On a local map, find the approximate geographic center of the listening area you want to cover. The ALERT AM signal will propagate to a radius of 3-5 miles from this point in all directions. If this coverage does not encompass the desired listening area, consult with ISS regarding adding synchronized transmitters  or portable transmitters to your system. See the Signal Penetration webpage, regarding in-home/in-vehicle listening parameters.

Verify reception of a National Weather Service channel (162.400-162.550 MHz) at the desired location. You can see coverage areas on line at this NOAA web link.

Unless multiple stations are required, select a specific building or property near the geographic center for antenna installation. Consult with ISS on the proposed location, before the decision is finalized. ISS offers 2 antenna installation styles:

Yard Style Installation (recommended)
Equipment in a building with the antenna/groundplane system in an adjacent yard. Advantage: high security. Example: yard-style drawing.

Isolated Style Installation
Equipment and antenna/groundplane system on a pole where there is no building. Advantage: high flexibility of location. Example: Isolated-style drawing.

Requirements for yard and isolated styles: There should be no underground obstacles or structures taller than 25 feet in the immediate vicinity of the antenna and at least a 40x40-foot area of open ground for pole and groundplane installation. Make certain 120 volts of AC power and telephone service or, if remote control via a network is desired, that network service is also available.

NOTE: ISS does not recommend installing antennas on rooftops or within 50 feet of buildings that contain electronics because of the potential for interference.

Optional Vertical Profile Antenna System - VP9000 (an option for either yard or isolated style)
If ground space is at a premium, choose the optional Vertical Profile Antenna System (VP9000). Because no groundplane is required, only one square foot of open-ground area is needed. All wiring is inside the pole. The VP9000 is aesthetically pleasing, highly secure, and is the only antenna solution that meets hurricane wind standards in all parts of the United States.

Requirements: pole placement 50+ feet from a building in grass, dirt or paved areas; no objects taller than 25 feet in close proximity; coaxial cable may be buried or strung overhead to the support pole; pole is set in 6’ post hole with good earth contact in the lowest 4’ of the hole. (When used on AM frequencies below 1000 kHz, a 20’ solid groundrod is driven beside the pole.) Concrete, asphalt or tamped dirt may surround the pole to 2" below grade to stabilize it. Examples:

• vertical profile antenna (yard-style) drawing. 

• vertical profile antenna (isolated-style) drawing.

ISS will provide a menu of AM frequencies that meet Federal Communications Commission (FCC) separation standards from which you can select. We'll even give you our seasoned recommendation with suggestions and instructions on how to test them ahead of time! Make your choice, and ISS will prepare and submit to the FCC the applications on your behalf, immediately. 

Complete and return to ISS this simple License Application Questionnaire (right), so we may secure your operating license from the FCC in a timely manner. The questionnaire requests basic contact information and details about the proposed antenna location and frequency chosen for broadcast, with which ISS can also assist you. When we receive your completed questionnaire, we will prepare the necessary engineering work and submit your formal application to the FCC for approval, which often takes a few months. As part of an overall license package, ISS will handle any additional filings you may require to get up and running, such as temporary licenses, minor adjustments and the required FCC notification that your station has been built.

NOTE 1: Because FCC processing time is unpredictable, we recommend you request licensing and other FCC documentation services as soon as you know for sure you will have a station -- definitely no later than when you place your radio equipment order.

NOTE 2: The FCC considers 10-year, renewable licenses for information radio stations secondary to full-power broadcast stations. This means, that in a rare situation in which a full-power station might move into a given area, an advisory radio station already in that vicinity might need to change frequency. ISS can assist. Download FCC Part 90.242 TIS Rules - 80 KB.

Decide if your application could benefit from having 2-way redundant digital message control that allows full control via push-to-talk style transceivers (you provide) in parallel with and having priority over telephone control.

Also consider 4-day battery backup option to keep the station on the air during loss of AC power. Or choose the uninterruptible power supply option. If the station is in an unattended location, consider getting a Power Loss Notification Module.

If you need more coverage than one station can provide (a 3-5 mile radius from the antenna, approximately 28-78 square miles), ask ISS about the GPS Frequency Stabilization option. ALERT AM synchronization works well with leased land lines, fiber or wireless audio control. The Vertical Profile Antenna System is ANSI/TIA rated to withstand hurricane-force winds as well as for essential communications in critical areas where failure of a structure could damage buildings or present a hazard to life

If you want to notify motorists that critical messages are being broadcast, ask about Flashing ALERT Sign Systems, which can be triggered via communities' existing 2-way radio systems.

If you want to control your station(s) "drag and drop" style via a computer interface, yet retain the ability to have override control via telephone in an emergency, consider Workstation Audio Control. This option also provides a virtually unlimited number of messages and recording time, ideal for creating a large library of contingency messages.

Planning assistance is free. Contact Bill Baker.

Provide to ISS the following details to receive a precise quotation:

• Your name, agency, phone and fax numbers; email address, if desired.

• Product name: ALERT AM Emergency Advisory Radio System.

• Installation style: yard or isolated.

• Review options and include them, as desired.

• Indicate "turnkey" installation or whether you will prepare your own transmitter site(s).

To target automatic Emergency Alert System and National Weather Service warnings and watches from the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), consider which counties you want to be programmed into your system. In addition to the county where the station is located, consider adjacent counties in the direction from which weather approaches.

If you've made the decision to purchase an ALERT AM System, please complete and fax to ISS this programming questionnaire, so ISS can prepare the system for you.

If you will not be contracting with ISS for "turnkey" installation, you may get ready by preparing your transmitter location. This preparation is detailed in ISS Installation Instruction Manuals. Contact Bill Baker to request an advance copy of your station's manual, which details exact site preparation procedures. Just tell Bill you are interested in the ALERT AM Emergency Advisory Radio System and which installation style, and options you have selected.

The most important way to let motorists know about the station is with signs (see links - right.). It's also important to begin developing communications as soon as you purchase the system, so listeners can be made aware as soon as your station becomes operational. Then continue communicating about the station at regular intervals throughout each year — to keep it present in listeners' minds. ISS can send examples and templates on compact disc at no extra charge.