Engineering Radio » fcc

National EAS test results

Paul Thurst — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 22:05:05 +0000

Mixed, at least in my neck of the woods. I was stationed at a LP-1 station which was monitoring a PEP station directly. On my end, the test went fine without intervention. Please excuse the cellphone video, I am used to my good camera, which I left at home.

Many others in the New York area had problems. Stations with newer SAGE (Blue front) CAP capable EAS ENDECS had issues, even the ones that were also monitoring the PEP stations directly.

Many of those stations broadcast the header tones and about 10 seconds of audio. The audio abruptly stops and is followed by twenty seconds of dead air followed by the EOM. I can speculate that the SAGE EAS units should be checked for proper configuration and be tested back to back while receiving duplicate messages from different sources spaced apart by ten seconds.

Several stations downstream from the LP-1 stations did not receive anything at all. Others received the alert tones but no audio, some had high levels of background noise, thirty seconds of static, audio cut off, etc. All in all, most would look at this and say “Thank God it wasn’t a real emergency.” Silver lining: For all those that are concerned that the federal government will attempt to diabolically take over the entire broadcast spectrum and say evil things; Doh! foiled again.

FEMA shortens EAS test audio to 30 seconds

Paul Thurst — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:57:58 +0000

FEMA has reduced the audio portion of the national EAS test scheduled for 2pm on 11/9/11 from over two minutes to thirty seconds. This should make the overall time of the test between 45 and 60 seconds, including header and EOM tones.

The change comes directly from the top of Department of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano. No reasons given. New PSA’s and other information is being prepared for stations to use when informing the public.

National EAS Test Video

Paul Thurst — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 20:56:38 +0000

Video available by youtube, courtesy of Radio Magazine:

It is a pretty good simulation of what will happen on November 9th. The script used is not the actual script that will be used for the national test.

After the test, the video shows how to bail out of the national test in the event that a valid EAN is not received. This is important information, as this particular failure has occurred many times in the past. If the LP-1 or PEP station that transmitted the test fails to send a valid EOM, the EAS unit will continue to transmit that station’s programming indefinitely. If the LP-1 or PEP station resumes regular programming while the EAS unit is relaying their programming over the air, that would be a good indication that the LP-1 or PEP station has failed to send a valid EOM.

Update: Paper work is required.

Implementing MCDL (Modulation Dependent Carrier Level)

Paul Thurst — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 23:24:43 +0000

Since the FCC waved some of its rules regarding carrier power and carrier shift on the AM broadcast band, AM stations are now able to implement MCDL or DCC (Dynamic Carrier Control) technology to save money on their electric bills. This technology has the potential to save tens of thousands of dollars for higher powered AM stations (high power=greater than 10 KW carrier level).

On a standard AM broadcasting station, the carrier represents two thirds of the energy being transmitted, with the modulation index containing the other one third. The carrier contains no information; it is simply there on the center frequency at the power level authorized by the station’s license. Thus, if the carrier can be reduced without effecting the quality of the broadcast reception, it will reduce to overall power consumption of the transmitter. In areas where electric costs are high, the savings can be substantial.

There are various ways to accomplish this. The first is called Dynamic Carrier Control (DCC), where the carrier voltage is reduced during moderate modulation levels (between 20-50%) and restored during peaks. This reduces the output power during average modulation, restoring most of it during quite periods and peaks. The next is Dynamic Amplitude Modulation (DAM), which is similar to DCC. The most savings will noted with less heavily processed programming such as talk radio because the higher the average modulation density is, the less the MDCL circuit reduces the carrier voltage level. The little graph in the diagram shows the reduction in the carrier voltage vs. modulation levels.

Nautel DAM block diagram, courtesy of Nautel, Ltd.

Finally, Amplitude Modulation Companding (AMC) reduces the voltage in both the carrier and modulation product during peaks. This results in better savings for higher density modulation indexes. It is also the most transparent of the three schemes, as the carrier is restored to full power during periods of low or no modulation levels. During peak modulation, the reduction does not drop the power level below the un-modulated carrier level. The little graph in the diagram shows the reduction in the carrier voltage vs. modulation levels.

