Thursday, May 26th The Evolution of Test Equipment by Chuck Kelly While the equipment used in radio and TV stations has changed greatly during the career that many of us have had, perhaps more surprising is the revolution in the test equipment we use to fix it. This presentation will explore the typical test equipment many of us had used early in our careers, and then look at what capabilities relatively inexpensive equipment available today have. There will be time for questions as well, this will be fun! 7:00 PM - Meeting/Program This meeting is Virtual Connection information will be distributed on the SBE24 email group in the days prior to the meeting. Election Results
Through the next year these four individuals will guide our Chapter and keep it healthy. Congratulations and thank you for your service to the chapter. Our Chapter 19 Years AgoLast Meeting's Minutes
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| WIFS TV, Broadcast Engineer |
| WMTV TV, Broadcast Engineer |
| WKOW PT MC Operator |
Program Ideas Appreciated
Hermanson Recognized
Among them this year was James Hermanson, CPBE CBNT, who was recognized for his 30 years in service as certification chair of SBE Chapter 24. Thank you Jim for devoting so many hours over those 30 years to the chapter's certification effort. In a word, WOW!
Amateur Radio News
Compiled by Tom Weeden, WJ9H
On Wednesday, April 27, in a notice to all Volunteer Exam Coordinators (VECs), the FCC again asked them to refrain from submitting any amateur radio exam session or license application files while the Commission works to resolve an issue with the Universal Licensing System (ULS) application filing system.
The ULS application filing system was not functioning properly the previous week and then the FCC indicated the problem was resolved. However, this was not the case, as no new amateur radio call signs and licenses have been issued since Monday, April 18, 2022. Tuesday, April 19 is the day the FCC application fees became effective for amateur radio.
ARRL VEC Manager Maria Somma, AB1FM, reports that new call signs are not being assigned by the FCC even if the applicant has paid the FCC application fee. The FCC was processing upgrade applications through the system without an issue because there are no fees required for those applications.
In addition to new call signs not being issued even if the applicant has paid the FCC fee, some applicants are also having issues paying and logging into the system. Other types of license application transactions may also be experiencing problems. Applicants should expect delays with license, call sign, and application processing associated with individuals and amateur radio clubs. Amateur radio license filings are currently on hold until further notice and FCC did not estimate how long the system would be down.
The largest amateur radio gathering in the US is returning to Xenia, Ohio for the first time since 2019. The Dayton Hamvention will be held May 20-22 at the Greene County Fairgrounds and Expo Center. Along with the large flea market, forums will include sessions on antennas, satellites, new digital modes, complying with FCC RF exposure rules, kit building, operating events, and software defined radios.
Hamvention General Chairman Rick Allnutt, WS8G, issued the following statement regarding the Covid situation: "We strongly anticipate that the Hamvention 2022 is a go. We cannot guarantee what government may decide about unknown changes in the pandemic. It has become obvious that the State of Ohio is very unlikely to call a halt to large gatherings anytime soon. Despite a recent large spike in Omicron COVID cases and hospitalizations, there is no move to restrict large indoor or outdoor events such as sports events."
More information is at hamvention.org .
The amateur satellite group AMSAT Argentina has assembled and delivered a permanent WSPR (Weak-Signal Propagation Reporter) beacon system to the Argentine research station at Esperanza Base on the Antarctic Peninsula. Using the call sign LU1ZV, the 200 mW beacon is presently active on 7.0386, 14.0956, 21.0946, and 28.1246 MHz, and reception has been reported by stations throughout the world.
WSPR is a digital communications protocol designed for reception at very weak-signal levels. It is part of the WSJT-X software suite. You can use WSJT-X to receive the LU1ZV beacon directly, or you can see reports from other stations online at wsprnet.org/drupal/ .
FCC NEWS
compiled by Tom Smith
At the March meeting the FCC adopted a Notice of Inquiry (DOC-382600A1) proposing the setting of receiver standards as a method of using the spectrum more efficiently which means adding more services in the spectrum. This action is a result of issues arising when the FCC tried to allocate spectrum for broadband wireless next to the band used for GPS which raised objections due to possible interference to GPS receivers. A prime example of a receiver using more spectrum than needed is the old continuous tuned UHF TV tuner. TV stations in the UHF band had to be spaced 6 channels apart due to the lack of a band pass filter before the local oscillator mixer. The FCC will be asking for comment on setting voluntary or mandatory compliance to standards set by the FCC. The FCC would set standards for sensitivity, out of band interference, selectivity, gain control and other parameters that prevent interference. In the notice of inquiry, there are links to 43 papers on receivers and interference limiting spectrum use by other government agencies. There will be a 45 day comment period followed by a 30 day reply period.
