ABEL Multi-bell Ringing Simulator
Available for use by ringing societies and bands
In the summer of 2009 we purchased and fitted an 8 bell ringing simulator to our bell installation. Following augmentation to 10 bells in 2011 we augmented the simulator, it can be used for 10 bell ringing. We use it for extra practice sessions on Friday nights. It plays a key role in the operation of our Ringing Centre allowing us to use the bells more often without increasing the amount of ringing audible to people living nearby.
Training Bell
In 2023 we installed a Saxilby simulator training bell in the belfry that can be rung from the ringing room, It is connected to our computer and large screen. It can be rung as a training aid or to practice methods with the images of real ringers on the screen produced by the ABEL software.
If you are interested in having a go, contact us for details. It is available for use by others by arrangement.
What is a Ringing Simulator?
It is a means of electronically producing the sound of a bell in the ringing chamber while a ringer handles the bell rope in the normal way. The bell itself is prevented from sounding by a clapper stay positioned across the mouth of the bell which holds the clapper in the centre.
Photo head sensors attached to the frame detect a target on the bell wheel. A computer delays the signal to the point where the bell would have normally sounded then applies the strike note through the speakers in the ringing chamber.
Photo shows a sensor fitted and pointing at a wheel target.
As we have sensors on all our bells the simulator can realistically produce the sounds of all of the 10 bells at the same time.
If you are interested in taking up bell ringing we will use the simulator as it allows us to teach you at a time that is convenient to you.
There are many other things the simulator software can do to aid ringers and ringing, come and visit us to find out.
An Asset For Ringers
We have fitted this as an asset for everyone. Bellringers and teams of ringers in the Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster and Barnsley areas could make regular use of it if they wish. It is available by arrangement for evening use by bands on Thursdays and Fridays. Saturday mornings and afternoons are available provided there are no weddings booked. We make an hourly charge for its use which we will discuss when you make your enquiry.
Suggestions for its use include:
-Extra practice
- If your bells are unavailable or out of use
- Special method practice sessions
- Learners’ group practices
- Demonstrations and ringing presentation talks
- Simulator Quarter Peals
- Striking practice
- Branch training days
- Training courses
- Teaching
- Tower visits by members of the public
The Future
We believe that bell ringing as an art should continue in the traditional way. At the same time we are aware that as technology advances there is a place for it in bell ringing and we should make use of it to support the centuries old practice of ringing changes so that it becomes more accessible and viable for the future.
It operates alongside our CCTV feed from the belfry so that as well as hearing the bells, ringers can see them rotating on a TV screen. This is something that is seldom seen as to go in to a bell chamber when the bells are being rung is very very dangerous.
The Simulator Programme
The ringing simulator runs from the Abel Change Ringing Software installed on our computer. The sensors and hardware in the bell chamber were built by David Bagley.
Contact Us
You can email us at: ecclesfieldtower@hotmail.co.uk