Information Station Specialists is the best known source of travelers information stations, highway advisory radio, advisory signs and services needed to reach motorists with public service information. Learn more about Information Station Specialists.
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ALERT AM
Emergency Advisory Radio System

FCC-Licensed Travelers' Information Station / Highway Advisory Radio
AEL/SEL FEMA Grant Category 04AP-09-ALRT		 ALERT AM
Customer Reviews
September 18, 2019
“Thank you for making this a very smooth experience. You guys are top notch!"
Rob Balbuena
IT Department
City of Saratoga, CALA









January 22, 2018
“St. Charles Parish has had no issues with the AM Radio station your company installed. We've been at it for 8 years and the system never really had any complications. For that, we thank you!...We appreciate everything you guys have done for us."
Steve Sirmon
EM Coordinator
St. Charles Parish, LA












Related Links

Print an ALERT AM brochure.

Compare ALERT AM features with our other radio systems.

Plan your ALERT AM System.

See Technical Specifications.

See our other emergency advisory products
When it all goes down, ALERT AM stays up.
Hundreds of communities and transportation departments across America operate ALERT AM Emergency Advisory Radio Stations to tell citizens what to do during highway travel and incidents that threaten life and property.

No power? No internet? No problem. With the ALERT AM system, listeners receive up-to-the-minute reports and instructions across a 3-5 mile radius (25-75 square-mile area) with a level of detail that makes the broadcasts invaluable.

During non-emergency times, officials use the stations to inform motorists of street repairs, traffic constraints, travel advisories, city history and visitor information.

Information Station Specialists is the sole provider of ALERT AM in the United States and offers 24 / 7 remote technical support for the life of the product. The below capabilities establish the ALERT AM system as a unique communication tool that produces effective public response and appreciation, 24/7.
Standard Package Options (with Standard Package or as Upgrades)
  • Transmitter type accepted with 20-year proven track record, synthesized frequency design for agile operation with full 5000 Hz bandwidth audio.
  • Network-based broadcast message control interface with local controls and SD card backup in the event of network loss.
  • Program mixer for live and multi-source live-feed integration and level management.
  • Network-based message control interfaces with local front-panel control redundancy and internal SD card.
  • National Weather Service EAS warnings automatically broadcast and reset.
  • Broadcast quality audio processor for enhanced audio intelligibility.
  • Antenna / groundplane system.
  • Secure indoor cabinet, dual-door rack style.
  • Uninterruptible power supply - 2 hour.
  • Diagnostic metering and test equipment.
  • Hardware, cables, power supplies and illustrated manuals.
  • System engineering and planning.
  • Remote tech support for the life of the product.
  • Hybrid Package – providing USB / flash drive redundancy and multichannel program mixer for live mic / live feed operation.
  • Signal Measurement Radio Receiver to verify FCC radio signal compliance regularly.
  • Additional UPS time to keep the system on the air during power outages.
  • Outdoor security cabinet for isolated settings. NEMA-3R grade, gasketed, with dual doors, aluminum frame and sheeting. Removable rack cage. Size: 66.5"H x 24.125"W x 33"D; 23" doors open 90￮, front and back. 332 / 334 signal cabinet style. Dual internal locks and locking handles on dual doors. Fan / vent / filter, thermostatically controlled. AC power service panel and groundbus. Cabinet lights activate / deactivate with door opening / closure.
  • StreamCASTs to broadcast messages to smartphones, tablets and laptops that boosts indoor and out-of-area listening.
  • Vertical Profile Antenna Support and Grounding System, an efficient hurricane-rated, ANSI / TIA-compliant antenna solution that saves space and installation time and is secure and attractive.
  • GPS frequency stabilization that allows synch of multiple stations to effectively enlarge coverage.
  • Flashing ALERT Signs to instruct motorists to tune to emergency stations when beacons flash.
See the Technical Specifications webpage for details.
Who operates ALERT AM systems?
Chesterfield, VA, OEM
Municipalities (for example, cities, counties, townships, boroughs, towns and villages departments of public safety, emergency management, public health and public information).

Government Agencies (for example, departments of transportation, bridge authorities, emergency management and public health departments). 

Points of Entry: (for example, airports, border protection, port authorities).

Universities and Colleges.

                                                See a state-by-state list of information radio stations across America - state by state.

 Information Stations across America
Message Control
The ALERT AM broadcast program can be managed on a network (LAN/WAN) with a local USB/flash drive backup control method.* Program automation software is not required. A multi-channel program mixer is present so the live microphones and live feeds can be mixed in during emergencies or special events.

Message recording software comes with ALERT AM so you may pre-record messages files (mp3), keeping them for quick retrieval as emergency scenarios present themselves.

When the National Weather Service issues a warming, it broadcasts immediately, interrupting standard programming and automatically resetting. An audio processor is onboard to boost ALERT AM’s audio intelligibility and receivable range.

Your message library can be stocked with pre-recorded emergency management messages prepared by our professional announcers. to illustrate what’s possible within the system. See free or commissioned recording services.

(*) See the capabilities of the TMS.020 and MGR.021 Digital Audio Management Systems here.
Antenna Styles
The most common formats are described below. Click the thumbnail images on the right to see an example of each.

