Our Process

Initial Consultation

Clear Talk's approach to BDA and DAS design is customer-centric and considers several factors to ensure we are meeting each of our customers' unique needs and objectives. Our goal is to provide our clients with a reliable system that meets and exceeds all required codes, provides the coverage that they need and will last for years to come.

Helping You Understand the Codes

Navigating fire code requirements to be compliant can easily become overwhelming. Having a partner that understands local Illinois fire codes is imperative since each jurisdiction and municipality vary in their required local ordinances and statutes. Many jurisdictions will enforce amended versions of the code or use different codebooks. Industrial stays up to date on all these changes as we deal with multiple city and county guidelines. We have long-term relationships with many of the AHJs and local Fire Marshalls and understand specifically how they are interpreting code compliance. Leverage our Public Safety DAS/BDA experts to help you on your current or new building requirements.

Site Survey

Before designing a DAS for an existing building, we perform a comprehensive site survey using the most current technology and equipment available that meets or exceeds the industry standards for ERCES signal surveys. The Signal surveys determine exactly where problem areas may lie, which our RF engineers utilize to ensure a successful system design. Depending on requirements, you may have the ability to scale your coverage area down to just those areas that may be coverage challenged.

System Design

If a DAS system is required due to failing signal coverage, Clear Talk will design a solution based on your specific needs and budget that complies with Illinois SB 1190, NFPA 72, NFPA 1221, Illinois Building Code and IFC codes for Emergency Responder Radio Coverage Systems (ERCES). Our certified design team has led the way in wireless communications in Illinois since 1997. Once the site survey and DAS design have been completed, we will submit the full design package to the local AHJ for their approval and permitting.

Installation

Once the permit has been approved, our professional team of installers will quickly and expertly install all the cabling, connectors, antennas, tappers, electrical outlets, grounds, Battery backup system and BDA. If requested, we can also install the EMT conduit required in most jurisdictions. We can also handle any Core Drilling and X-rays if needed.

Commissioning

Once installed our engineering team will test and commission the system to ensure it meets the radio coverage required per code and will pass inspection. After testing, we coordinate with the radio system owner and verify with the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) that the system is operating as it should (Turn Up System). With approval by the inspector and AHJ, a close out package and as-built drawings as required by the local jurisdiction will be submitted and a copy provided to ownership. Our engineering team provides the expertise needed to keep your system on-air for the long term. During an emergency, First Responders depend on frequencies that these systems utilize that are regulated by the FCC. As a Motorola Solutions Channel Partner, Clear Talk has designed, installed, and maintained Radio systems for commercial and Public Safety communications for decades.

System Monitoring & Maintenance

To ensure long-term stability of your new DAS, we include a one year SLA with all our projects, with options to extend the maintenance for the life of the system for a nominal annual fee. Current NFPA code requires that any Public Safety DAS should be monitored for faults that may arise from loss of power, Battery or charger failure, BDA System failure, antenna damage, oscillation events or low output power from BDA. These alarms should have a visible indicator at the fire control panel location. We will do a test of all the alarms, equipment performance, battery voltage and signal strength to ensure the system is working as optimally as the day it was installed.

Recertification

Per International Fire Code Section 510.6.1, “The emergency responder radio coverage system shall be inspected and tested annually or whenever structural changes occur including additions or remodels that could materially change the original field performance tests”. Clear Talk offers annual inspection services to ensure that equipment is operating correctly and complies with IFC 510 code requirements.

Featured Solutions

Public Safety Distributed Antenna System (PS DAS)

Today’s fire codes mandate buildings support public safety radio coverage prior to official Certificate of Occupancy. Please consult with a Clear Talk DAS specialist in order to find the local Emergency Responder Radio code requirements for your project.

Cellular Systems, Large Scale

A DAS enables the use of wireless devices, technologies, and applications indoors, where the signal was previously weak or unavailable. These solutions can be installed in nearly any campus, hospital, hotel, office building, and manufacturing plant.

Cellular Boosters for Small to Medium Buildings

Signal boosters capture nearby cellular signals, amplify them, and re-broadcast the stronger signal to eliminate dropped calls and slow data speeds for cellular device users. Find out how cellular boosters can help you and your customers plug in.