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HomeMy WebLinkAboutalertAMALERT AMA EMERGENCY ADVISORY RADIO SYSTEM ►TEM. Public -safety agencies across America now operate their own ISS Emergency Advisory Radio Stations specifically to tell citizens what to do during Amber alerts, flash floods, industrial accidents, terror threats, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornados and other types of emergencies. Through Emergency Advisory Radio, listeners receive up-to-the-minute reports, alerts and Instructions with the level of timeliness and detail that makes these types of broadcasts. invaluable, especially when disaster strikes. During non - emergency times, the stations inform motorists of street repairs, public notices, upcoming events, city history and even points of touring interest. With the ALERT AM System, emergency managers immediately trigger prerecorded broadcasts for anticipated scenarios via telephone, pushbutton, siren system or other external control. in unanticipated scenarios, they record new messages locally or via phone and broadcast live cut -ins for late -breaking, critical updates. Your Station Your Community -., Your Information The ISS ALERT AM Emergency Advisory Radio System comes standard with ... • Exclusive Specific Area Message Encoding that not only recognizes all 53 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration event codes but has the unique ability to automatically rebroadcast only those targeted by you for your county(s). • RealTIME Audio Synchronization only ALERT AM allows you to expand your signal coverage area by adding transmitter locations. Additional transmitters may be installed at the outset or in future years. • A patented antenna system design, makes ALERT AM the only system of its kind to allow antenna installation on a building's roof. When the antenna is installed In the adjacent yard of a building, that design makes unnecessary excavation for ground planes/rods. The ALERT AM Package Each ALERTAM Emergency Advisory Radio Station comes as a complete package from Information Station Specialists, including all the components, hardware and services you need to stay on the air 24 hours a day 365 days a year. The effective range for a single -transmitter station is a three -to -five -mile radius (or 25-75 square miles). Adding RealTIME synchronized transmitters expands fixed -station coverage exponentially. Export ALERT AM audio program to stream to your website or to override CATV audio. Or produce your program audio from a cable TV studio; override only in emergencies. The Federal Communications Commission licenses Emergency Advisory Radio Stations for non-commercial, voice -only braodcasting on AM radio bands (530 to 1700 kHz) within a 9.3-mile protection zone inside which no other community can operate on your frequency. The licenses are ten-year, renewable. ISS will help you find available frequencies and process the necessary FCC paperwork required for licensing. (RESPONDER] Mobile Emergency Broadcast Systems, also available from ISS, broadcast directly from troublespots in a 3-to-5-mile radius.) Base ALERT AM Radio Station The ALERTAM Emergency Advisory Radio System features a robust base model with an array of options (see right) designed to meet the needs of cities, counties, airports, schools, industry and the military. Each base Emergency Advisory Radio Station comes complete, with illustrated instructions and ready to install. included in the equipment package are an antenna/groundplane system, all the electronics, an indoor cabinet (see upper right), cables, diagnostic metering and test equipment needed to set up and maintain your station. Via telephone and email, I55 assists with upfront planning and technical support for the life of the product at no extra charge. ISS' network of representatives across the country pay site visits and quote turnkey or support services if needed. Digi la! AI.t Mes:ape Trerwriliel Ftr. ranuner - - E�ut'1vt?