[EAS] Alerting options

[ed.czarnecki at monroe-electronics.com]

There are a number of options:

- Generally speaking, if a modem or receiver can output IP, can be treated as a NIC by the DASDEC, then it should in theory be plug and play.  Devil is in the details, however, as there may be additional software clients to run to decode  or recompile the the data.

- ATSC data broadcasting (DTV datacasting) uses many of the same software clients and receivers used for DVB data broadcasting.  These functions can be run internally on the DASDEC (including an internal DTV datacast or DVB satellite PCI card).  I like the external receivers a bit better (reliability), and the software clients can still run onboard the DASDEC (no external PC needed to run the data broadcast / file transfer clients).  The datacast approach, however, scales better at a local level than nationwide, and is an attractive option for some jurisdictions. There are data encapsulation and file broadcast management system costs that you can't really duck.  Datacasting is a versatile option, but not a "freebie" - there are costs on both ends of the technology.  We're managing to build around those costs with the DASDEC, however.

- HD Radio data - could be something to look into, but the protocols are rather proprietary.  We've done some work initial already on internalizing the HD radio data processing within the DASDEC.  I lean towards higher bandwidth options.  I almost hesitate to mention HD Radio as it is such a hot button for some.

Edward Czarnecki, Ph.D.
Senior Director - Strategy, Development and Regulatory Affairs
Monroe Electronics, Inc. / Digital Alert Systems
ed.czarnecki at monroe-electronics.com

www.monroe-electronics.com
www.digitalalertsystems.com

-----Original Message-----
From: Richard_Rudman [mailto:rar01 at mac.com]

Interesting thread!I would bet there are a lot of low priority government dispatch systems on high band VHF and UHF that could be adapted for EAS by setting up a way to interrupt the low priority traffic with CAP-EAS messages. One big advantage: These systems are in daily use so get daily testing.I have proposed this as a way to reinforce local/state EAS distribution.The second part of this project would be to locate a large number of GE or Motorola high band or UHF receivers in surplus and set up a program to get these receivers to any LECC/SECC that wants to build out a local relay network (LRN). As Harold Price and others have pointed out in the past, the bandwidth of such channels is certainly not ideal for CAP, but if the government continues to ignore the need for dedicated wideband channels for LRN's to be licensed by government, the solution I am proposing might be the best we can do.I have also suggested that CAP-EAS data could ride on a sub channel of one or more DTV stations so any radio, TV or cable system that can afford to buy a set-top DTV converter could tie in.For either of the solutions I am proposing that we ask vendors if CAP-EAS could be converted to AX-25 packet data (and back to CAP-EAS) using SCS DR7800 devices, 9600 baud AX-25 packet boxes that have a LAN interface. Richard_______________________________________________This is the EAS Forum Discussion ListPlease invite your friends to join our Forum!http://lists.radiolists.net/mailman/listinfo/easAnd, remember the main page: http://eas.radiolists.net