November 22, 2013

By now you have probably noticed that your EAS unit has been receiving more Required Weekly Test than normal. That is because the Alabama CAP server has been testing connection with the IPAWS server in Washington.

The Alabama EAS committee is excited to announce that we now have the CAP server configured to push our state alerts and test not only out over the satellite network but also through the IPAWS portal. With this connection we greatly increase our redundancy for all state issued alerts and test.

In addition it allows television stations to receive the messages in the CAP format that can be used for expanded text. The entire message content is available on the message crawl to viewers. This is especially helpful for the hearing impaired.

This project is a joint venture of the Alabama Broadcasters Association EAS Committee, Alabama Emergency Management Agency and Global Security Systems Network.

All radio and television stations, along with cable systems will receive Required Weekly Test (RWT) from the following sources:

IPAWS (National CAP server)
Alabama Public Television (State Relay)
Your assigned LP1 monitor source

Broadcasters and Cable systems are required by Part 11 of the FCC rules to log the reception of these test. In addition you will receive a RWT from the Alabama Emergency Management Agency. There are no requirements to log the test from AEMA.

Stations with GSSNet satellite receivers will receive the State RWT twice (one from satellite and one from IPAWS server). Chief Operators are encouraged to check the reception from both sources as this verifies our redundant paths.

The Required Monthly Test scheduled for December 5th at 11:15 AM will be fed on both systems.

The APT should resume sending RWT’s sometime next week. There was a technical problem with their EAS equipment. Make sure
you log the reason for not receiving RWT from APT in your station log.

Contact Larry Wilkins if you have any questions.