Nautel AMC block diagram, courtesy of Nautel, Ltd

Nautel has done extensive work on MDCL and includes several algorithms in their NX series transmitters. For older Nautel transmitter models such as ND, XL, XR and the J-1000, there is an outboard exciter, which is in a one rack unit chassis. Older transmitters may need a simple field modification to create a DC coupled audio input. The cost for the upgrade is approximately $5,000 USD, however check with the regional Nautel sales rep.

Once the system has been installed, there are several things to be aware of:

Modulation monitors may not work properly, especially older units, which will show significant carrier shift and have carrier alarms. Belar AMMA-2 modulation monitor is specifically built to work with MDCL transmitters.
When making field strength readings, the MDCL circuitry must be turned off to get accurate readings.
For stations running IBOC, the amount of carrier power reduction may need to be experimented with, as the effect of the carrier reduction may cause the transmitter to exceed the NRSC mask.

Currently, only Nautel and Harris are selling MDCL transmitters. I spent several minutes poking around the Harris website and looking through their product brochures for the DX series transmitters and no mention of DCC o MDCL was found. I’d be happy to include any information from Harris if it were made available.

Less than one month until the Coordinated National EAS test

Paul Thurst — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 11:49:44 +0000

November 9, 2011 at 2pm EST, FEMA will be testing EAS with it’s first ever national level test. To promote that event, they have released a twenty eight page “tool kit,” (near the bottom of the page) designed to help everyone get through the test. It should be interesting. According to FEMA:

The nationwide EAS Test is not a pass or fail measure, nor will it specifically test Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) compliant equipment (although CAP compliant equipment should pass the Emergency Action Notification [EAN] live-code in the same manner as legacy EAS equipment).

They will release a Emergency Action Notification (EAN) to all the Primary Entry Point (PEP) stations, which should then flow down stream through all the radio, television, cable systems, and direct broadcast satellite systems. The test should last about two minutes and will conclude with a standard EOM.

I doubt very much it will sound like this:

That is WHEN, Syracuse, NY singing EBS test. A bit of originality there. WHEN played this for their weekly EBS test for the better part of the 70′s. Naturally, the FCC found out about it and told them to stop. Shame, really, it is kind of catchy.

If you have some spare time, download the tool kit and study up for the test.

Wiring Error

Paul Thurst — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 12:31:53 +0000

See if you can spot it:

FCC new seal

Somehow I missed this one when it first circulated last July. I think I was out on the lake fishing or something. I suppose a bunch of lawyers would not know the different between a correctly wired antenna and an incorrectly wired one.

Another one:

Department of Jammed Gears

If only these were some sort of clever fake, a spoof or something like that. But no, this is the real deal. The Department of Innovation’s best work is a logo of jammed gears. I wonder how much that cost.

Modulation Dependent Carrier Level

Paul Thurst — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 23:44:19 +0000

Coming to an AM transmitter near you. The FCC announced that starting immediately, stations can employ Modulation Dependent Carrier Level or MDCL technology on AM transmitters. According to Public Notice DA 11-1535 (.pdf):

Use of MDCL technologies requires a waiver of Section 73.1560(a) of the Commission’s Rules, which sets upper and lower limits for an AM station’s operating power. We hereby establish procedures for AM broadcasters to seek a rule waiver in order to use energy-saving MDCL technologies.

Several transmitter manufactures offer some some version of MDCL in their newer models with the ability to update some older models. Harris Corporation offers something called “Amplitude Modulation Companding” (AMC) and “Adaptive Carrier Control” (ACC). While Nautel includes an option called “Dynamic Carrier Control” (DCC) on all NX series transmitters with the ability to upgrade some older transmitters. Continental offers Controlled Carrier level Modulation (CCM) on later model shortwave transmitters by installing SSM modulator, which can be retrofitted.

Nautel’s Dynamic Carrier Control (.ppt) (.pdf available here) reduces the carrier level during moderate modulation periods. The effect of this is to increase the perceived loudness at the receiver. During higher modulation periods, the carrier is increased to prevent distortion. The net effect is between 3 – 6 dB carrier reduction. During quite periods, the carrier is returned to full power to reduce noise.

Nautel Presentation on Dynamic AM carrier control

The potential savings is from 20-40%, which for a 10 or 50 KW station, would represent a significant reduction in the power bill. For a 50 KW station running an older transmitter, the savings would fall in the $37,000 to $56,000 per year range. In some cases, smaller stations may be able to get rid of a demand meter, which would also represent a significant savings. The threshold for demand meters around here is 5,000 KWh per month.

