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.

In this enlightening episode of Das Talk, Peter Weyhreter and Hollis Heron explore the complex world of Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) and the critical role they play in building safety and emergency communications. With over 30 years of experience, Hollis, a seasoned professional electrical engineer, shares her deep insights into the evolution of building codes and standards following significant events like 9-11, and the ongoing advancements in emergency responder communication systems.

The conversation dives into the technicalities and challenges of integrating and upgrading DAS within various infrastructures, the significant impact of NFPA code changes over the years, and the importance of compliance with jurisdictional standards to ensure system effectiveness and reliability.

Listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of:

•The historical context and transformative updates in building communication codes, particularly NFPA 72 and NFPA 1225.

•Practical challenges and solutions in implementing and maintaining DAS in buildings, highlighted through real-world experiences and projects.

•The critical importance of pathway survivability and component-level monitoring in enhancing emergency communication systems’ robustness.

•The evolving landscape of technology in DAS and its implications for future building safety protocols.

Join us for this deep dive into the nexus of technology, safety, and communication in the DAS field, and learn how ongoing innovations are shaping safer building environments across North America.

Key Takeaways:

•Insights into the progression and impact of communication codes on public safety and emergency responsiveness.

•Practical advice on navigating the complexities of DAS implementation and compliance with evolving standards.

•The importance of technology and system integrity in building safety and the future directions of DAS innovations.

In this powerful episode of Das Talk, Peter Weyhreter and Lori Alhadeff come together to address the critical issue of school safety following the devastating shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, where Lori's daughter Alyssa lost her life. Lori, now a dedicated advocate for school safety, shares her inspiring journey from personal tragedy to founding the nonprofit organization Make Our Schools Safe.

The conversation delves into the significance of Alyssa's Law, which mandates the installation of panic buttons in schools to improve emergency response and communication. Lori and Peter discuss the importance of comprehensive training for school staff, the challenges faced by school boards in implementing safety measures, and the role of technology in bolstering safety protocols.

Listeners will gain insights into how community involvement and legislative advocacy are driving positive changes in school safety. The episode highlights the necessity of proactive measures, the impact of technological advancements, and the vital role of parents and community members in creating safer educational environments.

Key Takeaways:

• Lori Alhadeff's mission through Make Our Schools Safe to honor her daughter's legacy and improve school safety.
• The implementation and impact of Alyssa's Law in enhancing emergency response in schools.
• The crucial role of training, preparedness, and community involvement in safeguarding students.
• The potential of technology, including AI, to transform school safety measures.
• The importance of advocating for effective safety policies and engaging in legislative efforts.

Join us for this enlightening discussion and learn how we can collectively work towards ensuring the safety and well-being of students nationwide.

Description: Join Philip, Peter, Jason, and Nicolas in this compelling episode of Das Talk as they team up with industry leaders from Jem Systems to explore how Bi-Directional Amplifier (BDA) systems are revolutionizing communication and safety in buildings. Delving into the challenges faced by fire alarm integrators in deploying BDAs, the discussion emphasizes the critical need for comprehensive training and robust support systems.

Discover the latest advancements driving safety standards forward and learn about collaborative efforts shaping the future of fire life safety. The conversation underscores the indispensable role of communication systems in safeguarding lives, especially in environments like schools, where balancing safety and privacy is paramount.

Gain insights into ongoing educational initiatives aimed at empowering professionals and enhancing safety protocols across the industry. The episode advocates for a proactive approach to risk mitigation and highlights innovative solutions empowering first responders.

- "Creating safer environments and supporting our first responders is at the heart of what we do." - "Our solutions are designed to minimize interference and maximize safety." - "Empowering integrators with the tools they need to succeed." - "Education is key to ensuring widespread understanding and adoption of safety technologies." - "Together, we can elevate safety standards and protect communities."

Don't miss this enlightening episode of Das Talk with Jem Systems, essential listening for anyone passionate about advancing safety through cutting-edge technology and collaboration.

