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[clouseau]

Hi,

A project has been turned over to me that involves satellite distribution to several locations. Our think tank has determined that Echostar is the way to go as they offer a 24/7 feed for about $2K a month. Couple of hundred bucks an installation for receiving. I'm thinking "Echostar?"... "Radio???"

Two things. Does this make sense to anyone? And if so, we will need to send a single closure, somehow. How common is a 25 hz decoder at radio stations? I've never had or needed one, but I could use one on Westwood One programs. Anyone with ideas? I got almost no budget and am very short on time.

(So what else is new, right?)

Looking for a snappy answer.

Thanks

 

[K6JHU]

If you have a really old autmation system with open reel decks, or an old open real with automatic reverse, you might be able to find a 25Hz decode in there.

John

 

[Chuck]

I don't know if this would suit your needs or not. It is a pause detector that some NPR stations have used. No cue tones. Just dead air around a predetermined time slot.
http://www.scott-inc.com/html/detect.htm

 

[jammerdave]

Conex still has them... good stuff.. encoders and decoders..

http://www.conex-electro.com/

 

[rfburns]

Subaudible (25 / 35 hz) tones would be your most economical choice. Couple of things to make sure of - make sure you use a good quality tone encoder like the CircuitWerkes model. It filters the program audio to prevent false tripping, which will definitely happen with unfiltered program audio. Just recording a 25 hz tone and playing it back won't work. You also need to make sure that the satellite provider can pass 25 / 35 hz audio reliably.

RFB