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General BDA Information

The Coverage Problem

1st Responder Radio signals are attenuated by:

• Concrete, Metal and other building

materials

• Low-E Glass

• Below-Ground Structures

• Other obstructions

• RF Interference

What is a BDA?

 BDA: Bi-Directional Amplifier, aka Signal Booster is a powered, active device that boosts the signal level of the first responder radios (Uplink & Downlink). It is often referred to as the “head end.”• Also known BDAS 

What is a DAS?

 DAS: Distributed Antenna System is a network of passive or active antennas, cabling and other components installed with the purpose of distributing the signal throughout the structure.  

First Responder Radio Coverage Code Requirements

 

NFPA 1, 11.10  Two-Way Radio Communication Enhancement Systems   

11.10.1  In all new and existing buildings, minimum radio signal strength for fire department communications shall be maintained at a level determined by the AHJ.


 

NFPA Coverage Requirements

• Critical Area Coverage – 99% (NFPA 1221 9.6.7.4) 

 Critical areas, such as :

• Emergency Command Center(s)

• Fire Pump Room(s)

• Exit Stairs

• Exit Passageways

• Elevator Lobbies

• Standpipe Cabinets

• Sprinkler Sectional

• Valve Locations

shall be provided with 99 percent floor area radio coverage. 


• General Area Coverage – General building areas should have 90%

(NFPA 1221 9.6.7.4) coverage required in General areas.


                                        

NFPA 72 Requirements for grid testing

  

· 24.5.5: A minimum signal strength of -95dBm per testing grid for each floor. Use a testing procedure where a grid is overlaid onto a floor area to provide 20 grid cells. Grid cells are provided with definite minimum and maximum dimensions. For most buildings, using a minimum grid dimension of 20 ft. (6.1 m) and a maximum grid dimension of 80 ft. (24.4 m) will suffice to encompass the entire floor area. Where a floor exceeds 128,000 ft2 (11,890 m2), which is the floor area that can be covered by the maximum grid dimension of 80ft. (24.4 m), it is recommended that the floor be subdivided into sectors, each having an area of less than or equal to 128,000 ft2 (11,890 m2), and that each sector be tested individually with 20 grid cells in each sector.


· 24.5.2.2.1: Critical areas, such as the fire command center(s), the fire pump rooms(s), exit stairs, exit passageways, elevator lobbies, standpipe cabinets, sprinkler sectional valve locations, and other areas deemed critical by the authority having jurisdiction, shall be provided with 99 percent floor area radio coverage.


· 24.5.2.3.1: A minimum inbound signal strength of -95 dBm, or other signal strength as required by the authority having jurisdiction, shall be provided throughout the coverage area.



Public Safety Systems need to be maintained!

Maintenance of Systems

Signal Enhancement Systems for Public Safety needs to be maintained just like any critical life safety infrastructure. Local codes mandate that the systems be maintained in good working order, so engaging in best practices provides compliance and removes the liability that a non-maintained system can constitute.

Broward County

  

Broward County 

Recently updated its system, changing the technology to P25 ( Project 25 Phase II). The frequencies are now no longer on the 800MHz band but the 700MHz band. All BDA systems installed until December of 2020 are operational on the 800MHZ band frequencies, which are no longer in use. Therefore, all the BDA systems in Broward County will need to proceed as indicated by the FCC Licensee: Broward County Regional Emergency Services and Communications (RESC) COMMUNICATIONS & TECHNOLOGY DIVISION. 

BDA NOW INC.

  

 We provide the GRID test with a PCTEL scanner and the IBwave documentation as requested by the AHJ. We can support you with all the steps of the process to compliance.  

Typical Deployment Process

1. VERIFY LOCAL REQUIREMENTS

1. VERIFY LOCAL REQUIREMENTS

1. VERIFY LOCAL REQUIREMENTS

Review AHJ requirements

• Not all have a BDA written

specification

• Frequencies that need to be covered?

• Fire Only? Or Fire & Police? EMS? Other?

• Repeater locations?

• Additional requirements?

2. SIGNAL Strength SURVEY

1. VERIFY LOCAL REQUIREMENTS

1. VERIFY LOCAL REQUIREMENTS

Once the building is substantially

complete, BDA NOW, a qualified and FCC

licensed vendor will perform the 

signal survey to check the current

radio signal levels inside the

building.

3. MEASURE SIGNALS

1. VERIFY LOCAL REQUIREMENTS

4. DOCUMENT LEVELS

BDA NOW will measure the

incoming signal levels by

monitoring the AHJ radio

repeater talk-out frequency, and take signal strength readings in 20 grids per floor plus any areas deemed critical by Code or local guidelines


4. DOCUMENT LEVELS

4. DOCUMENT LEVELS

4. DOCUMENT LEVELS

Signal readings are

documented/noted on print or

floor plan and forwarded to

the system design engineer

5. BDA REQUIRED?

4. DOCUMENT LEVELS

5. BDA REQUIRED?

If the measurements

show that the levels are

below the required

minimum, then a signal

amplification system (BDA

system) shall be required by code.

Copyright © 2021 BDA NOW INC.- All Rights Reserved.

Licensed & Insured EC-13010902

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