There's been talk of radio automation choices to part 15 stations. I'd like to begin a thread that addresses how automation can make... or break a station.
I've used all of them. Prophet, Scott Studios, BSI, DRS, the list goes on. They all have features that serve different purposes. (Some better than others) Before you invest in what could be a pricy software addition to your station, identify what you'd like to do.
There's been talk of radio automation choices to part 15 stations. I'd like to begin a thread that addresses how automation can make... or break a station.
I've used all of them. Prophet, Scott Studios, BSI, DRS, the list goes on. They all have features that serve different purposes. (Some better than others) Before you invest in what could be a pricy software addition to your station, identify what you'd like to do.
Sure, I could program an awesome sounding station with any of them. However, don't we all have awesome sounding stations?
I chose SAM3 for it's functionality and ability to interact with my listeners. Check "Instant Requests" on our page at www.Surfside1640.com for an idea what I am speaking about. SAM, when combined with some other secret software goodies, is also excellent in making my station sound live 24/7.
Many of today's automation programs cost upwards of $500+. I do not regret my decision in buying SAM3 for my needs.
NOTE: I am not being compensated for saying good things about SAM. In fact, when I first bought SAM, I regretted the decision very much. The software can be very hard to learn. I exchanged many coarse words with their tech support for a month or so. However, after I learned it, I realized it's power. LEARN IT... then, buy it.
If we will be successful at our part 15 station, we will not do it by being "as good" as the local class A FM. We will have to better.... much better.
Check out www.Surfside1640.com and give it a listen. Love to know what you think.
We have local news, weather, major market announcers, have had numerous articles written about us and are a member of the Chamber of Commerce. Financially, we may have a great first year in advertising sales.
I wish you all the luck in the world. Wouldn't part 15 be powerful if we all banded together and helped each other!
Dave
Surfside 1640 Radio
Digital Audio Tracks
www.Surfside1640.com
www.DigitalAudioTracks.com
Prophet, Scott Studios, BSI, DRS, the list goes on.
I just got an old DOS Based scott studio's system that someone gave me 🙂
I like the Rack mount cases and some of the other hardware used by scott.
Interesting boxes they are 😉
Hi Dave,
checked out the webpage and request system; pretty cool. I've heard this sam system on some internet-only stations, and it allows the station to be interactive when it's on autpilot. I was wondering how many transmitters you are running and how you link them (STL microwave link?) so that they are synchronized, and what does it sound like travelling in a car in between transmitter sites. Are you running all the same brand of xmtr or have you mixed and matched. Also, are there coverage gaps at night whereas by day it might sound seemless? This seems to be a perfect set up for a Part 15 AM as you don't waste signal over the water, or where there are no roads or homes, and instead cover the populated areas. You can look at many a map on radio-locator and see loads of wasted high power signals with lobes that go over open ocean or places with no population.
AJ
We're using Rangemasters exclusively. While we have yet to complete the network, out preliminary findings are that our signal decreases dramatically at night. However, we can fix that by keeping the transmitters spaced closer together. Rangemasters have numerous synch features that make it easy.
Lots of experience with the "PB" & "SS" 🙂 Stable automation with limited features. The cases are pretty cool if you can find a 486 motherboard to fit em- lol
actually any "AT" form factor motherboard and power supply will fit in these cases. i've seen AT cases on Ebay that take PIII/1000MHz CPU's w/PC133 SDRAM 🙂
Thank You,
Rev. Robert P. Chrysafis
Universal Life Ministries
http://www.ulc.org
Moderator Hunterdonfree
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hunterdonfree
SAM3 - we also use it. We've used SAM since it's ealry beta days and love it. It's not the most friendly system (PAL scripting) but it works very well.