The FCC further notes that:

The reduction in AM signal power at certain modulation levels inevitably exacts some penalty upon audio quality. Depending on the content of the audio program, MDCL algorithms may introduce some audio distortion or may decrease the signal-to-noise ratio in the receiver. In addition, MDCL algorithms may erode coverage slightly at the fringes of the AM station’s protected service area. Both the long experience of transmitter manufacturers and broadcasters abroad, and the initial reports from experimental operations in Alaska however, indicate that such adverse effects are generally imperceptible.

Would be especially true for higher powered stations that stand to save the most money.

Hurricane/Tropical Storm Irene wrap up

Paul Thurst — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 21:44:02 +0000

Creek overflows roadway, Ulster County, NY. Tropical Storm Irene, August 28, 2011

I read through the FCC’s Hurricane Irene information on which stations were off the air and when, I believe there are a few more to add to the list. Starting from South to North:

WNYC (820 KHz) (New York Public Radio) See WMCA below.
WMCA (570 KHz) (Salem Communications) went off when the fetid swamp known as the Meadowlands flooded, which is where their transmitter sites are located.
WFAF (106.3 MHz) Mount Kisco, (Cumulus Broadcasting) Loss of power, no back up power
WLNA (1420 KHz) Peekskill (Pamal Broadcasting) another AM located in a fetid swamp, this time in Peekskill. It is likely this station will be off for several days.
WOSR (91.7 MHz) Middletown (Northeast Public Radio) reasons unknown.
WKIP (1450 KHz) Poughkeepsie (Clear Channel Broadcasting) transmitter room flooded with about 18 inches of water, water over topped the base insulator and ATU.
WVKR (91.3 MHz) Poughkeepsie (Vassar College) no backup power, back on at 12:00 pm 8/29
WKXP (94.3 MHz) Kingston (Clear Channel Broadcasting) Loss of emergency generator when fan belt broke, restored four hours later.
WAMK (90.9 MHz) Kingston (North East Public Radio) Kingston transmitter site, which looks like it is located in a Revolutionary War relic, is noted for being unreliable. It goes off frequently and was off and on all day.
WFGB (89.7 MHz) Kingston (Sound of Life Radio) Located in same building as WAMK, is an LP-1 station.
WKNY (1490 KHz) Kingston (Cumulus Broadcasting) antenna field flooded, back on the air by 9 am 8/29.
WYJB (95.5 MHz) Albany (Pamal Broadcasting) Generator voltage regulator failed, equipment secured to prevent damage. Is an LP-1 station.
WZMR (104.9 MHz) Altamont (Pamal Broadcasting) Co-located with WYJB
WAJZ (96.3 MHz) Voorheesville) (Pamal Broadcasting) Co-located with WYJB
WROW (590 KHz) Albany (Pamal Broadcasting) STL passed through WYJB transmitter site
WPTR (96.7 MHz) Clifton Park (Crawford Broadcasting) reasons unknown
WTMM (104.5 MHz) Mechanicville (Townsquare Media) reasons unknown
WEQX (102.7 MHz) Manchester, VT (Northshire Broadcasting) loss of power

Most of these stations are now back on the air, however, several suffered much water damage due to flooding and will be off for a while. Lots and lots of roadways washed out, trees down, power still out for tens of thousands of people, it’s a mess.

These stations that went off the are are but a small fraction of the radio stations that serve the Hudson Valley and upstate NY. Most of the large class B stations, and regional AM stations, which are also the LP-1 EAS stations, stayed on the air for the duration of the storm, as did all of the NOAA ~~Weather Radio~~ All Hazards stations in the area.

Kudos to the DJ’s, meteorologists, news people and field reporters for keeping us informed and safe.

Shortwave Pirate Broadcasting

Paul Thurst — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 13:17:37 +0000

And now, something completely different. It seems there is quite a kerfuffle going on in shortwave (AKA HF) pirate land. It seems there has been some FCC enforcement action of late, leading to at least one HF pirate being closed down, while some others are pointing fingers at another saying he is a rat, or a rabbit. Or something. I dunno, it gets a little hard to follow.

