Everything you need to know but were afraid to ask

…updated to 9/16/19

The 2019 NPT was on August 7, 2019 at 2:20 PM EDT. The FCC and the FEMA urge everyone to get ready. There is even a video now posted on the ETRS (EAS Test Reporting System) page.

This year’s test was designed to test the legacy daisy-chain system, from the PEP (Primary Entry Point) to the LP (Local Primary) to the individual stations that pass the test on to others. The IPAWS/CAP system was not be involved in this test.

The following is more information on the NPT, the Forms – registering and reporting – and the frequently asked questions:

The purpose of the 2019 test is to both focus on the station-to-station chain, and to see if every station in the country gets the test.

1. recognize the “national geo code” 000000
2. Respond to the new NPT (National Periodic Test) code
3. As with the EAS, the FEMA and the FCC desire stations relay “immediately.”

Additionally, stations must have a copy of the new EAS Handbook at the operating position.

THE ETRS (EAS Test Reporting System) AND REPORTING

1. The initial FCC ETRS page is here
2. All EAS Participants are required to register with ETRS and were supposed to
   complete the filing of Form One on or before August 5, 2019.
   (Not have your Form One done? Do it now anyway. The FCC just wants it done!)
3. The “day of test” information sought by ETRS Form Two
   was to be filed at or before 11:59 PM EDT on August 7th, 2019. Go here.
4. The detailed post-test data ETRS Form Three must be filed on or before September 23, 2019.

FORM ONE QUESTIONS:

1. The form should be submitted as soon as possible
2. The Form One should self-populate information. The FCC wants you to confirm it is correct and the contact person information is current.
3. A guide to answering many of your questions is at “Meet the ETRS” Check the Videos. More information is here.
4. The FCC has a special crew at etrs@fcc.gov to answer any questions you have.

FORM TWO QUESTIONS:

This form is designed to simply have stations answer- by midnight EDT of the test day:

1. if they received the NPT and
2. did they relay it.

There is a batch file option, should you be reporting for multiple stations. Need help? etrs@fcc.gov

FORM THREE QUESTIONS:

The FCC will ask more detailed questions, requiring more time to answer, but provided 45 days to do so. The form continues to undergo some changes, but we understand stations will be asked to provide information as to:

1. Was the NPT received?
2. the source from which they received the NPT
3. The time and date of the receipt of the NPT
4. which time zone they are in
5. Were there are complications in receiving the NPT, and
6. provide any explanation necessary to help the FCC understand any of the answers.
7. Did the station retransmit the NPT?
8. Retransmission date and time.
9. Any complications in retransmission?
10. Any necessary explanations and comments.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS