Questions
About the
Emergency Alert Sentinel
What type of radio is the
Sentinel?
This is not another "weather
radio" with limited coverage. The Emergency Alert Sentinel works in conjunction with
the AM/FM radio stations. It is local people bringing you local emergency information.
How about the other
competitive Radios?
With Patent pending, this is
truly a one of a kind.
Who is the designer and
manufacturer?
The Sentinel is designed in Iowa
by ASi Industries and manufactured exclusively for us overseas.
How does it work?
The FCC Emergency Alert System
allows radio stations to send digitally encoded information via the radio station's main
audio channel. The Emergency Alert Sentinel's processor decodes this digital information
and turns on the speaker so the emergency message can be heard and starts the red light
flashing. When the station sends the End of Message data the Sentinel turns the speaker
off. The Sentinel must be switched form "ready" to "reset", and then
back to the "ready" state to turn off the red
light. If for some reason you did not hear the emergency message the flashing red light
will indicate a message was sent. You then need to place the radio in "reset"
mode and listen to the station for further information.
What about tests?
The FCC Emergency Alert System
requires that tests are run at a minimum of once per week and at random times. The
Sentinel will distinguish between a test and an actual emergency announcement. When a
required weekly or monthly test is received, the yellow light is turned on, but the
speaker remains silent. The Yellow light will remain on until it is reset by toggling the
reset switch on the front of the unit. Once a week, you are
quietly reminded that you are in touch with your radio station and all systems are GO!
What Radio Stations will
it work with?
Any radio station that normally
transmits the Emergency Alert System or EAS messages (used to be the Emergency Broadcast
System or EBS). This is probably the station you would tune your radio to for severe
weather and other local emergency messages. The FCC requires virtually every radio station
in the US to have the ability to send the digitally encoded EAS information.
Where does the Sentinel
operate the best?
Will work anywhere in the US,
Alaska and Hawaii if you can receive a radio station signal dependably - day and night. It
is best to stay tuned to an actively participating station in the area where you reside.
What's the best location
of the Alert Sentinel in my home or business?
Wherever it will be heard day and
night. Adjust volume to required level to be heard.
What about mounting?
The Emergency Alert Sentinel is
designed to sit on a nightstand or table but it can also be wall mounted. For wall
mounting, there is a hanger slot in the rear of the case.
What about FCC and UL
Approval?
Radio has been tested and meets
FCC requirements. The AC adapter, which is included, is UL approved. The radio is powered
from the AC adapter unless AC power is lost, then the unit is automatically powered from
the batteries.
What type of batteries do
I need?
For battery backup, the unit requires 6 AA alkaline batteries. The batteries are not
included and should be changed once a year. On batteries alone, it will run approximately
three days in the "Ready" or silent mode. This is due to the fact that the radio
is on all the time but the speaker is muted.
What size is it?
The Emergency Alert Sentinel is
3.5 inches by 3.5 inches square and is
6.5" high. The unit weighs about 1 lb.
What colors can I get?
Antique white. No other colors
available at this time.
How do I tune it?
Remove the battery compartment
door and tune the radio just like any other radio. The tuning and volume controls are in
the compartment to preclude moving the adjustments by accident. The unit must be tuned to
a station that is on the air 24 hours a day. This should also be the station that you
depend on for emergency information. With a strong signal from the radio station, the
"green" tuning light on the front will come on. This is a good indication that
you have selected a radio station that will be received by the Alert Sentinel.
What do the lights and
switches do?
The "Yellow" weekly
test and "Red" alarm lights can be turned off by momentarily sliding the
"Ready/Reset" switch to "Reset" and then back to "Ready". In
the 'Reset" position you can listen to the radio. The "Reset" position also
serves as a light check for the Red Alert light and the Yellow Weekly test light.
Can I connect the
Sentinel to other devices?
Yes, we also provide an option
for external contacts allowing the Emergency Alert Sentinel to be interfaced with other
devices such as alerting devices for the blind and deaf community (i.e. strobes,
amplifiers and vibrators). Please call 800-360-5440 for more details.
How the Sentinel shipped?
Units will be shipped standard
UPS ground. Allow up to two weeks for delivery.
What type of return
policy is there?
At our option during the warranty
period, we agree to repair any defect in the material or workmanship, provide a new or, at
our option, a refurbished unit. The exchange unit is warranted for the remainder of your
products original 90-day warranty period
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