EAS/Amber Alert Equipment Questions
I am interested in getting into Part 15 AM transmission and I'm currently looking at various equipment. Can anyone recommend equipment for EAS/Amber Alert that will automatically interrupt the audio signal going to the transmitter, either playing back live or recorded?
I checked out the equipment at TFT, Inc., but they don't offer any hints on pricing... 🙁
Thanks!
--Chris
I think I found an answer to my own question. Gorman-Redlich has a decoder only designed for LPFM stations and it's $1,500. Given that this is FCC approved equipment I believe that's a respectable price.
--Chris
Chris,
Check out something like the Midland WR300 weather radio. NOAA transmits Amber Alert and EAS along with lots of other alerts. It's lots more naffordable for a part 15 station at 75 bucks or less if you shop on the web. I have one going in here. It's already proven to be a valuable source of local information.
Jerry 1290 AM/104.5 FM
Yes, but does it turn on itself and start playing and how do you prevent the music or whatever from being stepped on?
The new alert-tone models stay muted until the alert is sent. When the radio receives the alert, it opens up the audio. You wouldn't want it hooked to on-air audio so it doesn't walk on your air signal.
I know we had talked about this before... but how have people hooked WX radios up to do live blips when a weather alert comes out.....
Radio Shack has a weather receiver that has the EAS feature and, besides an external audio output, a switching output.
That's the unit I plan to get. It's $69.95.
Bill in SE Texas
Yeah... but how are you going to get it to broadcast over your stream and cut the music when an alert comes out?
Matth: << Yeah... but how are you going to get [the Shack receiver] to broadcast over your stream and cut the music when an alert comes out? >>
To see how I plan to, check the drawing and read the text regarding it at:
http://members.aol.com/K5BY/MP_Radio/MP_Radio0.htm
Bill