Anyway…

I have written about this in the past; Pirate Shortwave broadcasting. It is a very interesting phenomena that compels a person to gather together all the parts necessary, usually at some expense, and assemble a station. Further, keying the transmitter and broadcasting without benefit of a license is a violation of federal law, which can bring heavy sanctions. While most pirate broadcasters seem to get a slap on the wrist, this lax FCC attitude can change. There have been several steep fines lately for repeat offenders in the FM band. At least on the FM band and somewhat the AM band too, a unlawful broadcaster is assured of some public audience. On the shortwave bands, a pirate broadcaster’s audience is limited to only those that are looking for them, which is a very narrow segment of the population.

What are they trying to accomplish? Most of the shortwave pirate broadcasts that I have listened to are limited to a couple of songs from one particular genra, send an ID and then are off. Some will send a QSL card via slow scan TV. What compels these operators to go through all the trouble for a few minutes of irregular operation? Some of them have well equipped studios to go along with the transmitting equipment. Then there is the clandestine nature of the undertaking, often with mail drops and spoofed e-mail addresses.

Some seem to exult in sticking it to the man, that man being the FCC, big media corporations or any authority that tells them they are doing wrong. Acts of civil disobedience against authority perceived (rightly or wrongly) as oppressive or evil. Others seem to have some need to perform, no matter how small the audience may be. Some are just fooling around and do it simply because they can. Finally, others like the challenge of building a low power shortwave transmitter from scratch and seeing it to through to it’s end.

If the so said station is broadcasting with any appreciable power, it will get noticed quickly and sooner or later, the FCC will pay a visit. That is a foregone conclusion. The FCC has quite a few new tricks up its sleeve when it comes to direction finding and RF finger printing. That’s right, RF finger printing, it is exactly what it sounds like. Super resolution HFDF eliminates the need for triangulation, multiple vehicles, and wasting a lot of time driving around neighborhoods trying to figure out which residence an illegal broadcaster is using.

While I understand the compulsion to broadcast free radio; the need to inform under served communities, the fact that what we used to rely on for information and news is gone, a once vibrant and exciting art form has been reduced to a hollow shell of its former self, however, we have not yet reached a Magna Carta moment. There are still some legal methods of getting the word out on radio, both conventional and shortwave. International Broadcasting stations WBCQ and WRMI offer time brokered programming and are pretty liberal in the types of programs they accept. Not all US shortwave broadcaster are thus, many allowing only religious programming. Those shortwave stations have large coverage areas and existing audiences. There are also may AM radio stations that will do block programming over the weekend, for a price, of course. Then there is the possibility of setting up an internet station. Eventually, the new Low Power FM (LPFM) rules will go into affect and interested groups will be able to apply for licenses in that service.

The point is, while the deck is stacked against the local or community radio broadcaster, it is still possible to get the word out in a legal way. The cost of buying block programming will likely be the same or less than buying all the equipment to set up a pirate station. Further, if the programming is compelling, you may get noticed and be able to flip the equation and actually get paid to do it.

CAP deadline looms large

Paul Thurst — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 12:00:30 +0000

Six weeks to go and time is moving fast. Many stations of a particular group have not done the required CAP upgrades to their EAS equipment. I’d imagine that we will be running around installing and programming these things at the last moment.

A list of certified EAS equipment vendors is available from the FCC website. The new FCC website, which seems to be dedicated to bringing broadband to America, somewhat at the expense of everything else. More about that later.

About CAP and EAS; I hope the effort and expense is worth it. Those CAP converters and CAP compliant EAS machines are not cheap. I would think that after all that mandated spending, the new, new EAS works better than the old new EAS which left quite a bit to be desired. I am still skeptical of the internet based distribution system, as the internet has proven to be less than 100% reliable in all locations. The method seems to violate the KISS principle, of which I am a firm believer. In any case, I will reserve judgement until after the nation wide test on November 9, 2011.

Regarding that test, I have already read some “expectations management” statements from FEMA and the FCC. I have to say, if, given a years notice to install the equipment and do local testing before the big test, the new system does not show great improvements over the old EAS, it is time to scrap EAS altogether. It would be far better to tell the public they are on their own and recommend buying NOAA weather radios or rather NOAA All Hazards radios to receive their emergency information on. Supplement that with an e-mail notification system like NY Alert, which I use for urgent traffic and weather information and be done with it. This way, at least, nobody will be expecting the nearest automated station from the borg collective to supply meaningful, up to date information.