[BC] EAS

[Bill Croghan]

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>>>>>>>>>>>>>snip<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
>EAS is, basically, a warning system. A data stream, maybe coupled with
>tones, that is designed to ACTIVATE A PIECE OF EQUIPMENT AND/OR SET OFF AN
>ALARM, and give a basic description of what the emergency is. There are
>then provisions, within the EAS system, for a minute or two's worth of
>information. THAT'S ALL EAS DOES.


	That's all it was intended to do.
>
>What I'm saying is that Broadcast stations are not the most efficient
>method of conveying this warning. Because a piece of equipment has to be
tuned to
>that station, and it must be turned on in order to be monitoring. People
>don't listen to their radio or watch their TV 24/7. There are no
>mass-produced radios or TV's that I'm aware of, other than NOAA weather
>radios, designed to sit quietly until an EAS alert is received, and then
>turn on and activate.


	Correct, but any other method was a matter of requiring the public
to buy something to make the system work (sound like IBOC???)  The current
system was designed to get to the most people with the existing billions of
radios.  We could always dream up systems that would do everything for
everyone and hardly anyone would buy them.
	I recently bought one of the few available consumer radios with EAS
activation on E-BAY, like new in the box, I was the only bidder and got it
for 9.99 plus shipping.  I believe that the unit, when it was made went for
over $100.  No-one else gave a damn.
	Even amongst this august group, how many people do you know that
have NWS all hazard radios in their homes, cars and work places?  Safety is
the hardest sell.  I have an NWS at home, one in my office, and could dial
it up on my Yaesu VX2 on my hip if I so chose, but I'm an EAS geek.  Most
people don't want to be bothered.  Unlike the Satellite radio stuff, there
is no incentive for the radio makers or car companies to make such radios.
>
>The second part of what I didn't say is that stations like yours do NOT
>need
>EAS to convey your fast-breaking facts and information. You've described
>your station's response to local emergencies and weather information in
>previous posts, and it sounds like you're doing a heckuva job. But what
>does
>EAS add to what you're doing, other than playing the duck farts for your
>audience to hear? At best it's an attention-getter. And surely you realize
>that even EAS activation in 3 in the morning is only heard by the few who
>happen to be awake and have their radio on (and are tuned to your station).

	One of the biggest purposes of the system is to get the DJ's
attention (or automations systems attention).  When they are doing a heavy
show, busy running around, etc. they may not have any other method of being
alerted to the fact that an event is occurring.  I haven't heard a model 15
bell on an AP machine in 20 years.  The Duck Farts certainly get my
attention when I have the radio low or am not really paying much attention.
	Don't try to make something out of the existing system that it was
never intended to do.

Bill

Bill Croghan CPBE WB?KSW
Chief Engineer, 
KOMP/KXPT/KENO/KBAD
Lotus Broadcasting
Las Vegas, NV
Email to loteng (at) lvradio.com
Phone 702-315-3030
Fax      702-876-6685