INFORMATION OF INTEREST TO
THE
MILWAUKEE AREA
BROADCAST ENGINEERING COMMUNITY
PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY
CHAPTER 28, SOCIETY OF BROADCAST
ENGINEERS
THIS MONTH
Tuesday February 16th, 2010
7:30 PM
State Traffic Operations Center
433 W. St. Paul Avenue
3rd Floor
Milwaukee, WI 53203
414 227-2166
(map)
This month will feature a tour of the new State
Traffic Operations Center. Our tour will be conducted by TranSmart
Technologies Transportation Planner Lisa Kane Billerback. The new STOC
facility allows transportation engineers to manage traffic flow through
the use of proximity sensors, wireless video cameras, remote controlled
stop lights, and digital message boards. The facility was constructed in
2008. More information about TranSmart can be found online at www.trafficonline.com
Parking in the lot just west of the Intermodal
Station is $5.00. Directions and instructions can be found at: http://www.sbe28.org/STOC.pdf
Tom May
Chapter 28 SBE
Milwaukee
LAST MEETING
Minutes of the meeting for
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Location: Bavarian Inn
Host: SBE-Chapter 28
Program: Annual Holiday Banquet
Attendance: 18 -Total - 14 members (9 certified)
and 4 guests
The chapter meeting was called to order by Chairman
Todd Boettcher at 7:38 PM.
A motion to suspend the normal business and committee
reports for this meeting was proposed and passed.
Following the evening’s banquet, Todd introduced
Jonathon Green, the evening’s keynote speaker.
Jonathon, a radio personality with WTMJ-AM Milwaukee,
spoke about his almost 40 years in radio, most of them with WTMJ and the
evolution of radio since his beginnings in Cleveland and the Armed Services
Radio Network. It was filled with fond and humorous memories of the “old
days” of radio and insights into radio today and of tomorrow.
The meeting ended, following dessert, at
9:25 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Tony Cutraro
Secretary- SBE / Chapter 28
SBE Short Circuits
by John Poray
SBE Announces 2-Part Event
Frequency Coordination Webinar
(February 5, 2010)
Local frequency coordination is recognized as an
important tool allowing broadcasters to fulfill their regulatory obligation
to avoid mutual interference in their use of shared Broadcast Auxiliary
Service frequencies (for wireless microphones, cameras, cueing systems
or the like). Many major sporting events, pre-planned news events or other
public events attract media regionally and/or nationally who bring large
amounts of wireless equipment. For these events to be successful, frequency
coordination is a must.
The Society of Broadcast Engineers recognizes
frequency coordination as an important, yet often misunderstood part of
executing events such as sporting events, political conventions, and other
pre-planned events. In addition, training on frequency coordination has
become very necessary given continually changing FCC rules, technology
and the needs of broadcasters. This two-part webinar series embarks on
event frequency coordination from beginning to end, and includes the step-by-step
technical process of coordination. Instructing this course is longtime
SBE Member, broadcast consultant and frequency coordinator Ralph Beaver,
CBT. The cost for SBE Members is $99 and is $139 for non-members.
The webinars take place March 11 and March 30 from 2:00-3:30 p.m. Eastern.
For more information and to register, click here.
Senate Bill S. 2881 would
add technical expertise to FCC Commissioners’ offices
(December 16, 2009)
A bill introduced on Monday in the U.S. Senate
would potentially add one electrical engineer or computer scientist within
each of the offices of the five FCC Commissioners.
Introduced by Senator Olympia Snowe (R-Maine)
and co-sponsored by Senator Mark Warner (D-Virginia), Senate Bill 2881
would authorize each FCC Commissioner to add one staff assistant position
to the three that are currently authorized. The new position of “staff
engineer” would require that the holder either have a degree in electrical
engineering or be a computer scientist. If eventually passed, the new authorization
would affectively undo a loosening of requirements for technical staff
at the highest level of the FCC that began more than 25 years ago.
Vinny Lopez, CEV, CBNT, president of the Society
of Broadcast Engineers (SBE), remarked, “Ensuring the technical integrity
of the FCC decision-making is perhaps our most important legislative goal.
This legislation will go a long way toward returning technical expertise
to the FCC Commissioner's offices." Lopez added, “We encourage other
members of the Senate to support this well-crafted legislation. SBE will
seek the introduction of a companion bill in the House and we will urge
rapid passage of both Bills in the House and the Senate.”
The proposed legislation, which would amend Section
4(f)(2) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 154(f)(2)), explains
that the “staff engineer” would provide each commissioner with technical
consultation when appropriate and interface with the Office of Engineering
and Technology, Commission Bureaus and other technical staff of the Commission
for additional technical input and resources. The staff engineer would
need to hold an undergraduate or graduate degree from an institution of
higher education in their respective field of expertise.
The last serious attempt to increase the technical
resources within the Commissioner’s offices was in October of 1991 when
then Rep. Don Ritter introduced HR. 3501, which would have required that
at least one member of the Commission be skilled in the engineering sciences.
