School360 Pulse User Manual

1 Understanding the application

1.1 Who should use this guide

The following responsibilities are a suggested school operating arrangement. The application does not provide separate staff accounts or enforce these permissions.

Use the school's own approval process for timetable changes and emergency broadcasts. Anyone with access to the application's Windows session can operate its controls.

1.2 Where to find each task

The top header shows the current time and next item. Use the theme button to change light or dark appearance and About for product information. For the installed application version, check Settings > Software Updates; sample screenshots and some decorative version labels can show an older version.

1.3 How a date's timetable is selected

A day template is a reusable list of events. Creating one does not assign it to a date. The application selects the day's plan in this order:

1. A matching holiday or no-bell rule suppresses automatic events for the whole date, including one-offs.
2. Otherwise, a calendar template override replaces the normal template for that date.
3. Otherwise, if rotation is enabled, the rotation chooses a template. A Dashboard rotation override can change today's cycle day.
4. Otherwise, the weekday assignment chooses the template.
5. Enabled one-off events for the date are added to the chosen template's events. They can run even when no normal template is assigned, provided the date is not a holiday.

Enabled pre-bell warnings appear as separate timed items. Disabled events stay saved but do not enter the running plan. Pauses, skips, and active emergencies can suppress playback after the day's plan has been selected.

No Bells in a weekday selector and a Calendar no-bell rule have different effects. The weekday option removes the recurring template. A Calendar rule also blocks date-only additions.

1.4 Internet and audio behavior

Core scheduling and local audio files work without internet. Speech uses the voices available to Windows through the application's speech engine; verify the chosen voice while offline if your school needs offline speech. Network time checks and online updates need access to their configured services.

Pulse uses a selected output for audio files. Spoken TTS uses the speech engine's output and has no separate output-device selector. Set the Windows default playback output to the PA as well, then test both a sound and a spoken message. The application does not provide independently scheduled PA zones or mix several broadcasts at once.

All previews can be audible to the school. The word “test” describes the action, not a separate private speaker output.

2 Preparing and installing

2.1 Installation checklist

The repository's deployment specification targets a Windows x64 installation. Its listed baseline is Windows 10 64-bit version 1809 or later, or Windows 11 64-bit, a dual-core Core i3 or Ryzen 3 class processor, and 4 GB RAM. Confirm the supported Windows release with your installation provider for the supplied installer.

The specification allows 200 MB for installation plus 500 MB for custom audio and logs. An SSD, 8 GB RAM, and at least 1 GB free space are preferred. Large audio libraries need extra space. A working line output or USB audio interface and a PA amplifier or powered speakers are required for audible broadcasts. A microphone is optional for recorded announcements.

Before installation:

• Obtain the approved School360 Pulse Windows installer from your school or installation provider.
• Choose the Windows user account that will remain signed in during school hours.
• Connect the intended audio interface and check the amplifier input and speaker circuits.
• Check the Windows date, time, and time zone.
• Configure Windows power settings so the computer does not sleep during the operating day.
• Prepare the school's approved timetable, closure dates, and announcement text or audio.
• If replacing an installation, collect its configuration backup and custom audio files first.

2.2 Install the application

1. Open the approved installer.
2. Read the licence screen and continue according to your school's installation policy.
3. Choose the installation location if offered, then complete the installer.
4. Open School360 Pulse from its Desktop or Start menu shortcut.
5. Complete the first run setup, or restore an existing configuration as described in Section 15.

An administrator may be needed for a protected installation location. If Windows reports an unexpected publisher or trust warning, have installation support verify the supplied installer before continuing.

Success check: The application opens, the left navigation is visible, and the Dashboard clock updates. Installation alone does not verify automatic ringing or the PA connection.

3 First run setup

3.1 Create a starter timetable

The setup wizard shows Welcome, School, Schedule, Weekdays, Bell Tone, and Review stages. Its final Review stage reports completion; Create Schedule commits the timetable from the Bell Tone stage.

1. On Welcome, select Start Setup.
2. Enter your School Name and First Day Template Name, such as Regular School Day. Replace the sample school name.
3. On Schedule, review every starter row. The example times are 08:00, 09:00, 10:30, 12:20, and 14:30; replace them with your actual timetable.
4. Edit the time, label, and sound of each row. Use Add Another Bell for extra entries and the remove icon for unwanted rows. At least two valid rows with times and labels are required.
5. On Weekdays, leave Use this template Monday-Friday selected if appropriate. This assigns the starter template to Monday through Friday and sets Saturday and Sunday to No Bells. Other patterns can be configured later in Schedule.
6. Enable Launch when Windows starts for the operating Windows account.
7. On Bell Tone, choose a default tone and use Preview if the output is ready for a test.
8. Select Create Schedule, wait for success, then select Go to Dashboard.
9. Open Schedule and verify the saved sound for every event. A row's explicit sound can remain different from the Bell Tone choice.
10. Complete the sound and speech checks in Section 4.

