[EAS] Required Periodic Test

[Alex Hartman]

> o Someone said RMT/RWT can't be scheduled... huh? RMTs are REQUIRED to be
> scheduled! In fact, that is essentially the only specific requirement
> for the SECC within law. And... they are currently REQUIRED to alternate
> day/night. I for think that is a good idea because different work shifts
> get practice originating them. The EAS box's log will tell you if it
> received it and relayed it. It won't tell you if it actually got on the
> air. If we hadn't just been required to buy a bunch of new EAS hardware,
> I'd be tempted to require the EAS box include an off-air sample port.
> But, I'll settle for having part of the online reporting requirement be
> that you testify that a human HEARD the alert on the air at least once
> per month.

>From the rules:

(2) Required Weekly Tests:

   (i) EAS Header Codes and EOM Codes:

   (A) Analog and digital AM, FM, and TV broadcast stations must conduct
   tests of the EAS header and EOM codes at least once a week at random
   days and times. Effective December 31, 2006, DAB stations must conduct
   these tests on all audio streams. Effective December 31, 2006, DTV
   stations must conduct these tests on all program streams.

That's for RWTs,

   (1) Required Monthly Tests of the EAS header codes, Attention Signal,
   Test Script and EOM code.

   (i) Tests in odd numbered months shall occur between 8:30 a.m. and
   local sunset. Tests in even numbered months shall occur between local
   sunset and 8:30 a.m. They will originate from Local or State Primary
   sources. The time and script content will be developed by State
   Emergency Communications Committees in cooperation with affected EAS
   Participants. Script content may be in the primary language of the EAS
   Participant. These monthly tests must be transmitted within 60 minutes
   of receipt by EAS Participants in an EAS Local Area or State. Analog
   and digital class D non-commercial educational FM and analog and
   digital LPTV stations are required to transmit only the test script.

The RMT gives a window of time. Nothing more.

I've been told by every mock inspector that these tests should not be
scheduled, ever. They can be on paper, but not automated from what i
understood. I do know that my new digital sage does allow for me to
"schedule" and even "generate a schedule", but i interpret this as
"random", meaning *at random, unscheduled*.

--
Alex Hartman