Yard Style: ALERT AM's antenna may be installed at a building with the electronics securely indoors and the antenna pole and groundplane located in the adjacent yard, connected by a coaxial cable. See a Yard-Style Illustration This style is a recommended first choice because it is most economical and affords the greatest security for equipment. A 50’ separation from buildings is recommended. We can even provide the mounting pole for yard areas with limited room grounding.

Roof Style (flat): If no earth surface location is available, a flat building roof may be your best choice for antenna installation. We can provide an installation package which requires no roof penetrations.

Isolated Style: At remote locations where there is no building, a weatherproof cabinet containing the electronics is attached to the antenna support pole. The location must have electrical power and, if equipment is to be remotely controlled, telephone or network service.

ALERT AM can be installed by the buyer, his agent or as a service of Information Station Specialists. Included in the package are the FCC type-accepted transmitter, digital message system, cabinets, antenna, preassembled groundplane, lightning arrestors, cables, connectors, mounts, hardware and illustrated instructions.  
Planning and Purchasing Your System
We provide a full menu of technical services to help you put and keep your ALERT AM station(s) on the air. We will help plan and implement your station, including frequency and site selection, FCC licensing, installation, staff training and the FCC-required field survey and documentation. Even professionally recorded audio messages are available, so your broadcast is ready to put on the air as soon as the station is turned on. Best of all, each system comes with remote technical support for the life of the station.

See typical ALERT AM planning steps and/or contact Bill Baker for a recommendation on the best setup for your intended application. Bill can also supply related pricing. See also Purchasing Our Systems, Components and Services.

Note:  Because FCC processing time is unpredictable, we recommend that you request licensing and other FCC documentation services from us as soon as you know for sure you will have a station – definitely no later than when you place your radio equipment order.

For extended range emergency broadcasting, see RadioSAFE Wide Area Emergency Broadcast Radio Systems, which offer coverage areas of a 5 to 20+ mile radius. The Information Station is a lower cost alternative with many of the same messaging capabilities as ALERT AM but without the specialized 'all hazard' broadcast capability, four-day operational battery backup and GPS frequency stabilization options described above.
   
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PO Box 51, Zeeland, Michigan, USA, 49464-0051, Phone 616.772.2300, Fax 616.772.2966, Email Form
TRADEMARKS:  2X Signal Booster, ALERT AM Emergency Advisory Radio System, AMReady Broadcast Components, ANXX AM Radio Antenna, AP.55 Digital Message Player, ENcast Emergency Notification Broadcast System, EventCAST Portable Information Radio Service, FAS.6000 Flashing Beacons & Controller, FASTrack Quick-Erect Sign, FlashCAST Internet Broadcast Service, Flashing ALERT Sign System, FlexPlane Preassembled Groundplane, Free-Radiate On-Premise Radio Broadcast System, HearMoreInfo Internet Broadcasts, HPR.0990 High Performance Antenna, i A.M. Radio Transmitter, Information Station Specialists, InfoRadio Format, Information Station Classic, Information Station IP, Information Station USB, InfOSpot AM Radio Transmitter Station, IP.8 Digital Message Player, IP.76 Digital Message Player, ITS.6000 Highway Advisory Radio Network, LIGHTNING LED Changeable Message Sign, Lowdown 630-Meter Band Amateur Radio Antenna, MGR.021 Digital Audio Management System, MXB.22 THEMATCHBOX Impedance Matching Transformer, NX8R Digital Message Player, PPFL PPFS PowerPlane Preassembled Groundplane, RadioSAFE Wide Area Emergency Broadcast System, RadioSTAT Portable Emergency Advisory Radio Station, RE 2.5 Range Extender Outdoor Antenna and Tuner, RESPONDER 1 Portable Highway Advisory Radio System, RoadRunnR Portable Highway Advisory Radio System, SSD.20 Severe Storm Detector, SMR Signal Measurement Radio Receiver, Stealth Sign, StreamCAST Internet Audio Delivery Service, SS.3000 Free-Standing AM Radio Antenna System with Tower, SX.200 Wattmeter, Talking House AM Radio Transmitter, TH.5 InfOspot Transmitter, TMS.020 Digital Audio Management System, TR.6000 Transmitter, TMS.020 Digital Audio Management System, TR.6000 Transmitter Model 15.73, VP.9000 Vertical Profile Antenna Support and Grounding System.

Information Radio Station is a generic term synonymous with Travelers Information Station (TIS), Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) / Highway Information Systems & Low Power Radio Stations (LPR). Operation of the stations is governed by FCC Part 90.242 Rules. A FCC license is required. Information Radio Stations may be fixed or portable. Subcomponents may include transmitter, antenna and ground system, digital voice player, wattmeter, cabinet with conventional or Corbin locks, lightning arrestors for RF, power and telephone lines, coaxial cable. Most stations employ black maximized antennas to discourage ice accumulation and security measures to prevent unauthorized program access. Options include synchronization, battery backup, solar power, remote programming by local, network or telco, multi-station audio distribution via RF or LAN / WAN or wireless network.

The USA's go-to source for information radio station equipment, related products and technical services.