From survey data to a buildable system
We combine the grid test results, the building materials, the donor signal and the local AHJ requirements to produce an engineered design in iBwave.
iBwave gives us coverage heat maps, the materials list, the expected signal levels, riser diagrams, antenna placement and connection points, so the system performs throughout the building before anything is installed.
Design inputs
Every design follows NFPA, the International Fire Code and the local AHJ guidelines.
Building information
Accurate floor plans, grid test results, construction materials and the location of the BDA room.
Radio system
Local public safety frequencies, the donor tower location and the equipment the AHJ requires.
Code requirements
Pathway survivability ratings, power and battery backup, fire alarm coordination and any AHJ comments.
What the design includes
Equipment layout
- Antenna placement
- Coax runs and connection points
- Donor antenna
- BDA and annunciator locations
- Grounding
Fire pathway survivability
- Donor antenna cable
- BDA room
- Coax runs
- Equipment enclosures
- Building rating
RF calculations
- Link budget reports
- Amplifier gain settings
- RF heat maps
- Cable lengths between antennas
- Power splitters, dedicated power and battery backup
Riser diagram
- Path from the BDA to the donor antenna
- Antenna locations on each floor
- Splitters and the antennas on each one
- BDA / remote locations, surge protector and coax types
- Frequencies, grounding and batteries
Installation details
- Donor antenna mounting
- Annunciator connection to the fire alarm panel
- Antenna and enclosure mounting
- BDA / remote wiring
- Local code requirements
AHJ package
- All deliverables combined into one plan set
- Reviewed and stamped by a Professional Engineer
- Ready to submit for permitting
Engineered in iBwave
Every antenna, splitter and cable run is placed on the floor plan, with the expected coverage shown before installation begins.
Who we coordinate with
Building owners
In the planning stage we go over local and state codes, ways to keep the cost down, infrastructure, building materials, pathway requirements, timeline and budget.
General contractors
During construction we provide testing, cost and schedule, and handle design, permitting, installation, commissioning and inspections.
Electrical contractors
Dedicated circuits for the BDA and remote units, and the cable and conduit pathways.
Fire alarm contractors
We work with them to connect the annunciator alarms to the fire alarm control panel.
Engineers
We deliver stamped plans for permitting.
The AHJ
Requirements, frequencies, codes, DAQ and uplink testing, and inspections with the local fire marshal.
From approved design to ongoing service
Approved design
We review the approved design, specifications, frequencies, coverage requirements and AHJ conditions before work begins.
Equipment procurement
We order the specified BDA, battery backup, annunciator, antennas, coax and related components.
Professional installation
We install the system following the approved plans, the manufacturer requirements, the codes and the site conditions.
Acceptance testing
Final grid testing, system testing, commissioning and AHJ coordination prove the required coverage.
Documentation and service
You get the test results and closeout documents, and we can handle annual testing, maintenance and repairs.
One team, one approved plan
Call us to start with an RF survey and a design. Se habla español.