As broadcast engineers it often feels like our lives are dictated by time. This is especially true when it comes to computerized audio playout systems.
Frequent contributor Dan Slentz writes that in his experience, Windows PCs have a tendency to drift, even with Network Time Protocol time service to lock onto.
Dan subscribes to a blog called TheWindowsClub, created by Microsoft MVP recipient Anand Khanse. The site is for users of Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7 and Vista and discusses issues related to these operating systems.
By default, these Windows versions sync your system time with internet servers on a weekly basis, but you can sync the time more frequently. In a recent post, Dan found good information about how time works on Windows and how you can force PCs to keep it more accurately.
Paul on Update Blocker
While we’re on the subject of Windows, Paul Sagi in Malaysia read the suggestion made in November by Matt Jones to consider the Windows Long-Term Servicing Channel, which prevents periodic Windows updates that interrupt critical 24/7 operation.
Paul says he likes a tool offered by the website Sordum for this purpose.
Paul also shared an interesting blog post by Michael Horowitz about this topic. Michael is a retired computer programmer and blogger; he wrote his first program in 1973. He wrote his post in 2018 but it provides interesting insights about services and tasks associated with Windows updates that can be disabled.
Stay connected
The uSwitchPro is an advanced version of the popular uSwitch two-channel IP relay.
The Pro version adds user-customizable GPIO inputs and the ability to activate other uSwitch IP relays either locally or remotely on any network. Simple to use, uSwitchPro automatically builds a control web page, is password-protected and can operate standalone or be controlled via the internet or a local intranet. In addition, the uSwitch Pro has a built-in calendar for scheduling events.
Retro
It’s always fun to see what vintage equipment shows up at in the booth of the Society of Broadcast Engineers at state and national trade shows.
Radio World contributor Mark Persons restored the Gates Biamote that was displayed at the Midwest Regional Broadcasters Clinic in Madison, Wis., in September, which he’d purchased at a hamfest. This is a two-channel mixer/amplifier that was used for remote broadcasting in the mid-1950s. The accompanying photos show the unit before and after Mark’s loving restoration.
More retro
In the 1990s, Herb Squire, then chief engineer of WQXR(AM/FM) in New York, put together a 22-minute compilation of great-sounding AM airchecks for an SBE presentation. The quality is amazing.
Reader Mike Fast rediscovered it recently on the YouTube channel of the AWA Communication Technologies Museum. I suspect you’ll enjoy it too.
Workbench submissions are encouraged and qualify for SBE recertification credit. Email johnpbisset@gmail.com.
