Also, it's worth noting that CAP is supposed to be backwards compatible with EAS as far as the protocol EAS uses (SAME - Specific Area Message Encoding). In theory this may mean existing weather radios that support SAME decoding should also support CAP.
The EAS SAME protocol is documented quite well: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Specific_Area_Message_Encoding
Someone now has a website that will encode and decode EAS/SAME messages to/from audio:
http://www.drewkirkman.com/projects/noaa-same/
Looks like someone has already made a SAME encoder based on an ATTiny45:
http://www.circuitcellar.com/avr2006/winners/AT3249.htm
I used to know of a kit for decoding SAME messages for use on Ham radio repeaters, but I can't seem to find it. I'm sure it's out there still.
Also, it's worth noting that CAP is supposed to be backwards compatible with EAS as far as the protocol EAS uses (SAME - Specific Area Message Encoding). In theory this may mean existing weather radios that support SAME decoding should also support CAP.
The EAS SAME protocol is documented quite well: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Specific_Area_Message_Encoding
Someone now has a website that will encode and decode EAS/SAME messages to/from audio:
http://www.drewkirkman.com/projects/noaa-same/
Looks like someone has already made a SAME encoder based on an ATTiny45:
http://www.circuitcellar.com/avr2006/winners/AT3249.htm
I used to know of a kit for decoding SAME messages for use on Ham radio repeaters, but I can't seem to find it. I'm sure it's out there still.
i was wondering if a Weather Radio equipped with SAME and and audio relay would do just as good. i was just thinking of the software end to add logging capabilities to the system.
just something simple. decode, log date/time and pass emergency or test message. no actually encoder for another station to pickup and relay.
i was thinking of this because a lot of us have part 15 networks and internet streams in addition to single site transmitters.
i was wondering if a Weather Radio equipped with SAME and and audio relay would do just as good. i was just thinking of the software end to add logging capabilities to the system.
just something simple. decode, log date/time and pass emergency or test message. no actually encoder for another station to pickup and relay.
i was thinking of this because a lot of us have part 15 networks and internet streams in addition to single site transmitters.
What I do is I have a scanner plugged into my board tuned to the strongest NOAA station. In event of a weather emergency I will listen to another scanner (I have 3) to listen for the tones or important information. The second those tones start to sound All it takes is a flip of a switch on my board to interrupt programming and put the message on.
It might not be automatic, but it does work.
What I do is I have a scanner plugged into my board tuned to the strongest NOAA station. In event of a weather emergency I will listen to another scanner (I have 3) to listen for the tones or important information. The second those tones start to sound All it takes is a flip of a switch on my board to interrupt programming and put the message on.
It might not be automatic, but it does work.
I must be lazy but here's what I'm doin'.
I use Weather Watcher to import wx data into ZaraRadio. Weather Watcher provides an audio alert whenever NOAA puts out a warning.
So, I made my own audio clip that is played by Weather Watcher and it simply tells listeners that a Special Alert has been issued by NOAA Weather and they should listen to their Weather Radio assuming they have one. Otherwise tune to another local radio or TV station for info.
The audio clip plays louder than the Zara program so the audio compressor adjusts and puts it up front.
I must be lazy but here's what I'm doin'.
I use Weather Watcher to import wx data into ZaraRadio. Weather Watcher provides an audio alert whenever NOAA puts out a warning.
So, I made my own audio clip that is played by Weather Watcher and it simply tells listeners that a Special Alert has been issued by NOAA Weather and they should listen to their Weather Radio assuming they have one. Otherwise tune to another local radio or TV station for info.
The audio clip plays louder than the Zara program so the audio compressor adjusts and puts it up front.
If I hear thunder, see lightning or the trees bend over, I shut off, because an electrical surge can cause major damage.
If there's an earthquake I just keep operating, because by the time Windows Operating System shuts down the quake is past history by 1-minute and it's time to start the long re-boot.
Thing is my main concern goes to the computer equipment and online audience, while the part 15 listener is me, and I already don't know what's going on, so there's no reason alerting myself any further.
If I hear thunder, see lightning or the trees bend over, I shut off, because an electrical surge can cause major damage.
If there's an earthquake I just keep operating, because by the time Windows Operating System shuts down the quake is past history by 1-minute and it's time to start the long re-boot.
Thing is my main concern goes to the computer equipment and online audience, while the part 15 listener is me, and I already don't know what's going on, so there's no reason alerting myself any further.
