K3SAM
10-08-2002, 02:37 PM
With the EBS (Emergency Broadcast System) that had been in place, it was required of all AM/FM/TV broadcast services test this system at least once a week. #When I was CE (Chief Engineer) at WQTW, WTRA, and a few others I always made sure the EBS test was put on the operators log (things to do) and fully carried out. #Somewhere in between the "all oldies, all the time" stations and Howard Stern, this requirement was dropped or not enforced. #I wasn't active as a CE at that time.
One major item that no one has pointed out about 9.11.2001 is that not one AM/FM/TV station set off their EBS system to alert listeners. #Why ?
Now, a year later, a new and improved digital EBS system is in place in most areas. #The Pittsburgh Area is fully covered as well as all of the Cable Companies in Pennsylvania.
The new requirement, I believe is to test the system 3 times a week at least. #The 911 Centers are playing a big rule in this effort. #They now have the ability to OVER-RIDE the audio on every cable TV channel when activated. #At first the testing was tolerable. #Now, our local 911 Center (Westmoreland Co., Pa.) is testing it sometimes twice a day, sometimes more. #Not that I am a big TV watcher, it is getting very annoying having this new EBS system break in and "take over" my TV.
I was attempting to record a series on PBS, only to have the program interrupted several times by their testing. #This has happened on many occations when recording the History Channel and others. #( It just went off for the second time as I am composing this ! )
Enough is enough. #Besides that, now they are setting the EBS system off everytime there is an Amber Alert. #Hang on a second, I am all for this... anyone that abducts a child should be hunted down and dealt with immediately, if not sooner ! #However the last Amber alert that came over our cable company was for Philadelphia. #What does that have to do with the #Pittsburgh area ?
I have read the Amber Alert thread also on QRZ. #I am all for ham radio operators taking part in this effort, and would be willing to volunteer to help at any level. #I just think that the alert should be contained to the area where the abduction took place, at least at first. #If the child isn't found within an hour or so, then make it an All Points Bulletin (APB).
If they can't do that, then I suggest that the "tests" be made between 3 and 4 AM when most people are sleeping, and broadcast all amber alerts immediately. #I think I could live with that. #Besides, if they continue to test the EBS system every day, people will get so use to hearing the noticable tones that when an actual alert does come on, no one will care (just another damn test).
I just wonder how many other hams and non hams reading this are having the same problem, and your feelings. #And, can anyone answer the question WHY wasn't the EBS system put into service on 9.11.2001 ? #Yes, the attack happened in N.Y. and Washington DC, but don't forget about Flight 93 ! #That Flight, the one that never made it's target (the White House), the one where a few strong Americans overtook the highjackers, the one that may have saved the Presidents life and thousands of others, went down about 30 miles from me in Somerset County, Pa. #No EBS warning.
73, Sam
K3SAM
One major item that no one has pointed out about 9.11.2001 is that not one AM/FM/TV station set off their EBS system to alert listeners. #Why ?
Now, a year later, a new and improved digital EBS system is in place in most areas. #The Pittsburgh Area is fully covered as well as all of the Cable Companies in Pennsylvania.
The new requirement, I believe is to test the system 3 times a week at least. #The 911 Centers are playing a big rule in this effort. #They now have the ability to OVER-RIDE the audio on every cable TV channel when activated. #At first the testing was tolerable. #Now, our local 911 Center (Westmoreland Co., Pa.) is testing it sometimes twice a day, sometimes more. #Not that I am a big TV watcher, it is getting very annoying having this new EBS system break in and "take over" my TV.
I was attempting to record a series on PBS, only to have the program interrupted several times by their testing. #This has happened on many occations when recording the History Channel and others. #( It just went off for the second time as I am composing this ! )
Enough is enough. #Besides that, now they are setting the EBS system off everytime there is an Amber Alert. #Hang on a second, I am all for this... anyone that abducts a child should be hunted down and dealt with immediately, if not sooner ! #However the last Amber alert that came over our cable company was for Philadelphia. #What does that have to do with the #Pittsburgh area ?
I have read the Amber Alert thread also on QRZ. #I am all for ham radio operators taking part in this effort, and would be willing to volunteer to help at any level. #I just think that the alert should be contained to the area where the abduction took place, at least at first. #If the child isn't found within an hour or so, then make it an All Points Bulletin (APB).
If they can't do that, then I suggest that the "tests" be made between 3 and 4 AM when most people are sleeping, and broadcast all amber alerts immediately. #I think I could live with that. #Besides, if they continue to test the EBS system every day, people will get so use to hearing the noticable tones that when an actual alert does come on, no one will care (just another damn test).
I just wonder how many other hams and non hams reading this are having the same problem, and your feelings. #And, can anyone answer the question WHY wasn't the EBS system put into service on 9.11.2001 ? #Yes, the attack happened in N.Y. and Washington DC, but don't forget about Flight 93 ! #That Flight, the one that never made it's target (the White House), the one where a few strong Americans overtook the highjackers, the one that may have saved the Presidents life and thousands of others, went down about 30 miles from me in Somerset County, Pa. #No EBS warning.
73, Sam
K3SAM