Success check: The expected template exists, weekdays match the school week, the scheduler is armed, and the next event is correct when there are future events today. On a quiet weekend or after the last event, an empty countdown can be correct.

3.2 Skip or restore during setup

Skip setup opens a confirmation. Skipping dismisses the wizard and leaves the current or default configuration available; it does not establish that the school has a correct timetable. Build and verify a schedule before use.

The welcome screen also offers restore from backup. This replaces the configuration. Use the full preview and verification procedure in Section 15, particularly when custom audio is involved.

3.3 Run the wizard again

Use Settings > Onboarding & Reset > Rerun Setup Wizard when you intentionally want a new starter configuration. Export a backup first.

Completing the wizard again can replace the bells in its previous starter template or an existing template with the chosen name, change weekday assignments, disable rotation, and arm the scheduler. For an ordinary timetable edit, use Schedule instead.

4 Connecting and verifying audio

4.1 Select the PA output

1. Connect the computer's line output or USB audio interface to the appropriate amplifier input.
2. Confirm the amplifier is on, the intended zones are active, and the input is not muted.
3. In Windows sound settings, choose the PA-connected device as the default playback output, particularly for TTS.
4. In Pulse, open Settings > Audio Hardware and choose the same physical device under Output Interface. Default follows Windows' default device.
5. Start at a suitable low test volume. Select Play Test Tone and have a staff member confirm sound through the intended school speakers.
6. Select Stop Test Tone, then test a spoken message under the voice settings.
7. Select Save Changes and confirm that settings were saved.
8. Return to Dashboard and check the audio device status.

Success check: Both a chime and spoken words are audible and intelligible at the intended locations. Audio OK means the device is visible to the application; it cannot confirm amplifier power, cabling, speaker coverage, or audible output.

Figure 1. Example Settings layout. This earlier capture shows sample devices and values; use the instructions for current behavior.

4.2 Set useful volume and fades

The default system volume begins at 80%, fade-in at 2 seconds, and fade-out at 1 second. These are application levels; Windows volume and amplifier controls also affect loudness. Choose levels by listening through the PA.

A bell's explicit volume or fade override takes precedence over the default. Announcement entries also have their own volume control. Emergency presets use their preset volume and play without the normal fades.

For a very short beep, reduce fades so the signal is clear. For longer files, allow enough time for the full file and any attached announcement to finish before the next item.

4.3 When a device changes

If a USB device is unplugged, replaced, or installed on another computer, reopen Settings, select an available output, save, and test again. Also recheck Windows' default output for speech. A previously saved device identifier may not match the new device.

5 Daily operating routine

5.1 Before the first bell

• Confirm the computer is powered on, awake, and signed in to the operating account.
• Confirm Pulse is running. Open it from the tray or shortcut if needed.
• Read the Dashboard's active day or template and confirm it matches today's timetable.
• Confirm Armed or Armed & Active, and check for a pause, skip, rotation override, or emergency.
• Read the next item's time and label. Review today's timeline for expected warnings and announcements.
• Check the audio device and verify the amplifier and intended speaker zones.
• Perform an agreed sound test; include speech when announcements will be used.
• Check Windows time against the school reference. Read the accuracy result in Settings if network checks are available.

If today's plan is wrong, correct the assignment or exception before the next event. Saved schedule changes can affect today's remaining events immediately.

5.2 During the day

Use the Dashboard for monitoring and immediate actions. Use Calendar for planned changes to a single date and Schedule for changes that should repeat. Read Activity when an event is unexpected or missing. Avoid previews and large configuration changes immediately before a scheduled item.

5.3 End of the day and after changes

• Review skipped events and explain unexpected results in the school's own operating record.
• Check the next school day's assignments, closures, and special timetable.
• Export configuration after significant changes, and keep custom audio copies with it.
• Export activity records at the school's required interval, before retention removes them.
• Leave Pulse running in the tray when the computer will remain on. If it will be shut down, ensure it is restarted and the user signs in before the next required bell.

6 Dashboard and immediate controls

6.1 Read Now and Next

The countdown identifies the next enabled item later today. Its label, time, sound or announcement details, and active day explain what is expected. The active plan can come from a weekday, rotation day, or calendar override.

The countdown is for today's plan; it is not a promise of tomorrow's first bell.

6.2 Read the status indicators

6.3 Read today's timeline accurately

The timeline places warning, bell, and one-off items in time order. It shows Upcoming, Next, Now, and Played, and may show Caught up.

Played and the played count mean the scheduler processed the item. They do not prove that sound reached the speakers. Skipped or suppressed items can also appear as processed. The Now indication is based on event time, not a measurement of how long an audio file continues playing. Use Activity for skip reasons and a listening test for actual output.

6.4 Test a sound

1. In Test Preview Ring, select Test sound.
2. Select Start Test.
3. Listen at the intended output and use Stop to end the test.
4. In Activity, a Dashboard test is recorded as Test.

Testing does not alter the recurring schedule or next-event time. It can still interrupt playback because Dashboard tests use the same playback priority as normal scheduled items. Run them clear of scheduled broadcasts.

