Digital Alert Systems DASDEC-1EN EAS ENCODER/DECODER User Manual 453414

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Digital Alert Systems, LLC - DASDEC 1.0 Users Manual
27
4.6. Decoder Event Status
To examine decoded events, select the Decoder tab and then the Decoded Alerts
radio button. The page Decoded Alerts Status page displays two kinds of
information about decoded EAS alerts. At the top of the page active EAS alert
events are displayed. Below that is the Expired EAS alert events list. The Active
event list displays all EAS alerts that have been decoded on the DASDEC that
are also currently in progress (between the start and end time for the alert). The
following figure shows an example of this page with a single active alert event
and one expired event:
An active event will remain on the active list until it reaches it's expiration time,
as determined by the event end time, or until it is canceled by another event of
the same type and for the same area, that redefines the event duration. Active
events are moved to the expired event list as each one finishes. Active events that
are not automatically forwarded, present a button to allow manual forwarding.
The example above shows the Manual Forward button for the active Severe
Weather Warning. Simply click on this button to forward the alert.
The Expired event list lets you examine past decoded alerts for any range of
dates. The following figure shows an example the expired alerts list for July
18,2004 through July 20,2004.
Digital Alert Systems, LLC - DASDEC 1.0 Users Manual
28
To select a date range simply use the provided pulldown menu and choose a
Year, Month, and Day for the From and To dates. The list will display all
available data for each expired alert decoded within the selected time period. The
actual decoded headers are stored on the DASDEC, so this information is an
accurate reflection of what the DASDEC received. Because of it's digital disk
medium, a DASDEC can archive an enormous number of expired events. The
DASDEC will automatically remove the oldest event descriptions as needed to
reserve enough space for new alerts. The number of stored events is at a
minimum in the thousands, so you never need to worry about losing track of
important archived information.
The event status page can be printed out from the local host's printers simply
by using the Web browser's print button. This makes it easy to compile FCC
paper documents for EAS test accounting. If the alert has an audio message then
it can be played on the DASDEC internal speaker by simply clicking on the
"Play Audio Portion" button that appears inside the alert entry. Alerts lacking an
audio message will not have this button.
Digital Alert Systems, LLC - DASDEC 1.0 Users Manual
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Every event that has been forwarded will also have a brief message within event
time description showing the time of forwarding. Here is an example:
4.7. Forwarded Event Status
Decoded EAS alerts that get forwarded are also placed on a separate event list.
The DASDEC lets you see exactly which alerts have been decoded and which
have also been forwarded, helping you precisely audit EAS activity.To examine
forwarded decoded events, select the Decoder tab and then the Forwarded Alerts
radio button. This page is organized exactly like the Decoded Alerts Status page.
It is divided into the same two regions, the top displays active forwarded alerts,
while the bottom displays a selected range of expired forwarded alerts.
Digital Alert Systems, LLC - DASDEC 1.0 Users Manual
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4.8. Encoder Setup
EAS alert encoding, called origination, is when the digital codes and alert audio
tones and message defined by the EAS protocol, are assembled and played over a
broadcast medium for which EAS decoders might be listening. The DASDEC
makes this task very easy. Every action needed to encode and EAS is available
on a single web page.
To run EAS encoding, a DASDEC must be configured with a valid Encoder
license key. This is entered on the Setup Server page. Without a valid license
key, the DASDEC will not show an Encoder Setup page nor the main Encoder
menu tab. There are some configuration tasks needed to be done on the Encoder
Setup pages before you use the DASDEC encoder. The Encoder Setup page has
three tabbed sub-pages. The General sub-page is used to set up the EAS
Origination code, the EAS station ID, and commonly used alert types and FIPS
locations. The Required Tests sub-page is used to issue preconfigured Weekly
and Monthly Test alerts, and the Audio page is used to configure the use of audio
outputs by the encoder.
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4.8.1. General Encoder Setup
This page allows configuration of some basic items needed to use the EAS
encoder. The following figure shows the interface:
4.8.1.1.EAS ORG Type
Select the EAS Originator code for your system from the selection
menu. This code categorizes the type of organization sending the EAS.
Select the code that best describes your organization:
• Broadcast station or cable system: Choose EAS
• Civil authorities: Choose CIV
• National Weather Service: Choose WXR
• Primary Entry Point System: Choose PEP
This code is placed in the EAS alert message when the encoder
originates an EAS alert. This code is also the same one used for both
manually forwarded alerts and automatically forwarded alerts. It can
Digital Alert Systems, LLC - DASDEC 1.0 Users Manual
32
also be edited from the Setup Decoder page.
