Bell Ringing Components: Difference between revisions
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=== Swinging Bell === | === Swinging Bell === | ||
[[File:Bell-swinging-annotated.png|frameless|right|300px|Swinging Bell Components]] | [[File:Bell-swinging-annotated.png|frameless|right|300px|Swinging Bell Components|class=light-bg]] | ||
A swinging bell (A) is shown in the diagram with a wheel and electric hammer. | A swinging bell (A) is shown in the diagram with a wheel and electric hammer. | ||
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==== Headpiece and Clapper ==== | ==== Headpiece and Clapper ==== | ||
The bell is suspended from the Headstock with a headpiece (G) that distributes the weight of the bell evenly between the suspension bolts (E). The | The bell is suspended from the Headstock with a headpiece (G) that distributes the weight of the bell evenly between the suspension bolts (E). The headpiece for a swinging bell has a pivot (generally a clevis type) from which the free swinging clapper (C) is mounted. For free-swinging bells, the clapper is usually mounted to a hinge near the top center of the bell, aligned with the swinging axis of the bell so that it can strike the bell both fore and aft. Gravity and the motion of the clapper pivot relative to the bell gimbal axis cause the free clapper to strike the bell in its distinctive ding-dong fashion. | ||
===== Clapper Springs ===== | |||
A rope swung bell, especially as supplied by historic American foundries, will often be fitted with clapper springs (not illustrated). These blades are mounted to the headpiece so that they catch the clapper to hold it away from the bell after striking it when the swinging angle is too high. These springs often feature leather or rubber pads that contact the clapper arm and require periodic replacement. | |||
==== Wheel ==== | ==== Wheel ==== | ||
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==== Tolling Hammer ==== | ==== Tolling Hammer ==== | ||
The lively sound of one or more bells swinging evoke a celebratory atmosphere. This is used for calling people to church or celebrating special events. When announcing times of prayer or mourning, a toll of the bell while it is stationary is more appropriate. | The lively sound of one or more bells swinging evoke a celebratory atmosphere. This is used for calling people to church or celebrating special events. | ||
<br>When announcing times of prayer or mourning, a toll of the bell while it is stationary is more appropriate. | |||
The diagram shows such a hammer (I) actuated by an electromagnet (J) that allows an [ | The diagram shows such a hammer (I) actuated by an electromagnet (J) that allows an [[Libertas_master_clock_controller|Libertas bell control system]] to sound the hour, announce prayer times or count the age of the person being memorialized. | ||
=== Stationary Bell === | === Stationary Bell === | ||
==== Striker ==== | ==== Striker ==== | ||
We use the term striker to describe an element with an arm and head that excites a percussive instrument to resonate when they contact one another with a blow of some force. Actuation of the striker, regulation of the force and mass of the head for various purposes are described below. | We use the term striker to describe an element with an arm and head that excites a percussive instrument to resonate when they contact one another with a blow of some force. Actuation of the striker, regulation of the force and mass of the head for various purposes are described below. | ||
==== Internal clapper ==== | ==== Internal clapper ==== | ||
We refer to any striker that is mounted inside the bell as a clapper. | We refer to any striker that is mounted inside the bell as a clapper. | ||
For stationary bells, the clapper is typically supported close to one ideal strike point and an externally applied force moves the head toward the bell for a single strike. | For stationary bells, the clapper is typically supported close to one ideal strike point and an externally applied force moves the head toward the bell for a single strike. | ||
==== Hand held mallet ==== | |||
Used to play orchestral bells, gongs and metallophones, these mallets consist of sticks with heads of relatively soft materials. | |||
== Electrical Components == | == Electrical Components == | ||
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Movement of bells or strikers is generally accomplished by electro-mechanical means. Motors and electromagnets require large amounts of electric current to put these heavy components into motion. | Movement of bells or strikers is generally accomplished by electro-mechanical means. Motors and electromagnets require large amounts of electric current to put these heavy components into motion. | ||
Alternatively, compressed air can be used as a pneumatic source of power while low current electro-mechanical valves pulse the flow of air into the actuators. Pneumatic strikers have been fitted, especially to tubular tower bell chimes. [ | Alternatively, compressed air can be used as a pneumatic source of power while low current electro-mechanical valves pulse the flow of air into the actuators. Pneumatic strikers have been fitted, especially to tubular tower bell chimes. [[Pneumatic_actuation|Pneumatic 'fingers']] have been fitted to traditional carillon keyboards for automatic play. | ||
<embedvideo service="youtube">https://youtu.be/lbtMeUDZFiA</embedvideo> | |||
=== Electronics === | === Electronics === | ||
==== Automation ==== | ==== Automation controller ==== | ||
The [[Libertas_master_clock_controller|Libertas bell control system]] makes use of the latest electronic technology to control bell ringing schedules, ringing patterns and music as well as providing time synchronization and convenient remote control options. | |||
==== Power switching ==== | ==== Power switching ==== | ||
Advanced power switching panels ensure that high currents are applied to the ringing components only as long as it is needed. This keeps the tower safe from electric shock, prevents actuator overheating, and damage to the bell. | Advanced power switching panels ensure that high currents are applied to the ringing components only as long as it is needed. This keeps the tower safe from electric shock, prevents actuator overheating, and damage to the bell. | ||
High voltage circuits should be switched through dry mechanical relay components because even the most advanced solid state circuits leak some currents. | High voltage circuits should be switched through dry mechanical relay components because even the most advanced solid state circuits leak some currents. Solid state power switching is only acceptable when a dry contact master relay enables the high voltage to the individual outputs only during ringing. | ||
[[Category:Campanology]] | [[Category:Campanology]] | ||