[EAS] Yesterday's CAP RWT

[Don Heppelmann]

Mike,

There is absolutely nothing in the rules that says a RWT can not be auto forwarded. That's not the point. The point is - read following:

§ 11.61 Tests of EAS procedures. (a) EAS Participants shall conduct tests at regular intervals, as specified in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this section. Additional tests may be performed anytime.

(2) Required Weekly Tests: (i) EAS Header Codes and EOM Codes: (A) Analog and digital AM, FM, and TV broadcast stations must conduct tests of the EAS header and EOM codes at least once a week at random days and times.

Do you see the line that says additional tests may be performed anytime?  Also again, if a participant is not conducting/originating a weekly test using the RWT alert code, and is also relying on a auto-forwarding for that weekly test from another incoming originator, IMHO I'm not a lawyer, I believe the EB would have an issue with it. Most EAS encoders have a feature that will auto originate the RWT for broadcast. Those organizations that are under staffed can utilize this feature to remain compliant.

I still don't understand why anyone would want FEMA to offer a pre-alert or notification (to everyone?)  in order to send out a RWT alert code. I hope this is not getting confused with the RMT, that's a whole different animal. Can someone please explain to me the need for this and how it will improve the system. Why would anyone want to limit FEMA from orginating the RWT for routine testing?

Thanks,

Don Heppelmann

MN SECC

________________________________________
From: eas-bounces at radiolists.net [eas-bounces at radiolists.net] on behalf of Mike McCarthy [towers at mre.com]

All due respect Don, I would appreciate if you could cite the relevant rule in Part 11 which prohibits the automated forwarding of the RWT. While none of the stations I have ever worked ever forwarded RWTs, I can see that as being quite important for staff-less non-comm's operating as satellators and low experience LPFM's in order to remain compliant with the required once a week EAS message of any type.