�rh�� ��.LW E cuns 1iOn l w114 ;. Ballet?' BX.i 'System Pmer Mann rerrrent* Operaiona1 Backup Uteriee A Unique, "Grow -able" System Create or grow exactly the system you need: • An optional 4-day battery backup keeps ALERT AM on the air during AC power outages; a A power loss notification module alerts operators, if transmitter power drops. • Field-upgradeable NOAA/EAS SAME receiver. • Add RealTIME synchronized transmitters to extend coverage. • Strategically locate Flashing ALERT Signs to encourage listeners to tune in. • A vertical profile antenna system (all -in -one grounding, pole and antenna) requires minimal ground disturbance in high visibility areas. • Weatherproof outdoor cabinets may be used to locate electronics away from buildings. • Expandable recording time. America on ALERT Who uses ISS Emergency Advisory Radio Stations? Hundreds of public -safety agencies, HazMat industries, military bases, airports and universities count on ALERT AM 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to keep citizens and visitors Informed. Below are examples across time. Ask ISS for references. Newark pollee pioneer ALERT AM. Naperville, Illinois 1610 AM - WPFP929 - Installed in 1993 Emergency manager Rill Reynolds of Illinois' largest suburb knew that if the DuPage River grew too fast there would be deep trouble.... He was right Ayear after installing the third alert station in 1995, 10,000 residents had to be evacuated. ALERT AM was "still there" during the height of the disaster. Soon after, Naperville became the Nation's first city to set a network of synchronized stations to boost reception in fringe areas, leading the way for other midwestern communities to position ALERT AM stations in flood -prone areas and up and down tornado alley. Synchronized stations Pinellas County, Florida cover Pinellas County. !SS emergencystations appear coast to coast. Newark, California 1610 AM - WNMQ814 Installed in 1987 Mere months before the 1988 earthquake, the City of Newark in California's Bay Area discovered ALERT AM technology. Just in time, it seems, for in the hours after the tremor, the station emerged as the Cty's /one means of communication to the public. Stranded citizens. across the. Bay used the service to determine if it was safe to return home. Newark was the first of many Califomia cities to make low power AM available for residents and visitors. The pioneering service celebrates 15 years on the air in.20021 Naperville flood leaves motorists and homeowners isolated except for radio. 940 AM - WPT1814 - Installed in 2001 The Florida county that includes Clearwater and Saint Petersburg stands ready to evacuate, when the hurricane that Is bound to come inevitably does arrive. Pinellas County emergency manager David Casto knows just how he will employ ALERT direct residents safely across the bridges to Tampa and inland, when that time comes. Declares Casto, We decided synchronizing a network of transmitters was the best most cost-effective way to go." Pinellas County boasts the Nation's largest system of synchronized "RealTIME Audio" ALERT AM stations. Grosse ile, Michigan 1700 AM - WPUA590 - Installed in 2002 The lovely island that looks across the river at Detroit is downwind from some of our nation's biggest industry. On July 14, 2001, a leaking chemical car at nearby Atofina Chemical burst into flames, killing three workers and spreading a cloud of poisonous methyl mercaptan gas across the island. A full island evacuation was ordered. Later, it was determined that the island took too long to evacuate, due, in part, to residents' lack of timely information about which bridges were open and where to go. ALERT AM was brought in, tied to a siren system for quick notification. Grosse Ile stands ready for the "next time." Chemccal spills threaten Grosse Ile. Planning Considerations Information Station Specialists introduced the ALERT AM System in 2001. It's the first of its kind anywhere. It can receive all Emergency Alert System/National Weather Service alerts, be synchronized and networked to expand coverage, and it can be interfaced with community siren systems. Much of ALERT AM's success is attributed to the ease with which the system can be planned and installed. Below are the things to consider in setting up an ALERT AM station in your community. ISS offers free planning assistance at 616.772.2300, Extension 102. Step 1 - General Location On a local map, find the approximate geographic center of the area to be covered. The ALERT AM signal will propagate to a radius of three to five miles from this point in all directions. If this coverage area will not encompass the desired listening area, consult ISS about adding synchronized or portable transmitters to your system. Step 2 - National Weather Service Reception Verify reception of a National Weather Service channel (162.400-162.550 MHz) at the desired location. You can see coverage