Radio-Network Extender Device (RED): Conceptualization, System Design, and Component Prototyping

Sanford, Matthew; Donovan, William; Vindigni, Matthew; Schwartz, David; Bedard, Michael; Aljumaili, Nisreen; McCue, Bryce; Feehrer, Timothy

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Radio-Network Extender Device (RED): Conceptualization, System Design, and Component Prototyping

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Firefighters regularly experience radio signal loss when operating in locations such as hospitals, warehouses, and high-rises. Signal loss events pose serious risks to both firefighters and civilians by preventing the exchange of information between firefighters, thereby disrupting their coordination and effectiveness, and potentially leading to the loss of lives. To reduce signal losses, the Radio-network Extender Device (RED) will receive a firefighter’s incoming radio signal, amplify that signal, and transmit it in conditions where communication would otherwise be impossible. This device was first conceptualized by determining the necessary electrical subsystems, protective enclosure, and communication style with firefighters that would help solve the issue of signal loss. Next, the subsystems for receiving, amplifying, and retransmitting a firefighter’s radio signal were designed, developed, built, and tested. An ability to record and display temperature data on a website through direct communication with an onboard microprocessor was shown to be functional. This will provide firefighters with valuable information of how well the device performed following a fire given the temperatures it was exposed to. Heatsinks were designed and manufactured to provide passive cooling to the internal electrical systems so that the device would not overheat itself. An enclosure was designed, manufactured, and tested, in accordance with NFPA standards, to enable a RED to withstand the thermal and physical challenges encountered in the fireground. By insulating the electrical systems, the enclosure is ensuring that the firefighters can maintain communications in high temperature environments.

This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

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