Founded in 1983, Information Station Specialists is the nation's sole domestically owned source for Information Radio Station and Advisory Sign systems that allow public agencies to broadcast safety and service messages to motorists.
     
 
The Information Station  
Technical Specifications  
Transmitter
 
  • 0-10-watt operation, Class D, high efficiency output; internal components rated to 3 times operating wattage, utilizing 2 output devices.

  • Federal Communications Commission certified for Travelers Information Service in the United States under Part 90.242., Certification Number B7MTR-6000TIS-WB.

  • IPC-610 certified.
    Manufactured in compliance with Class-3 wavesolder standards.

  • Approved for US Military use.

  • Single-board design with all RF, power and audio circuitry.

  • Integral LED wattage and VU reference meters.

  • Remote broadcast monitoring control.

  • Synthesized frequency selection, compander-style audio processing.

  • Defeat-able LED operation to save power.

  • 24V DC, fully regulated power supply.

  • 530 to 1700 kHz AM frequency range.

  • Frequency stability +/-20 Hz.

  • Continuously adjustable power and audio modulation controls, externally accessible on front panel.

  • Tunable series filter on RF output.

  • Audio distortion: less than 1.2%, 100 Hz to 3 kHz.

  • Noise level: 70 dB below 95% modulation level, 100 Hz to 3 kHz.

  • Modulation: 99%, -40 dB to +20 dB.

  • Temperature: -40 to +85 degrees Celsius.

  • Humidity: 95% (non-condensing).

  • External audio, power and synchronization inputs.

  • External PL-259 UHF style RF output and 1/4” audio headphone output driven by detector circuit to provide positive modulation indication.

  • Rack, panel or shelf-mountable cabinet.

  • Slim-line design (7.5” height, 17” width, 1.5” depth) and 4 pounds.

  • Mean time between failure - in excess of 60 years.

  • Estimated product life = in excess of 30 years.

Information Station USB Digital Message Player
 
  • Local operation.
  • Message loading: removable USB flash drives; drag-and-drop MP3 files from PC/laptop USB port.
  • 6 flash drives, 1 GB each, provided.
  • File format: MP3.
  • Memory storage: internal 11 MB.
  • Compatibility: Microsoft Windows computer operating system.
  • Recording time: 2,000 minutes per flash drive.
  • Up to 1,023 messages, auto rotation.
  • Message sizes: variable.
  • Message order: sequential message play based on file order.
  • Memory format: “Flash” - no battery backup required.
  • Audio outputs: 8 or 600 ohms.
  • Auto reboot on power outage.
  • Power: 12 VDC.
  • Shure vocal performance microphone, provided.
  • Optional audio management software, PC mic and headset (consult ISS for minimum computer requirements).
Information Station Classic Digital Message Player
 
  • Voicemail-style natural voice operation with 800-word/phrase capability; voice prompts and status report on available recording time, sequences, security codes, programming parameters and complete status of current audio program, relay states, power.

  • Identical remote and local control codes.

  • High quality (16-bit sampling rate) recording process, yielding 5500-Hz dynamic range.

  • One thousand independent broadcast messages that may be of any length. Each message may be independently monitored and later erased, as desired.

  • Automatic message scheduling by time, day, date. Internal time clock never requires setting, keeping time even with total loss of power.

  • Fifty message playlists that may contain hundreds of broadcast messages, up to three live sources (each with independent timing control), command for up to four external relays, other (nested) playlists and differing output levels for each audio output. Playlists may be created, recreated or appended locally or remotely.

  • Selection of active playlist locally or remotely.

  • Three hours of recordable time in dynamic flash memory.

  • Three audio inputs for separate and independent live program feeds, each with independent audio level controls.

  • Three audio outputs with audio levels settable locally, remotely or programmed to change automatically.

  • One- to nine-digit security access code, defeat-able phone prompting, programmable locally or remotely. User-settable number of retries and timeout period for maximum security.

  • Five-second and full-message survey monitoring of all stored messages and playlists.

  • Eight prioritized control closures to trigger message sequences remotely.

  • Control closure prioritization allows automatic interrupts for emergency messages and automatic National Weather Service all-hazard radio notifications (weather and EAS).

  • Includes prerecorded messages by professional announcer for advisory radio application -- ready for broadcast immediately.

  • Station identification message broadcasts every half-hour.

  • Click here to learn about optional Workstation Audio Control of the Classic Edition digital message player.

Information Station IP Digital Message Player
  • Solid-state, digital audio player device that provides the maximum in flexibility and affordability when used to manage broadcast messages.

