Restricted content
Denver 2025 ERCES Technical Requirements
The requirements defined in this document are subject to change, any questions should be directed to DFD Lineshop.
The requirements defined in this document are meant as supplemental information to fire code requirements. If conflicts are found between these requirements and IFC, the most strict definition will be enforced.
As of October 2025, All BDA’s must be registered with the FCC by the contractor requesting an inspection.
All RES equipment shall be FCC compliant including but not limited to FCC 47 CFR Part 90.219. The following sections of 90.219 are highlighted:
- FCC 47 CFR Part 90.219 (d) (1) Signal boosters may be used to improve coverage in weak signal areas only.
- FCC 47 CFR Part 90.219 (d) (6) (i) In general, the ERP of intermod products should not exceed -30 dBm in 10kHz measurement bandwidth
- FCC 47 CFR Part 90.219 (d) (6) (ii) In general, the ERP of noise within the passband should not exceed −43 dBm in 10 kHz measurement bandwidth.
- FCC 47 CFR Part 90.219 (d) (6) (iii) In general, the ERP of noise on spectrum more than 1 MHz outside of the passband should not exceed -70dBm in a 10kHz measurement bandwidth
Good Engineering practices can be found in NFPA 1225 A-18.9.3 and FCC 47 CFR 90.691 and FCC 47 CFR 90.210(d).
The ERCES shall be designed and tested to ensure that noise and spurious emissions do not degrade the performance of the Donor Site or any other FCC licensed system.
All BDA models must have the following features:
- UL 2524 LISTED
- BDA’s are preferred to be capable of Uplink PA shutdown (PA shutdown may have other terms to describe this function, the UL PA should idle or “shut down” and produce little to no noise after a period of inactivity)
- BDA’s must be capable of Uplink squelch (Squelch may have other terms to describe this function (the UL PA should only amplify signals that exceed a specified signal level)
- Capable of oscillation detection, gain reduction, and shutdown if necessary
- Meets Denver Simulcast propagation delay requirements
- Filter Band 14
- Supports P25 Phase 2 traffic
All new BDA models must be submitted to DFD Lineshop for evaluation to ensure they are compatible with Denver requirements
DFD Simulcast
The Denver Simulcast System Consists of 4 800MHz Simulcast sites and 1 limited capacity roaming site located at Mt Morrison.
Each Simulcast site contains 17 Motorola GTR radios, Simulcast control channel operates on Phase 1 (CQPSK), voice channels are P25 Phase 2 (H-DQPSK)
*ERCES maximum propagation delay shall exceed 31 microseconds
| Denver P25 Simulcast | ||
|---|---|---|
| Address | Lat | Lon |
| 1670 Broadway | 39°44’34.38″N | 104°59’12.50″W |
| 5300 Memphis St | 39°47’30.13″N | 104°47’42.48″W |
| 4100 E. Mississippi | 39°41’45.62″N | 104°56’20.02″W |
| 4333 S. Syracuse St | 39°38’17.90″N | 104°53’59.44″W |
| Denver P25 ASR | ||
|---|---|---|
| Address | Lat | Lon |
| Mt Morrison | 39°40’17.91″N | 105°13’7.73″W |
| DFD Simulcast Channels | *In Order | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1) | *859.7125 | 814.7125 | Simulcast CC | 854.0625 | |
| 2) | 859.6125 | 814.6125 | 854.5625 | ||
| 3) | 859.2125 | 814.2125 | 855.4625 | ||
| 4) | 856.1375 | 811.1375 | 855.7375 | ||
| 5) | 858.2125 | 813.2125 | 856.1375 | ||
| 6) | 857.7375 | 812.7375 | 856.2375 | ||
| 7) | 858.1375 | 813.1375 | 856.6375 | ||
| 8) | 857.4625 | 812.4625 | 856.7125 | ||