6.5 Ring immediately

1. In Manual Instant Ring, select Manual ring sound.
2. Confirm that an immediate broadcast is intended.
3. Select Ring Now once.
4. Confirm the sound and the Manual activity record.

A manual ring is an immediate action, not a new scheduled entry. Pausing automatic bells does not provide a general mute for manual actions. An active emergency takes priority over normal rings.

6.6 Skip one item

1. Read the next label and time.
2. Select Skip Next.
3. Check the banner identifying the item to be skipped.
4. Select Clear Skip if you change your mind before its time.

The skip normally clears when the item is processed. Skip Next targets one resolved item. If the next item is a warning, skipping it does not also skip the main bell. An attached message belongs to its primary bell sequence, so skipping that primary item suppresses the sequence.

6.7 Pause and resume

For Pause Until, enter a time later than the current time and select the button. To cancel early, select Resume. Verify that the status returns to Armed. Check and clear a skip separately if it should no longer apply.

Items due during a pause are consumed and logged as skipped; resuming does not replay them. A pause suppresses future automatic triggers and is not a stop button for audio already playing.

6.8 Override today's rotation day

1. Confirm rotation is enabled and saved in Schedule.
2. Under Rotation Override, select Force Day.
3. Select Set Override and read the updated active plan.
4. Use Clear Override to return today to its calculated cycle day.

This affects today only and does not re-anchor the future sequence. A calendar template override takes precedence, and a holiday still suppresses events. Use the Dashboard to verify today's forced day; the Calendar month grid may continue showing the calculated rotation.

7 Day templates and bell events

7.1 Create or copy a template

Schedule contains the template grid, Weekly Assignment, rotation controls, and Schedule Health. Scroll to the relevant section; these controls are not separate tabs in the current layout.

1. Open Schedule and select New Template or Create Template.
2. Enter a unique descriptive name, such as Regular Day, Exam Day, or Early Dismissal.
3. Add an optional description and save the properties.
4. Select the template or Edit Timeline to open its bell list.
5. Add and verify events, then assign the template as described in Section 8 or 9.

For a similar timetable, use Duplicate on an existing template, rename the copy, and review its events. Attached audio-file announcements are not fully copied in this version; recreate or reattach the recording in the duplicate through Announcements before using it.

Figure 2. Example template timeline. Times and sounds are sample values. More rows appear when you scroll.

7.2 Add a bell

1. In the template timeline, select Add Bell Event.
2. Set Scheduled Time and Bell Label, such as Period 2 starts.
3. Select Sound Chime. Choose a built-in sound or a custom file. None (Silent / Announcement only) is appropriate when speech will provide the broadcast.
4. Leave the event enabled unless intentionally keeping it inactive.
5. Add a warning, spoken text, or audio overrides if required.
6. Use Test Sound & TTS Sequence when it is suitable to broadcast a preview. Preview levels can differ from the live global defaults; verify a scheduled trial as well.
7. Select Save Bell.
8. Check the saved row and return to Dashboard if the template applies today.

Times are entered using the control's displayed hour and minute format. Check AM and PM carefully where shown: 08:00 is morning and 14:30 is afternoon. The list sorts itself by scheduled time.

7.3 Add a pre-bell warning

Enable Pre-bell Warning, select Warning Chime, and enter a positive offset in Minutes or Seconds. For a main bell at 09:00 with a two-minute offset, the warning appears at 08:58.

The warning is a separate event using the bell's volume and fades. An offset placing it before midnight is not carried into the previous day's plan; use an offset that stays within the same day.

7.4 Attach spoken text or set overrides

Enable Speak Announcement (TTS), enter Spoken Content, and select a voice if required. The chime plays first, followed by the message. The global speech rate is used for scheduled speech. For an audio-file message, use the Announcements editor in Section 10.

Under Audio Settings Overrides, enable the volume override or fade-duration override and set the values. Without overrides, scheduled playback uses Settings defaults. A zero-volume override will silence that item even if the global volume is high.

7.5 Edit disable or delete

Use the pencil icon to edit an event and save it. Use its enabled toggle to suppress it without deleting it; a disabled primary bell also removes its derived warning from the resolved plan. Use the trash icon and confirmation to permanently delete it.

Use Edit Details or Edit Properties to rename or describe a template. Deleting a template deletes its bell list and can clear weekday and calendar references. Review rotation mappings explicitly after deletion; the deletion warning does not reliably list every rotation use. Export a backup before removing a template that may still be needed.

7.6 Review Schedule Health

The checker flags empty templates, weekdays with no template, duplicate times, missing chime selections, blank spoken text, and rotation mapping gaps. Warnings do not block every save and should be interpreted in context.

• Quiet weekends can correctly produce empty-day warnings.
• A speech-only event can correctly have no chime.
• Some newer built-in sounds can be flagged because the checker recognizes a smaller legacy sound list. Verify the selection and actual playback before assuming the file is missing.
• Two items at the same time, or a long announcement extending into the next item, need review even when saving is allowed.

