Evenementenhal Gorinchem
Major indoor events attracting large numbers of visitors can result in only one thing: designation as a Special Coverage Location. As a result, optimum indoor C2000 network coverage is essential to the safety of the public and emergency response teams. Evenementenhal Gorinchem is one such SCL. We take a look behind the scenes.
With 40,000m2 of exhibition space, Evenementenhal Gorinchem holds trade shows and other fairs, concerts, congresses, meetings, parties, corporate events and weddings. The venue is part of Herman van der Most's events business, which also has venues in Hardenberg and Venray. The organisation's total exhibition space is 120,000m2.
Indoor coverage
Due to growth in both the number of events and visitor numbers – more than 8,000 pass through Evenementenhal Gorinchem on its busiest days – additional safety precautions must be in place in case of emergency. The government designated Evenementenhal Gorinchem an SCL. "You can't get around it," comments Gideon Slag, Head of the Technical Department, "the designation is issued by the government. The highest priority for an SCL is the safety of the public and emergency response teams, which means you have to ensure maximum indoor C2000 network coverage."
Baseline measurement
Flash Services provided a baseline measurement, made recommendations regarding the equipment to be installed, including the cell enhancer and the indoor and outdoor antennae, and supervised the preferred electrician as work was executed. Gideon Slag reports, "Antennae have now been installed in the building. They are practically invisible, you really have to look hard to find them. They fit seamlessly into our – rather luxurious – interior."
Flash Senior Account Manager Eric de Water, who renders account for the project, explains, "Using a baseline measurement, areas for improvement are first inventoried. It revealed that the building contained a large amount of steel and concrete elements, resulting in blind spots where reception of C2000 signals would be obstructed. Taking this into account, recommendations were then made regarding the equipment to be installed, the cell enhancer and the indoor and outdoor antennae. If there any doubts, a test system can also be installed."
Lease contract
Evenementenhal Gorinchem opted to lease. "To be honest we weren't exactly keen on the idea of making this investment," continues Gideon. "While this type of indoor coverage is essential in ensuring safety, the associated costs have to be recouped. By leasing, we don't have to invest everything all at once." According to Gideon, there is another benefit to leasing: "We no longer have to give any thought to radio-communication. Once installed, all that is needed is annual maintenance, but that is scheduled automatically. In other words, indoor C2000 network coverage remains our responsibility, but it is not a burden."
More information
Indoor coverage C2000 & ASTRID
www.evenementenhal.nl