| 9) | 857.0625 | 812.0625 | 857.0625 | ||
| 10) | 856.7125 | 811.7125 | 857.4625 | ||
| 11) | 856.6375 | 811.6375 | 857.7375 | ||
| 12) | 856.2375 | 811.2375 | 858.1375 | ||
| 13) | 858.7375 | 813.7375 | 858.2125 | ||
| 14) | 855.7375 | 810.7375 | 858.7375 | ||
| 15) | 855.4625 | 810.4625 | 859.2125 | ||
| 16) | 854.5625 | 809.5625 | 859.6125 | ||
| 17) | 854.0625 | 809.0625 | 859.7125 | ||
| DFD ASR Channels | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 859.2625 | 814.2625 | Mt Morrsion CC | |
| 858.7125 | 813.7125 | Mt Morrsion CC | |
| 857.1375 | 812.1375 | Mt Morrsion CC | |
| 856.7375 | 811.7375 | Mt Morrsion CC | |
| 856.2125 | 811.2125 | ||
| 855.9875 | 810.9875 | ||
| 855.4875 | 810.4875 | ||
| 855.2375 | 810.2375 | ||
| 854.4375 | 809.4375 | ||
| 853.8625 | 808.8625 | ||
| 853.3250 | 808.3250 | ||
| 852.7750 | 807.7750 | ||
Downlink
Denver DL Thresholds for grid testing
| RSSI | greater than -100 |
| FBER | less than 2.0% |
| SINR | greater than 16dB |
| DAQ | minimum 3.0 |
Simulcast Site ERP is +50 dBm
| DL Path | Site ERP | FSPL | Ant Gain | Donor line loss | Estimated CC at Donor port |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| example: | 50 | -106 | 11 | 4 | -49 |
*Please note, this is a very generic path loss example and may not take all aspects of an ERCES into account
We recommend testing the CC at the BDA donor port, this method incorporates all aspects of the DL path, FSPL donor gain and coax loss is accounted for.
Control channel power should be completed using a channel power measurement, using a marker that lands on the peak of the channel may be inaccurate.
Composite power for the DL band must also be tested, maximum gain for the BDA PA could be limited by the composite power input.
Spectrum Analyzer test settings affects displayed results for any testing, a certification from the manufacture of the test equipment in use is recommended.
Uplink
Denver UL Thresholds for link budget consideration
| Max channel RX at radio site | (-75dBm) | Based upon Motorola GTR adjacent channel rejection |
| Lowest channel RX at radio site | (-100dBm) | Based upon Motorola GTR RX sensitivity with H-DQPSK |
| In-band noise limit RX at site | (-149dBm) | Measured at 10KHz RBW |
| Portable radio TX ERP | 30dBm | APX 6000 radio programmed at 3.28W with 7/8/GPS stubby antenna |
Denver requires max channel power of -75 dBm, and a minimum -100 dBm received at the radio site.
Denver simulcast sites utilize dual receive antennas and tower top amplifier so UL path loss can be considered 9dB less than DL path loss (only when using provided DL ERP value).
The Motorola APX6000 TX power is programmed at 3.28 watts (35dBm) minus body loss and antenna performance, assume 30dBm ERP.
Max UL input to BDA is determined by manufacture but in general should not exceed -30dBm.
Where required, UL squelch thresholds should be configured to the minimal setting possible according to design and uplink testing.
| UL Path | Portable TX | 10′ FSL | System Loss | UL gain | UL output PWR | Donor line loss | Ant Gain | Path loss | Donor RX sys | Estimated channel pwr at site |
| example: | 30 | -40 | -35 | 59 | 14 | 4 | 11 | -106 | (+9) | -76 |
*Please note, this is a very generic path loss example and may not take all aspects of an ERCES into account (such as ALC or target pwr)
Denver requires calculated noise power delivered to site must be 15dB below the noise floor at the site.
