[EAS] Attention tones for WX alerts?

[Dave Kline]

First, just to throw it out there.
In general, since weather alerts are not required in EAS, then it stands that the attention tones (two tone) could be optional.
However, that being said, the two tone attention signal is no longer used to trip downstream EAS devices as it was in the days of EBS.
I'm not sure that there may be other alert receivers that are triggered by the two tone attention signal, and it also does a good job of getting the attention of listeners. It should be included in an alert, if for no other reason then that.
Your state plan when recommending alerts to be carried, if it does that, should also address the format of the alerts not covered by the fed plan.
As far as the other tone. There is a single tone 1050 Hz?? that is used by NWS.
Your decoder should filter it out. See your decoder's instructions regarding NWS wx inputs.
In any case, if the input levels are too high, a decoder may not filter it, especially if it is distorted.
Some decoders relay on hearing the end of the two-tone attention signal to trigger the recorder.

(Opps! I answered my own question. I guess that makes the two-tone attention signal mandatory for everything but RWT's)

If it is too loud/distorted the message may not get recorded or you may have multiple, recorded two-tone in the outgoing message.

Dave
************************************************
Dave Kline   UNO-TV / KVNO
University of Nebraska at Omaha
6001 Dodge St. Omaha, NE  68182  CPACS 200
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On Jul 5, 2012, at 9:37 AM, Rich Parker wrote:

> Hi folks, 
> 
> We had (as did others the past few days) have some pretty fast moving storm fronts come through which triggered serveral NSW alerts.
> 
> There were reports of problems with the audio on at least one of them being 'cut off' - but I observed that the alert ran as follows:
> 
> EAS attention tones (brapps)
> EAS 'legacy two-tones' 
> 'other' tone - long, indeterminate type
> Long pause with static
> Actual message (truncated)
> 
> As we work with our local NWS folks again on this, I want to be sure I understand whether or not the legacy two-tones are required now on anything other than tests?
> 
> Also, I'm not clear what the 'extra' tone was - but perhaps the box should have actually stripped that?
> 
> As for the pause, static, and poor audio quality, that is something we are continually working on with the folks here.
> 
> Thanks for any insights and guidance if others have had this same experience.
> 
> Rich Parker
> Vermont
> 
> -- 
> 
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