Setting Up a Satellite Clock

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Setting Up a Satellite Clock

PostedSeptember 2, 2024
UpdatedSeptember 2, 2024
Byaxisdj

Section 17: Setting Up a Satellite / Talk Rotation or Clock

Requirements:

  1. Satellite Receiver: Connected to a Broadcast Tools switcher or any other supported trigger input, such as Axia, Wheatstone, Audio Science, or similar devices, for initiating commands.
  2. PC with NextKast: Installed and a sound card configured to receive the satellite programming.

Creating the Rotation/Clock:

  1. Start nkManager and Create New Rotation: Begin by selecting “New Rotation” in nkManager. The approach may vary depending on the specific show requirements, but the following steps provide a general guideline:
  2. Top of Hour (TOH): This can be a static audio file or a top-of-hour category.
  3. Set Up Serial Communication:
    • StartSerialListen: This command sets up the communication between NextKast and the trigger devices (Broadcast Tools switcher, Axia, Wheatstone, Audio Science, etc.) to receive “nextstart” or other commands.
    • SendSerialCommand: Sends a serial command to the trigger device (such as Broadcast Tools switcher, Axia, Wheatstone, or Audio Science) to switch to the audio channel carrying the satellite programming.
  4. Start Line Input:
    • StartLinein: Activates the audio input from a designated sound card, broadcasting the incoming audio through NextKast. The automation will wait in this state until a “nextstart” command is received from any supported trigger (Broadcast Tools, Axia, Wheatstone, Audio Science, etc.). You can also specify a time duration for the line-in state as a backup if no command is received.
  5. Synchronize Timing:
    • timeSync: Configure the software to anticipate the timing of commercial breaks or other scheduled events.
  6. Merge External Traffic Logs:
    • mergeExternalTrafficLog: Integrate traffic or ad logs (from software like Natural Log) into the specified stop set or time range.
  7. Return to Satellite Programming:
    • After the break, Start Linein is used again to switch back to the satellite programming, repeating the cycle until the end of the hour.

These steps enable seamless integration of satellite programming into your radio station’s schedule, using triggers from a variety of supported devices, including Broadcast Tools, Axia, Wheatstone, Audio Science, and others, ensuring synchronization between audio feeds and pre-planned content breaks.