Denver in band Noise Floor requirement (-134 -15 = -149dBm)
Uplink noise can be estimated by taking the theoretical noise floor (-133 @ 12.5KHz) or (-134 @ 10KHz) and adding amplifier gain + noise figure + donor antenna system gain.
| Noise | Noise Floor | BDA NF | UL Gain | Noise in band | Donor line loss | ANT Gain | FSPL | Donor RX sys | Estimated noise at site |
| example: | -134 | 9 | 59 | -66 | 4 | 11 | -106 | (+9) | -156 |
*Please note, this is a very generic path loss example and may not take all aspects of an ERCES into account.
Requirements to request a DFD Final inspection
Email DFD Lineshop copies of Coverage Grids, As-built, and completed RF Survey form.
*As-builts should accurately reflect system installation at the time of testing.
*Full Rough inspection should be completed and marked “OK to Test” in Accela.
PHASED OCCUPANCY REQUIREMENTS FOR TCO
16. In buildings where it is required, a radio enhancement system (RES/BDA) must be installed and fully functional.
This system must pass an acceptance test witnessed by the DFD Line Shop.
The system shall remain operational at all times throughout the building.
Initial Building Test
Test measurement results shall be verified with calibrated radio receivers, spectrum analyzer or equivalent test equipment by licensed technicians, contractors or installers with appropriate knowledge, holding a valid Denver Fire Department RES Installer License.
*For initial building coverage testing per 510.1.1, Control Channels for Simulcast and site 2 (Mt Morrison) must be included in coverage report.
All coverage reports must include RSSI, SINR and BER and be used to grade the signal. At least 10 samples must be made in each 40′ x 40′ (1600 sq ft) grid.
Test methods shall be in accordance with TIA TSB 88.3-D and NFPA 1225.
Images must be of adequate quality to determine where each measurement was performed.
Before any Public Safety RES installation will be permitted, the Acceptance Test Procedure must be performed, and RF grid layout drawings shall be submitted to Denver Fire Prevention Division and Line shop. The Department will determine if a Public Safety RES system is needed. Buildings where RF grid results Pass the Acceptance Test, will not be authorized to install a Public Safety RES system.
If the results of the Initial Acceptance Test Procedure are a Fail, only RF Grids of “Areas of Refuge” are required for the “initial” RF Grid submittal. Where the building RF grids produced from the test are a Fail and with department approval, a Public Safety RES system shall be installed.
Buildings with or without an existing Public Safety RES that pass the Acceptance Test Procedure will require submittal of Passing RF Grids and the DFD RF Survey Information Document prior to scheduling an inspection.
Upon owner request and with department approval, Public Safety RES wiring and indoor antenna systems may be installed for future use. Drawing submittals and City permits are required.
Coverage Grid requirements:
Test methods shall be in accordance with TIA TSB 88.3-D and NFPA 1225
Test measurement results shall be verified with calibrated radio receivers, spectrum analyzer or equivalent test equipment by licensed technicians, contractors or installers with appropriate knowledge, holding a valid Denver Fire Department License.
All coverage reports must include RSSI, SINR and BER and be used to grade the signal. At least 10 samples must be made in each 40′ x 40′ (1600 sq ft) grid.
Images must be of adequate quality to determine where each measurement was performed.
Areas considered to be critical must be displayed as a separate measurement from other areas on the floor plan (Stairwells, Elevator Lobbies, Areas of Refuge, Fire Command, Building Lobby).
Isolation:
On all new Public Safety RES installations and every 5-year test, the licensed technician, contractor or installer shall perform an antenna isolation test between the donor antenna and distribution antennas. The minimum isolation required shall be 20db greater than the BDA amplifiers maximum gain limit. (i.e. an 80dB gain BDA requires isolation of, 80+20=100 dB.) Extra caution should be taken while performing the “Isolation Test” to avoid transmitting a test signal through the coax going to the roof donor antenna which can transmit interference into the simulcast site.
DFD technicians will verify isolation using a tracking generator, please note that your testing should include more than 1 freq if using a signal generator.
Donor Antenna:
The Donor antenna horizontal half-power (-3 dB) beam width shall not exceed 45 degrees.
