Information Station Specialists is the best known source of travelers information stations, highway advisory radio, advisory signs and services needed to reach motorists with public service information. Learn more about Information Station Specialists.
               Information Station Specialists website 
 

ALERT AM
Emergency Advisory Radio System

FCC-Licensed Travelers' Information Station / Highway Advisory Radio
AEL/SEL Category 04AP-09-ALRT		 ALERT AM
Customer Reviews
September 18, 2019
“Thank you for making this a very smooth experience. You guys are top notch!"
Rob Balbuena
IT Department
City of Saratoga, CALA









January 22, 2018
“St. Charles Parish has had no issues with the AM Radio station your company installed. We've been at it for 8 years and the system never really had any complications. For that, we thank you!...We appreciate everything you guys have done for us."
Steve Sirmon
EM Coordinator
St. Charles Parish, LA












Related Links

Learn more about this type of radio station per the FCC.

Print an ALERT AM brochure.

Compare ALERT AM features with our other licensed radio systems.

Plan your ALERT AM System.

See technical specifications.

See our other emergency advisory products
When it all goes down, ALERT AM stays up.
Hundreds of communities across America operate ALERT AM Emergency Advisory Radio Stations to tell citizens what to do during incidents that threaten life and property.

No power? No internet? No problem. With the ALERT AM system, listeners receive up-to-the-minute reports and instructions across a 3-5 mile radius (25-75 square-mile area) with a level of detail that makes the broadcasts invaluable.

During non-emergency times, officials use the stations to inform motorists of street repairs, traffic constraints, travel advisories, city history and visitor information.

Information Station Specialists is the sole provider of ALERT AM in the United States and offers 24 / 7 remote technical support for the life of the product. State and local governmental entities may purchase our products without going to bid, if they join the HGACBuy purchasing cooperative as end users. Membership is free. Here's how easy it is to join.

The below capabilities establish the ALERT AM system as a unique communication tool that produces effective public response and appreciation, 24 / 7.
Standard Package Options to Add at Any Time

 

See the Technical Specifications webpage for details.
  • 4-Day operational battery backup 22A/24V DC regulated power supply/battery charger; digital voltmeter / ammeter; breakers for AC input, battery output; automatic low-voltage battery and load disconnect with thermal shutdown and recovery and current-limiting and over-voltage protection; 110 or 220 volts AC; accommodates redundant parallel module for auto switchover if main unit fails. Full recharge in 7 hours.
  • Outdoor security cabinet for isolated settings. NEMA-3R grade, gasketed, with dual doors, aluminum frame and sheeting. Removable rack cage. Size: 66.5"H x 24.125"W x 33"D; 23" doors open 90￮, front and back. 332 / 334 signal cabinet style. Dual internal locks and locking handles on dual doors. Fan / vent / filter, thermostatically controlled. AC power service panel and groundbus. Cabinet lights activate / deactivate with door opening / closure.
  • StreamCASTs that broadcast messages to smartphones, tablets and laptops to boost indoor and out-of-area listening.
  • ENcasts to automatically interrupt broadcasts to air text-based emergency messages from compliant mass-notification systems.
  • Four-day operational battery backup to keep the system on the air during power outages.
  • Vertical Profile Antenna Support and Grounding System, an efficient hurricane-rated, ANSI / TIA-compliant antenna solution that saves space and installation time.
  • GPS frequency stabilization that allows synch of multiple stations to effectively enlarge coverage.
  • Flashing ALERT Signs to encourage motorists to tune to emergency stations when beacons flash. Outdoor weatherproof cabinets for isolated locations without host buildings.
  • Signal Measurement Radio Receiver to verify FCC compliance.
Who operates ALERT AM systems?
Municipalities (for example, cities, counties, townships, boroughs, towns and villages departments of public safety, emergency management, public health and public information).

Points of entry: (for example, airports, border protection, port authorities).

Universities and colleges.

Government agencies (for example, departments of transportation, bridge authorities, emergency management and public health departments).  

                                                                       

                                                                        See Alert Stations across America - state by state.


Office of Emergency Management
Chesterfield, VA
 
Message Control
The ALERT AM broadcast program can be controlled over a network, USB, landline/cellphone or via a two-way transceiver provided by the operator. Two redundant voice systems, both operable locally or remotely, provide full audio system control which continues to function should telco, network or building access would be lost.*

The ALERT AM system allows the operator to pre-record messages for quick broadcast as anticipated emergency scenarios present themselves.

Broadcasts may also be triggered by ancillary devices, i.e., siren-system closures, switches or other external sources. This allows ALERT AM to quickly switch from broadcasting general information to specific emergency information if disaster strikes. When the National Weather Service issues all-hazard Emergency Alert System alerts for designated counties, they are broadcast automatically, interrupting standard programming. ALERT AM also allows the operator to lock out NOAA alerts if desired. Broadcasting live is easy with the push of a button and can be effected at the radio station itself or remotely from any telephone. An audio processor is onboard to boost ALERT AM’s audio quality and receivable range.

ALERT AM’s digital message players can be stocked with pre-recorded emergency management messages prepared by our professional announcers. to illustrate what’s possible within the system. See free or commissioned recording services.

