Sec.  11.33   EAS Decoder.

   Link to an amendment published at  70 FR 71033 , Nov. 25, 2005.

   (a) An EAS Decoder must at a minimum be capable of decoding the EAS protocol
   described in  Sec. 11.31, provide the EAS monitoring functions described in
    Sec. 11.52, and the following minimum specifications:

   (1) Inputs. Decoders must have the capability to receive at least 2 audio
   inputs from EAS monitoring assignments, and one data input (RS–232C with
   standard protocol and 1200 baud rate). The data input may be used to monitor
   other communications modes such as Radio Broadcast Data System (RBDS), NWR,
   satellite, public switched telephone network, or any other source that uses
   the EAS protocol.

   (2) Valid codes. There must be a means to determine if valid EAS header
   codes are received and to determine if preselected header codes are
   received.

   (3) Storage. Decoders must provide the means to:

   (i) Record and store, either internally or externally, at least two minutes
   of audio or text messages. A decoder manufactured without an internal means
   to record and store audio or text must be equipped with a means (such as an
   audio or digital jack connection) to couple to an external recording and
   storing device.

   (ii) Store at least ten preselected event and originator header codes, in
   addition to the seven mandatory event/originator codes for tests and
   national activations, and store any preselected location codes for
   comparison with incoming header codes. A non-preselected header code that is
   manually transmitted must be stored for comparison with later incoming
   header codes. The header codes of the last ten received valid messages which
   still have valid time periods must be stored for comparison with the
   incoming valid header codes for later messages. These last received header
   codes will be deleted from storage as their valid time periods expire.

   (4) Display and logging. A visual message shall be developed from any valid
   header codes for tests and national activations and any preselected header
   codes received. The message shall include the Originator, Event, Location,
   the valid time period of the message and the local time the message was
   transmitted. The message shall be in the primary language of the broadcast
   station or cable system and be fully displayed on the decoder and readable
   in normal light and darkness. All existing and new models of EAS decoders
   manufactured after August 1, 2003 must provide a means to permit the
   selective display and logging of EAS messages containing header codes for
   state and local EAS events. Effective May 16, 2002, broadcast stations,
   cable systems and wireless cable systems may upgrade their decoders on an
   optional basis to include a selective display and logging capability for EAS
   messages containing header codes for state and local events. Broadcast
   stations, cable systems and wireless cable systems which replace their
   decoders after February 1, 2004 must install decoders that provide a means
   to permit the selective display and logging of EAS messages containing
   header codes for state and local EAS events.

   (5) Indicators. EAS decoders must have a distinct and separate aural or
   visible means to indicate when any of the following conditions occurs:

   (i) Any valid EAS header codes are received as specified in  Sec. 11.33(a)(10).

   (ii) Preprogrammed header codes, such as those selected in accordance with
    Sec. 11.52(d)(2) are received.

   (iii) A signal is present at each audio input that is specified in
    Sec. 11.33(a)(1).

   (6) Program Data Retention. The program data must be retained even with
   power removed.

   (7) Outputs. Decoders shall have the following outputs: a data port or ports
   (RS–232C with standard protocol and 1200 baud rate) where received valid EAS
   header codes and received preselected header codes are available; one audio
   port that is capable of monitoring each decoder audio input; and, an
   internal speaker to enable personnel to hear audio from each input.

   (8) Decoder Programming. Access to decoder programming shall be protected by
   a lock or other security measures and be configured so that authorized
   personnel can readily select and program the EAS Decoder with preselected
   Originator, Event and Location codes for either manual or automatic
   operation.

   (9) Reset. There shall be a method to automatically or manually reset the
   decoder to the normal monitoring condition. Operators shall be able to
   select a time interval, not less than two minutes, in which the decoder
   would automatically reset if it received an EAS header code but not an
   end-of-message (EOM) code. Messages received with the EAN Event codes shall
   disable the reset function so that lengthy audio messages can be handled.
   The last message received with valid header codes shall be displayed as
   required by paragraph (a)(4) of this section before the decoder is reset.

   (10) Message Validity. An EAS Decoder must provide error detection and
   validation of the header codes of each message to ascertain if the message
   is valid. Header code comparisons may be accomplished through the use of a
   bit-by-bit compare or any other error detection and validation protocol. A
   header code must only be considered valid when two of the three headers
   match exactly. Duplicate messages must not be relayed automatically.

   (11) A header code with the EAN Event code specified in  Sec. 11.31(c) that is
   received through any of the audio inputs must override all other messages.

   (b) Attention Signal. EAS Decoders at broadcast stations shall have
   detection and activation circuitry that will demute a receiver upon
   detection of the two audio tones of 853 Hz and 960 Hz. To prevent false
   responses, decoders designed to use the two tones for broadcast receiver
   demuting shall comply with the following:

   (1) Time Delay. A minimum time delay of 8 but not more than 16 seconds of
   tone reception shall be incorporated into the demuting or activation process
   to insure that the tones will be audible for a period of at least 4 seconds.
   After July 1, 1995, the time delay shall be 3–4 seconds.

   (2) Operation Bandwidth. The decoder circuitry shall not respond to tones
   which vary more than  ±5 Hz from each of the frequencies, 853 Hz and 960 Hz.

   (3) Reset Ability. The decoder shall have a means to manually or
   automatically reset the associated broadcast receiver to a muted state.

   (c) Decoders shall be capable of operation within the tolerances specified
   in this section as well as those in  Sec. 11.32 (b), (c) and (d).

   [ 59 FR 67092 , Dec. 28, 1994, as amended at  60 FR 55999 , Nov. 6, 1995;  67 FR 18510 , Apr. 16, 2002]