FCC Seeks Partners For Wireless Tests
The FCC is seeking partners for conducting EAS tests with wireless providers (FCC-22-31A1. They will test the wireless systems for geo targeting of messages and end to end transmission of messages. Also the FCC asks for comment on test reporting and creating an outreach program to the public.
Broadcast Stations by the Numbers
| AM FM Radio | 15,390 |
| Full Power TV | 1,757 |
| Class A TV | 383 |
| Translators/Boosters | 12,150 |
| LPTV | 1,840 |
| LPFM | 2,049 |
| TOTAL | 33,569 |
Certification and Education
compiled by Jim Hermanson
SBE Chapter 24 Certification Exam Reimbursement
Each year, account balance permitting, Chapter 24 will reimburse half the application fee to any member of Chapter 24 in good standing who successfully obtains any SBE certification level not previously held by that member. Contact the SBE Chapter 24 chairperson or certification chairperson for more information.
When you are ready to take an SBE exam, note the open exam schedule, complete the appropriate application (found here... http://www.sbe.org/applications) and send it directly to the SBE National office (see address below) with the respective fee. You will be notified once your application is approved. Approximately 3 weeks before the exam time, your local certification chairman will receive a list of applicants and exams in his/her area and arrange for a proctor. He/she will then contact applicants to schedule a mutually agreeable date, time, and place for the exam(s) within the respective exam date window. This must be coordinated before the exam will be sent by SBE National. Completed exam(s) will be mailed back to SBE National for grading. Pass/fail results will be mailed directly to the applicants.
The majority of SBE certifications are open book and access to the Internet is allowed to give a more "real world" situation.
You may mail, email, or fax your applications to:
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Megan E. Clappe Certification Director 9102 N. Meridian St. Suite 150 Indianapolis, IN 46260 317-846-9120 Fax mclappe@sbe.org |
To apply for a specialist certification, an individual must currently hold certification on the Broadcast Engineer, Senior Broadcast Engineer, Professional Broadcast Engineer or Broadcast Networking Engineer Certification level. Exams must be completed within three hours and consist of 50 multiple-choice questions (two points each) and one essay question (20 points maximum). Examinees are provided one essay question to answer. Exams are pass/fail, and a score of 84 is a passing grade.
| Exam Dates | Location | Application Deadline (to SBE National Office) |
August 5-15, 2022 |
Local Chapters (Madison Area) |
June 10, 2022 |
November 4-14, 2022 |
Local Chapters (Madison Area) |
September 9, 2022 |
May Webinars
2022 CBNT & CBNE Study Topics Module 3
Tuesday, May 3, 2022 | 1 p.m. CT
Module 3: Physical and Virtual Addressing
Module 3 of the 2022 CBNT & CBNE Study Topics Series is Tuesday, May 3, 2022 at 2 p.m. ET. This webinar will focus on understanding physical and virtual addressing, ports and sockets.
Your Instructor
Wayne Pecena, CPBE, 8-VSB, ATSC3, AMB, AMD, ATSC3, DRB, CBNE
Wayne M. Pecena is the Associate Director of Educational Broadcast Services at Texas A&M University. Wayne has over 48 years of broadcast and IP network engineering experience and holds BS and MS degrees from Texas A&M University. Wayne is a Fellow of the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) and holds the Certified Professional Broadcast Engineer (CPBE) and Certified Broadcast Network Engineer (CBNE) certifications from the SBE. He served two terms as the national President of the SBE. He was named the 2012 SBE Educator of the Year, the 2014 Radio World Engineer of the year, and named an IEEE-BTS Distinguished Lecturer in 2018. He is a frequent industry speaker on IP Networking and cybersecurity topics for the broadcast and media technology professional.
SBE Recertification Credit
The completion of a Webinar from Webinars by SBE qualifies for 1 credit, identified under Category I of the Recertification Schedule for SBE Certifications.
Registration and Pricing
This webinar will be approximately 90 minutes long.
SBE Members: $62
MemberPlus Members FREE
Non-Members: $92
Registration Link
Questions?
If you have questions regarding this course, contact Cathy Orosz via email or by phone at 317-846-9000.
