An open letter to EAS CAP encoder/decoder/receiver manufacturers:
In light on the revised EAS/CAP rollout I’d like to take a moment to encourage the legacy manufacturers to rethink your product offerings in order to bring them into the modern age. New encoder/decoders should have at a minimum the following features:
A. An IP-addressable internal Web page for network configuration; multiple e-mail/text/pager alert settings for multiple alert levels (RWT, RMT, etc.). The e-mail/text feature must support modern server security features such as user log-ins/passwords, SSL and alternate IP ports.
B. Pre-scheduling of weekly tests (RWTs) with operator pre-warn via Web browser with text import capability.
C. Support for the configuration of multiple closure inputs and outputs, configurable for a multitude of features.
D. An option to print to any standard IP/USB network printer with network/USB printer configuration and testing.
E. IP-based NTP automatic time setting configurable for local time zone/DST. No longer should we have to rely on a 60 Hz AC line input in an attempt to hold an accurate time.
F. Permanent alert/event capture buffer for all events, with report generation and printing (weekly/monthly), upon demand.
G. RS-232 output support for Beta Brite-type signs/annunciators.
H. RS-232 output for manufacturer/third-party EAS monitoring software.
I. Ethernet-based e-mail/text/pager alerts for failed events, i.e. no RWT for eight or more days.
J. Timely online 24-hour access to full equipment documentation.
Further, no longer should those of us in charge of ensuring the proper operation and compliance of the EAS/CAP system have to endure a printer that looks and operates like it came out of a 1970’s-era calculator, utilizing a paper roll that is about 10 feet long and a ribbon that lasts about a week. In this day of ubiquitous IP/USB network printing, utilizing and relying on the above outdated technology simply makes no sense at all.
B. Robert Clark
Director of Engineering, IT and Communications
Taxi Productions Inc.
KJLH Radio
Los Angeles
