FAQ on EAS and CAP
On September 30, 2010, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced the adoption of major changes to the Emergency Alert System (EAS), incorporating a new digital messaging format, the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP). The announcement has prompted many questions from our members. Larry Estlack, MAB's Director of Technology and Michigan SECC Chairman has provided answers to some of the more frequently asked questions:
1) Q: What is the deadline to purchase equipment to be CAP compliant?
A: The deadline was moved to June 30, 2012. The FCC noted that they need the extra time for rulemaking and broadcasters and cable need the extra time for determining the correct equipment for their application, getting it ordered, installed, tested and station personnel trained.
2) Q: Should we purchase our new EAS equipment now?
A: We surely recommend you research of the various models of compliant units now on the market. Some have more features, can interface with automation systems well, can handle multiple stations, etc. CAP compliance testing by FEMA’s testing party, Eastern Kentucky University has been completed. Also a new (3rd version) of IPAWS open is in the works. The CAP network is still in construction, so that key operational part of the new system cannot yet be tested using the new equipment. I will be watching these issues daily and keeping you advised. You surely should budget the expenditure if you have not already made it and install equipment in time to meet the deadline of June 30, 2012. It is very unlikely any further extensions will be granted.
3) Q: How much should I budget?
A. Pricing for most full replacement units falls in the range between $2,200 - $3,500. This might increase with additional items needed for your specific installation, like audio interrupt panels, remote control, graphic generators, warning panels, additional units for multiple stations, software updates and other connectivity changes.
4) Q: Will the MAB offer a discount plan?
A: Yes, the MAB is presently offering a discount plan for MAB members on a certified model. Please check your latest MAB newsletter or click here for more information.
5) Q: If I purchase new equipment now, could it be outdated?
A: Unlike the previous generation of EAS units which required firmware changes, most units can receive updates over the web, so it’s unlikely any changes will render a unit permanently outdated.
6) Q: Will monitoring of LP stations and NOAA radio go away?
A: No. The new system is a hybrid, using traditional over-the-air monitoring of Local Primary stations, as well as the delivery of CAP messages over the Internet. The existing State analog EAS relay system will be maintained for relay of National messages from the PEP station network and as a backup for the State’s CAP compliant digital distribution network: EMnet.
7) Q: Will new equipment, purchased now, work properly in place of the old equipment it will replace?
A: Yes, most equipment provides either on-board built-in radio receivers or provisions for existing radios to be used. Remember, that all units require a full-time connection to the Internet. This may be a problem for some stations with EAS units at transmitter sites that don’t have Internet available, or stations that only have a dial-up connection. If this affects you, you should begin to resolve this connectivity issue now.
8) Q: Will I start getting CAP content when I install the unit?
A: No. At present, the national CAP server network to support distribution is not yet functional, so don’t expect any CAP content any time soon.
9) Q: What about a printer?
A: Most units no longer have paper printers built-in. It is expected you will connect the unit to an existing LAN for paper log printing, if needed.
10) Q: Where do I find which units have been tested and approved?
A: The FCC is not providing a list per se, but directs you to the FEMA Responder Knowledge Base (RKB): https://www.rkb.us/ProductsMain.cfm
You can enter the manufacturer’s name in the “Organization” field.
The EAS units are classed as Communication –Other.
At present, three units from Monroe Electronics/Digital Alerting Systems and the Sage Alerting Systems Digital Endec are the only ones listed; however expect to see the other units soon as their certification testing is completed by FEMA’s third party test group.
Barry Mishkind, editor of Broadcasters Desktop Reference (BDR) has prepared a comparison chart of some of the units that will be available: http://eas.radiolists.net/info/EASBoxes-1.pdf
For more information, the Society of Broadcast Engineers has set up a webpage regarding changes to EAS. Visit that site here. You may also contact Larry Estlack at (800) 968-7622.