[BC] DST, EAS, Automation

[Johannes G. Rietschel]

Hi,

i have been silently wading through the list over the last couple of 
months. Regarding the DST issues, i have a specific question, and
forgive me if I may tell you things you already know about Barix 
products or if that post is seen as "advertising", it is not intended to  ..

The DST time change "change" is generating confusion, and obviously 
many devices cannot be updated in time (and probably will not
even be updated next year). I would appreciate if you can explain me 
a bit more what a typical EAS "device" which has the clock built-in
does.

Reason: we have been asked by a radio station in Germany to provide 
them with an NTP synchronised, configurable scheduled "switcher"
to allow accurate time-based switching from a main feed to a "local" 
studio at several of their transmitters for a couple of hours per day
(weekly schedule). Is that somewhat along the lines of what the EAS 
equipment does ?

This is something our "Barionet" network automation controller ($295) 
is perfect to use for, so we will program such a "super timer" for it
and make that application generally available. It allows you to 
schedule a large number of things to happen on a weekly schedule,
controlling relays or sending UDP commands over the network 
interface. The device synchronises to UTC via the NTP protocol, and guess
what - we will make the DST switching rules fully configurable so 
that if the US senate changes the rules again, NO prom will be required ;)
you yourself can simply change the rule (from 1st saturday in march 
to last saturday in march, for example) using a web browser only.
Does such a "product" make sense for you ?

On a second note, we are interested in finding "non-standard" 
applications in the "networking", "control" and audio/streaming area (like
the one above). So, things like "close a contact and stream this 
audio file every day at midnight - then collect all data on the serial port
(an EAS report ?) and send it via email to xxx at yyy.com, but only once 
per week (keep a local copy of all reports, every day, in the local
USB, though). With our without audio. WIth serial or contact closures 
or or ...
If you have such a problem to solve, please let us know - we want to 
pick a project of general interest, provide the solution FREE to you,
and use it as a "showcase" how easy such things can be done in the 
meantime. So - here is the freebie (both programming and hardware!).

Ok, that's it. Flame me if I do something not accepted here, beat me 
up at NAB or ask me to pay you a beer.
Looking forward to your feedback.

Johannes Rietschel
CEO, Barix AG