  • Users upload new audio remotely via Ethernet connection or onsite by using a removable USB fl ash drive. For Ethernet applications, the audio may be delivered and managed remotely via LAN/WAN without the need for proprietary software. The USB port may be used as an alternative for users choosing to update the audio via USB fl ash drive. Both methods of delivery accept a standard MP3 audio file.

  • Flexible installation in which users may mount the device to an equipment panel or in a server rack environment.

  • Features:
    - Network delivery: Ethernet connection allows remote audio upload via the LAN/WAN. Built-in GUI allows user to upload 20 MB (21-minute) fi le, assign static IP settings and control volume.
    - USB delivery: if Ethernet delivery is not available, user may update audio onsite by removable USB fl ash drive, (drag/drop MP3 fi les into fl ash drive, insert into USB port for instant output).
    - LCD display: displays device IP information, volume level and configuration settings. In USB mode the LCD displays audio fi le currently played.
    - MP3 compatible: Ethernet and USB fl ash drive delivery options compatible with standard MP3 audio fi les. Recommended MP3 bit rate of 64-128 Kbps.

  • Specifications:
    - Weight: 3 lbs (boxed).
    - Dimensions: 2”x7”x4” wall unit; 2”x19”x4” rack unit.
    - Audio format: Ethernet (MP3 up to 256 kbps); USB (MP3 up to 256 kbps).
    - Download software: Ethernet built-in GUI; USB none required.
    - Power source: 12V DC @ 800 mA.
    - Audio output: 600 ohms (line out) and 8 ohms (amplified).

 
Professional Broadcast Recording Services
 
  • Click here to for optional assistance preparing high quality recordings for your Information Station.
 
Electronics Enclosure
  • Weatherproof, gasketed, NEMA-4 steel construction.

  • Pole or wall mountable (includes wood pole mount).

  • Indoors or outdoors use.

  • Back panel with wiring harness, local test phone.

  • Includes AC-terminal block and power-surge arrestor.

  • Pad-lockable design, 36"H x 24"W x 8"D size for Classic version. 24"H x 24"W x 8"D size for USB and IP versions.

Utilities Required
  • 110-volt AC, single-phase/50/60 Hz, less than 1 amp AC operating current (20A breaker). Standard business telephone line ("central office" type, shielded).
test Equipment
 
  • Includes wattmeter and dummy load for antenna tuning and system diagnosis.
 
Associated Materials
 
  • With all wiring, connectors, mounts and hardware.
 
Antenna
 
  • Whip-style antenna, between 15 and 25 feet long.

  • Wind rating: Antennas 1230 kHz and above 100 mph; 80 mph with 1/4 radial ice; antennas 1220 kHz and below 80 mph; 50 mph with 1/4 radial ice.
    Max 2.0” OD, tapering to 0.5".

  • Aluminum construction, black finish color to discourage ice buildup; UV resistant finish; architectural anodization process #801.

  • Stainless-steel tuning tip.

  • Includes all hardware, mounts, lightning arrestor and ground terminals in enclosure.

  • Includes PowerPlane patented, factory-assembled antenna groundplane. (For illustrated installation tips, see "TechTalk.")

Antenna Mounting Styles
  • Yard and isolated. 

  • Click here to learn about the optional Vertical Profile Antenna System.

service Array
  • Illustrated instruction manual with installation, operation and maintenance sections, diagrams and drawings.

  • Technical support services (including "ISS's Lifetime Assistance Promise") - webpage.

system Options
 
  • Flashing ALERT Sign System - Webpage.

  • Vertical Profile Antenna System - webpage.

  • Workstation Audio Control for the Classic Edition - webpage.

 
Related Links  
  • Click here to see the main Information Station webpage.

  • Click here to see the Planning-Steps webpage.

 
 
  This page was last updated on July 26, 2010.  
 
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Copyright 1983-2010 Information Station Specialists, Inc All Rights Reserved
3368 88th Avenue, PO Box 51, Zeeland, Michigan, USA, 49464-0051
Phone 616.772.2300, Fax 2966,
Email
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US Patents: PowerPlane "Flex" Factory-Assembled Groundplane (#5,495,261), Vertical Profile Antenna System (#7,027,008)
US Pending Patent: RadioSTAT Portable Emergency Radio Station (#12/616,852)
Registered Trademarks: ALERT AM®, PowerPlane®, RoadRunnR®, StationMaster®, Stylized ®

Pending Trademarks: RadioSTAT and SignalcastIP

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