Tools of the Trade

Getting into the Emergency Responder Coverage Enhancement System (ERCES) market can be a bit daunting at first. Between FCC Licensee coordination, understanding the AHJ's requirements, getting the required certifications and licenses, installing the various active and passive components, commissioning the system and maintaining the system, it can feel like being a small worm on a big hook. On top of these very real complications, how do you know you're as prepared as possible when you get on site to properly install and test the ERCES? Having the proper tools and testing equipment is essential for a successful, proper install. Here are some of the ancillaries you will need to make that happen.

The first thing we recommend getting is a site survey tool, or "scanner". We partner with PCTel to get our customers the best site surveys and most efficient platform for creating and sharing reports. A scanner's primary purpose is to assess the Radio Frequency (RF) environment of the building you are working in. This tool helps identify the signal strength and quality in the critical and general areas in the area per NFPA code 11.3.9. It also tests multiple channels simultaneously which adds to its efficiency. Finally, it records the Bit Error Rate (BER) as well as the Signal Interference to Noise Ratio (SINR) giving you an idea of what Delivered Audio Quality (DAQ) is expected to be throughout the floor. Based on this site survey, you will be able to determine if the building will need an ERCES or not. While not every building will ultimately need an ERCES, EVERY building will need a site survey.

We also recommend getting a Signal Generator. This tool will allow you to check the Distributed Antenna System (DAS), which is the cable and antenna system expected to deliver the signal from the Bi-Directional Amplifier (BDA) to the parts of the building with insufficient signal strength and quality. The reason you need the signal generator is to you can check the integrity of your connections in the DAS without hooking the BDA up to the donor antenna and possibly affecting the radio towers in the area with excessive noise. It also helps you test for proper antenna isolation when used in conjunction with our next suggested piece of equipment.

A Spectrum Analyzer can be used with the signal generator to check for proper antenna isolation and ensures the ERCES will not generate feedback to the radio tower it is meant to be fed from. It shows the RF spectrum in real time and also helps you identify potential problems on the spectrum like out of band emissions, harmonics, in-building noise floor and out of building signal leakage. It is the most accurate and practical way to measure and monitor the signals the BDA is enhancing.

Alongside these testing apparatus, you will also need practical installation tools. These can include cable prep tools for cutting the end of the coax accurately to fit the connectors. Forceps and pliers will also be needed for proper cable termination. You may also want a multimeter handy to check your cable connectors for shorts once they are fitted. Drills, proper cable cutters and a razor round out the tools you will need for cable termination and mounting the DAS components and active equipment (BDA, BBU, etc.).

Make sure you have everything you need before you start your ERCES project. Some of these more specialized and sophisticated pieces of installation equipment can take a while to ship out and ultimately reach your destination. Proper test equipment, site survey equipment and installation tools will dramatically increase your success rate and make the entire setup and commissioning of your ERCES much easier. Feel free to reach out to your Potter ERCES Sales Engineer for more information about these tools and the Potter ERCES product catalogue.