What the heck is a DAS / BDA System DC/MD/VA Automatic Fire Alarm - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

What the “ heck ” is a DAS / BDA System DC/MD/VA Automatic Fire Alarm Association (AFAA) Presented by, Raymond Skjold BearCom

Let’s get the acronyms correct • There interchangeable terms • DAS • BDA • ERRCS • Signal Booster • They are all terms used to describe..

Two Types of DAS / BDA Systems • Public Safety • Cellular

BDA / DAS / ERRCS / Signal Booster • Provide in-building two-way radio coverage for first responders. • The system takes the radio signals from outside of the building, and distributes them to internal areas of the building, and vice a versa. • The signals are boosted by an in-building amplifier.

Other reasons for the lack of First Responder Radio coverage • New Public Safety Radio Spectrum, 700 MHz, does not travel as far as Legacy Radios. • Sub-Grade Floors, Basements • Metal Foil Back Insulation • Legacy Buildings. Strong, Industrial, Heavy Duty • RF Shielded Areas • Stairwells • Elevators • Important during search & rescue operations

Other reasons for the lack of First Responder Radio Coverage • As a Rule… • The Greener it gets (LEEDS) ….. The more difficulty the Radio Signal has of penetrating the Building’s outer Skin.

Which Public Safety Agency primarily needs In-Building Radio coverage • Police • EMS • FIRE • Fire Departments are search & rescue operations

Where are BDA / DAS’s Systems Installed • Large Public & Private Venues • Stadiums • Malls • Schools • Hospitals • Distribution Centers • Manufacturing Plants • Airports • Senior Living Facilities

Stop teasing us… what does a BDA System look like?

Who decides if a Building needs a BDA / DAS System • Municipal Ordinance • Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) ultimately defines the requirements. • Installation and approval of the BDA may be required before issuing a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). • New Construction or Buildings under Major Renovation • Lack of Radio Communication in existing Building • May only apply to Building over a certain Height & Size • Ambiguity. Determined by the Building Inspector

Local Ordinances. Jurisdictions requiring In- Building BDA / DAS Systems • Montgomery County, MD • Alexandria, VA • Arlington, VA • Richmond, VA • Washington, DC • Anne Arundel County, MD

What’s the Specification?

Let’s put it all together

We Love Alarms!!

Deployment – 3 Phases • Assessment • System Design • Installation

Assessment, Pre-Survey • What’s the Code or Ordinance • AHJ’s involved • Confirm Radio Frequencies • Floor Plans / Digital Blueprints • Non-Union or Union Job • Low Voltage Permit required?

Assessment – Site Survey • Location of Roof Penetration / Weather Head for Donor Antenna • Antenna Placement on the Roof • Location of the BDA. Power & Plywood Backboard Requirements. Usually in a Telephone or IDF Closet. • Location of Vertical Risers / Chases • Are there any open Conduits in the Riser? • Who is the ESUB on-site? • Who is the Fire Alarm Contractor on-site?

System Design – Data Analysis • Review of the Code or Ordinance • Review of the Site Survey Information • Testing Requirements

System Design – Floor Plans • iBwave – Floor Plans are imported into a software radio modeling tool used to determine indoor two-way radio coverage. • Develop Bill of Materials (BOM) from the iBwave design. • Import iBwave design to CAD File for exact system layout in customers environment

System Design – Equipment Pricing • Price out BOM • Obtain ESUB Cable Quotation • Obtain quote from Specialized BDA Integrator for system Commissioning, AHJ Acceptance Testing & Cable Sweep Test

Installation • Orient Roof Top Antenna toward Public Safety Tower • Cable Installation • BDA, Battery Backup & Annunciator Panel • Inside Antenna, Plenum Cable, Antenna Splitters & Couplers • Ground Kits • Make connections to the Fire Alarm System • Punch List Resolution

Commissioning • Sweep Test of Cable • Some Codes require a PIM Test • Coordinate BDA Turn up with AHJ • Balance BDA levels & settings • Initial radio coverage test • Coordinate Acceptance Testing with AHJ • Pass Acceptance Test and obtain documentation for CO

Choosing a knowledgeable Partner • Must know RF • Knowledge of Codes & AHJ requirements • Factory Certified Manufacturers Representative & Service Provider • Experienced and successful History of BDA Deployments • Must be able to provide iBwave Design and As-Built Documentation

Thank You Raymond Skjold BearCom Raymond.Skjold@BearCom (201) 258-0030