4.8.1.2.EAS Station ID
Type up to 8 characters in this text field to identify the Station ID for
this DASDEC. This code will be included in all originated alerts. The
same code is also used in both manually forwarded alerts and
automatically forwarded alerts. It can also be edited from the Setup
Decoder page.
4.8.1.3. EAS Types Pool Configuration
The DASDEC must be configured for the types of EAS alerts that will
be used during alert encoding. This is done by constructing a list of
alert types to be held in a common pool. The list is referred to on the
DASDEC as the "Encoder EAS Codes Pool". It appears on the Encoder
Send Alert page. To build or edit the pool list, simply choose an EAS
code type from the popdown menu and click on the Add button. Those
codes selected for encoding will appear in the selection box on the right
side. To remove any code from the auto-forward list, select from the
auto-forward selection list and click Remove Selected. All operations
are immediate.
Make sure and add all the common EAS types that will be used when
encoding alerts from this DASDEC. However, if you find you are
missing a code during encoding, the pool list can be edited at any time.
4.8.1.4. EAS FIPS Locations Pool Configuration
The DASDEC must also be configured for the commonly used FIPS
locations that will be used during alert encoding. Just as for the EAS
Codes Pool, a commonly used list of FIPS locations are to be
constructed from the list of all possible FIPS. The list is referred to on
the DASDEC as the "Encoder FIPS Pool". It also appears on the
Encoder Send Alert page. There are many thousands of FIPS location
codes, so this list of commonly used FIPS codes saves valuable time
during typical alert encoding. In the rare event that other FIPS locations
are needed, the list can be edited at any time. To build or edit the FIPS
pool list, simply choose a FIPS state and county code from the
popdown menu and click on the Add button. Those codes selected for
encoding will appear in the selection box on the right side. To remove
any code from the auto-forward list, select from the auto-forward
selection list and click Remove Selected. All operations are immediate.
Make sure and add all the common FIPS location codes that will be
used when encoding alerts from this DASDEC.
Digital Alert Systems, LLC - DASDEC 1.0 Users Manual
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4.8.2. Required Tests Encoder Setup
On the Required Tests page, the DASDEC can be configured to be able to
send a Required Weekly test and/or a Required Monthly test with a single
button push. For the One-button Weekly Test, simply select the FIPS codes
and the duration for the test. For the Monthly test select the FIPS codes, the
duration and an optional audio file. Only when these items are completed
will the corresponding one button interface be enabled under the Encoder
main page.
Digital Alert Systems, LLC - DASDEC 1.0 Users Manual
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4.8.3. Audio Encoder Configuration
The Audio configuration page of Setup Encoder is where the audio output
port is selected for encoded originated alerts. The audio output level can also
be edited from this page. This page will at a minimum show one output for
Main Audio. If extra sound cards have been installed in the DASDEC,
auxiliary audio outputs will be displayed. Check the correct audio port or
ports for playing the audio of the EAS alert. The Accept Changes button
must be clicked for the changes to be made permanent.
Digital Alert Systems, LLC - DASDEC 1.0 Users Manual
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4.9. Encoder Operation
The DASDEC makes EAS encoding and alert origination easy, accurate, and
quick. From a single, uncomplicated web page, EAS alerts can be constructed
and issued. Only a DASDEC that has been configured with a valid Encoder
license key (see Setup Server) will offer the encoding feature. With a valid
license key, the DASDEC will display a main menu tab called "Encoder". It will
also display an Encoder option button under the "Setup" main tab. Make sure
your DASDEC has been configured with Setup Encoder prior to attempting EAS
encoding.
Enter DASDEC encoder page by selecting the main tab "Encoder" and then the
Send EAS button. The Encoder Send EAS page has two tabbed sub-pages. The
"General EAS" sub-page is used to construct and send any and all kinds of EAS
alerts. The "One-button EAS" sub-page is used to issue preconfigured Weekly
and Monthly Test alerts. Here is an example of the Encoder Send EAS page:
Digital Alert Systems, LLC - DASDEC 1.0 Users Manual
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4.9.1. Sending EAS alerts
To construct and send an EAS alert, you will need to set five items on the
General EAS page under "Encoder Send EAS":
• The EAS alert code;
• The starting time (effective time) of the alert;
• The alert duration
• The FIPS locations codes for the alert;
• The audio message, if any, for the alert.
The values for these items are presented using pulldown and selection menus.