I have run this setup on my ham repeaters and part15 stations for about 30 years now. I have a weather alert reciever modified with a timer and keying interface that listens for the old 1050hz tone and autoplays for 2.5 minutes and resets. I am working on a new SAME receiver to update it for selected alerts.
I have run this setup on my ham repeaters and part15 stations for about 30 years now. I have a weather alert reciever modified with a timer and keying interface that listens for the old 1050hz tone and autoplays for 2.5 minutes and resets. I am working on a new SAME receiver to update it for selected alerts.
Amateur Radio Emergency Service --
I think this is a better option for Part 15'er types who want to participate in emergency services. The go packs here on San Juan Island allow access to the internet by using a network of repeaters to reach out of the disaster area. This kind of response allows all kinds of organizations, including local Sheriff and Fire/Rescue units to stay in touch with the outside, in this case off-island, resources and mobilization, because it's possible that their radio communications online gear could get toasted. Such participation is actually encouraged by the NTS with Homeland Security.
I haven't taken the tests yet, but that's where I'm headed with emergency communications. THe ARRL has a number of publications on various aspects of the ARES and NTS. It's actually fascinating stuff. NHS wants this sort of help, but mainly because they figure hams who take the time to get licensed and qualified will be more knowledgeable and trustworthy, at least enough to recognize when they're needed as opposed to getting in the way.
EAS/CAP has plenty of coverage ... It's nice to want to help, but I don't think a Part 15 AM or FM BCB station is the way to go in any scenario I can think of. I'd probably make an on-air plea to turn on legitimate EAS/CAP participating stations and get the heck off the air.
However, broadcasting updated information about local temporary power outages, weather alerts, road conditions during winter storms, ground fog, stuff like that, is a good thing .... I do it all the time. Sometimes I even broadcast info about excessive deer sightings on portions of the roadways (two Augusts ago, we were having 3 road kills per day for a couple of weeks on the island). As a taxi driver, I'm often on point with road conditions. I was out one night wishing I had a resource to tell me how bad the conditions were ... when it dawned on me ... I AM that resource, because I'm the first (or one of the first) driver to encounter it!
So how would I set up a system where I could get a 2-meter rig to switch my Part 15 station to receive broadcasts from a hand-held or mobile rig in my taxi when in range. It could save someone from getting themselves into a driving situation they can't handle.
Amateur Radio Emergency Service --
I think this is a better option for Part 15'er types who want to participate in emergency services. The go packs here on San Juan Island allow access to the internet by using a network of repeaters to reach out of the disaster area. This kind of response allows all kinds of organizations, including local Sheriff and Fire/Rescue units to stay in touch with the outside, in this case off-island, resources and mobilization, because it's possible that their radio communications online gear could get toasted. Such participation is actually encouraged by the NTS with Homeland Security.
I haven't taken the tests yet, but that's where I'm headed with emergency communications. THe ARRL has a number of publications on various aspects of the ARES and NTS. It's actually fascinating stuff. NHS wants this sort of help, but mainly because they figure hams who take the time to get licensed and qualified will be more knowledgeable and trustworthy, at least enough to recognize when they're needed as opposed to getting in the way.
EAS/CAP has plenty of coverage ... It's nice to want to help, but I don't think a Part 15 AM or FM BCB station is the way to go in any scenario I can think of. I'd probably make an on-air plea to turn on legitimate EAS/CAP participating stations and get the heck off the air.
However, broadcasting updated information about local temporary power outages, weather alerts, road conditions during winter storms, ground fog, stuff like that, is a good thing .... I do it all the time. Sometimes I even broadcast info about excessive deer sightings on portions of the roadways (two Augusts ago, we were having 3 road kills per day for a couple of weeks on the island). As a taxi driver, I'm often on point with road conditions. I was out one night wishing I had a resource to tell me how bad the conditions were ... when it dawned on me ... I AM that resource, because I'm the first (or one of the first) driver to encounter it!
So how would I set up a system where I could get a 2-meter rig to switch my Part 15 station to receive broadcasts from a hand-held or mobile rig in my taxi when in range. It could save someone from getting themselves into a driving situation they can't handle.
P.S. -- I forgot to mention there are 2-meter repeaters on the island, so the guys here say it's relatively easy to find a spot, but sometimes you have to drive up a hill.