| Newsletters | Publisher: Information Station Specialists | Subscribe to The Source |
| FCC Gets Earful from the Faithful |
| Sandy, Newtown Prompt Communities to Remind FCC of the Value of the Information Radio Service |
Washington,
DC:
Coast to
coast –
and
especially
on the
East
Coast –
communities
have
been
contacting
the FCC
this
winter
to
encourage
them to
do two
things:
The American Association of Information Radio Operators (AAIRO) has coalesced the communities’ correspondence and filed it ex parte in pending FCC Rulemaking Docket 09-19 to place it squarely before the commissioners in time for final consideration. See the filing. The docket contains comments and responses to the FCC’s current Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in which the Commission considers changing the rules for allowed broadcast content. Though current Part 90 rules do allow the broadcast of emergency information on these stations during an emergency, the NPRM seeks clarification that safety information intended to mitigate the effects of disasters may be broadcast at any time – in advance of or after the emergency. Writer Brooks Boliek of Politico on January 8, 2013, mentioned the effort in his story entitled "Emergency Responders Ask FCC to Expand Broadcasts." And AAIRO Board Member Jeff Braun of Fort Bend County, Texas, echoed the effort. Your community can encourage the FCC to finalize the rules, using these linked letters as examples. Submit your letter to AAIRO via this email link. |
 |
| Project Manager Tom Coviak compares the size of traditional AM signal measurement equipment (left) with the new, smaller SMR Receiver (right). |
| A Needed Compliance Appliance |
| New Receiver Assures Operators that Their Stations Don’t Exceed FCC Signal Limits |
| Zeeland,
MI: When
your
Information
Station
first
went on
the air,
the
installing
technician
set its
signal
level
not
exceed
FCC
limits.
But how do you know that the signal level has not drifted and still complies? A new receiver allows you to know – for sure. The Signal Measurement Radio (SMR) Receiver pictured above is the first device of its kind capable of measuring and displaying AM signal levels with a useful level of precision. Project Manager Tom Coviak offers this explanation: "The SMR Receiver provides a digital LCD readout that correlates reliably to scientific measurement equipment…for about one-hundredth the price." Further, Tom recommends, "It’s important to have a means of monitoring, not only to make sure your station complies with FCC limits but also so you can spot adverse changes in your signal that could point to equipment concerns within your station or its environment.” Issues involving an antenna system, for example, are much less expensive to correct sooner than later, since they can affect electronic components downstream. Coviak advises, “Now every operator can afford such a receiver, and it should be part of the basic toolkit for their station.” Information Station Specialists provides SMR Receivers with all new radio station packages; and they can be obtained separately, as well, for $143, including freight. Email us to learn more. |
| That's an Attractive Idea! |
| Peabody, Massachusetts, Promotes Awareness of Emergency Information Service with Innovative Magnet Giveaway |
| Peabody,
MA: How
can you
condition
the
public
to use
an
Information
Radio
frequency,
website
or
stream (QR)
code in
an
emergency?
The City
of
Peabody,
MA, has
a simple
idea
they
think
will
“stick”
–
refrigerator
magnets. The simple 2" by 3" magnets promote the City’s Information Radio Station on AM 1640 and also give residents a QR code they can scan (and URL they can link to) to hear an internet simulcast of their emergency radio programming. The parallel, internet-delivered method is especially useful when listeners are indoors or outside the radio coverage area. Click picture for closeup. Says Jim Morin, “In the most common emergencies, car radios still work and so do smartphones. People just remember that on their refrigerator is the info they need to access our stream of emergency programming.” Morin is also considering a variation of the idea that will attach to the auto windshield like a ‘oil change sticker.’ “This will be particularly helpful to remind a driver which frequency to tune to while he or she is behind the wheel.” The magnets cost pennies apiece but might have a significant impact on the awareness of Peabody’s emergency information services – something Jim Morin is “positive” about. Visit the HearMoreInfo webpage to learn more about streaming broadcasts. |
| Talk to The Source |
| Selected Reader Responses |
| “Good
coverage
of each
of the
subjects.
Keep up
the good
work.
Sad to
know
that LAX
is dead
due to
lack of
interest
by the
managers.
A
complete
opposite
in
thinking
to the
Sandy
folks.”
Frank P. Weed Chief Radio Systems Manager, National Park Service (Retired) “Very Interesting articles. It’s good to know that radio is still relevant even though computers and smartphones are everywhere.” Greg Yee Seattle DOT |
| Back in the Day |
| Engineer Dick Burden shares with readers personal recollections about the beginnings of the Information Radio (TIS) Service. |
| Los Angeles, CA: Read about LAX Radio and the Origin of the Travelers Info Service. |
PO Box 51, Zeeland, Michigan, USA, 49464-0051, Phone 616.772.2300, Fax 616.772.2966, Email Form
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