areas online at this NOAA web link: http://205.156.54.206/nwr/usframes.html. Step 3 - Specific Location Unless multiple stations are required, select a specific building or property near the geographic center for antenna installation. Building height may not exceed three stories. There must be no obstructions taller than the antenna in close proximity. Consult ISS on the proposed location, before the decision is finalized. ISS provides many antenna installation styles. Examples: Steel Roof -Style Antenna Installation Vertic al- Profile Antenna Installation Yard Style Antenna Installation Isolated- Style Antenna Installation Step 4 - Frequency ISS will provide a menu of AM frequencies (that meet FCC separation standards) from which you can make your selection and will give you a seasoned recommendation with suggestions/instructions on how to test them ahead of time! Make your choice, and ISS will prepare and submit the application to the FCC on your behalf, immediately. Step 5 - Options Request seven additional minutes of recording time. Consider, also, a Power Loss Notification Module and/or a four -day battery backup to handle AC power loss. If you need to cover more than athree-to-five-mile listening radius, ask ISS about the RealTIME Audio Synchronization option. If you want to notify motorists that critical messages are broadcasting, ask about our Flashing ALERT Sign Systems, triggered via a community's VHF or UHF, two-way radio system. If antenna mounting space Is critical, consider the Vertical Profile Antenna System. Step 6 - County Choices To target automatic weather warnings and emergency notifications for your listeners, determine which counties you want to be programmed Into your ALERT AM Emergency Advisory Radio Station. In addition to the county where the station is located, consider adjacent counties in the direction from which weather approaches. ISS provides technical support at no additional cost for the life of the product. Site Visits If there is an ALERT AM representative in your area, there's no cost for a preliminary visit to determinethe best available antenna locations and assist with frequency choice. Ask If this free service is available In your area. If not, ISS can coordinate a visit at minimal cost. Licensing Services Virtually all ALERT AM operators request that ISS perform the licensing function (10-year renewable) - which includes a frequency search, engineering study, construction notification and submittal to the FCC -- for one low price. Often licensing Is performed in advance of the equipment contract. The FCC. usually requires 3 to 6 months to process and grant AM licenses. If you need faster service, the FCC offers special temporary authorizations (renewable), which ISS can obtain for you in just days. Installation and Training Regional representatives are available to coordinate ALERT AM installation. Onsite training Is Included. Contact ISS to learn more. re f rHT,1 I Ir,r,- y L.. ''I .I,11, 1,r i fI Communication Aids Also, at no additional cost, ISS provides a customized poster you can distribute to local merchants, churches and city facilities to promote your. ALERT AM frequency. The poster comes to you as a digital file on compact disk, ready to print. ISS can also suggest news release, pamphlet and road sign text to promote the service in your community. Technical Specifications The ALERT AM System .. . • Operates according to Federal Communications Commission(FCC) rules, Part 90.242. • Achieves a maximum FCC signal level of 2.0 mV/m at 0.93 mile. • Operateswithin the 530 to 1700 kHz, AM frequency range. Overall system capabilities include ... • Predetermined message playlists that key by external tone -alert receiver or relay closure. • Internal capability for 250 dynamic recorded messages. • Live broadcast by microphone or external source. • Touchtone telephone control via landline or optional cell phone, on site or from remote locations. • Automatic broadcast of Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Weather Service (NWS) alerts specific to targeted counties and event codes. When alerts are over, the system can be set to automatically return to normal programming. • Continuous broadcasting during programming changes: • Effective range of 3 to 5 miles: The system requires these utilities. . • Underground, 110 VAC, single phase/50 /60 Hz, less than 1 amp AC operating current, 4-amp maximum AC charging current (20-amp