The audio player does not queue all equal-priority broadcasts. A new normal broadcast can replace one already playing. Space events to allow the complete chime and message to finish.

8 Weekly assignments and rotating days

8.1 Use a weekly timetable

1. Create the templates you need.
2. In Schedule > Weekly Assignment, choose the template under each weekday.
3. Select No Bells for days without a recurring schedule.
4. Wait for the assignment success message after each change. Assignments save immediately; there is no separate Save Assignments step.
5. Check Calendar and Dashboard to confirm the resulting dates.

Each weekday has Copy Mon-Fri and Copy All Days controls. They copy the assignment from that specific weekday. Copying a No Bells assignment can clear the target days. Copy All Days includes weekends.

8.2 Configure an A B or longer rotation

1. Create a template for each distinct timetable.
2. In Rotation Cycle Setup, turn on Enabled.
3. Name the cycle entries, such as Day A and Day B. Use Add Day to extend the cycle or the remove icon to shorten it. Keep at least one day.
4. Set Anchor Start Date to the first intended cycle day. Choose an actual operating date.
5. Set Skip weekends and Skip holidays / closures according to the school's policy.
6. Map a template to every rotation day.
7. Review the 7-Day Rotation Schedule Preview. It estimates the sequence from the anchor and is not a complete preview of all calendar substitutions and one-offs.
8. Select Save & Deploy Rotation and wait for success.
9. Verify today's active template in Dashboard and future dates in Calendar.

When enabled and saved, rotation replaces weekday assignments. Missing mappings or dates before the anchor can leave the normal plan empty; weekdays are not an automatic fallback.

8.3 Understand progression

With weekend and holiday skipping enabled, only eligible school days advance the cycle. If Friday is Day A and Monday is a holiday, Tuesday is Day B. Turning holiday skipping off still suppresses broadcasts on holidays, but those dates count in the cycle calculation.

A template override changes the timetable on its date without re-anchoring the rotation. A Dashboard rotation override changes today without shifting tomorrow. If the whole future sequence needs correction, review the anchor and skip rules with the timetable coordinator.

8.4 Return to weekdays

Turn rotation Enabled off and select Save & Deploy Rotation. Check the existing weekday assignments; they become the normal source again. Calendar rules still apply.

9 Calendar exceptions

9.1 Choose a date

Use the previous and next month arrows or Today. Select a date to populate the editors. The month grid shows template or rotation labels, holidays, overrides, and one-off counts. Read Selected Day Details and scroll to Calendar Exceptions.

9.2 Mark a closure or break

1. Select No-Bell Days.
2. Enter a name, such as Term break.
3. Set Start date and optionally End date. The range includes both dates.
4. Select Repeat every year only for a fixed calendar date or fixed range.
5. Select Save No-Bell Day and check the saved rule and affected dates.

A closure suppresses normal bells, warnings, announcements, and scheduled one-offs. It does not disable manual tests, manual rings, or emergency controls. To keep an entire date automatically silent, use this rule rather than removing a weekday template.

Use annual recurrence only when the month and day stay the same each year. Enter new dates for holidays whose dates move. For a break crossing New Year, enter the end date in the following year, such as 20 December 2026 through 5 January 2027, and verify both month views. Do not enter an earlier January date in the same year as the December start; that end date is not preserved as an annual wrapping range.

To change a saved rule, use the same start date and save its revised fields, or remove it and add a corrected rule. Removing a rule spanning several dates removes the whole range.

9.3 Substitute a special timetable

1. First create the required template in Schedule.
2. Select the date in Calendar and open Template Overrides.
3. Set Override date and Day template.
4. Select Save Template Override.
5. Confirm the override label on the date and review Dashboard if it is today.

The selected template replaces the usual template for that date. Enabled one-offs are still added unless a holiday suppresses them. Use Remove Override to return the date to its normal rules.

Holiday and template override records share a start-date entry: saving one at exactly the other's start date replaces that entry. An override inside a holiday range starting on a different date does not defeat the holiday. Adjust the closure rule first if school should operate that day, then verify the result.

9.4 Add a date-only bell or message

1. Select One-off Events and check Event date.
2. Set the time and a descriptive label.
3. Choose Bell or Announcement.
4. For Bell, choose the sound. For Announcement, enter the spoken message; this form creates speech-only playback.
5. Set the enabled option and select the save button.
6. Verify the entry and, for today, its timeline position.

Use Announcements > New Announcement > One-off Date when you need a recorded message, an imported announcement file, a voice override, or a precursor chime. A one-off runs on its saved date only and remains listed until removed; it does not repeat annually.

Use the remove control and confirmation to delete a mistaken one-off. If this Calendar form does not offer an edit control, remove the incorrect entry and add the replacement. TTS or recorded announcement entries can also be managed in Announcements.

