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GORMAN REDLICH |
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GORMAN REDLICH |
Emergency Alert System Encoder-Decoder
Model EAS-1/CG: Special Features
Instruction for EAS1 and EAS1-CG
The Model EAS-1/CG has built-in dedicated character generation capabilities for use with television stations without the need to purchase an additional external generator. The character generator is programmed to generate EAS systems messages only. This unit offers the following features.
Crawl Repeat Interval: The time interval between sets of message crawls can be set for one minute to fifteen minutes, continuing until the expiration of the message's valid time, with the option for one set of crawls only with no repeats. The RMT (Required Monthly Test) is programmed to crawl for one set only, no matter what the setting.
Crawls per Repeat: The number of message crawls in each set can be set to one to nine, meaning that, if set to three, the message will crawl three times, then pause for the repeat interval, then will crawl three more times, and pause, until the expiration of the valid time of the message.
Trouble Slide: A trouble slide, or background page, has been provided for use whenever program video is off the air for any reason. This feature maybe set on or off.
Character/Background Colors: Three settings are available for configuring the appearance of the characters in the message crawl:
* White letters on a black background
* White letters on a gray background
* Black letters on a gray background
Crawl on Line: The vertical position of the message crawl line on the television screen can be adjusted between fourteen positions, from the top of the screen to the bottom.
Message Display Mode: The unit can be set to either crawl the message only, or to start the message with a full-screen alert page, followed by the crawl.
System Name: A system name of up to twenty-six characters can be entered through the EAS-1/CG keypad, to appear with any background page.
Required Weekly Test: The unit may be set so that when an RWT (Required Weekly Test) is received, the unit will either crawl the message on the screen, or ignore it. The RWT crawl is different from other crawls, being a short, single-time message.
System Tests: Test messages may be sent to in-studio monitors from the unit's Utility menu in order to check system alignment and functioning.
Audio Recording through the Speaker: A up-to-two-minute audio message for sending with an alert may be recorded directly into the unit through the front-panel speaker.
Station Setup: All unit programming may be accomplished using the unit's keypad and display screen through the Utility Menu which is accessed with the technician's 4-digit code.
The unit may be programmed to put up the station ID on the hour. The station ID can also be logged to the printer. The station ID can be programmed to go up for all 24 hours during the day or any portion of the 24 hour period. The station ID and the selection of whether to log or not is done through the utility menu using the units keypad and display screen.
The EAS encoder-decoder with a built in character generator can now be supplied with two character generators which can handle two channels.
All of the channels will handle stereo audio loop through. If the TV channel has mono audio, the extra unused audio loop through could be used for looping through an additional mono audio channel. For example, in the photo of enclosure rear panel, if CH1 had mono audio it would be fed in to terminals 25 and 26 and come out on terminal 27 and 28 and go to the transmitter. This would leave terminal 29 and 30 for a mono audio input and 31 and 32 to the transmitter. Similarly the terminals in the lower left hand corner can accommodate stereo audio on CH2 or two mono audio sources.
An additional panel to handle multiple additional channels is in development. This unit can be configured to cover up to four channels while occupying only 1 3/8 inches of rack space. The terminals on the lower right hand corner of the picture will supply alarm audio to the additional multi-channel unit, which will receive crawl data from the four RS232 ports shown on the rear of the enclosure.