(*) Compare the capabilities of ALERT AM's NX8R and TMS020 voice systems here.
Antenna Styles
The two most common formats:
  • Yard Style: ALERT AM may be installed at a building with the electronics securely indoors and the antenna pole mounted in the adjacent yard connected by an underground cable. This style is recommended because it is most economical and affords the greatest security for equipment. A 50’ separation from buildings is recommended.
  • Isolated Style: At remote locations where there is no building, a weatherproof cabinet containing the electronics is attached to the antenna support pole. The location must have electrical power and, if equipment is to be remotely controlled, telephone, two-way or network service.
If a yard- or isolated-style installation is not possible, custom installation on a building roof is possible in some instances. Lateral separation of the antenna from large, nearby objects by at least the height of the object is suggested to prevent signal degradation.

We can provide documentation that radio frequency exposure from the ALERT AM antenna does not exceed FCC limits for safe operation.
Planning Your System
See Typical Planning Steps for the ALERT AM system and/or contact Bill Baker for assistance in planning the best configuration for your setup. Bill can then provide a formal quote. See optional methods of purchasing.

Note:  Because FCC processing time is unpredictable, we recommend that you request licensing and other FCC documentation services from us as soon as you know for sure you will have a station – definitely no later than when you place your radio equipment order.

As you would expect, Information Station Specialists provides a full menu of technical services to help you put and keep ALERT AM system on the air. We are here to help, even with professionally recorded audio messages, so your broadcasts are ready to air as soon as your station is turned on.

Best of all, each system comes with Remote Technical Support for the life of the station.

For extended range emergency broadcasting, see RadioSAFE Wide Area Emergency Broadcast Radio Systems, which offer coverage areas of 5 to 20+ miles in radius.

The Information Station is a lower cost alternative with many of the same messaging capabilities as ALERT AM but without the specialized 'all hazard' broadcast capability, four-day operational battery backup and GPS frequency stabilization options described above.
   
ABOUT PRODUCTS RESOURCES SERVICES SITE INDEX
Contacts All Products at a Glance Alert Stations across the USA Customer Support Policy Site Map
Customer Support Policy For Emergencies Case Studies FCC Frequencies & Licenses
Founding & Firsts For Health Applications FAQs Installation, Testing, Training
Privacy Policy For Highways FCC-Permitted Broadcasts Professional Recordings
For Visitor Information Glossary of Radio Terms Purchase Options
  For Other Common Applications News from The Source Rentals  
For License-Free Stations Operators' Zone Streaming
  Why Customers Say They Buy

©  1983-2021  • Information Station Specialists, Inc. •  All Rights Reserved
PO Box 51, Zeeland, Michigan, USA, 49464-0051, Phone 616.772.2300, Fax 616.772.2966, Email Form

The USA's best known source for information radio station equipment, related products and technical services.

 Trademarks: 2X Signal Booster, ALERT AM Emergency Advisory Radio System, ANXX AM Radio Antenna, AP55 Digital Message Player, ENcast Emergency Notification Broadcast System, FAS6000 Flashing Beacons & Controller, FASTrack Quick-Erect Sign, FlashCAST Internet Broadcast Service, Flashing ALERT Sign System, FlexPlane Factory-Assembled Groundplane, Free-Radiate On-Premise Radio Broadcast System, HearMoreInfo Internet Broadcasts, HPR0990 High Performance Antenna, i A.M. Radio Transmitter, Information Station Specialists, InfoRadio Format, Information Station Classic, Information Station IP, Information Station USB, InfOSpot AM Radio Transmitter System, IP8 Digital Message Player, IP76 Digital Message Player, ITS6000 Highway Advisory Radio Network, LIGHTNING LED Portable Changeable Message Sign, MGR21 Digital Audio Management System, NX8R Digital Message Player, EventCAST Portable Information Radio Service, RadioSAFE Wide Area Emergency Broadcast System, RadioSTAT Portable Emergency Advisory Radio Station, RE 2.5 Range Extender Outdoor Antenna and Tuner, Severe Storm Detector, Signal Measurement Radio Receiver, Stealth Sign, StreamCAST Internet Broadcast Service, SS3000 Free-Standing AM Radio Antenna System with Tower, Stylized ISS Logo, SX200 Wattmeter, Talking House AM Radio Transmitter, TH5 InfOspot Transmitter, TR6000 Transmitter Model HQ 5.0, TMS020 Digital Audio Management System, TR6000 Transmitter Model 15.73, VoiceStar Portable Highway Advisory Radio Station (with or without Changeable Message Sign), VP9000 Vertical Profile Antenna Support and Grounding System, Wireless Audio Link..

Information Radio Stations is a generic term synonymous with Travelers Information Stations (TIS), Highway Advisory Radio Stations (HAR) / Highway Information Systems & Low Power Radio Stations (LPR). Operation of the stations is governed by FCC Part 90.242 Rules. A FCC license is required. Information Radio Stations may be fixed or portable. Subcomponents may include transmitter, antenna and ground system, digital voice player, wateter, cabinet with conventional or Corbin locks, lightning arrestors for RF, power and telephone lines, coaxial cable. Most stations employ black maximized antennas to discourage ice accumulation and security measures to prevent unauthorized program access. Options include synchronization, battery backup, solar power, remote programming by local, network or telco, multi-station audio distribution via RF or LAN / WAN or wireless network.