10 Text and recorded announcements

10.1 Create a TTS announcement

1. Open Announcements and select New Announcement.
2. Enter Label / Subject.
3. Choose Text-to-Speech (TTS) and enter Spoken Text.
4. Choose Precursor Chime, or None for speech alone.
5. Select a voice or leave the default option, and set the announcement volume.
6. Choose Attach to Template for recurring use or One-off Date for a single date. Select the template or date and set the time.
7. Select Speak Preview and listen to the complete sequence. Use Stop Speech to stop it.
8. Select Save Announcement and check the saved row.

A template announcement runs when that template is selected by the weekly, rotating, or special-day plan. Selecting a template does not cause it to run every calendar day.

Write the exact words to be read. Use punctuation, spell out unclear abbreviations, and preview names and numbers. Keep a message short enough to finish before the next scheduled item.

Speech rate: The announcement drawer's rate control affects its preview. The rate is not stored per announcement in this version. Set the actual scheduled rate in Settings > Voice > Speech Speed, then save.

10.2 Use an existing or imported recording

1. Create or edit an announcement and choose Audio File.
2. Under Choose Audio Announcement, select an existing custom or recorded sound, or select Select PC File.
3. If importing, choose a supported WAV, MP3, or OGG file and wait for it to load into the library.
4. Choose an optional precursor chime, the volume, and the template or single-date destination and time.
5. Preview the sequence and select Save Announcement.

The precursor plays first; the announcement file plays after it. TTS voice and speed settings do not change a recording's spoken words or speed.

10.3 Record with a microphone

1. In the announcement editor's Audio File mode, select Record Mic.
2. Allow microphone access when requested and speak into the intended Windows microphone.
3. Select Stop beside the recording timer.
4. Play back the temporary recording and listen for clarity. This temporary playback can use the Windows default output.
5. Enter a useful recording name.
6. Select Save Recorded Announcement. This stores the recording in the custom library and selects it as the announcement file.
7. Confirm the scheduled date or template, time, precursor, and volume.
8. Select Save Announcement to save the scheduled event itself.

Saving the recording and saving its schedule are two separate actions. A temporary recording alone is not a saved scheduled announcement. Stored microphone recordings use WEBM internally and must be included in your separate custom-audio backup.

10.4 Edit disable or remove an announcement

Use the row's edit control or action menu to change content, time, chime, voice, file, or volume. Verify the saved row after editing. To move an existing announcement between templates or between recurring and one-off use, create a new entry at the destination, verify it, then remove the old entry. The editor does not reliably migrate an existing entry's destination.

Disabling an announcement disables the entire underlying scheduled item, including its attached chime. If you want to keep the chime while removing speech, edit the bell or detach the announcement instead.

Deleting a standalone template announcement removes the event. Deleting an announcement attached to a template bell removes its message and keeps the bell chime. Deleting a one-off announcement removes the whole one-off item, including a precursor chime. Read the confirmation and verify the remaining plan.

11 Sound library

11.1 Browse and preview

Select All Sounds, Classic Bells, Chimes, Tones, Gentle Options, or Custom Sounds. A sound card shows its title and listed duration. Select Test Preview or the play icon, then Stop Preview to end playback.

The library includes basic chimes and beeps, emergency tones, and school period, interval, registration, attention, reminder, and end-of-school sounds. Listen to the actual file; its title alone does not establish how it should be used in your timetable.

Figure 3. Example Sound Library layout. The current library includes additional school bell files beyond this earlier capture.

Preview Volume changes the shared live volume value. It is not a separate private preview setting. Check Settings > Default System Volume afterwards and save the intended operating level.

11.2 Import a custom sound

1. Select Import Sound.
2. Choose a WAV, MP3, or OGG file in the Windows file picker.
3. Wait for validation and confirm the file appears in Custom Sounds. Its initial title comes from the filename.
4. Preview it, then select it in the required bell, warning, or announcement editor.

The application copies the file into its own custom audio folder. The original file is no longer the playback source, but keep an independent copy for recovery. This workflow does not require drag-and-drop, a separate upload button, or a custom-title dialog. No enforced 10 MB import limit is implemented in the current file-copy workflow; use manageable, playable files and keep adequate disk space.

11.3 Delete a custom file

Before deleting, replace the file in every bell, pre-bell warning, precursor, recorded announcement, and any other stored reference. The application blocks some in-use deletions but does not detect every audio-announcement reference.

Select the custom sound's delete control, read the confirmation, and confirm only when it is no longer needed. Deleting removes its library entry and stored file. Built-in files have no custom delete action. If an in-use warning appears, change the relevant schedule first, then retry.

12 Settings and clock accuracy

12.1 Save and discard settings

Many controls affect the current session immediately. After choosing the final values, select Save Changes and wait for success. Discard Changes reloads the saved general settings. Appearance is stored separately, and startup changes can be persisted as soon as their toggle changes; do not treat Discard as a universal undo.

The visible fade sliders have their own ranges; use the values offered by the interface. Per-event volume and fades override global settings. Emergency preset values are separate.

