Plan an ITS6000 HAR System

Step 1:
Conduct a frequency search.

Contact ISS to order a frequency search. Just provide the general area where the radio station(s) might be located. The $790 per-location cost includes the license-application work, as well, once you decide to move forward. ISS will develop a list of AM frequencies that are available and send them to you with our suggestions and instructions on how to monitor them.

System Details

All-hazards warning system webpage.
Antenna system, conventional webpage.
Antenna system, optional vertical profile webpage.
Computer audio control software package webpage.
Phone-based audio control webpage.
Power loss notification module webpage.
Sample network layout diagram webpage.
Sign flash controller webpage.
Transmitter webpage.

Get an overview. See exclusive features. Plan a station. Learn about available services and portable station alternatives.

Complete ITS6000 overview with planning, pricing & technical specs PDF download.
ITS6000 exclusive features webpage.
FCC frequency-search & licensing services webpage.
Installation services webpage.
Professional recording services webpage.
VoiceStar portable HAR system webpage.

Step 2:
Survey onsite listening.

Survey the highways where listening is required with an automobile digital AM radio tuned to your candidate frequencies. Monitor all the candidate frequencies throughout the listening areas at least once during daylight hours and at least once after dark. Report your results to ISS, using the frequency-monitoring form. (See the "Why Nighttime Monitoring Is Important" webpage.)

Step 3:
Choose a general location for coverage.

On a local map, find the approximate geographic center of the listening area you want to cover. The HAR signal will propagate to a radius of 3-5 miles from this point in all directions. If this coverage does not encompass the highways that require coverage, consult with ISS regarding adding satellite stations. If a specific highway or intersection is critically important to cover, consider locations within ½ mile. Mark the map to show the area within which the antenna should be located to meet your coverage goals. Consider where signs will be placed to announce to motorists entering the area that the signal is available. (Resource: Read ISS' TechTalk article "Useful tips for placing road signs.") NOTE: ISS does not recommend installing antennas on rooftops or within 50 feet of buildings that contain electronics because of the potential for interference and equipment damage. This does not apply to non-building oriented situations such as isolated-style installations in which a cabinet with the electronic equipment is attached to the antenna support pole.

Step 4:
Determine the desired National Weather Service All-Hazards Alert system notification coverage.

Verify reception of a National Weather Service channel (162.400-162.550 MHz) at the desired location. See coverage areas online at this NOAA web link.

Step 5:
Choose a specific antenna location.

For best coverage, the immediate location should be free of objects that exceed 25 feet (about 2 stories.) This includes tall buildings, trees, terrain features, lighting, power and communication poles and towers, overpasses and highway signs. Make certain 120VAC power and telephone service are available at the site and that there is a 40'-by-40' area of open ground for cabinet and antenna installation. A conventional, vertical profile or super antenna system may be used. Consult ISS for assistance.

Step 6:
Fill out the FCC license applications questionnaire.

Complete a FCC License Questionnaire found on this webpage that gives ISS the information needed to prepare and submit the 10-year FCC license application on your behalf. On the questionnaire, you will be asked to provide information on your antenna operating area, your frequency choice and required names and addresses. The FCC typically takes 3 to 6 months to process it and grant the authorization. While waiting for the 10-year license to be granted, you may procure the equipment and build the station, if you wish. IMPORTANT: You must have a FCC license in hand to operate; the station must be on the air within 12 months of the license grant date, or the authorization will expire. Special Temporary Licenses (STA) might also be available from the FCC, if immediate operation is required.

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.

Step 7:
Consider equipment, options and services.

Many options are available to customize the HAR for your application(s):

Consider, for example, extra backup batteries so the station(s) remains operational if AC power goes out. If the station is in an unattended location, also consider getting a Power Loss Notification Module.

If you want to notify motorists that critical messages are being broadcast, ask about the FAS6000 Flash Controllers for highway signs that may be triggered via pager or two-way radio.

If you want to control your station’s audio “drag and drop” style via a computer on a network or single workstation, consider Signalcast^IP on ITS Version 6020. This model comes with text-to-speech, an unlimited number of messages and recording time, scheduling and paging control of highway sign flashers to alert motorists to tune in. By adding the NX8R Digital Message Player option to Version 6020, you may override computer control via telephone in an emergency and automatically broadcast targeted, all-hazard alerts from the National Weather Service. (Note: phone-based NX8R audio control is standard with ITS Version 6010.)

Planning assistance is free. Email Bill Baker (phone 616.772.2300 x102). Bill can also provide a formal quotation. Just let him know the following:

	Your name, agency, phone and fax numbers, email address, if desired.
	Product name: ITS6000 Highway Advisory Radio Network.
	Options desired.

Step 8:
Prepare your transmitter site.

ISS offers detailed, illustrated instructions on how to prepare your transmitter site, based on the antenna system you choose. This allows you to prepare the site yourself; subcontract the work; or, if you prefer, have ISS quote installation services for your configuration.

This page was last updated on August 18, 2010.