Fair point, I only say it because most of the bell ringers I met referred to themselves as campanologists - probably because at least two of them actually were. This troupe also had attended conferences and workshops that apparently put them slightly above and beyond someone who just pulls the ropes (but which unfortunately for others gave them a bit of superiority complex).
cyber, some bell towers do have both manual and automated bell ringing systems (like the ones in most tower clocks) but I certainly couldn't tell you how they worked.
Carillonning (sp?) is another thing altogether with their "thumper" action keyboards. I recall having very sore fists after playing the carillon in Canberra many long years ago.
I do admire change ringers and their ability to calculate ahead of time, particularly since it's based on the weight of the bell which in turn is based on your assessment of that weight which in turn is based on your own strength, which in turn ... etc etc