BDA's are often installed when the building is built and commissioned into use when the Owner/Tenant takes occupancy. Once installed, the devices must be recertified every five years.
BDA's can also be installed by business owners to enhance their own private radio network or to improve cellular service deep within a building. We see cellular BDA systems installed in plants, educational facilities, and hospitals all the time. Communication isn't just a need for first responders, let us help!
Broadwaytwoway.com is Certified to Test, Commission, and Recertify your BDA Equipment. Commissioning is a fancy way of saying turn it on and confirm communication on the selected frequencies. Recertification includes retesting the facility to ensure there are no needed adjustments to the equipment or antenna location. Testing requires a walk through with a calibrated frequency testing device. We use the Industry Leading PCTEL IB Flex Scanning Receiver to do a comprehensive walkthrough of your facility ensuring adequate signal strength throughout. Our documentation is complaint with Safer Building Coaltion Standards and will be confirmed as compliant with your local Authorities. Should the walkthrough not meet the standards set forth by your local authorities, we'll work with you to make the necessary adjustments to get you recertified quickly.
You Ask ... Broadwaytwoway.com Answers!
What qualifies Broadway Technologies (our legal business name) to do these certification tests? Good question! We have an FCC GROL (General Radio Operators License) are NICET Certified, and are certified by most manufactures to sell, install, and commission their BDA's. Additionally, we are Factory Trained by PCTEL in the use of the IB Flex Scanning Receiver and recalibrate it as required by the manufacturer to ensure our equipment is up to date. If your Local Authorities require any additional certifications we'll meet those.
What happens if we have a BDA provided by a manufacturer that Broadway isn't certified to install? We won't take the opportunity if we can't have the certification in place by the time we do the testing. Our primary supplier is Fiplex but we carry certifications with the leading BDA manufacturers. Manufacturer specific certification certificates are available upon request.
What is involved in the testing? Broadwaytwoway.com will visually inspect the BDA system ensuring all connections are free of damage and/or corrosion. We'll confirm the donor antenna is correctly alligned with the closest public safety antenna. We'll do a detailed walkthrough of the facility testing radio signal every 20' feet on every floor of the building to confirm signal strengh. This is done using state of the art equipment by PCTEL.
What is the cost? We provide a detailed estimate based on the size of your facility and/or campus. Please reach out to us at 866-218-9051 to get an estimate started.
Are BDA's always required by local codes? ERCES devices are required by International Fire Code when there isn't enough signal strength in a building for First Responders to communicate. Broadwaytwoway.com offers testing before deployment. If your facility passes the test, a BDA isn't required.