[BC] EAS vs. EBS

[Sid Schweiger]

>>Anyone point me to documents, etc. and/or explain the differences
between 
EAS and EBS???<<

Just about everyone on this list has had to deal with both EBS and EAS
at some point.

Basically, EBS equipment will only do a tiny portion of what's required
under the EAS rules...that is, generate the two-tone alert signal, which
is now used only as an audio alert (it used to be called the Attention
Signal).  EAS requires equipment far more sophisticated and programmable
than EBS did, but Part 15 stations are not required to have the
equipment (LPFM's must have the EAS decoder and the ability to relay
audio messages).  EAS decoders do not respond to the Attention
Signal...only to the digital data stream described in Section 11.31 of
the FCC Rules.

>>I have some old EBS units. I'd like to make a poor man's EAS out of
it. I 
don't need advanced funtions. I just want to make something that will
pick 
up EAS signal and switch the audio from program over to the off air
receiver 
and air the emergency message audio. if this works I want to start
modding 
old EBS equipment for this purpose for people who run AM 1000
Rangemasters 
under part 15. I really hate to see equipment go to the junk pile that
can 
be recycled to some other purpose :)<<

An EBS decoder should respond to any EAS message that contains the
two-tone Attention Signal, which includes any legitimate EAS alert, plus
the monthly test.



Sid Schweiger
IT Manager, Entercom Boston LLC
WAAF - WEEI AM/FM - WMKK - WRKO - WVEI
20 Guest St / 3d Floor
Boston MA  02135-2040
Phone: 617-779-5369
Fax: 617-779-5379
E-Mail: sid at wrko.com