PCTEL Automates Commissioning Tests for In-Building Public Safety Radio Systems

January 31, 2024 at 08:50 AM EST

Public Safety Network Testing Solution Will Simplify Commissioning and Approval of Bi-Directional Amplifiers (BDAs)

PCTEL, Inc., an Amphenol company, today announced a commissioning test automation system that makes it easier to install code-compliant BDAs (bi-directional amplifiers) that provide reliable in-building communications coverage for first responders.

PCTEL’s BDA commissioning test system automates key tests that are needed to comply with FCC, NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), IFC (International Fire Code) and BDA manufacturer guidelines. An easy-to-understand grading system provides instant feedback on test outcomes. Once testing is complete, PCTEL’s system automatically provides the documentation needed to review the results and determine if the commissioning was completed properly.

Automating the tests associated with BDA commissioning speeds up the commissioning process and enables a broader set of people to perform the tests correctly. BDAs that are not properly commissioned may perform unreliably and may cause interference with outdoor public safety radio communications.

“As more local jurisdictions require buildings to meet public safety radio coverage requirements, automated commissioning tests will remove another key pain point for building owners and public safety officials alike,” said James Zik, PCTEL’s Vice President, Test and Measurement Product Management. “With support for both commissioning and coverage tests, PCTEL’s public safety network testing solution and SeeHawk™ Central cloud platform can now be used for the entire testing, reporting, and approvals process.”

BDA commissioning tests are fully integrated with PCTEL’s existing public safety network testing system and SeeHawk™ Central cloud-based automated workflow management platform. SeeHawk Central further simplifies the process by enabling users at a central location to plan tests, review results, and automatically send results to public safety officials for approval. Public safety agencies can track the results of both in-building coverage and BDA commissioning tests in the SeeHawk™ Central platform with a complimentary account.

About PCTEL

PCTEL, Inc., an Amphenol company, is a leading global provider of wireless technology solutions, including purpose-built Industrial IoT devices, antenna systems, and test and measurement products. Founded in 1994, PCTEL combines Amphenol’s world-class resources with decades of experience solving complex wireless challenges to help our customers stay connected.

For more information, please visit our website at www.pctel.com/.

About Amphenol

Amphenol is one of the world’s largest designers, manufacturers and marketers of electrical, electronic and fiber optic connectors and interconnect systems, antennas, sensors and sensor-based products and coaxial and high-speed specialty cable. Amphenol designs, manufactures and assembles its products at facilities in approximately 40 countries around the world and sells its products through its own global sales force, independent representatives and a global network of electronics distributors. Amphenol has a diversified presence as a leader in high-growth areas of the interconnect market including: Automotive, Broadband Communications, Commercial Aerospace, Industrial, Information Technology and Data Communications, Military, Mobile Devices and Mobile Networks. For more information, visit https://www.amphenol.com.