breaker, nonGFI circuit). • Standard business telephone line ("central office" type, shielded). The equipment array includes ... Transmitter • 0-10 watt , Class: D,high efficiency output; 30-watt overall capability, utilizing 2 output devices • Integral LED wattmeter and VU meter. • Synthesized frequency selection, compander-style audio processing • Single -board design with all RF, power and audio circuitry. • FCC type accepted fortravelers information service in the United States; type acceptance year: 1999. Mean time between failure = In excess of 60 years. • Estimated product .life =`In excess of 30 years. • Certified for US Military use. Digital Message Programmer • Voicemall-style operation with 404- word capability; voice prompts and status reports on available recording time, sequences, security codes and complete status of audio control. ▪ 250 dynamic: broadcast message options with 7 minutes of recording time (standard) and another 7 minutes optional; 20 message playlists. • 90-second' remote broadcast monitoring control. • Security access code, defeatabie phone prompting, programmable locally or remotely. • 1-week minimum message backup. • 8 contact closures to trigger message sequences remotely. • Identical codes for local and remote operation. • Manual override for recorded messages and automatic EAS/NWS notifications. c mss n Emergency Alert System/National Weather Service Radio Receiver • Specific Area Message Encoding for 2000 counties user-adJustable; triggers and releases program changes based ona NOAA-EAS/weather-encoded messages. • Receives all 7-channel, VHF, NOAA weather frequencies and EAS codes. • 'Field -programmable and upgradeable: • Front -panel diagnostics and audio test port that accepts recorded .wav files. • Stores most recent alert for local speaker replay. • 600-ohm continuous output, manual and autoscan tuning; integral speaker/. volume control • Steel chassis; rack mountable. • External antenna, cut for the EAS/weather radio frequencies and mount with threaded UHF connector, balun and weatherproof gasket. Antenna and Groundplane System • Rooftop, yard, or yard antenna -Installation styles. (See also VP.9000 option.) • Whip -style antenna 15-25' L; maximum 2.0" OD, tapering to 0.5"; black anodized aluminum for maximum ice dissipation; stainless -steel tuning tip. • All hardwareand mounts. • Patented PowerPlanee groundplane with 1,250' of wire, 10-20' radius. Lightning Arrestor System, Enclosure and Ground Bus • Provided in a weatherproof NEMA4 cabinet, arrestor bonded to aluminum panel that supports the lightning grounding and groundplane connection clamps.. • Capacity of 18,000 amps surge. • Clamping sPeed of less than 4 nS. • 2 UHF connectors. • Aluminum flange ground connection. Outdoor Security Cabinet for Isolated Antenna -Mount Style • NEMA3R rack -mount, aluminum cabinet for outdoor and industrial applications; door -activated lights, fan, high security 3-point locking doors. Indoor Security Cabinet for Roof, Steel Roof & Yard Styles • Dual -door design. • 75.5" H x 25.5" D x 22" W, 19" window doors open 90 degrees front & back;. freestanding; keyed locks. • Steel construction with black textured powder -coat finish, NEMA, rack style. • AC terminal block; GFCI outlet. Test Equipment • Wattmeter and dummy load for antenna tuning and system diagnosis. All Necessary Wiring, Cabling, Connectors, Mounts and Hardware System options include .. 4-Day Operatlonal/Rechargeabie Battery Backup Option • 4-day operational battery backup w/sealed AGM batteries,,158 AH 24-V DC. • Battery charger with how voltage load disconnect. • Power management interface: 10-amp, 24/ 12-V DC output. • LED charge indicators with AC/DC fusing, voltmeter, Indicators and switching. • Telephone -line surge arrestor. Power Lose Notification Module Option • 5 programmable notification delay periods, instantaneous to 24 hours. • Internal battery backup. • Automatically dials up to 4 telephone numbers, including cellphones/pagers. Pooa0000%D QO OOO Fleshing ALERT Sign Option Turn on Flashing ALERT Signs with existing 2-way radio frequencies:; Flash beacons for days with reliable solar power (2-4 days without sunlight). • Sign panel, 44" high, 24" wide, natural aluminum, standard 1 / 16" gauge. • Reflective sheeting, yellow and blue with black/white, customizable lettering. • Electrical:2, amber LEDs with embedded reflector, weatherproof, arc angle 20°. • Current draw 50ma at 10%flash