Trilithic EASyCAST, Hardware Installation Manual

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EASyCAST - Installation Manual
5
Introduction
EAS Encoder/Decoders are the heart of the United States’ EAS system. They provide a means
to take audio signals containing data (usually from radio stations), filter them for geographic
region (county code) and event (type of emergency) information, and send the same message out
again if it meets the user-programmed parameters. The EASyCAST Encoder/Decoders contain
all the hardware needed to receive AM, FM, or NWS radio stations, monitor the stations for EAS
data, examine the EAS data for applicability to the region it is used in, create video that contains
a translation of the EAS message, and reproduce the EAS message audio. A comprehensive
suite of PC-based configuration and control programs communicate with the EASyCAST
Encoder/Decoders over RS-232 or Ethernet.
For radio and television broadcasters, the EASyCAST Encoder/Decoder contains analog and
AES/EBU audio replacement capability, an NTSC video generator, contact closures, RS-232
serial, and Ethernet capability for controlling audio switching and video generation equipment. In
addition, contact closure inputs and an Ethernet-based software operator console allow control
over the Encoder/Decoder by automation equipment and operators.
Options are available for the EASyCAST Encoder/Decoders which allow EAS or non-EAS
emergency messages to be generated from any touch-tone telephone. Additionally, configuration
settings and logs can be retrieved via Ethernet or a telephone MODEM, and automated analysis
and reporting may be performed on EAS logs for EAS compliance and inclusion in EAS records.
EAS and telephone user messages may be routed based on the location codes contained within
the EAS message, or the telephone user ID.
All EASyCAST Encoder/Decoders have been certified by the FCC to operate in accordance with
47 CFR, Part 11 (FCC regulations), and are in compliance with the applicable
EAS Handbook .
All EASyCAST Encoder/Decoders are flash-upgradeable and the most current software/firmware
versions are available at
www.trilithic.com .
Chapter 1
1. General Information