TCP or UDP external timer/clock

Hi there,

I am looking into using this software as a simple way to get an external timer/clock into my control desk so I can Key this information as needed.
The timer/clock can be provided in any format we need the message to be, it can come to us via UDP or TCP connection also.
So two questions,

1.What is the best message format to use for CasparCG?
2.Would I need a PC to run the server for CasparCG?
3.Assuming the answer to Q2 is yes, what is the best way to bring the clock/timer into my desk via sdi?

Note: I am able to key this once this is at my desk.

My current singal flow thinking is:

externalclock>network>pc>sdi-converter>controldesk

Of course this is all speculation.