2022 SBE RF Safety Course
Thursday, May 12, 2022 | 1 p.m. CT
Course Description
The SBE RF Safety Course provides an updated overview of RF radiation issues and practices for broadcasters, including:
•Biological effects of RF radiation and the distinct differences between RF radiation and ionizing radiation
•FCC, OSHA, state & local regulations - what they are and what you need to do to comply
•Workplace hazards
•Transmitter sites
•SNG and ENG trucks
•Remote operations (where news personnel can find problems such as on rooftops)
•The unique issues at AM stations
•RF hazard protection equipment - you may not need it but your contractors probably will
•Signs - what they mean and what you need
It is recommended that persons taking the SBE RF Safety Course have at least some basic knowledge of electronics and understand the concept of frequency and power.
Your Instructor
Stephen Lockwood, CPBE, AMD, PE
Stephen Lockwood is a senior engineer and partner with Hatfield & Dawson Consulting Engineers, with more than 35 years experience in the field of broadcasting and telecommunications engineering. He is a Registered Professional Electrical (P.E.) Engineer in Washington, Alaska, and Wyoming, and holds a BS in electrical engineering and a BS in engineering physics from Oklahoma Christian University. He is a Senior Member of IEEE, and Broadcast Technology Society elected AdCom Member, Member and past president of the Association of Federal Communications Consulting Engineers (AFCCE), and is a Member of Project Management Institute where is certified as a Project Management Professional (PMP). He is a member of the Society of Broadcast Engineers where he holds the Certified Professional Broadcast Engineer (CPBE) and AM Directional Specialist (AMD) certifications, and he holds Amateur Radio Operator License K7SSL.
SBE Recertification Credit
The completion of a Webinar from Webinars by SBE qualifies for 1 credit, identified under Category I of the Recertification Schedule for SBE Certifications.
Registration and Pricing
This webinar will be approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes long.
SBE Members: $62
MemberPlus Members FREE
Non-Members: $92
Registration Link
Questions?
If you have questions regarding this course, contact Cathy Orosz via email or by phone at 317-846-9000.
2022 CBNT & CBNE Study Topics Module 4
Tuesday, May 17, 2022 | 1 p.m. CT
Module 4: Media Systems Architecture
The 2022 CBNT & CBNE Study Topics Series continues with Module 4: Media Systems Architecture on Tuesday, May 17, 2022. Module 4 of the series will focus on media system architecture, workflows and interfacing.
Your Instructors
Wayne Pecena, CPBE, 8-VSB, ATSC3, AMB, AMD, ATSC3, DRB, CBNE
Wayne M. Pecena is the Associate Director of Educational Broadcast Services at Texas A&M University. Wayne has over 48 years of broadcast and IP network engineering experience and holds BS and MS degrees from Texas A&M University. Wayne is a Fellow of the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) and holds the Certified Professional Broadcast Engineer (CPBE) and Certified Broadcast Network Engineer (CBNE) certifications from the SBE. He served two terms as the national President of the SBE. He was named the 2012 SBE Educator of the Year, the 2014 Radio World Engineer of the year, and named an IEEE-BTS Distinguished Lecturer in 2018. He is a frequent industry speaker on IP Networking and cybersecurity topics for the broadcast and media technology professional.
SBE Recertification Credit
The completion of a Webinar from Webinars by SBE qualifies for 1 credit, identified under Category I of the Recertification Schedule for SBE Certifications.
Registration and Pricing
This webinar will be approximately 90 minutes long.
SBE Members: $62
MemberPlus Members FREE
Non-Members: $92
Registration Link
Questions?
If you have questions regarding this course, contact Cathy Orosz via email or by phone at 317-846-9000.
More information about registering using the SBE MemberPlus benefit
All SBE webinars are included at no additional cost for members who renew or join using the $175 SBE MemberPlus membership option. You get all the live and archived Webinars by SBE in the SBE catalog plus any new webinars the SBE adds during the membership year. Members can renew and newcomers may join online at the SBE website using the SBE MemberPlus option.
Access to the SBE webinars through the SBE MemberPlus program is limited to the MemberPlus-purchaser only. You are not permitted to distribute, sell, copy, share, project or otherwise make the webinars available to any other individual or group without express written permission by the SBE.
Several state-of-the-art radio, TV, multimedia, and IT engineering training is available through this page...
http://sbe.org/education/webinars-by-sbe/on-demand-webinars/
More information on SBE Education Programs is available here...
http://www.sbe.org/education/
Views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the official position of the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE), its officers, or its members. SBE Chapter 24, Inc. regrets, but is not liable for, any omissions or errors. Articles of interest to Chapter 24 members are accepted up to the close of business the 1st day of each month. Send your article to lcharles@sbe.org.