Innkeeper 4 Houses Four Hybrids
WSIP Selects JK Audio’s Telco Interface for
Controlling Calls and Making Calls to Remotes

Radio World User Report, August 3, 2005
by Fred Francis
Contract Engineer
Francis Technical Services

PAINTSVILLE, KY. Francis Technical Services provides contract engineering services to stations in West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky. WSIP(FM) is a 100,000-watt station serving Eastern Kentucky, West Virginia and Virginia, and is owned and operated by Key Broadcasting Inc. WSIP has an old-school approach to radio and offers a great amount of local appeal programming such as “Swap Shop,” local and regional sports, religious programming and paid remotes.

Each of the aforementioned programs requires something different out of an on-air phone system. The station has for years used a system that was custom-built by a previous engineer and somewhat served the needs of the station. Trying to find a phone system that would provide a solution to the various needs of the station, and most of all provide ease of use, was not an easy task. Several factors had to be examined, not the least of which was cost.

WSIP has had for some time a JK Audio Innkeeper digital hybrid, which is used in production to record a coach’s interview for later broadcast. This unit has enjoyed trouble-free service. When we discovered the Innkeeper 4, with four digital hybrids in a one-rack unit package at a good price, we ordered it.

We assumed it would still need some modification to serve the needs of this facility. But we could not pass on the unit, knowing how well the original Innkeeper works.

Pictures don’t do this unit justice. It is well laid out and has a good feel. Like all the JK products I have used, it is straightforward and to the point. Everything you need is easily accessed, and the way the unit is laid out allows for numerous configurations to compensate for facility needs. The operator easily can control incoming calls and quickly make calls to remote locations with the use of the speed dial/memory phone list.

I was wrong when I assumed that modifications would be required. The remote interface allows connections to necessary external equipment for this facility.

The primary reason for replacing the existing unit, other than age and bad send/receive isolation, is that a new phone system for the building had been installed. The new system would not give an indication that the line was in use if it had been pick up by the hybrid. So you could be on the air with a paid remote and someone else in the building decides to call out. They pick up a phone, hit a line and then start dialing on the air.

This is not only annoying; it is dangerous should someone start cussing because they can’t figure out why the phone doesn’t work. Customers also have been lost due to this problem.

The Innkeeper 4 remote interface allows the unit to control external relays (not supplied) that can disconnect the lines from the phone system when they are active on the hybrid. Problem solved.

Another problem with the original unit was there was no easy way to screen calls. The calls were answered in the regular phone, placed on hold and then the screener would signal the operator.

The problem arises when the call is over but neither the screener nor the operator has hung up the phone. Now the phone line is tied up and nobody can call in. With the Innkeeper 4, the calls can be screened by use of a phone plugged into each line on the back of the unit. This removes the house phone system from the equation.

Send and receive audio are conveniently available in the form of XLR jacks on the back of the unit. If you are fortunate enough to have an on-air console with four mix minus busses, you’re in luck, as the Innkeeper 4 has separate sends for all four hybrids. If you are not so fortunate, you’re still in luck. The Innkeeper 4 has a master send that sends the audio to all four hybrids. Levels for send and receive are adjustable, which is convenient if you are using an older console.

If you’re in need of a flexible, digital, on-air phone system that’s easy to use I recommend giving this unit a try.

For more information, including pricing, contact JK Audio in Illinois at (815) 786-2929 or visit www.jkaudio.com.