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Ringing World Review of Ringing Master - Printed Sep 2005

Ringing Master V3.01

Ringing Master has had some extensive development since Version 1 was reviewed in June 2002. Version 2 added a Record Keeping Module, Crib Sheets, Call Change Editor and, in addition, various improvements were made to the interface.

Version 3 has continued this process. Much will look familiar to users of the previous version, but major changes have been made. The most obvious of these is the addition of a simulator function. As with other programs, such as Abel and Beltower, Ringing Master can be connected to sensors that are attached to the bell installation. (Sensors can be manufactured by those with some electrical knowledge or bought from David Bagley - see http://www.ringing.demon.co.uk/sensors/sensors.htm). This allows a ringer, or indeed a whole band, to ring silenced bells, with the computer generating the bell sounds, in order that from rounds to surprise-16 can be practised without disturbing the local residents! The simulator can also be used in order to practise methods at home either using the keyboard or electronic handbells.

The ability to adjust a bell's striking nature is common with other simulators, but there is the additional feature of being able to edit the pitch and volume of individual bells and even their perceived 3-d position within the "tower". The bell sounds generated by the program are very realistic, provided that decent speakers are used, and there is now support for Dolby 5.1 surround sound, which further improves the sound quality. All this is very useful in giving ringers practice in ringing bells that are not as evenly struck as perhaps they might be or, perhaps, to be well prepared in advance for certain towers well known to the Exercise!

One unique feature is the ability of the program to use voice recognition software to allow the user to conduct a touch as it is in progress via a headset plugged into the computer. This means the user does not necessarily have to "pre-record" the touch prior to ringing it or have a "spare" person beside the computer to input commands for calls or changes or method as it is being rung. This is very useful when you are training a learner in a new method and you deem it necessary to start again, stand the bells, or even extend a touch due to the good quality of the ringing.

The minimum hardware requirements are modest and therefore the simulator will operate on most of the many "cast-off computers" that are currently found in towers around the world.

The proving facility remains a strong point of this program. Touches to long-lengths are proved almost instantaneously. Statistical information, such as crus, all-the-work checking and user defined changes are easily to hand. Though the interface initially looks very much like Version 2, it has actually been subtly refined in order that it becomes much more flexible.
For instance, the user can now customize their window via dragging and docking/undocking toolbars and windows.

This program is certainly very good, but is it perfect? Of course it isn't!
If programmers only released "perfect" products nothing would ever be put onto the market. Proving very long compositions can mean that the column headings listing the calling positions are lost to view. Having said that, it can be checked in "full-page" view. Ringing Master cannot cope with the tiny proportion of compositions that are for methods at more than one stage, e.g. Triples and Major. However, any niggles with Ringing Master are certainly very minor and are very easily outweighed by the functionality and stability of the program as a whole.

Ringing Master costs £40 as a download and £42.50 on CD. The latter option should only really be required by those still using a dial-up account and, at the same time, do not have the Windows Voice Recognition Software installed on their computer. Upgrading from previous versions is a free
download or £2.50 on CD. Purchasing details can be found at www.ringingmaster.co.uk or by snail-mail to Ringing Master, 2 Red Lodge Drive, Bilton, Rugby, Warks, CV22 7TT

Ringing Master is a product that requires serious consideration by anyone who has decided to purchase software to carry out even one of its individual features. Taking into account what is offered by the program as a whole and how well it functions the purchase price represents extremely good value for money.

M Chester

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