12.2 Set speech and appearance

Choose a Default Voice from the available list and set Speech Speed. Preview and save. Voices vary by Windows installation. If the list is empty or a preferred language is unavailable, ask installation support to make a suitable voice available or use an approved recorded announcement.

Choose Light, Dark, or System under Appearance/Theme. Appearance changes do not change the timetable.

12.3 Check the clock

System Time & Synchronization shows live Windows time, time zone, UTC offset, and daylight saving information. The scheduler follows the Windows local clock; the app's network check compares time and warns but does not set the Windows clock.

1. Confirm that the displayed date, time, and zone match the school's reference.
2. Enable Clock Accuracy Check and save if network checks are wanted.
3. Select Check Now.
4. Read the result, last-checked time, source, and measured offset.
5. If drift exceeds two seconds, correct or synchronize Windows time through the school's IT process and check again.

Checks run every 60 minutes when enabled. A connection error means time could not be measured; it is not itself a measured drift result. Offline scheduling continues using local Windows time. A Dashboard Clock OK indicator refers to arriving scheduler ticks and does not certify agreement with network time.

12.4 Restore defaults carefully

The Restore Factory Defaults... button resets the general settings to their default values in the current session. Select Save Changes if those defaults should persist.

Despite its broad label, this action does not delete templates, calendar rules, custom audio, or activity records. It is not a full database wipe. To replace configuration, use a verified backup restore; to change schedules, use Schedule and Calendar.

13 Emergency presets

13.1 Prepare presets before use

Select EMERGENCY OVERRIDE to open the emergency controls. The supplied presets are Fire Drill, Lockdown, and All Clear. Their wording, sound, volume, and repeat behavior must match the school's approved procedure.

To configure them, select Edit Presets, choose a preset, edit its label, alarm sound, spoken text, volume, and Repeat Sound (Loop) option, then select Save Presets. Verify the result during a planned test with the school responsible staff.

13.2 Activate from the application

1. Open EMERGENCY OVERRIDE and select the intended preset.
2. Read its sound, message, volume, and repeat behavior.
3. Tick the confirmation checkbox.
4. Type ACTIVATE exactly in uppercase.
5. Select Activate.
6. Confirm the EMERGENCY ACTIVE display and audible broadcast.

Activation interrupts normal application playback. Scheduled items that become due while the emergency is active are suppressed and recorded as skipped. They are not replayed simply because the emergency ends.

The alarm and optional speech run as a sequence. A looping alarm may be interrupted briefly for the message and then continue. A non-looping preset remains an active emergency after its sound and speech finish.

13.3 Stop and return to the timetable

Select Stop Emergency in the active modal or right-click the tray icon and select Stop Emergency. Confirm the active status clears. Then check Dashboard for the scheduler's armed or paused state, any skip request, and the next item. Stopping an emergency does not automatically cancel a separate pause.

13.4 Use tray controls deliberately

Right-click the Pulse tray icon and select Trigger Emergency, then the preset. The tray action activates immediately without the modal's checkbox or typed confirmation. The same menu exposes the stop action while active.

Use the school's established emergency procedure for deciding which signal to activate. Verify this application's output path during planned drills and include its controls in staff training.

14 Activity records and CSV exports

14.1 Review recorded actions

Open Activity. The initial date filter covers yesterday and today. Choose start and end dates and an event type, and use refresh if you need a newly recorded event. Results are paginated in groups of 25.

Library and editor previews are not all recorded as Test events. Read the event name and details as well as its type. A recorded Success or Passed result is derived from the event type; it is not a speaker measurement or reliable confirmation that playback completed.

Summary cards count the selected log range and type. Needs Review includes skipped, emergency, and pause records; a planned pause or drill can contribute to that count without being an error. Successful includes scheduled, manual, test, and announcement records, so it overlaps with the Manual/Test card.

14.2 Find an unexpected or missing event

1. Set a date range covering the incident.
2. Start with All types and inspect labels and times.
3. Use Skipped to find the suppression reason.
4. Review Paused, Emergency, and System around the same time.
5. Compare the saved template, Calendar rules, and Dashboard plan.

The table displays timestamps in local time while date filters use stored database date boundaries. For incidents near local midnight, widen the range by a day on each side. There is no free-text Activity search field in this version; use filters and review the exported CSV if needed.

14.3 Export a CSV

1. Set the required date and type filters.
2. Select Export CSV Log.
3. Choose a destination and filename in the Windows save dialog and save.
4. Open the CSV in your spreadsheet or text viewer and verify the relevant records.

The CSV contains Timestamp, Type, Event Name, and Details. It uses the selected filters, not just the visible page. One export is limited to 10,000 matching records; split large ranges into smaller periods. Timestamps in the exported database records are UTC; account for the local offset when comparing them with the display or school records. The export action is itself logged after the export.

14.4 Keep records before retention expires

Default activity retention is 180 days, and older records are pruned automatically during operation. Use the retained-days message in Activity as the installation's current value. Export before the oldest records you need exceed that period. A configuration backup does not include activity logs, and restoring configuration preserves the existing computer's logs rather than importing logs from another computer.

