[EAS] Converters, or not?

[Clay Freinwald]

Responding to -

 

Now that I am totally confused.  Are converters allowed, or not?

I have three stations with SAGE units and converters would be preferred for
the lower cost.  Is there a simple, straight answer?

 

My thoughts- 

 

If you could view the EAS Box thru the same lens as you do audio processors,
copy machines, PC's (and a host of other electronic gizmo's).....AND, most
importantly, look at what the new generation of EAS Boxes do - that the
older ones CANNOT- you would look at this topic differently.     For some
it's view as a simple decision - come up with something that will make my
EAS box CAP Compliant and do so for the least amount of money.   Having been
in this business now for over 50 years, I understand that process...and I
understand that there will be cases when you have no choice.   

 

Look at this question in terms of 10 years from now - You will have a 10
year old add-on in front of a 25 year old device.     Would you do that with
your audio processor or other electronic device?    You'd still be stuck
with printer paper, lack of electronic logging, lack of the ability to
network the device ...etc etc etc.   This could be viewed as being similar
to putting a new engine into your 15 year old car.   In 10 more years, what
have you got?  I also understand and appreciate the term 'false-economy'.
There is an old saying - 'Pay to do it right or pay to do it over'

 

I find it interesting that some of the basic principles used to advise
owners on what to purchase in terms of equipment are, in some cases, being
compromised when it comes to EAS Equipment.   Perhaps I am just biased
against throwing good money after OLD.

 

In the end this defines how you view EAS in general ...A waste of money, and
un-funded mandate etc etc. - or - A significant improvement in our nations
public warning system.    Here in Washington State, where we have had a
functioning CAP system since Oct 2010, approx. 50 percent of our stations
are on-line with new EAS Equipment...The VAST majority of which are Dasdec's
and Endec's.   I only know of a couple of stations that have chosen the
add-on route.  One of those, at last report, is still working to make it
functional.

 

Granted, I am biased...having spent 10 years chairing the SBE EAS Committee
and the last 15 chairing the Washington SECC.

 

Oh yes.....Apparently they ARE allowed.

 

My $.02

 

Clay Freinwald