Refer to the following figure:
To set the EAS code, simply select from the codes presented under the "Select
EAS Code" pulldown menu. In the example above, a Flood Warning has been
selected. The codes in the menu are the sames ones added under the Setup
Encoder section. If the desired code is missing, go over to the Setup Encoder page
and simply add the code. Then return to the "Encoder Send EAS" General EAS
page, by selecting the "Encoder" main menu tab. After selecting the EAS code,
Digital Alert Systems, LLC - DASDEC 1.0 Users Manual
37
set the alert duration and the effective (starting) time for the alert. If the effective
time is left alone, it will default to the current time. The default duration is 15
minutes. The alert date and duration are set by selecting from the provided
pulldown menu. The alert effective time is set by typing in the provided text field,
0-23 for hour, and 0-59 for minute. In the example above, the duration has been
set to 1 hour and 30 minutes. The effective time is the current time.
Notice at this time that the message "Alert NOT Ready to Send::Specify FIPS"
is displayed at the lower left of the page. An EAS alert must be issued for specific
locations. A FIPS code is a unique 6 digit code that covers every State or territory
in the United States, as well as every County or County Equivalent area in the US.
Furthermore, a sub-region of the County/State can also be chosen. Until FIPS
location codes are entered, the DASDEC will not present a "Send Alert" button
option. Up to 31 FIPS location codes may be selected using the provided FIPS
selection table (like the EAS code table, the FIPS table is constructed in the Setup
Encoder section). Simply click a code in the table and then click the "Add
Selected FIPS" button. The selection will appear to the right of the table. The subregion of the FIPS location can be edited, at will, for every chosen location. If a
different sub-region is desired, simply select one of the ten choices presented in
the pulldown menu that is displayed to the left of the FIPS code. If you make a
mistake entering a FIPS location, it can simply be deleted using the provided
Delete button presented with every chosen FIPS entry.
After the FIPS locations have been entered, notice that the "Alert NOT
Ready..." message has been replaced by the "Send Alert" button. The alert can be
sent immediately if no audio message is needed. However, often this is not the
case. If an audio message should be included in the alert, it must be chosen from
the "Select Audio File" selection box. Audio files can be added in two ways. You
can upload a pre-recorded digital audio file (in the .wav format) from your local
host computer file system using the provided "Upload Audio .WAV file to the
DASEC server" interface (at the bottom of the page). The other option is to record
the audio file using a microphone and the provided Audio record buttons. The
microphone must be connected to the main microphone input jack at the back of
the DASDEC. To record, provide a unique file name for the audio file (one not
already used in the provided "Select Audio File" selection box, if you use an
existing name, the original file by that name will be overwritten) by entering the
name in the "New Audio Filename" text field. Then push the Record Audio
button and speak. Click on the Stop Audio Recording button when complete. The
file will appear in the Audio File selection box. It may be previewed on the
DASDEC using the "Preview Selected" button. The duration of this file must be
under 2 minutes. The DASDEC will automatically cut off recording at 2 minutes
in order to insure this limit. Once the file is correct, select it from the Audio File
selection box. In the example above, the file floodevac.wav has been selected.
The selected audio file will be encoded into the EAS alert once it is sent.
Digital Alert Systems, LLC - DASDEC 1.0 Users Manual
38
The last task is to send the alert. Simply click on the "Send Alert?" button. The
DASDEC will present a confirmation page with a review of the encoding details.
Here is an example of that page:
At this point, the alert can be sent using the "Yes, Send Alert!" button, or the
send can be canceled by using the "Cancel Alert" button. If the alert send is
canceled, the DASDEC will go back to the previous page. At this point the alert
information can be changed as necessary and then sent.
If the alert data is accurate, and you are ready to actually issue the EAS alert,
then click on the "Yes, Send Alert!" button. The alert will be "originated", that is,
played, out of the selected DASDEC audio output ports. Recall that the
Originated alert audio ports are selected from the "Setup Encoder" Audio tab subpage. During the origination time, the front panel red LED will be lit and the
audio of the alert will also be played from the built-in DASDEC internal speaker.
Also, for the duration of the issued alert, the DASDEC will periodically crawl the
alert text across the front panel LCD. The LCD text for the alert will be preceeded
by the letter "O", indicating a DASDEC originated alert. Also, the details of this
alert will be viewable in another status page, the "Encoder Originated Alerts"
page.
A simpler way to encode and issue alerts is by using One-button alerts. This is
covered next.
Digital Alert Systems, LLC - DASDEC 1.0 Users Manual
39
4.9.2. One Button send alerts
The DASDEC allows Required Weekly and Monthly tests to be
preconfigured in the "Setup Encoder" Required Tests page. Once these have
been configured, the "Encoder Send EAS" One-Button EAS page will
present a button to simply issue the alert. This makes it simple to send these
test alerts, without having to select details. The alerts starting time is set to
be effective immediately.
4.9.3. Originated Alert status
The Encoder section also provides a status page, organized just like the
"Decoder Decoded Alerts" page, where you can look at the details of every
alert originated from the DASDEC. Go to the "Encoder Originated Alerts"
page. Currently active originated alerts are displayed at the top of the page,
while expired originated alerts are displayed at the bottom of the page. The
specific dates for expired alerts is selected using the FROM and TO date
selection pulldown menus.
4.10.
Testing DASDEC Encoding and Decoding
A good way to test the DASDEC is to have a second sound card installed and run
an audio cable between the output of the second audio card into the input of the
first card. Make sure the origination audio out is set to play over the auxiliary
audio output and that one decoder is operational on the Main audio input (use
Setup Decoder Audio). Then run the Encoder and send the alert. The DASDEC
will both send and decode the alert.
Digital Alert Systems, LLC - DASDEC 1.0 Users Manual
40
5. DASDEC Peripherals
The DASDEC will in time support many peripheral devices, from character
generators to printers. In the first release, the DASDEC will replace a TFT-911
encoder/decoder unit for the Vela NDU 710.
5.6. Vela NDU
The Vela NDU 710 is a sophisticated character generator controller and general
messaging system from Vela Broadcast. It comes with a complete EAS
management system that controls a TFT-911 EAS encoder/decoder. The
DASDEC can be connected via a Null modem cable from the NDU serial port to
the DASDEC serial port. The DASDEC alert audio output must be wired to the
selected NDU audio input port. After that, the NDU will run normally without
further configuration. For details on the Vela NDU 701, refer to the literature at
www.vela.com.
5.7. Other Character generators
Any character generator that can operate the standard TFT 911 EAS serial
control protocol can use a DASDEC. A Null modem cable from the CG serial
port must be connected to the DASDEC serial port.
6. Appendix
The DASDEC encodes the EAS messages per FCC rules for the EAS protocol. The
EAS protocol from the FCC is described as follows (printed directly from the FCC ruling).
The EAS uses a four part message for an emergency activation of the EAS. The four parts
are; Preamble and EAS Header Codes, audio Attention Signal, message, and, Preamble and
EAS End Of Message Codes.
•
•
•
•
•
The Preamble and EAS Codes must use Audio Frequency Shift Keying at a rate of
520.83 bits per second to transmit the codes. Mark frequency is 2083.3 Hz and space
frequency is 1562.5 Hz. Mark and space time must be 1.92 milliseconds. Characters are
ASCII seven bit characters as defined in ANSI X3.4-1977 ending with an eighth null bit
(either 1 or 0) to constitute a full eight-bit byte.
The Attention Signal must be made up of the fundamental frequencies of 853 and 960
Hz. The two tones must be transmitted simultaneously. The Attention Signal must be
transmitted after the EAS header codes.
The message may be audio, video or text.
The ASCII dash and plus symbols are required and may not be used for any other
purpose. Unused characters must be ASCII space characters. FM or TV call signs must
use a slash ASCII character number 47 (/) in lieu of a dash.
The EAS protocol, including any codes, must not be amended, extended or abridged
without FCC authorization. The EAS protocol and message format are specified in the
following representation. Examples are provided in FCC Public Notices.
____________________________________________________________
[PREAMBLE]ZCZC-ORG-EEE-PSSCCC+TTTT-JJJHHMM-LLLLLLLL(one second pause)
[PREAMBLE]ZCZC-ORG-EEE-PSSCCC+TTTT-JJJHHMM-LLLLLLLL(one second pause)
[PREAMBLE]ZCZC-ORG-EEE-PSSCCC+TTTT-JJJHHMM-LLLLLLLL-
Digital Alert Systems, LLC - DASDEC 1.0 Users Manual
(at least a one second pause)
(transmission of 8 to 25 seconds of Attention Signal)
(transmission of audio, video or text messages)
(at least a one second pause)
[PREAMBLE]NNNN
(one second pause) [PREAMBLE]NNNN
(one second pause) [PREAMBLE]NNNN
(at least one second pause)
____________________________________________________________
41
Digital Alert Systems, LLC - DASDEC 1.0 Users Manual
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[PREAMBLE] This is a consecutive string of bits (sixteen bytes of AB hexadecimal [8 bit byte
10101011]) sent to clear the system, set AGC and set asynchronous decoder clocking cycles. The preamble
must be transmitted before each header and End Of Message code.
