Buying and license
How much does School Bell PRO cost?
Price on request; it depends on the number of consoles. The license is perpetual with 1 year of updates. Get a quote.
What does “perpetual license” mean?
The version you bought works with no time limit. Updates are included for 1 year and can be renewed. If you don't renew, every version released before your updates expired keeps working.
What happens to the key if the school replaces the computer?
The key is bound to the main computer. A new disk or a Windows reinstall doesn't reset it. A new computer or motherboard needs a new key: send us the new computer code from the “License” window.
Installation and requirements
Does the program need the internet?
No. The program and consoles work on the school's local network. The license key is entered offline too: computer code → key.
Does it run on Windows 7?
Yes, on Windows 7 SP1 (updates KB2533623 and KB2999226 are required), and on Windows 10 and 11, 32- and 64-bit.
Do we need a separate computer for the bells?
The main computer must be connected to the amplifier or PA unit and stay on during lessons. It can be a working computer, for example at the front desk: the program minimizes and doesn't get in the way. Put it on a UPS and turn off sleep mode.
What if the computer goes to sleep or the program fails?
The program starts with Windows, and if it fails, the watchdog restarts it in 3 seconds. A bell missed during sleep rings on wake-up if it is no more than 3 minutes late. The window's close button only minimizes the program. If Windows sound is muted or the sound card is unplugged, a big warning appears.
How do we check that everything is installed correctly?
Settings → Installation check tests the sound card, Windows volume, melodies and alarm signals, schedule, autostart and the console network. The report can be copied into your installation record.
How do we set the bell volume on the amplifier?
Open Settings → Sound → “Test bell”. The program plays a start-of-lesson bell through the selected sound card while you raise the input level on the amplifier or PA unit to a normal volume without distortion.
PA integration
Can it work through the school PA or voice alarm system?
Yes, if the system has a background music input with the lowest priority. The main computer's sound card connects to that line input, and bells play through the same speakers. The fire alarm overrides the bells because the PA equipment is built that way; the program does not control that priority and cannot cancel it. The connection is made by the company that services the PA system.
Won't the bell drown out the fire alarm?
No, if it is connected to the standard line input of the PA system. Music and background audio have the lowest priority, and on a fire signal the system mutes that input by itself. Check it during installation: play a bell and run a fire alarm test.
What if the PA input turns on only by a button or an external contact?
In some systems the line input turns on only by an operator button or an external trigger contact. The program doesn't control contacts, so the service company chooses the setup with the PA manufacturer — for example, a separate amplifier for bells.
Consoles
What is a console?
The same program running on another computer on the school network — the principal's, a deputy's, the security desk. From a console you can speak live over the PA, play announcements, ring a bell and trigger alarms, as allowed on the main computer.
How many consoles can we connect?
As many as the license allows. Consoles beyond the license can only trigger alarms.
Can two people speak at the same time?
No. There is one channel: other consoles see “Speaking: …”. Only a console higher in the priority list on the main computer can interrupt. One broadcast lasts 5 minutes at most.
How do we connect a new console? Is there a code?
No codes. A new console asks for access; on the main computer you name it, tick its permissions (speak, announcements, alarms) and allow it. The network needs TCP 47800 and UDP 47801; each console has its own volume.
Alarms
What alarm types are there?
Three: shelter alert, lockdown and evacuation. Hold the button for 1.5 seconds; the signal loops until someone turns it off, and scheduled bells wait.
Does it replace a fire alarm or voice evacuation system?
No. Alarms in the program are an auxiliary tool. It is not a voice alarm system, a fire alarm or a panic button and is not certified as any of them; triggering is not guaranteed. Always duplicate alerts through other channels.
Can we use the lockdown alarm for school security?
Only as an extra channel. The “Lockdown” button helps pass a command to the whole school quickly, but the program is not a panic button or a security system and doesn't replace them. Use your standard means as well: voice alarm system, panic button, phone, radios; in an emergency call your local emergency number.
Melodies, announcements and schedules
Which melodies can we use for bells?
Any of your own MP3, WAV, OGG or FLAC files: one each for the warning bell, start and end of a lesson, and a melody of its own for a single bell. “Regular” and “Holiday” sets switch on the main screen in two clicks.
How do we set holidays, school breaks and short days?
There is a schedule for each weekday and a separate one for short days. Special days are set in advance: no bells, short day or “same as Monday”; they end on their own. Bells can also be paused manually — for 1 hour, 2 hours or the rest of the day; then they resume.
Can we record an announcement from a microphone in the program?
No. Announcements are audio files (MP3, WAV, OGG, FLAC) recorded in advance in any app. They play on demand or on time: once or on chosen weekdays, and wait until a bell ends. To say something live, use “Speak” on a console.