Innovation Meets Tradition: Chime Master Modernizes Miami University's Pulley Bell Tower
In the heart of Oxford, Ohio, Miami University's Pulley Bell Tower stands as a testament to both tradition and innovation. Recently, this iconic landmark underwent a significant transformation, blending its historic charm with cutting-edge technology, thanks to the expertise of Chime Master.
The Challenge
Miami University's Pulley Bell Tower had a unique history that presented equally unique challenges:
A Student-Built Legacy: The tower was controlled by a homebrew Windows-based system, designed and built as a capstone project by a group of graduating engineering students.
Reliability Issues: The existing system was running bells and clocks through outdated equipment built by a competitor, which was no longer reliable.
Support and Maintenance Concerns: The university faced difficulties with readily available support and parts for the system. The IT department was reluctant to take responsibility for the student-built controller.
Equipment Failures: The old control equipment was causing coils to burn out when the boards experienced failures, damaging bell strikers in the process.
Miami University's Vision
The university approached Chime Master with clear objectives for their bell tower upgrade:
Modern controls with automatic play capabilities
MIDI keyboard integration for live performances
Simple remote control access from office computers
Availability of replacement parts
A willingness to provide parts for university personnel to install
Enter Chime Master
Chime Master rose to the challenge, providing a comprehensive solution that not only met but exceeded Miami University's expectations.
Our Solution
Libertas AX Bell Controller: We installed our state-of-the-art Libertas AX Bell Controller, replacing the homebrew Windows-based system with a reliable, purpose-built solution.
New Relay Panels: These panels ensure smooth operation and prevent the issues that were causing damage to the bell strikers.
GPS-Synced Clock Controller: This addition guarantees precise timekeeping across the entire system.
Bell Striker Repairs: We repaired several bell strikers that had been damaged by the previous equipment failures.
MIDI Integration: The new system seamlessly interfaced with the university's existing MIDI keyboards, preserving their ability to perform live music.
Expanded Music Library: Along with maintaining all the music recorded by students, we provided a significant amount of pre-recorded music, expanding the tower's repertoire.
Chime.Center Remote Access: This feature provides instant access to the system from anywhere on or off campus, offering unprecedented convenience and control.
Chime.Center Portal: This allows university staff to program the system directly from their offices, eliminating the need for a local server or intermediary computers.
The Results
Since the installation, Miami University has experienced:
Consistent and reliable bell ringing
Simplified management and control of the system
Expanded musical capabilities
Reduced maintenance needs
Enhanced ability to customize bell ringing for various events and occasions
Seamless integration of tradition and modern technology
Looking to the Future
This project exemplifies Chime Master's commitment to preserving the tradition of bell ringing while embracing modern technology. We not only solved Miami University's immediate challenges but also provided a forward-looking solution that will serve the campus community for years to come.
As educational institutions, churches, and civic organizations look to maintain and upgrade their bell towers and carillons, Chime Master stands ready to provide innovative, cost-effective solutions that respect both heritage and future needs.
Are you facing challenges with your current bell system or considering an upgrade? Contact Chime Master today to discuss how we can bring your vision to life while respecting your institution's unique requirements and budget.
About Chime Master: With over 50 years of experience, Chime Master is a leading provider of digital carillons,bells, and bell automation solutions, blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology to serve churches, universities, and civic institutions worldwide.