[EAS] Single point entry of CAP messages

[Richard_Rudman]

The purpose of this list is to provide an open forum for all EAS questions and discussions. We have certainly seen this play out in current threads.

Tom brings up an interesting solution to wireless CAP distribution.

I would like to propose another solution.

The responsibility for issuing warnings rests with government, not broadcasters. Broadcasting, however, has been, is and will be (for the foreseeable future)  the best broadband channel that government has to reach the public in real time. This holds true for warnings, and the ongoing delivery of post-warning information.

It is my fervent hope that local and state governments will work with the broadcasting community to supply broadband wireless links for CAP messages that can bypass the public internet. So, how can they do this and not break the bank?

Here's one way.  

Local government can identify existing low priority UHF repeater systems they hold licenses for that could be connected so CAP-EAS messages can interrupt what these repeaters normally do. This puts the access point for wireless CAP message distribution where it needs to be - under government control and at a place where CAP messages can be relayed to all the broadcast studios in a given region without touching the public internet. 

Each broadcast entry point installs a UHF receiver and CAP interface for that channel.

Cost to implement? Government: An interface box for the input side of the repeater fed by CAP equipment at government warning centers. Stations: A UHF receiver (could even be a scanner) and a box to convert CAP messages back into IP that can connect to a CAP decoder.

Downside: CAP data will be in "broadcast" one way mode -- no return path. May not be a problem for local/state CAP messages.

Funding: Some states have spent DHS and other grant money on far more costly projects.  If there is any DHS communications project grant money left, why not ask them to use some of it it to improve warnings by building wireless CAP relay systems?

We should also ask the Department of Justice because of their involvement and dedication to the AMBER program if DOJ grant dollars could be used to build out wireless CAP relay paths that bypass the public internet.

I would like to ask our EAS vendor members on this list to comment on this approach as to their view of its practicality and costs. I do know from personal experience from a project I worked on back in the 80's that "broadcasting" AX-25 packet data on an LA County low band VHF channel does work, and works well. 

Meanwhile, here's to an open EAS Forum where we can all ask questions, learn and explore all innovative solutions. 

Richard Rudman

On May 19, 2011, at 7:03 PM, Tom Spencer wrote:

> Sudden thought -
> 
> With the proliferation of updated telemetry and control systems, perhaps 
> there are some few stations that could make a co-operative effort and 
> re-purpose their old 450 TSL links - CAP data would fall under 
> "operational communications", I think, maybe...
>