[EAS] National EAS Test Forward

[Sean Donelan]

On Mon, 8 Aug 2016, Mike McCarthy wrote:
> All due respect Barry, 11.54 doesn't clearly answer the question on it's
> own. as with most federal rules, there is plenty of room for
> clarification.
>
> What does immediately really mean in this context (Sean's comments not
> withstanding)?

There is contact information for the FCC in the public notice, if 
anyone wants to try to ask to ask the FCC.

On the other hand, the FCC never clarified whether EAS boxes needed 
built-in printers to create a "permanent" record or a computer file was 
ok.  For years, sales people for EAS boxes with printers said it was 
required, and sales people for EAS boxes without printers said it
was not required. Now no one remembers what the argument was about.
I wouldn't hold my breath for a clarification.  But what difference
does it make?

The NPT test in September is via CAP. CAP will have a pre-recorded audio 
file downloaded from IPAWS -- no EOM.  Except for those stations which
get it over the air using the classic EAS protocol.  The two-minute
limit still applies to NPT.  The two-minute recording time limit would
be unnecessary if the audio was streamed "live," even if buffered.  The
two-minute time limit would be needed to maintain compatibility with 
store-and-forward handling, similar to other "normal" event codes.

But maybe the FCC will surprise everyone, and give an answer.