Senator Snowe’s bill would not seek to replace any of the existing staff
assistants in each Commissioner’s office but rather authorize each Commissioner
to add one assistant.
Text of S.2881
2010 SBE National Meeting
to be held in Madison, Wi.
(December 9, 2009)
The Society of Broadcast Engineers Board of Directors
has accepted an invitation from SBE Chapter 24 in Madison, Wi, to host
the SBE2010 National Meeting. The decision was made during the SBE Board
of Directors conference call on Dec. 1, 2009.
The SBE National Meeting will be held in conjunction
with the Wisconsin Broadcasters Clinic and the Upper Midwest Regional Meeting,
hosted by SBE Chapter 24 and the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association (WBA)
on Oct. 26-28, 2010.Chapter 24 Chairman Fred Sperry, CPBE, and Convention
Chairman Leonard Charles, CPBE, are looking forward to hosting the SBE
National Meeting again. This is the fourth time Chapter 24 has hosted the
SBE National Meeting since 1997. The SBE National Meeting was last held
in Madison in 2008.
The SBE National Meeting serves as an opportunity
to spotlight SBE-sponsored regional conventions held in different areas
of the country. SBE National Meeting events include the annual membership
meeting and the SBE National Awards Dinner, honoring the 2008-09 chapter
and individual award recipients.
SBE President Vinny Lopez, CEV CBNT, stated, "By
holding the SBE National Meeting in conjunction with established, successful
regional events, the SBE and the local host benefit. These partnerships
allow the SBE to bring a national presence to these regional events."
SBE Announces Next RF Safety Course
February 24, 2010
The next SBE RF Safety Course, available as a webinar
(live presentation on the Internet with audio heard via telephone), will
take place February 24 from 2:30-5:45 p.m. EST.
This three hour course, recently updated, provides
an overview of RF radiation issues and practices for broadcasters, including
the biological effects of RF radiation and the distinct differences between
RF radiation and ionizing radiation, FCC and OSHA regulations, workplace
hazards, transmitter sites and more. Instructing the course will
be noted RF safety expert Richard Strickland of RF Safety Solutions.
For more information on how to register one or
more people, click here.
Sprint Closes In on
2GHz Relocation Finish Line
(December 2, 2009)
Sprint Nextel filed this week its bi-monthly report
to the FCC outlining progress to date in transitioning BAS licensees to
frequencies above 2025 MHz. The BAS licensees and Sprint Nextel have now
successfully relocated BAS operations in 161 markets representing
more than 83 percent of the United States population. The complete Sprint
Nextel report is available on the SBE website.
SBE Releases Education Survey Results
(November 24, 2009)
As part of the SBE Education Committee’s long range
planning efforts a survey related to continuing education was sent to members
via email on September 24. The goal was to find out how members feel
about the current services, better understand the topics they desire, and
how and when it is convenient for members to take courses. Members had
three weeks to complete the survey. The results are in and the data
has been compiled. Immediate goals for using the information gleaned
from this survey include identifying relevant topics and instructors to
create SBE University self-study courses and webinars, especially as they
relate to preparing members for certification or recertification. Click
here to review the detailed survey findings.
SBE Agreement with Department of Defense
on Spectrum Sharing
(October 16, 2009)
The Society of Broadcast Engineers and the U.S. Department
of Defense earlier this year signed an agreement regarding shared use of
broadcast spectrum. The U.S. Air Force plans to construct new satellite
tracking stations in a number of U.S. locations that would use spectrum
in the 2025 -2110 MHz band. For details, see a copy
of the agreement.
SBE CertPreview
sample certification test software is now available. It’s Microsoft Windows-based
and replaces the previous DOS-based software. New sample tests are available
for Broadcast Technologist, Audio Engineer, Video Engineer, Broadcast Networking
Technologist, Broadcast Engineer and Senior Broadcast Engineer in both
radio and television. Sample tests include 50 to 100 questions and indicate
when an incorrect answer has been given. It provides a list of resources
from which to learn more about a subject. Cost for each SBE CERTpreview
practice test is $27 plus $3 shipping. Contact the National Office to order
a copy.
CERTIFICATON EXAMS
Certification exam
session dates for 2009-2010 are listed below. Check the list for
the exam period that is best for you. For more information about
SBE Certification, contact Chapter Certification Chair Rick Ryan at 414-223-2600
ext. 5730 or RickRyan@wi.rr.com,
or contact Megan Clappe, Certification Director at the SBE National Office
at (317) 846-9000 or MClappe@sbe.org.