15 Backups restores and computer replacement

15.1 What to keep

Keep three items together in a dated backup location:

• A JSON configuration export.
• Separate copies of every custom audio file and microphone recording.
• CSV activity exports required for the school's records.

The JSON contains templates and events, weekly assignments, rotation settings and overrides, Calendar rules, announcement settings, general settings, and a custom-audio manifest. It includes stored runtime settings, such as armed, pause, skip, and processed-item state. It lists custom audio paths but does not embed the audio files.

15.2 Export configuration

1. Finish editing and save Settings.
2. Open Settings > Backup & Restore.
3. Select Export Backup.
4. Choose a dated destination and save the JSON file.
5. Check the success summary and keep the file with the separate audio copies.

Export after commissioning, major timetable changes, and new audio imports, and before a restore, reinstallation, or setup rerun. Keep a copy outside the bell computer.

15.3 Back up the actual audio

Custom files and saved recordings are stored under custom_sounds in the application's Windows user-data folder. The usual location is %APPDATA%\school-bell-system\custom_sounds; confirm the actual paths shown for custom library entries on your installation.

Use File Explorer or ask installation support to copy the whole folder to your backup location. Preserve the application's generated filenames, including .webm recordings. The original source filenames alone may not match the paths in the JSON manifest.

15.4 Restore configuration on the same computer

1. Choose a time when scheduled broadcasts will not be interrupted. Export the current configuration first.
2. Confirm that the custom audio files referenced by the backup still exist.
3. In Settings > Backup & Restore, select Restore Backup and choose the JSON file.
4. Review the backup's date, version information, incoming counts, replacement counts, and warnings. Cancel if it is the wrong file.
5. Select Restore from Backup and confirm the restore in the confirmation dialog.
6. Wait for success and read any remaining warnings.
7. Review Settings, output selection, weekday or rotation mappings, Calendar rules, and announcements.
8. Check Dashboard's armed state, pause expiry, skip request, rotation override, and next event. Clear or resume controls as needed.
9. Reopen the relevant screens. Restart Pulse in a quiet period if restored custom sounds or live controls remain stale, then repeat the sound and speech tests.

Restoring replaces configuration and custom-library metadata; it is not a merge and does not copy missing audio bytes. Current activity logs remain. Because runtime settings are included, restoring an older backup can restore an old pause, skip, or processed-item state. Verify those controls before relying on the next bell.

15.5 Move to another computer

1. On the original computer, export JSON, copy custom_sounds, and export needed activity CSVs.
2. Install Pulse on the replacement computer and arrange its signed-in operating account, power settings, and PA connection.
3. Restore the JSON and review missing-audio warnings.
4. Have installation support restore the preserved files to the paths expected by the manifest where appropriate. If the Windows profile or folder has changed, import supported files again and reselect them in every affected bell, warning, precursor, and audio announcement.
5. Treat re-imported files as new library entries. Matching titles do not reconnect the old IDs automatically. Verify each saved reference.
6. For WEBM microphone recordings, preserve their generated files and have support recover the manifest paths; the normal file picker only offers WAV, MP3, and OGG. Alternatively, record the message again and reselect it.
7. Select the new output device and verify Windows' default output for TTS. Check available voices, startup, and time.
8. Verify the full configuration and a real scheduled trial through the PA before making the replacement the operating computer.
9. Quit Pulse on the original computer when the replacement takes over so two computers cannot broadcast the same timetable.

Success check: Every required custom sound and announcement plays, the day plan is correct, the next event is expected, and the new computer launches Pulse after sign-in.

16 Updates background operation and uninstalling

16.1 Keep running in the background

Selecting the window's X hides the window and keeps the app running in the Windows tray. Double-click the tray icon or select Open School360 Pulse to return. The icon may be in Windows' hidden-icons area.

Right-click the tray icon for Ring Test Bell, emergency actions, Skip Next Bell or Clear Skip, Pause for Today or Resume Ringing, and Quit. The tray test uses a default test bell; use Dashboard to choose a specific sound.

Opening the shortcut again normally brings the existing application forward rather than creating a second instance on the same computer. Quit completely stops scheduling and playback until the application is reopened.

16.2 Startup and sleep recovery

Launch on Windows startup uses a Windows login item. It starts Pulse for the user's sign-in, minimized to the tray. It does not operate as a pre-login Windows service. Test by restarting and signing in to the intended account, then checking the tray and day plan.

The computer cannot ring during sleep, shutdown, or a signed-out session. After waking or starting, unprocessed events up to five minutes late can be triggered as catch-up; older events are skipped and logged. The grace period is stored internally and has no ordinary user-facing settings control in this version.

Catch-up can produce an immediate bell after waking. Prevent sleep during school hours and inspect Activity after any interruption. The processed-item record normally prevents a simple restart or backward clock change from re-triggering already processed items; editing past labels or times and restoring older runtime state still require care.

