I am in need of a free automation software.
The way I want to use the automation is to record several hours of programming (simple stuff like music, sweepers, short announcement,etc). Take the recording and convert it to mp3 and load it to a mp3 player connected to a Scosche FMT4 Fm Transmitter. I want the station to run continuously for several days on its own.
So bottom line i need automation software that records too.
Any suggestions?
I know one that recordes and is automation software but it's not free. The free ones like radio DJ. Ro can work pretty good but you have to know how to install the encoders for the internet stuff. But I recommend nextkast which is not free it's about two hundred and some dollars and it even has a feature for the second sound card which works very well for FM transmitters.
You could just run Zara Radio and record it with something like audacity. I used to do that with VHS Tapes and winamp when I first started part 15 radio.
I agree do your recording with audacity and download the plugin which allows you to export as mp3. You might also want to download Mp3DirectCut http://mpesch3.de1.cc/mp3dc.html as it comes in real handy when you want to excerpt a specific portion of an existing mp3, it enables you to do it without having to re-encode the file, so it doesn't degrade the audio at all.
Then for automation use good ole trustworthy ZaraRadio, or perhaps give the interesting LunarCaster a try (also free) http://www.lunarcaster.com/
But RadioBoss is not free.. $200
DTG -
For free, the best choices out there (IMO) are Zara and Rivendell. The latter has a module called "RDCatch" which allows timed recordings of audio events that can be imported directly into the playback library.
Forgive the bluntness of my observation, but a station that runs "continuously for several days on its own" is exactly what Part 15 operators should be trying to combat: unattended corporate automatons with no vibe. I hope somewhere in the mix you plan to be going live and local, with a frequency greater than several days apart.
WIshing You Much Success.
Just of note.. While I'm not sure what you mean by you wanting to "record several hours of programming" to use for your broadcast, I was recently looking over Voicemeeter Banana which I saw mention of at HB. It has virtual audio cables built in, and numerous inputs and outputs, and lots of features including a recorder,, I've downloaded it but havent toyed with it yet, but it looks real interesting..
"To make Voicemeeter affordable for everyone, it is distributed as Donationware! It means you can set the License price as you want!"
http://vb-audio.pagesperso-orange.fr/Voicemeeter/banana.htm
Voicemeter does also allow you to add base to the mic too. It also gives a little virtual umph with its 3D sound effect option.
LunarCaster was another one I've played with a bit. Not bad for FREE software. If you also stream over the net you'd have to figure how to get B.U.T.T to work with it. But its looking a little like SAM now.
Audacity is a piece of software I use to trim my Mp3's and sometimes record my announcements. You will need to Download the LAME DLL file so you can import Mp3's but that is really easy to get to work.
Thanks for the suggestions.
I don't mind bluntness. I appreciate your concern.
My target audience will be visitors to the pool. My apartment is too far to broadcast to my audience. I have a sweet place to place an mp3 player and transmitter about 8 feet above the pool and no farther than 100 ft to the furthest corner of the pool enclosure. Plus it will also probably cover a small dog park behind the pool. It wont be practical to update more than every 2 or three days.
I do plan apartment complex announcements, my observations of the community, turn before you burn alerts, and, if I'm lucky, content from other residents. All this will have to be prerecorded and because of my space limitations on the mp3 player it will have to loop some.
I am open to any suggestions.