|
Exam Dates
|
Location
|
Application Deadline
|
|
Apr 13, 2010
|
NAB Convention
|
Mar 26, 2010
|
|
Jun 4-14, 2010
|
Local Chapters
|
April 16, 2010
|
|
Aug 6-16, 2010
|
Local Chapters
|
Jun 4, 2010
|
|
Nov 5-15, 2010
|
Local Chapters
|
Sep 17, 2010
|
Fees for 2010 are as follows:
| Certification Level |
Member
|
Non-Member
|
| TV or Radio Operator |
$45
|
*$45
|
| Broadcast Technologist |
$45 |
$111 |
| Broadcast Networking Technologist |
$55
|
$121
|
| Broadcast Engineer |
$60
|
$126
|
| Audio/Video Engineer |
$60
|
$126
|
| Senior Broadcast Engineer |
$85
|
$151
|
| Professional Broadcast Engineer |
$110
|
$176
|
| Specialist Certification |
|
|
| AM Directional Specialist |
$55
|
$121
|
| 8VSB Specialist |
$55
|
$121
|
| Digital Radio Broadcast Specialist |
$55 |
$121 |
*Does not include first year membership |
Please
support our sustaining members
Chuck
Janzer
David
Janzer
Associated
Technical Services
10010
W Schlinger Avenue
Milwaukee,
WI 53214-1129
414-476-4200
414-476-8417
fax
cjanzer@atswi.com
djanzer@atswi.com
http://www.atswi.com
Don
Heinzen
Belden
Americas
Networking
Products
9001
Hawks Reserve Ln.
Unit
# 103
Verona,
WI 53593
Office:
608.848.2001
Fax:
608.848.2001
Cell:
608.235.7539
don.heinzen@belden.com
http://www.belden.com/
David Kerstin
Broadcasters General
Store
3840
SW N Street
Richmond,
IN 47374
765-935-6707
765-935-6158
fax
dave@bgs.cc
http://www.bgs.cc/
Clark
Wire & Cable
408
Washington Blvd, Unit A,
Mundelein
IL 60060
800-CABLE-IT
(800-222-5348)
847-949-9944
847-949-9595
fax
sales@clarkwire.com
www.clarkwire.com
Joseph
A. Zuba
 Communications
23
Rainbow Drive
Sewell,
NJ 08080
609-256-8190
609-256-8195
fax
joe.zuba@dielectric.spx.com
http://www.dielectric.com
Rick
Thompson
GEPCO
International
a
General Cable company
1700
Birchwood Avenue
Des
Plaines, IL 60018
847-942-7990
(cell)
rick_thompson@GEPCO.com
http://www.GEPCO.com/
Dennis
Klas
Heartland
Video Systems
1311
Pilgrim Road
Plymouth,
WI 53073
800-332-7088
920-893-4204
920-893-3106
fax
dklas@hvs-inc.com
http://www.hvs-inc.com
Christopher
J. Albrecht
IBEW
Local 715
Wisconsin
Broadcast Engineers
633
S Hawley Road, Suite 107
Milwaukee,
WI 53214-1948
414-479-0580
414-479-0582
fax
chrisalbrecht@ibew715.com
Randy
Ross
Industrial
Electronics
by
Ross
3256
S 92nd St,
West
Allis, WI 53227
414-327-1555
414-327-0577
fax
indelect@execpc.com
http://www.industrialelectronics.biz/
Phil
Longenecker
Milwaukee Radio Group
WHQG-WKLH-WJMR-WJZX-WJYI
5407 W McKinley Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53208
414- 978-9000
414- 978-9009 fax
Steve
Johnson
Panasonic
Broadcast
&
Television Systems
3910
Orleans Lane North
Plymouth,
MN 55441
763-545-0157
763-542-6011
fax
johnsons@us.panasonic.com
http://www.panasonic.com
David
R. Pritchard
Pritchard
Consulting
7583 Dada Drive
Gurnee, IL 60031
847- 207-6111
W9QL@att.net
Steve
Olson
Roscor
Wisconsin
600
W Virginia Street
Milwaukee,
WI 53204
414-223-2600
414-223-3434
fax
SOlson@roscor.com
www.roscor.com
Sean
O'Reilly
Sony
Broadcast and Business Solutions Company
1200
N. Arlington Heights Road
Itasca,
IL 60143
630-773-7640
630-697-7530
fax
630-697-5458
cellular
Sean.OReilly@am.sony.com
http://bssc.sel.sony.com/
Dan
Dyer
Weigel
Broadcasting
WDJT-TV
809
S 60th Street
Milwaukee,
WI 53214
414-607-8162
414-607-8103
fax
www.cbs58.com
Christopher
Tarr
Entercom
Communications
WSSP/WMYX/WXSS
11800
W Grange Avenue
Hales
Corners, WI 53130
414-529-1250
414-529-2122
fax
ctarr@entercom.com
http://www.99wmyx.com
http://www.1037kissfm.com
Tony
Coleman
Hearst-Argyle
Television
WISN-TV
759
N 19th Street
Milwaukee,
WI 53233
414-937-3375
414-342-2657
fax
tcoleman@hearst.com
http://www.wisn.com
Andy
Laird
Journal
Broadcast Group
WTMJ-TV,
WTMJ, WLWK
720
E Capitol Drive
Milwaukee,
WI 53212-1371
414-967-5204
414-967-5540
fax
alaird@journalbrodcastgroup.com
http://www.journalbroadcastgroup.com
Dennis
Brechlin
Sinclair
Communications
WVTV/WCGV
4041
N 35th Street
Milwaukee,
WI 53216
414-874-1856
414-874-1899
fax
dbrechli@sbgnet.com |
