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National

Sage ENDEC Offers Firmware Update

Sage Alerting Systems has announced that the Sage Digital ENDEC model 3644 users should concern themselves with two upcoming events:

FEMA Signing Certificate updates (CR-Rev6)

A signing certificate used by FEMA to validate CAP alerts will expire on Aug 21, 2021 at 21:00:00 UTC. Sage has released a free firmware update for Rev95 that you must install to permit your ENDEC to continue to receive EAS CAP alerts from FEMA after that date. You can install the CR-Rev6 update at any time before August 21, 2021. You do not need to install it before the National Periodic Test as the NPT will not use CAP this year.
Please go to the Sage firmware update page at https://www.sagealertingsystems.com/support-firmware-new.htm to read the release notes and download the update file. You must already be running the Rev95 release to install this update.

National Periodic Test (NPT)

This year’s test will be sent via the Primary Entry Point (PEP) network, that is, via over-the-air audio-EAS only, on August 11, 2021 at 2:20p.m. EDT. CAP will not be used. To help ensure that you will receive and relay this test, take the following steps:

1) Check your log to make sure that you are receiving weekly tests from your monitor assignments, and that you have been originating weekly tests and relaying Monthly Tests as required by your license type.

2) Make sure your ENDEC has a filter to receive and relay the NPT. The easiest way to check this is to access your ENDEC with a web browser. From the main page, click the Tools button on the left column, then click the “Verify Req” button. If you see “Your ENDEC will meet the FCC requirements for the National Periodic Test” on the last line, your ENDEC is ready.

If you have any questions regarding this update or the NPT, please email us at support@… or call 914-872-4069 and press 1 for support. If you get voice mail, please leave a message and we will call you back.

Local News

Take the Annual SBE Compensation Survey Today

The SBE needs your help with our annual Compensation Survey. Online now and active through May 17, the independent survey provides a look at the salaries and benefits earned by those in our industry. Results are categorized by radio and television, market size and job titles, and provide useful information to individuals and employers. All survey responses are anonymous. Survey results will be made available in July for free to all SBE members. For the most accurate results, we need to hear from you. It only takes a few minutes.

TAKE THE SURVEY NOW

Meetings

Jan 27 Presentation: Fiber Optics for HD Broadcast

Nemal Electronics will present Fiber Optics for HD Broadcast, with a live demo of fiber cleaning and testing. The 45-minute presentation covers basic fiber optic cable construction, termination types, testing, and practical applications in broadcast video, audio, and data.

Join us Wednesday, January 27, at 11:00 AM PST or 12:00 Noon MST. 

Make sure to PRE-REGISTER for this meeting via this link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIudOGgrTsoHdXfwZ04eoqESH9JkDJN7UKn   After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Thanks to SBE Chapter 9 Phoenix for coordinating and sharing this presentation. 

National

Introducing the SBE Technical Professional Training Program

The new SBE Technical Professional Training (TPT) program began January 1, 2021 to help encourage and train new people in the broadcast/media technical field.  Stations, station groups, networks and state broadcaster associations are encouraged to cover the $475 cost to sign up their new or newer engineers. The TPT includes SBE MemberPlus membership (gives access to all SBE webinars), one download of the SBE Certified Broadcast Technologist (CBT) CertPreview (exam prep software), SBE CBT exam session, a copy of the SBE Broadcast Engineer Handbook and participation in the SBE Mentor program.  See the SBE website for details.