Many thanks to new SBE Chapter 36 sponsor Bext, Inc., San Diego supplier and service center for FM transmitters, antennas, filters, STLs, and even custom RF amplifiers for scientific, industrial or medical applications.
The Bext line of XL FM transmitters from 50 to 22000 Watts include Ethernet-connected remote control built in and several types of connectivity options. I got to thoroughly test drive them (and then wrote the manual), and I have to say I was impressed. They have a built-in stereo generator with audio limiter, as well as optional RDS dynamic encoder, SNMP2, AES-EBU, Audio-over-IP capability, programmable FSK ID Keyer and a built-in user manual file always accessible through a USB on the front panel. Breaking news—the 150 W and 300 W models are LPFM FCC Certified. For southern California stations, you have the advantage of in-stock, off-the-shelf availability and immediate replacements or loaners. No waiting for shipments!
[ FEMA Bulletin] An element of the current Emergency Alert System (EAS) IPAWS CAP message verification certificate used by EAS devices will expire on Sunday, April 28. Any EAS device not updated prior to that date will no longer be able to authenticate received IPAWS CAP messages. EAS device manufacturers have included the updated verification certificate in recently published updates or made it available via other means. If you have not done so already, please reach out to your EAS manufacturer as soon as possible to replace the existing digital certification bundle or update your EAS device firmware, as necessary. You may review your EAS device logs following the regular Monday morning IPAWS RWT to determine if your EAS device has the updated verification certificate.
Thank you to all our AM/FM radio, television, and cable partners. Every day we see the impact of the lifesaving EAS alerts you voluntarily distribute. Your community is safer because of you.
[From SBE National HQ] The FCC recently authorized unlicensed very low power (VLP) devices in the 6 GHz spectrum band: 5.925-7.125 GHz. The FCC is also actively considering proposals to allow even greater VLP and LPI (low-power indoor) use in the Band.
The SBE, the NAB, and others have expressed concern that the FCC’s proposals to increase unlicensed use of the 6 GHz Band could introduce harmful interference to broadcasters’ licensed electronic newsgathering (ENG) activities in the band. Interference and reduced margin in fixed BAS links (STLs, etc.) may also be a problem as Wi-Fi-6E devices become common. Consequently, we urge you do fully document the performance of any 6 GHz fixed links that your station may have (signal levels, margin to failure, error rates, etc.). We are also interested in hearing from anyone who has experienced interference in the 6 GHz Band that could be attributable to unlicensed devices.
One local San Diego example of this was recently observed at Snapdragon Stadium where ball-tracking technology at a rugby game using ultra-wideband 6.5 GHz centered emissions. They were using very low power and the stadium mildly shields radiation outside the stadium bowl, but similar used in front of your stadium or transmitter site could be detrimental to the reception of your Studio-Transmitter Link or ENG signal. –Gary Stigall, editor
If you have experienced interference to your ENG operations in the 6 GHz band over the past several months, please notify the SBE at BASinterference@sbe.org no later than April 17. And remember, any interference should be reported via the FCC Interference Reporting portal.
According to the Sage Alerting Systems website, “You will need to install this update by March 11, 2024 to meet the FCC rules regarding CAP Prioritization and national message text. The list price of the update is $159, available from any of our US distributors. The update is compatible with all 3644 ENDEC hardware. You must have Rev95 installed before you can install Rev96.”
A memorial for recently deceased veteran broadcast engineer Bill Thompson will be held Sunday, January 28, at 2:00 PM at the Kearny Mesa Moose Lodge, 3636 Ruffin Road, San Diego. Social quarters will open at 1:00 PM with the memorial service starting at 2:00 PM. A light lunch will be provided after the service.
The family says additional parking is available at 3634 Ruffin Road, but they ask that you do not park under the building. A second parking lot is available at 3626 Ruffin Road, but “do not park near the main entrance or under the solar canopy, and do not use the EV charging stations.”
