Emergency Responder Communications Enhancement System

ERCES

fire fighter holding radio

Stay Compliant, Stay Safe

What is ERCES?

ERCES keep first responders connected in dead zones, ensuring critical communication when it matters most. ERCES, also known as Public Safety Bi-Directional Amplifiers (BDA), are systems designed to boost radio communication within large or complex buildings. These systems allow first responders to maintain uninterrupted communication in critical areas such as stairwells, basements, and underground garages, where signals are often weak.

RSI ERCES Box
  • ERCES is comprised of three core components:

    Donor Antenna

    The Donor Antenna captures existing external public safety radio signal(s) (VHF, UHF, 700, 0r 800 MHz) from nearby towers or public safety networks.

  • BDA Unit

    The BDA Unit amplifies the specified public safety signal(s).

  • Distributed Antennas

    Distributed Antennas are installed throughout the building to ensure comprehensive coverage, including horizontal runs interfaced with vertical risers to maintain consistent communication

Stay Safe with ERCES

How does ERCES work?

ERCES amplifies public safety signals, ensuring first responders stay connected even in the toughest building environments.

Firefighter holding radio in hand
  • Ensures Full, Complete Coverage

    ERCES works by using a donor antenna, typically placed on the building's exterior, to capture public safety signals. This signal is fed into a BDA unit that boosts the frequency, then distributed throughout the building via strategically placed antennas to ensure full, complete coverage.

  • Addresses Dead Zones

    These systems address dead zones in buildings—areas where public safety communication devices fail due to poor RF signal because of construction materials, building design, or other RF impediments. Without ERCES, first responders may lose vital communication capabilities during emergencies, endangering lives.

  • Maintains Two-Way Communication

    Modern construction methods often use materials that interfere with radio signals, such as Low E Glazing or steel and concrete, which makes ERCES necessary. With an ERCES in place, emergency responders can maintain two-way communication regardless of where they are in the building .

Code Complaince

Your Partner in ERCES Solutions

SMG Security Holdings is ready to be your ERCES partner today. Not only is ERCES a life-saving communication system addressing dead zones at large buildings and underground areas, but ERCES is now code complaint. Many local and national fire codes, including NFPA 1225, IBC, and IFC 510, mandate the installation of UL 2524-compliant ERCES in new buildings. Without these systems, buildings may not obtain Certificates of Occupancy, delaying use and costing time and money. A compliant RF survey, conducted by GROL-certified (General Radio telephone Operator License) personnel, is essential to determine if an ERCES system is needed for your building.

Firefighter with radio clipped on
  • Advanced Technology

    Our systems feature RF amplification, noise suppression, and oscillation protection. Built for durability, our systems have waterproof enclosures and battery backups to ensure performance during power outages.

  • Code Compliance

    Our ERCES fully meet NFPA and IBC/IFC standards. We collaborate with design professionals, GCs, and ECs to integrate ERCES seamlessly into building plans, ensuring full compliance.

  • Tailored Solutions

    We tailor our ERCES designs by conducting site surveys to identify dead zones, ensuring full coverage and giving managers confidence incompliant, reliable systems.

  • FCC-Certified Professionals

    Our FCC-certified, factor trained technicians ensure that every installation is expertly handled, guaranteeing that systems are installed, maintained, and certified for compliance.

  • End-to-End Service

    We provide complete service packaged covering system design, installation, and ongoing maintenance. This approach ensures long term system functionality and code compliance after installation.

  • Cost Transparency

    We offer early, capped cost estimated so clients can budget confidently from the start, avoiding any unexpected costs during ERCES installation.

A fire department truck outside of a building.
In Their Words

Thanks for your help with this process! Your install team was amazing! They were extremely efficient and we hardly knew they were there. Great guys who took the time to show us how to use the system and answered all our questions. I’m sure I will have some for them down the road. Big thanks to you and your team!

- Frank M.

The installation crew that was here was FABULOUS!!! I didn’t even know they were here most of the time. There was no doubt in my mind that they knew what they were doing. You have no idea how comforting that is. As I’m sure you know, that isn’t always the case when there are technicians in the building. It went very smoothly and we’re so grateful for that! Please extend my gratitude and appreciation for the job they did. I knew we made the right decision!

- Gail H.

We used SMG for monitoring services for our home for 35 years (!) and were consistently well served and attended to. Calls were always picked up promptly, and the service attendants never failed to immediately call to check in on us if the alarm was ever triggered (99% of the time were false alarms we generated...oops...). Service technicians were very competent as well. Highly recommend.

- J. Winstein

Recently switched my monitoring service company for an Elk Grove location. These guys gave me the best quote for an affordable system! Great company!

- Jade N. , Curv Group LLC

A short note to tell you about the great customer service provided by your staff. We moved to Wheaton in August 2019 to a townhome that had an older SMG System. Anthony came out and explained the SMG capabilities, John updated the system and Dave has been by several times to troubleshoot and solve problems. The three are real professionals and know what they are doing. The administrative staff on the phone are always very helpful and professional. Please thank them for their service.

- M. Thomas

Your employees, from the start through completion of the job, were professional and concise in the performance of their work... From the first contact through the end of the project Christian kept me informed, answered all of my questions, and guided me in having the correct system installed... They were indeed professional, polite, kept their work area tidy and worked around all of the functions we had going on at the church. I am especially grateful for these men being on our job as they are the face of your company and they represented you well.

- Mark K., Evangelical Free Church of Crystal Lake

I wanted to take a moment to share with you some good news you may not hear every day but I am sure you will welcome. Your team completed the installation of the security system in Bethel. They were professional and followed our safety, security and Covid-19 protocols to the letter. Throughout the installation, communication was great and the team was very friendly and helpful. In particular, I want to call out Dino for his great customer service. Thanks.

- Mark P.

A short note to tell you about the great customer service provided by your staff. We moved to Wheaton in August 2019 to a townhome that had an older SMG System. Anthony came out and explained the SMG capabilities, John updated the system and Dave has been by several times to troubleshoot and solve problems. The three are real professionals and know what they are doing. The administrative staff on the phone are always very helpful and professional. Please thank them for their service.

- Mark T.

Awesome. I just wanted to pass along that the fire alarm test yesterday was without a doubt one of the best I have ever witnessed. The crews had everything set up and ready to go and were even asking me questions about the programming before we started so they could get the changes made. They had no issues with some of the changes I requested due to our local codes and immediately corrected them. Absolutely everything went smoothly and the guys were great to work with. I really hope I get to work with them again.

- Richard T., Palatine Community Health Center

Your team just left and I wanted to take a moment to say how great both Armando and Mike were during the camera installation process. Everything is up and running and I could not be more pleased.

- Susan C., Centerpoint

We're Here to Help

Please reach out to us if there is any additional information you need and we will respond to you as soon as possible.

 

ADDRESS
120 King Street
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007

 

PHONE
847.593.0999

 

BUSINESS HOURS
Mon – Fri: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

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