16.3 Check and install an update

1. Export a current configuration backup and preserve custom audio.
2. In Settings > Software Updates, read the installed version and select Check for Updates.
3. If an update is offered, wait for its download and ready-to-install status.
4. Select Install and Restart during an agreed quiet period.
5. After restart, check the version, active plan, output, and a sound test.

Installation is deferred while Pulse reports active sound or speech, or an emergency is active. When ready again, retry the install action. This deferral does not establish that a restart is safe immediately before a future bell; choose the time yourself.

Update availability depends on the update service configured for the supplied installation. If a check fails, read the error and ask your provider or IT contact for the approved update route. Continue using the current verified timetable while that is resolved.

16.4 Uninstall

Export configuration, audio, and needed logs first, then quit Pulse and use Windows' normal installed-app removal workflow. The uninstaller asks whether to delete configuration, custom sounds, and logs.

Choose No to retain local data for a future installation. Choose Yes only when that data should be removed and your backups have been verified. Retaining data is not a substitute for an independent backup.

17 Troubleshooting and worked examples

17.1 Diagnose a silent bell

Check in this order:

1. Is the computer awake and signed in, and is Pulse running?
2. Is the scheduler armed? Is an emergency, pause, or skip active?
3. Does Dashboard show the intended template and next event? Is the event enabled?
4. Does Calendar contain a holiday, template override, or incorrect date? Is rotation enabled unexpectedly or before its anchor?
5. Is Windows time correct?
6. Is the selected output connected? Is Windows volume unmuted? Is the amplifier on and routed correctly?
7. Is an event-specific volume zero? Is the selected custom file available?
8. What does Activity record for that time?
9. Does a test tone and, if applicable, a speech preview reach the intended speakers?

17.2 Common symptoms

17.3 Example of an early dismissal date

Duplicate Regular Day as Early Dismissal. Edit the copy, remove later periods, and set the final dismissal time. In Calendar, select the date, save a Template Override using the copy, and verify no holiday suppresses it. Review any date-only extras because they remain in addition to the replacement template. On that morning, check Dashboard's active plan and final bell.

17.4 Example of a two-minute warning

Edit Period 2 starts at 09:00. Enable a warning, select a suitable chime, set the offset to two Minutes, and save. Verify an 08:58 warning and 09:00 main item in the applicable day's plan. To cancel the whole sequence temporarily, disable its primary event or pause through both times; skipping the warning alone leaves the main bell active.

17.5 Example of a one-time recorded notice

Create a new announcement, choose Audio File, record or import the notice, and save the recording into the library. Select an attention chime if needed, choose One-off Date, and set a time clear of other events. Preview and save the announcement. Verify the date is not a holiday, then check the timeline on that day. Include the saved audio in the next backup.

17.6 Example of an assembly pause

If normal bells should stop until 11:15, enter 11:15 in Dashboard's time field before that time and select Pause Until. Verify the pause banner. Items due in the interval will be skipped rather than replayed. After 11:15, confirm Armed and the next event. For a change needed repeatedly, create an assembly template and assign it instead.

17.7 Provide a useful support report

Record the installed version from Settings, Windows user account, date and local time of the incident, expected template and label, actual result, selected output, and whether a tone and speech test succeeded. Export Activity for the incident plus adjacent dates and include the relevant configuration backup. Describe any recent restore, update, device change, sleep, or clock change.

Keep copies of the current data before reinstalling or editing storage files. If the app detects a corrupt database, it can preserve a renamed corrupt file and create fresh defaults; it does not recover the original timetable automatically. Installation support should inspect and restore verified data.

18 Quick reference and staff handover

18.1 Desk reference

18.2 Commissioning and training checklist

• Approved timetable entered and reviewed with the coordinator.
• Weekly or rotation assignment verified, including quiet weekends and anchor date.
• Closures and special dates checked across the term.
• Pre-bell warnings and attached announcements verified.
• All custom files and recordings play through the actual PA.
• TTS tested with the selected voice and Windows default output, including offline use if needed.
• A controlled scheduled event verified while the window is hidden in the tray.
• Startup verified after restart and sign-in; power settings prevent sleep during the day.
• Operators can skip one item, pause until a time, resume, and clear a separate skip.
• Operators know that tray emergency activation has no typed confirmation and can find the stop control.
• Configuration, custom audio, and log backup locations recorded and accessible to support.
• Replacement operator can distinguish processed timeline status from audible confirmation.

18.3 Installation handover record

Record these details in the school's operating file:

• Bell computer name and location.
• Operating Windows account and sign-in arrangements.
• Installed Pulse version and date commissioned.
• PA output device, amplifier input, speaker circuits, and usual volume settings.
• Current normal templates, assignment mode, and rotation anchor if used.
• Staff member responsible for timetable changes and emergency presets.
• JSON backup location, custom audio backup location, and activity export schedule.
• Installation provider or IT support contact and approved update route.
• Date and outcome of the latest sound, speech, startup, and scheduled-playback checks.

19 Glossary

End of manual