[EAS] EAS CAP and some thoughts

[Tom Spencer]

While agreeing in general with the observation(s) that the internet is not the best or only way that EANs and associated messages should be delivered - I would like to point out that, at least in theory (absent such things as "backhoe fades") the *first* alert / warning should get through via the internet and/or satellites.  It's the followon messages that will get disrupted if reliance is placed on the internet and/or a satellite distribution model.  And mention was made upthread about the extremely isolated stations in places like Colorado, where reliable reception of NWS and/or other broadcast stations is problematic at best.  In such cases, perhaps we should revisit "Rio" - and indeed, maybe Congress should revisit the 80-plus-year-old prohibition against AM transmitter powers in excess of 50 kW.  

All first-generation Class A (I-A) stations to be allowed 150 kW ND-U (Rio compliant), or 500 kW ND-U (the original superpower proposal back when WLW was the only station so equipped...)

500 kW on 700 kHz from Mason  - or on 650 kHz from Nashville - now, *that'd* be heard in the heart of the Rockies, I betcha!  Guaranteed KSL would be - but where is KSL getting their signals from?  WHO?  KFI? 
The first-generation I-A (Class A) stations are the first ones licensed to their current frequency... just in case some non-techie is reading this.....
KFI, WSM, WFAN, WSCR, KNBR, WLW, WOR, WGN, WSB, KFUD, WJR, WABC, WBBM, WGY, WBAP, WCCO, WHAS, KOA, WWL, WCBS, WLS, (not sure about 1000 kHz); KDKA, WBZ, WHO, KYW, KNX,  (and again, 1080 and 1090 aren't obvious, and memory fades - not related to backhoe fades...); WTAM, (on 1110 - I want to say WBT, Charlotte is the first station...), KMOX, WBBR, KWKH, WRVA, KSL, KJNP, WHAM, KEX (although I'd rather see WOWO restored to Class A status, personally... call it "Hoosier Pride"), WOAI, and WPHT - I believe these are the correct stations; if not, someone will certainly correct the list.

And any former Class I-N or I-B stations that may be needed to fill any gaps - at least two superpower stations should be receivable anywhere in the country - including Alaska and Hawaii... which is why none of the stations should be allowed superpower DAs - put that signal *out there*!!!  Granted, some of these stations are rather close both geographically and in frequency, so perhaps some consideration may need to be given to mutual interference issues...

(neo-Luddites, indeed!)

Barry Mishkind wrote:

>        Jim,  This is indeed something that worries
>        many folks. In many of the severe conditions
>        that characterize emergencies, the first thing
>        to go down is power and Internet. Some
>        think a satellite rx will do, but in the middle
>        of a major storm, even if the storm does
>        not "move" the dish, the rain often kills signal.
>
>  
snip
>        The reality is that several paths are going to be
>        needed. And then you have to consider how
>        much of the pathway you want private companies
>        to control. 

-- 
Tom Spencer

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