In this episode of DAS Talk, hosts Philip Nicholas Juan and Gilbert Martinez have an in-depth conversation with Chris Cisco of Bearcom, a leading RF DAS engineer. Chris shares his powerful story of transitioning from military communications into the world of distributed antenna systems (DAS) and emergency responder communication enhancement systems (ERCES).

Throughout the discussion, Chris explains why strong in-building communication is absolutely critical for public safety, first responders, and everyday operations. He breaks down how his military background built the foundation for his approach to solving RF engineering challenges in civilian environments.

The episode highlights the urgent need to improve communication systems in schools, where many campuses still dangerously lack reliable radio and cellular coverage. Chris emphasizes how this gap poses major risks during emergencies and shares his experiences working with school districts to solve these problems.

Philip, Gilbert, and Chris also talk about the challenges faced by AHJs (Authorities Having Jurisdiction) in understanding and enforcing DAS requirements. Many AHJs are still learning about these systems themselves, which creates both opportunities and obstacles for the industry.

The conversation stresses the importance of community networking, ongoing education, and mentorship. Chris shares how he built his career largely by seeking out knowledge, forming the right connections, and committing to self-education when formal resources were limited.

This episode covers the real-world problems that DAS professionals encounter daily, from poor building assessments to improperly conducted grid tests. Chris also shares the critical role integrity and best practices must play in the future growth of the DAS industry.

If you are involved in DAS, RF engineering, public safety, or in-building communication, this episode is a must-watch. It delivers valuable insight into both the technical and human sides of the industry, while offering real advice on how we can make schools, hospitals, and public spaces safer for everyone.

Subscribe to DAS Talk for more important conversations about DAS, RF engineering, public safety communications, in-building signal systems, and industry leadership.

In this special episode of DAS Talk, we bring you Peter Wehretter’s powerful IWCE Conference presentation—where he spoke to a packed house about the critical need for enforcing in-building emergency radio coverage to save lives.

As Vice President & Co-founder of GAMMA Electronics and host of DASTALK.COM, Peter shares his 20+ years of RF component manufacturing experience to break down the urgent challenges first responders face when radio signals fail inside buildings.

🔊 In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ How modern buildings create dead zones that block emergency communication

✅ The devastating consequences of poor in-building radio coverage in tragedies like Parkland & Uvalde

✅ What Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement Systems (ERCES) do to fix this issue

✅ How BDAs (Bi-Directional Amplifiers) & DAS solutions ensure first responders stay connected

✅ Why government enforcement of NFPA 1225, IFC 510, and other codes is inconsistent—and what needs to change

🔥 Key Stats That Will Shock You:

•60% of first responders report radio failures inside buildings during emergencies

• More than 70% of U.S. schools lack a dedicated ERCES system

• Less than 0.05% of school infrastructure budgets go toward emergency communication upgrades

🎧 Why You Should Listen:

If you work in public safety, building management, RF engineering, or emergency response, this episode is a must-listen. Learn what’s at stake and how enforcing in-building emergency radio coverage can save lives.

📢 Join the Conversation!

What are your thoughts on enforcing emergency radio coverage in buildings? DM us or tag us on social media to share your perspective!

🔔 Subscribe & Stay Updated!

For more industry insights on DAS, in-building RF challenges, and public safety communication, make sure to follow DAS Talk and never miss an episode.

Welcome to this comprehensive session on Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) and Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement Systems (ERCES), designed to provide industry professionals and enthusiasts with essential insights into improving in-building wireless coverage and public safety communication.

Whether you’re a seasoned integrator, an AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction), a fire inspector, or just getting started in the field, this video is packed with actionable tips and knowledge to help you master DAS and ERCES deployment and compliance.

In this discussion, we’re joined by Mike Brownson, a 50-year veteran in the wireless industry and the Managing Editor and Contributing Writer of the Complete ERCES Handbook. Mike shares his expertise on how to overcome common challenges in designing, deploying, and maintaining DAS and ERCES systems, including navigating NFPA and IFC codes, understanding pathway survivability, and ensuring compliance with AHJ requirements.

This session is part of DAS University, a cutting-edge educational platform dedicated to equipping professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the in-building communication industry. DAS University offers free discussions, premium training courses, and resources aimed at enhancing competency across the field. Whether you’re looking to master redundancy and large-scale system deployments or brush up on the latest code requirements, DAS University is your gateway to success.

What You’ll Learn in This Video:

• The fundamentals of DAS and ERCES and their role in public safety.

• How to streamline DAS and ERCES installations while reducing interference risks.

• Effective strategies for complying with NFPA, IFC, and local AHJ codes.

• Addressing code confusion and overcoming jurisdictional challenges in DAS and ERCES.

• The importance of pathway survivability in in-building public safety systems.

• Practical tips for working with AHJs, facility managers, and system integrators.

• The difference between uplink and downlink power and why “more is not better.”

About DAS University:

DAS University is the go-to destination for professionals in the wireless and public safety communication industries. Whether you’re an integrator, engineer, architect, or facility manager, DAS University provides structured courses, industry insights, and live Q&A sessions with experts like Mike Brownson. Our mission is to bridge the knowledge gap in the DAS and ERCES industries, ensuring that every professional is equipped to design, deploy, and maintain reliable communication systems that protect first responders and the public.