No, really, where’s that ringing coming from?

They chime every 15 minutes, but have you ever wondered where the bells are located on the Purdue University Fort Wayne campus?

Actually, it’s a trick question because there are no bells but a computerized recording emanating from the Liberal Arts Building in the middle of campus.

Called the carillon, the system’s black box is about the size of a DVD player. It reproduces the Westminster Chimes every quarter hour from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The sound stops overnight to avoid disturbing neighbors.

The original system was donated to the campus in 1981 by the FRIENDS of the University, and the current system was purchased 12 years ago, according to Greg Justice, associate vice chancellor of facilities management.

The timing is matched to the PFW network server, sounding through two speakers on top of the building, one pointed toward Kettler Hall and the other aimed at Helmke Library. The system also has the capability to play different kinds of music, but that function is rarely utilized.

Justice said the volume remains consistent, about a seven or eight on a scale of a possible 10. The system is examined annually for any maintenance issues.