ZCZC- This is the identifier, sent as ASCII characters ZCZC to indicate the start of ASCII code.
ORG- This is the Originator code and indicates who originally initiated the activation of the EAS. These
codes are specified in paragraph (d) of this section.
EEE- This is the Event code and indicates the nature of the EAS activation. The codes are specified in
paragraph (e) of this section. The Event codes must be compatible with the codes used by the NWS
Weather Radio Specific Area Message Encoder (WRSAME).
PSSCCC- This is the Location code and indicates the geographic area affected by the EAS alert. There
may be 31 Location codes in an EAS alert. The Location code uses the Federal Information Processing
Standard (FIPS) numbers as described by the U.S. Department of Commerce in National Institute of
Standards and Technology publication FIPS PUB 6-4. Each state is assigned an SS number as specified in
paragraph (f) of this section. Each county and some cit ies are assigned a CCC number. A CCC number of
000 refers to an entire State or Territory. P defines county subdivisions as follows: 0 = all or an unspecified
portion of a county, 1 = Northwest, 2 = North, 3 = Northeast, 4 = West, 5 = Central, 6 = East, 7 =
Southwest, 8 = South, 9 = Southeast. Other numbers may be designated later for special applications. The
use of county subdivisions will probably be rare and generally for oddly shaped or unusually large counties.
Any subdivisions must be defined and agreed to by the local officials prior to use.
+TTTT- This indicates the valid time period of a message in 15 minute segments up to one hour and then
in 30 minute segments beyond one hour; i.e., +0015, +0030, +0045, +0100, +0430 and +0600.
JJJHHMM- This is the day in Julian Calendar days (JJJ) of the year and the time in hours and minutes
(HHMM) when the message was initially released by the originator using 24 hour Universal Coordinated
Time (UTC).
LLLLLLLL- This is the identification of the broadcast station, cable system, MDS/MMDS/ITFS station,
NWS office, etc., transmitting or retransmitting the message. These codes will be automatically affixed to
all outgoing messages by the EAS encoder.
NNNN- This is the End of Message (EOM) code sent as a string of four ASCII N characters.
The only originator codes are:
Originator
Code Broadcast station or cable system
Civil authorities
CIV
National Weather Service
Primary Entry Point System
ORG
EAS
WXR
PEP
The following Event (EEE) codes are presently authorized:
Nature of Activation
National Codes (Required):
Emergency Action Notification
Emergency Action Termination
National Information Center
National Periodic Test
Required Monthly Test
Required Weekly Test
Event Codes
EAN (National only)
EAT (National only)
NIC
NPT
RMT
RWT
Digital Alert Systems, LLC - DASDEC 1.0 Users Manual
State and Local Codes (Optional):
Administrative Message
Avalanche Warning
Avalanche Watch
Blizzard Warning
Child Abduction Emergency
Civil Danger Warning
Civil Emergency Message
Coastal Flood Warning
Coastal Flood Watch
Dust Storm Warning
Earthquake Warning
Evacuation Immediate
Fire Warning
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Watch
Flash Flood Statement
Flood Warning
Flood Watch
Flood Statement
Hazardous Materials Warning
High Wind Warning
High Wind Watch
Hurricane Warning
Hurricane Watch
Hurricane Statement
Law Enforcement Warning
Local Area Emergency
Network Message Notification
911 Telephone Outage Emergency
Nuclear Power Plant Warning
Practice/Demo Warning
Radiological Hazard Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Severe Weather Statement
Shelter in Place Warning
Special Marine Warning
Special Weather Statement
Tornado Warning
Tornado Watch
Tropical Storm Warning
Tropical Storm Watch
Tsunami Warning
Tsunami Watch
Volcano Warning
Winter Storm Warning
Winter Storm Watch
Contact Info:
Digital Alert Systems,LLC
ADR
AVW
AVA
BZW
CAE
CDW
CEM
CFW
CFA
DSW
EQW
EVI
FRW
FFW
FFA
FFS
FLW
FLA
FLS
HMW
HWW
HWA
HUW
HUA
HLS
LEW
LAE
NMN
TOE
NUW
DMO
RHW
SVR
SVA
SVS
SPW
SMW
SPS
TOR
TOA
TRW
TRA
TSW
TSA
VOW
WSW
WSA
43
Digital Alert Systems, LLC - DASDEC 1.0 Users Manual
PO Box 5107
Oracle, AZ 85623-0303
Technical support:
Tom Wood
801-272-0418
wood@digitalalertsystems.com
Sales:
Bruce Robertson
Office : 520-896-0303
Cell : 520-488-8667
44

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