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Sage Digital ENDEC Quick Start Rev 2.0
8. Meeting FCC Requirements
This section describes the Emergency Alert System (EAS) as mandated by the FCC rules, Part 11. You
should review Part 11 and any updates.
You can find Part 11 in the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations here, at
https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?mc=true&node=pt47.1.11&rgn=div5
This section discusses the EAS rules and testing.
8.1 EAS Rules
Note: This manual, and other documentation from Sage, is not legal advice.
The broadcaster is ultimately responsible for complying with the FCC rules. Staying within the rules is a
combination of the EAS hardware and software, other hardware and software at your facility, and the
various procedures for use of the hardware and software. You need to continue to monitor the proper
operation of your EAS equipment by verifying that the weekly tests go on the air as expected, and that you
receive weekly tests from your monitored stations, and that you relay the Required Monthly Tests and the
National Periodic test. The FCC changes the rules from time to time through its Report and Order process.
Check the Sage web site at www.sagealertingsystems.com
periodically to check for software updates.
You are responsible for meeting FCC requirements as defined for your type of EAS Participant. The rules
for LP radio and TV are slightly different that other types of radio and TV.
The FCC provides a handbook that gives guidance for the various types of EAS Participants. It can be
found at https://www.fcc.gov/general/eas-test-reporting-system#eas-operating-handbook
, referenced by the
main EAS page at https://www.fcc.gov/general/emergency-alert-system-eas-0
To meet the requirements of CFR 47 Part 11, do at least the following:
1) Place the ENDEC (directly or via an audio switch) in the audio chain. TV stations also need to have a
character generator in the video chain. Many character generator manufacturers provide an interface
for Sage systems that use the serial port and an audio input port to handle both audio and video in the
same box.
2) Hook up receivers to the ENDEC monitor inputs.
3) Connect your ENDEC’s LAN connector to your source for CAP messages. This is usually the
Internet, but can also be a multicast satellite receiver, or a VPN. Always use a firewall and additional
access controls when connecting your ENDEC to the Internet.
4) Configure your ENDEC with
• Call sign
• Local Area
• UTC Offset
• Time of Day (or provide a list of NTP servers accessible from the ENDEC)
• Filters for the types of messages you want to relay
5) Monitor the operation of the ENDEC. You must make sure that you continue to send weekly tests if
your operation class is required to do so. You must make sure that you receive, and in some cases
relay, other types of required tests. Your monitored audio sources may degrade due to outside
antennas, local environment RF noises, and other reasons. Your Internet connection may change IP
address, gateway, DNS, your local firewall, other IT changes. Security certificates change from time
to time. You will need to occasionally install updates and make other changes. Your first hint that you
have a problem will be a missed reception of a required weekly test.
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