Friday, January 12, 2024

Status Update: GCR1

 

Hello All.

So our tech had a look at the unit Thursday night, and it needs a new video card. He took the computer to his workshop where he believes he has a spare card that is compatible. Because he has other clients to take care of first, it is anticipated that he will attempt to replace the damaged video card over the weekend. As Monday is Martin Luthur King Jr. Day, he has the day off from his "day job" and it is hoped that he can return the unit to the studio and place it back in service sometime that day or evening. In the meantime, I have rigged a bare bones laptop with Winamp to run a continuous simulcast of the World Radio Network (WRN) on the GCR1 feed. I felt that this was better than the repeating backup loop of old, probably outdated content. At least there will be something current and relevant on the feed for the next few days, and many of the shows your listeners are used to will still be there, just not necessarily at their regular times. If another update is needed, I will post it to the blog and email it to all concerned parties. Thank you for your continued patience, support and understanding.

Tuesday, January 9, 2024

GCR1 Computer Down

 The pitfalls of running an internet radio station never cease. Here at our location in upstate New York, we experienced high winds this evening. That in turn caused a brief power outage. The resulting surge fried something in the GCR1 computer so that I have no monitor display so I can't see to operate the unit. It was plugged into a battery backup surge protector, but apparently the battery needed to be recharged, as it didn't kick in like it was supposed to. So, our computer tech will be in studio on Thursday, 1/11, to investigate the situation and see what needs to be done. Hopefully the stream will be back to normal programming late that evening. Until then, the backup loop of random older shows wiill have to do. I am truly sorry, stations. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

GCR2 Back Online

Dear Friends and Listeners:

I am happy to report that the GCR2 stream is back online with normal programming. It returned to the air Wednesday, 12/13 at Midnight Eastern. Over the next few days, all the logs will be rebuilt. Our tech, Andrew, did a heroic job getting a new hard drive installed into a like-new computer for us. So we should be set for the foreseeable future.

Thanks to all of you for your patience, understanding and continued support.

Happy Holidays to you and yours.

Jason Longwell

Monday, December 4, 2023

Status Update: GCR2

 Dear Friends:

I am sorry to say that the repairs to the GCR2 machine will take longer than previously hoped. Further damage to the hard disk was discovered by our technician. So, the drive itself must be replaced, and then the automation and related files must be reinstalled and rebuilt. At this time, the earliest we can hope for the stream to be back online is Wednesday, December 13th. But, even then, I honestly can't make any promises. Please be assured our computer tech, Andrew, is doing his best to help us get back online. But this is a busy time for him, he is also waiting on parts, and he has other clients and commitments. He and I both ask for everyone to please understand this, and to be patient. One way or another, tough, we WILL be back online soon. The repeating backup loop will run on the GCR2 stream until then. But, if you want fresh content for your station, I suggest switching to either the GCR1 or GCR3 stream, even if on a temporary basis. Your listeners may enjoy the change.

Thank you for your continued understanding and support.

Jason Longwell

Monday, November 27, 2023

GCR2 Status Update

 Unfortunately, the unit is still down. Still receiving error messages when trying to load the sound card software. I have been in contact with my tech. He will be here to have a look at the problem, but he won't be able to make it until Wednesday evening. So, assuming he and I are able to resolve the issue while he is here, GCR2 should resume normal programming by Thursday morning, 11/30. I'm afraid that's the best I can offer everyone at this point. I am sorry. Stations, if you don't want the backup loop of programming that is on the GCR2 stream right now, I suggest temporarily switching to GCR1 or GCR3, as normal programming continues on these streams. I will post further updates here as I have them. Thank you again, and my apologies for this unexpected frustration and inconvenience.

Sunday, November 26, 2023

GCR2 Stream Offline

Dear GCR2 Listeners and Partner Stations:

I am sorry to report that the GCR2 stream is offline. A driver that powers the sound card for the computer seems to be corrupt. I do not have the needed skills to repair or reinstall this device. So I am going to call my computer tech later today. I do not know when he will be available to have a look at the problem. It may be up to a week before he can do it. I will know more when I talk to him later today. Fortunately, the backup loop of programming in our Streamerr cloud will run so you won't be left with dead air, but, normal programming will be suspended until further notice. I sincerely apologize, and I thank you for your support, patience and understanding. Here's hoping we can have the problem fixed soon.

 

Sincerely,

Jason Longwell
GCR Station Manager

Thursday, October 12, 2023

GCR2 Announces Changes to Its World Music Programming

 Global Community Radio Channel Two is pleased to announce some changes to its very popular World music lineup. Due to the Voice of America ending its daily hosted music program, African Beat, we are moving most of the Sunday World music programming to weekdays at 6PM Eastern/3PM Pacific. We are also adding two new series. Far and Wide, Near and Deep from WBDY community radio in Binghamton, and a two hour Latin music show, Nuestra Musica (Our Music). We are also delighted to welcome back to our diverse program schedule the weekly eclectic music program Ambassador Radio.

The GCR2 program schedule has been updated to reflect these changes. We hope our listeners and partner stations will enjoy the new lineup. As always, your comments about our programming are welcome at globalcommunityradio@gmail.com, or give us a call/send us a text at 315-217-1308.