Pip...pip...pip..piiiip

[SFM-Ptgal]

Strange title, I know.
Here in Europe for a long time top of the hour Pips (or beeeps) were oftenly used by radio stations. I don't know if in the US too.
I'm asking is if is there any electronic schematics that produce pips syncronized with a digital clock.

Pedro

 

[kyscott]

You may want to check the master clock vendors. I know that WHAS and several other stations have a tone at the top of the hour synched with the GPS clock but delayed by 8 to 10 seconds due to IBOC standards.

 

[DudeFan]

These days you could also do it with one synched to NTS. I am sure BBC has some vendor they use.

 

[FredRichards]

I used to have a small DVR (digital voice recorder) that was connected to a start source to trigger it. The audio out went to the air chain, and mixed with program audio.

However, in the days of hard disk it's easier.

The automation that I use (WireReady/NSI) has a spare deck that is ideal for setting up this routine. I use deck 8 as my time source.

The audio from this deck is routed to a spare input on the mix buss for programming.

The computer runs a program called D4, which is a free download. This keeps the automation/computer in time, all the time.

A file was recorded using (6) "ticks" of the WWV clock, that was recorded off the radio, then a 880 hz tone for 1/2 second. The file is loaded into the automation.

On the spare deck I program a series of "Wait Till" commands, then a play command.

So at 19:56:54, the file will play with the 880 hz tone playing right at the T.O.H.

Works flawlessly every time.