[BC] TFT EAS 911-D

[radioran at aol.com]

<<Anyone else have this issue and try using this stop gap.  While I know a device
must have two inputs and two stations must be monitored, I don't see where each
source must have a discreet input.

I also thought I understood that LPFM will eventually have to be able to
retransmit alerts, even if they do not originate alerts>>
 
Hi Ed, 
Funny you should bring this up.  Barry and I just had this discussion. 
I get to install two CAPS 3320 converters in two locations.  Nowhere in the literature is it stated that these 911-D boxes would need a $900.00 factory make-over.  Specifically, adding another 2-channel audio board and appropriate metal work
Schematics were not forthcoming, so I'm planning to do something along the lines of what you said.  Although any alert would be mangled by the other station's audio.   Or maybe adding a third input channel?  Maybe an audio-sensing relay that interrupts the tuner's signal?  IMHO, it's a pretty serious omission on TFT's part, especially since it's the financially-challenged LPFMs that bought this box and now chose to go the converter route, thinking they'd all play nicely together. 
The 3320 manual explains it all: 
"The TFT CAP-TO-EAS CONVERTER can be connected to an FCC-Certified EAS Encoder-Decoder with an open monitoring port that can be connected-to. (sic) In most cases, this is the FCC type-certified EAS Encoder/Decoder or EAS Receiver the customer has been using previously.  No hardware changes are required."
I posed to Darryl the question of a refund on two unused Converters:  <<This decision has not been made as yet. We may entertain a partial credit or trade-in.>>
This is me being not very happy, probably to be joined by many others.
AFAIK, LPFMS ARE requited to re-transmit alerts.  No point to just receiving them and not sharing...
 
Randy Wells
Various
Santa Rosa, CA