Q. Why use hard disks to store music? Why not metal rods, special cards or CD’s?
A. The primary digital music sources used by the CBS5000 are solid-state memory chips and disk memory. Standard audio CD’s can also be played. No other digital carillon offers greater sound quality. Some company’s use amplified metal rods (like a mantel clock). They do not sound like real cast bells. Disk storage is a timeproven and reliable method of reproducing high quality digital sound.
Q. Are all carillons alike?
A. Whether it’s a $4,000 or a $40,000 system, most digital carillons consist of four basic components. They are:
1.The sound source. The BRG carillon includes many sources of sound including, solid state memory, hard disk, standard audio CD’s, and various audio input channels.
2. The computer controller. While all electronic carillons include a computer, BRG does not attempt to hide this fact. This allows us to use a full color screen and standard computer keyboard to control the system.
3. Power Amplifier. The BRG Carillon includes the custom designed MA1200 power amplifier.
4. Outdoor speakers. BRG uses quadruple redundant 400 Watt speakers. The question to ask those overpriced systems is, “ What part of your system is worth $40,000? Is it the computer, the amplifier, sound source, or what?” The answer, of course is, none of the above.
Q. What is the song storage capacity of the BRG Carillon?
A. The BRG carillon, using a combination of solid state, disk and CD’s, can store more music than is available in the world.
Q. How easy is it to program a bell-ringing schedule?
A. The BRG Carillon uses a conventional computer keyboard and full color display with pop-up help. There are several alternatives for configuring your ring schedule. We can program your ring schedule before we ship the system. Or, you can call us with your desired ring schedule after you receive the system and we will send you your ring schedule already programmed on CD. You simply pop it into the carillon and your up and running. Of course, you can configure the ring schedule yourself if you choose to.
Q. Are batteries used to backup the song schedule?
A. Batteries eventually wear out; therefore, the entire song play schedule is copied to non-volatile memory that does not require power. If the power goes out, nothing is lost. When the power is restored, the carillon will resume normal operation, playing right on schedule, as if nothing had happened.
Q. What does open architecture design mean?
A. The BRG Carillon incorporates conventional, and readily available, computer and audio technology. Most other manufacturers use proprietary technology that only the factory or their representative can service.
Q. How much do out-of-warranty repairs cost?
A. We will quote you a repair cost depending on the module to be repaired or replaced. Because the BRG Carillon is open architecture design, you also have the option of using local computer and/or audio service companies. With most other carillons, you are bound to the whims of the factory for the cost service as well as the time to obtain service. Local computer/audio companies will not be able to help you with those systems. You only have two choices with proprietary systems. You pay what they demand or you don’t receive service.
Q. How do we obtain service?
A. Warranty repairs are promptly addressed. For out of warranty repairs, you also have the option of using BRG or local computer and/or audio service companies.
Q. How much does additional music cost?
A. We don’t sell music. All the music in our library is included with every carillon. Further, as new music is added to the library, new CD’s are sent to all customers at no additional cost.
Q. What is the purpose of the GPS atomic clock?
A. When performing publicly, it’s important to be accurate. A poor performance where the chimes are not striking exactly on the hour reflects negatively on the church. Conversely, when the chimes strike exactly, to the split second, every time, is a positive reflection on the church. The atomic clock automatically calibrates the carillon’s internal clock with the U.S. Atomic clock located in Ft. Collins, Colorado.
Q. Can new program features be added? If so, how much does it cost to upgrade the carillon?
A. Yes. The BRG Carillon is field upgradeable. As new features are added to the control program, they are sent to all customers at no additional charge.
Q. Can I use my own computer in place of the one included with the carillon?
A. Our goal is to provide a system that is both responsive and reliable. To meet this goal, the system cannot be used for any other application other than ringing bells. Furthermore, the hardware provided is specifically configured for the carillon software.
Q. Can I evaluate a carillon system in my area?
A. While you can look at another carillon, generally you can’t perform a full evaluation on someone else’s system. We will gladly send you a new carillon configured to your specifications, for a no obligation free trial. Take a month to fully evaluate the system at your convenience. We pay shipping both ways.