IFC 510.5.1 To maintain proper alignment with the system designed donor site, donor antennas shall be permanently affixed on the building or where approved, mounted on a movable sled with a clearly visible sign stating “MOVEMENT OR REPOSITIONING OF THIS ANTENNA IS PROHIBITED WITHOUT APPROVAL FROM THE FIRE CODE OFFICIAL.” The antenna installation shall be in accordance with the applicable requirements in the International Building Code for weather protection of the building envelope.
Donor antenna should maintain direct Line of Sight with the Donor radio site.
Installation requirements
Installation of all active and passive components must meet IFC 510.5, NFPA 1225, and NFPA 70 (NEC).
Coax and other components must be installed per manufactures guidelines and NFPA 70 300.4 300.11 NFPA 800.24.
Abandoned or unused components shall be labeled per NFPA 1225 800.25.
Antennas and feeder components shall be labeled in accordance with NFPA 70 310.8.
Splitters shall be permanently mounted per NFPA 300.11 (D).
Maintenance:
Maintenance of the RES shall be the responsibility of the building owner.
Records of all system inspections, RES uplink and downlink gain settings, maintenance, annual tests and five-year test results shall be maintained on the premises in the “RES System Maintenance and Test Results Log Book” which shall remain on the building premises and shall be available to the fire code official upon request.
Annual testing:
An operational permit is required for any maintenance, repair or modification work. Only licensed technicians, contractors or installers with appropriate knowledge, holding a valid Denver Fire Department License as defined in sections 114.2, 114.2.10, 510.6 shall perform maintenance activities.
Visual inspection of entire ERCES system must be performed to insure system shows no visible signs of damage.
BDA (Bi-Directional Amplifier) is operating correctly, no alarms/faults, a supervisory signal is reported at FACP when the amplifier is powered down, correct frequency band is being amplified, (806-816/851-861Mhz) and is within FCC requirements. If the BDA has a display it is readable and functional.
UPS (Uninterruptable Power Supply) (Note: “UPS” refers to both the main unit and additional external battery packs,) UPS will power the entire RES per the requirements defined in Fire Code, UPS shows no signs of damage/failure, ventilation ports are unobstructed and clean as necessary.
ERCES System must pass the control channel signal level requirements as per Acceptance Test procedure in all areas of refuge, and locations on the buildings main floor and any below grade levels. Documented RF Grids are not required to be submitted to DFD for Annual testing.
Donor antenna and cable show no visible signs of damage, donor antenna and roof mount are secured and tight.
Five-year testing:
5 year inspections are required to obtain an operational permit and are subject to an RES Final inspection with DFD Lineshop.
All 5-year ERCES testing must include the DFD RF Survey form and coverage grids.
A sweep test of coaxes/transmission lines between the donor antenna and BDA is required.
References
Denver Fire Code 2025 Section 510
DFD Policy 510-1
2024 International Fire Code Section 510
2022 NFPA 1225
UL 2524
FCC title 47 part 90.219
TIA TSB 88.1-D Table A.1
TIA TSB 88.3-D
Motorola 6871022P86-D
NFPA 70 (NEC)
Denver International Airport
DEN operates a separate radio system, Airport buildings are still required to comply with Denver Fire Code. Any buildings located on Airport grounds are required to provide coverage utilizing the DEN radio system, not the Denver Simulcast radio system.
DEN radio shop maintains a document that outlines requirements for their radio system, all BDA operations must be coordinated with DEN radio shop.
| DEN Freq list | ||
| RX | TX | |
| 855.2125 | 810.2125 | DEN CC |
| 855.7125 | 810.7125 | DEN CC |
| 856.4625 | 811.4625 | DEN CC |
| 857.2125 | 812.2125 | DEN CC |
| 857.7125 | 812.7125 | |
| 851.3625 | 806.3625 | |
| 851.6625 | 806.6625 | |
| 851.9375 | 806.9375 | |
| 852.5375 | 807.5375 | |
| 852.8375 | 807.8375 | |
| 856.4375 | 811.4375 | |
| 857.4375 | 812.4375 | |
| 858.4375 | 813.4375 | |
| 859.4375 | 814.4375 | |
| 857.6375 | 812.6375 | |
| DEN radio shop | |
| Kader Khalif | Richard Darmstedter |
| 303-342-2826 | 720-281-5598 |
| Kader.Khalif@flydenver.com | Richard.DarmstedterIII@flydenver.com |
Englewood BDA Technical Requirements
Denver Fire Department provides Fire response to the City of Englewood. BDA’s installed in Englewood required to cover both the Denver Simulcast System and Arapahoe County DTRS/State of Colorado DTRS.