In this episode of DAS Talk, hosts Peter Weyhreter, Gilbert Martinez, Daniel Strnad, and Robin Mitchell dive into the world of in-building design, discussing its past, present, and future. They start by looking back at the early days when designers had to rely on simple tools like paper cups and tape measures to conduct site surveys. This method, although creative, brought a lot of challenges, especially when it came to getting accurate data and maintaining consistency across different projects.

The conversation then highlights the crucial role of site surveys in today’s design process. Accurate surveys are key to ensuring that building designs are effective and meet the specific needs of each site. This is especially important for systems like Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS), which are now common requirements in new buildings and renovations.

A major part of the discussion focuses on iBwave, a company that’s leading the way in wireless design. The hosts talk about iBwave's certification program which helps designers learn the ropes and produce high-quality work. They emphasize how this training is essential for anyone looking to make a mark in the field.

Looking ahead, the episode covers new standards coming to design submissions and the growing need to integrate DAS into buildings for better communication systems. These changes are setting the stage for more advanced and reliable in-building communication.

This episode is packed with useful information for anyone interested in how buildings are designed to keep up with modern communication needs. Whether you're a professional in the field, a building manager, or just someone who loves tech, you'll find plenty of insights and forward-looking ideas. Tune in to learn more about the evolution of in-building systems and what’s next in this dynamic industry.

In this riveting seventh episode of Das Talk Podcast, host Peter sits down with Victor Bermudez and Michael Martinez from CanAm Technologies, leading specialists in communication systems for tunnels and other enclosed environments. The conversation delves deep into the nuances and challenges of creating robust communication infrastructures where conventional methods fall short.

Key Takeaways:

1. Innovative Use of AM and FM Signals: CanAm Technologies leverages both AM and FM radio signals uniquely to ensure that emergency communications reach drivers within tunnels promptly and clearly. This approach not only enhances safety but also maintains continuous communication during critical situations.

2. Emergency Communication Break-ins: A significant part of CanAm's technology involves breaking into existing radio broadcasts to deliver emergency messages directly to drivers. This capability is critical for immediate dissemination of crucial information during emergencies, helping to prevent accidents and manage crisis situations effectively.

3. Leaky Coax Cables as a Solution: The use of leaky coax cables, a type of distributed antenna system, is central to CanAm's strategy. These cables are specially designed to function in enclosed spaces where traditional communication signals are hindered. The cables facilitate the distribution of radio signals along extended lengths of tunnels and highways, ensuring reliable and clear communications.

4. Overcoming Technical Challenges: Implementing leaky coax cables in tunnels presents numerous challenges, such as maintaining high-quality signal strength across vast distances and overcoming the near-far effect—a phenomenon where signal strength varies significantly over short distances. CanAm's approach addresses these issues through sophisticated channelization and amplifier systems that regulate the dynamic range of signals.

5. Importance of Professionalism and Expertise: The conversation underscores the crucial role of professionalism, expertise, and proper commissioning practices in the design and installation of sophisticated communication systems. Victor and Michael emphasize that ensuring the reliability and effectiveness of these systems requires not just technical skills but also a deep commitment to quality and safety.

6. Enhancing Industry Standards through Knowledge Sharing: Both guests highlight the importance of communication and knowledge sharing within the industry to continuously improve the reliability and effectiveness of communication systems. By fostering a community that values sharing insights and advancements, the industry can evolve to better meet the demands of safety and efficiency in critical communications.

7. Future Directions and Innovations: Looking ahead, CanAm Technologies continues to innovate and refine their systems to meet the growing needs of enclosed environment communications. The ongoing development promises more advanced solutions that will further enhance safety and operational efficiency in tunnels and other challenging environments.

This episode offers a thorough exploration of the specialized field of tunnel communications, providing listeners with a deep understanding of the technological advancements and operational challenges faced by experts in the field. Join us to gain insights into how cutting-edge technology is shaping the future of safety and communication in enclosed environments.