Milwaukee Chapter 28
The Society of Broadcast Engineers
The Broadcast Newsletter
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February 2010
Volume 26 Number 2

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


Society of Broadcast Engineers, Inc.
9102 North Meridian Street, Suite 150
Indianapolis, IN 46260
Phone: (317) 846-9000
Fax: (317) 846-9120
http://www.sbe.org

Edited by volunteer members of SBE Chapter 28, Milwaukee, WI.  Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the SBE or Chapter 28.  Material for publication may be submitted electronically to Newsletter@sbe28.org.  Reprint permission granted to other SBE Chapters.  Please credit this newsletter and original source if indicated.
copyright © 2002-2010 SBE Chapter 28-Milwaukee, WI
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