Permission and Donor site locations must be coordinated thru the Arapahoe County DTRS/State of Colorado DTRS technicians. The following information summarizes some of those requirements, all technical requirements for DTRS sites should be verified.
- ERCES designs may assume a portable ERP level of +34dBm.
ERCES designs may assume a Donor Site ERP level of +53dBm (200 Watts).
- Must be operational on both 800MHz and 700MHz Public Safety bands.
- Intentional retransmission of any frequencies other than those assigned must have approval from the license custodian of those frequencies.
- FirstNet 700MHz channels shall be filtered out.
Commercial wireless services (i.e., cellular communications carriers) shall not utilize any portion of the ERCES.
- Class A (preferred)
- Capable of 30 channels in the 700 MHz band and 30 channels in the 800 MHz public safety band.
- Each filter must exhibit channel delays less than 20us.
- Class B BDA shall operate only in the frequency range of:
- For 800MHz DL: 851 through 860MHz; UL: 806 through 814MHz.
For 700MHz DL: 771 through 774MHz; UL: 801 through 804MHz
- The BDA must be capable of independent gain adjustment and uplink squelch operation for each band.
- The BDA shall include anti-oscillation circuitry with the following functionality: auto-reset the BDA for the first three oscillation events detected within 24 hours; auto-disable BDA RF transmissions upon the 4th oscillation event detected within that same 24 hour period.
- If not supported by BDA, then BDA must support manual reset.
- ERCES shall be designed with adequate isolation to preclude BDA oscillations that impair / degrade the donor public safety 700 / 800 MHz systems.
- The BDA shall include AGC circuitry on the uplink.
The ERCES shall be designed and tested to ensure that noise and spurious emissions do not degrade the performance of the Donor Site or any other FCC licensed system.
- BDA DL:
- Operating gain is not to exceed 65dB without prior approval.
- Transmissions are not to exceed +27dBm at BDA donor port and not to exceed +37dBm ERP in compliance with FCC regulations.
- Transmissions are to reach the assigned Donor Site(s) at per-channel levels between -100dBm and -80dBm.
- Reduce the gain to comply with the maximum allowed BDA Noise per FCC Part 90.219(d)(6) regulation; the ERP of noise within the passband should not exceed −43 dBm in 10 kHz measurement bandwidth.
Calculated noise power within a 10kHz bandwidth as received at the Donor Site shall be no greater than -145dBm.
- Designed to operate through the 700 and 800 MHz public safety bands.
- Shall be assigned unique alpha-numeric identifiers which shall be shown in all line drawings, documentation and floor plans.
- To balance the UL power into the BDA, service antennas shall be located to minimize the range of UL power into the BDA’s DAS port from the in-building portable radio, varying by no more than:
- 30dB for Class B BDA.
- 50dB for Class A BDA.
To balance the DL power out of the BDA, service antennas shall be located such that the difference in DL power out of all antennas are within 6dB.
- Designed to operate through the 700 and 800MHz public safety bands.
- Maximum horizontal beamwidth of 48 degrees except when approved by DCSORS.
- Must be one of the following directional designs:
- Outdoor-rated enclosed panel
- Welded construction Yagi
| Englewood Fire Marshal |
|---|
| Mike Smith |
| (303)913-7701 |
| mjsmith@Englewoodco.gov |
| DTRS Monitoring |
|---|
| (303)764-7975 |
| Arapahoe County |
|---|
| jkyler@arapahoe.gov.com |