[EAS] The Real Cost of Converters

[Donald Miller]

Adrienne makes a very valid point to compare the extra time needed for logging, printer jams, fines for failure to log, that are currently an on-going cost for all broadcasters.  As the past Telecom Manager for WA EOC, my technicians and myself maintained paper, printer parts, wall worts, and misc parts for 60 units WA purchased for 911 centers and EOC's statewide in 1995.  There was a labor cost associated with doing those tasks. While single station time costs are much less that what I experienced, there is still a cost.  Multiple that time cost by 3 years life of the converter and compare it to the ~$500-$800 purchase difference.  It may be worth a full unit purchase, especially if a fine is involved for possible poor record keeping.

The only CAP boxes that were available in 2006, when WA installed it's CAP system, used static IP addressing.  To do IP polling or monitoring of IPAWS-OPEN will require a costly firmware upgrade.  The display of text to a character generator will also require another costly upgrade.  It is my understanding that the state still plans to replace those older units before the June 30 deadline.  (I left them with 6 Sage units to do that)

Don Miller
SVP of Business Development
MyStateUSA, Inc.
360-791-4365
  

On Mon, Mar 5, 2012 at 7:11 AM, Eric Adler <EAdler at wskg.org> wrote:
>One other thing to remember is that many (all?) of the newer units can have new codes easily added.  If you get a converter, you may need to keep updating the EPROM of your old unit (and keep the converter's updates in sync with the capabilities of your old unit).  Also, as mentioned, one could look for assistance in paying for the unit or look to form a group of stations for a group buy.  Some of the resellers out there will even offer you a discount without such a group deal.  And wouldn't it better serve the community (and their pocketbooks) to try to get the noted $800 difference up-front rather than spending the 'base' (converter) price twice-over plus the $800?

>Eric

>Opinions in this message are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of my employer.

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