duty cycle. • Mounting: universal L-bracket for banding, bolting to existing poles, posts. • Controller cabinet, 20" high x 16"wide x 10" deep, NEMA-4X, natural aluminum, hasp lock, single -hinge door closure • External: antenna connector, weatherproof wiring, ports. • Mounts:external tabs for universal mounting to existing poles; posts. • Solar panel: 32-watt,`1.95A at:12VDC; side -of -pole band/bolt-on mounting. • Solar controller: 6-amp current capacity, LED charge indications. • Low voltage disconnect circuitry. • Battery: 50AH, AGM sealed type. • Flash controller: single- and triple -flash formats with dimme. r control and :1-8 LED (1-4 sign) flash capacity; control capacity up to 4 flashing signs; control wiring: #1.0AWG,.each a maximum of 2500' from the controller. • Remote control receive range: 33-470 MHz, low; high, UHF bands; up to 6 simultaneous control codes; code formats: DIME (up to 12 digits), 2-tone sequential, single tone :0.3-3 0 KHz programming output: SPDT relay with programmable timer, laptop programming via RS232 port and Windows software. • Indicators: ALERT received LED indicator; speaker: 4" integral; test diagnostics built in, with LED indicators; external antenna: BNC connector, 50 ohm. RealTIME Audio Synchronization Option Increase coverage w/ additional transmitters. Add this option to any ALERT AM System to, minimize Interference in signal overlap areas; le., stations are typically 5-7 miles apart on 1 frequency. RealTIME stabilizes the frequency of each transmitter internally w/ CPS satellite reference; Coverage areas can be overlapped and phase -synchronized, minimizing cochannel interferenceamong stations; only ALERT AM allows you to expand your signal coverage area by adding transmitter locations. Additional transmitters may be installed at the outset or In future years. The ALERT AM transmitter is theonly one on the market with RealTIME synchronization ability. • 8-channel GPS receiver.. • 1 PPS output: DB-9 connector, TTL outputs, positive edge true: #1 has 20- percent duty output with <500pS accuracy, directly from receiver; *2 has 50- percent duty output <1 mS accuracy, regenerated: • Accuracy: 10 MHz @ 45 nS. • Power: 117V AC, 50/60 Hz or 24 VDC. • Mechanical: 19" rack mount 1.6" high by 16.8" wide by 9.4" deep. VP.9000 Vertical Profile Antenna System Option When antennas can't be installed on bldgs. and space is at a premium, VP.9000' solves the problem by allowing installation of transmitter systems and other electronic equipment inside a convenient building; with a coaxial connection to the antenna system in the adjacent yard or parking area. Advantages: minimal ground disturbance, no groundplane or chemical groundrod to leach into soli required, attractive for high -visibility areas. 1 square foot of space required; copper grounding plate, affixed to support pole; 24' pole stands 18' above grade, 6' below, natural aluminum, 6" OD; RF lightning arrestor, grounding bus, coaxial feedline inside pole; threaded attachment for antenna mount, weatherproof/ tamperproof service hatch outside pole; 530-..1700 kHz frequencies. URGENT FLASHING CONMINITY EivERGENCY TutiE 4.4 woo To 1610 , About ISS More than Products .. . • Protect planning assistance. • Searches for available frequencies. • FCC field studies and licensing. • System integration/customization. • Installation. • Training and operation Instructions. • 24-hour technical support. Since its founding in 1983, Information Station Specialists has been the US' primary supplier of AM. information radio systems and services, with an Installed base of more than a thousand stations across the country. The ISS product array includes emergency and highway advisory systems as well as travelers information stations, advisory signs and control software. In the past decade, ISS has averaged 65 percent of all such stations installed in the US and is the oniy company whose full-time business is dedicated strictly to this endeavor. For a full corporate overview, please visit www.theRADlOsource.com. i Copyright 2004. Information Station Speciallsta®AII rights reserved. Phone 616.772.2300 . Fax 616.772.2966 . Email iss@theradiosource.com PO Box 51, 3368 88th Avenue, Zeeland, MI 49464-0051 Web www.theRADlOsource.com The PowerPlane groundplane design is patented under US Patent 5,495,261. ALERT AM, Information Station Specialists, PowerPlane, RoadRunnR & the stylized ISS logo are registered trademarks of ISS.