Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long has OGR been in operation?
We first started broadcasting live on September 23, 2002.
2. How was the station created?
Max Rathbone (known as Shouden) created the station as a spin off of the Dance BBS message board. This was one of
the most active message boards regarding electronic dance music and Max used (at that time) new technology to create a broadcasting radio station that members of the board could tune in to while they surfed the web. The station carried the name "Dance BBS Radio" for some time until we decided to call it "Orbital Grooves Radio" in 2003.
3. What does the name "Orbital Grooves" mean anyway?
The name has double-meaning. It first means grooves, or tunes that are heard around the entire planet. Secondly, records are round and can the needle orbits around the record, thus Orbital Grooves.
4. How many djs are currently on the OGR roster?
This number varies all the time. In total we have had close to 2000 djs sign up since our creation. At any given time we will have between 50 and 100 active accounts.
5. What does it take to be a dj on Orbital Grooves?
We are one of the most lenient operations on the web. We thrive on the fact that every dj has something to offer. Our requirements are very simple: You must have a broadband internet connection, You must have at least 6 months of mixing experience and know how to blend and mix music, and lastly you must be 18 years old or older. Any interested djs are more than welcome to click on the "be a dj" link and get started today. OGR requires djs to have a paid membership in order to use our services. Prices are extremely affordable and help ensure the stability of the station for the long-haul. After registering, you will then be given access to a dj faq that will answer any further questions you have.
6. How can I tune in?
We offer several tune in options. You can tune in by clicking on our hi-fi or low-fi links on the main page. Hi-fi is for
those of you who have broadband (cable,dsl modems) and lo-fi is for those of you who want a low bandwidth stream or are on dialup. The quality of the hi-fi stream is much better but will not work if you only have a dialup connection. In addition to the links, we have a freedom audio player on the site that you can click on as well. This player link is located right below the schedule on our home page. Lastly, you can use the direct IP addresses of our servers if you are having issues connecting. Those addresses are:
a. http://96.254.151.4:8000/listen.pls (Hi-FI) - The .pls on the end of the address is for those of you using winamp. If you are not using winamp, use the same addresses and take the .pls off of the address. Then paste that address in your media player window.
c. http://207.150.190.243:80 - This is our firewall friendly stream that will pass through most networks and work ports. If you are having trouble connecting from your job, school, library, etc, try this address (HI-FI only).
7. Why can't I get into the chat room?
Our chat room is java based, and may fall under a port that is blocked by the network you are on (school, work, etc). You can download mIRC (instructions on our home page) and connect to the chat room that way. Even after all that you still may not be able to get on. We are currently working on a work-friendly chat room which is much easier to get into from stingy firewalls. We have also found that common anti-virus programs like Norton and Macaffee may also block the chat room. Disabling these sometimes allows you chat access but it is strongly recommended that you turn them back on when you start regular web usage again.
8. Are all of your sets recorded?
No. Our djs must ask a staff member or superuser to record their sets for them. Once the set is recorded however, it can be made available for immediate download.
9. How can I find out what mixes are available?
Visit our download section and you can browse by genre, dj name, and more. You can also get to this by clicking on the option on the home page that says "Download our free mixes". Please vote on the mixes you download so we know how our djs are doing in the public eye. There is also a flash player that you can listen to mixes without downloading them that is located on the same page.
10. Does OGR sell merchandise?
Yes we do. Right now we use the Cafe Press store and are in the works of having some of our own original material available. Our cafe press store is located at http://www.cafepress.com/orbitalgrooves and we appreciate your support!
11. Can I sponsor a dj?
Most definitely. You can sponsor a dj by paying their monthly resident charges. These are 5 US dollars per month for 8 shows, or 7.50 US dollars per month for unlimited shows. If you are interested, please contact lucas@orbitalgrooves.com to find out more.
12. Does Orbital Grooves need any help?
What a thoughtful question! In all seriousness, we always need more help than we know how to ask for. In particular, we need help in promotions/marketing, physical promotions (handing out cards, etc) and the recrutitment of corporate sponsors. We also have a need for voice overs, and other very simple things that can be further answered via an inquirty to promotions@orbitalgrooves.com Your work will be given full credit and you'll be eligible for special features and offers from us as gratitude for your work. In addition, you'll be helping out an organization that you believe in.
13. How many staff members and volunteers are there?
Right now there are 2 staff members and roughly 10 superusers. A superuser is a voluntary member who puts in an extrordinary amount of time in order to better the station. Together they work together to ensure all of the djs get on the air and have successful broadcasts. Without our super users, we would not nearly be as efficient.
14. Does OGR have it's own servers?
Sort of. We use two dedicated servers from our provider. Max has configured these two servers to run all of the automated playlists and dj interfaces. The entire site can run on its own with the exception of approving new djs and a few other small functions.
15. Is OGR just an Internet Radio Station?
Certainly not. One of our biggest service options is the ability to act as a full service web host and Internet Radio Station provider. We have both the ability and knowledge to provide you with affordable web hosting and custom automation for your radio station should you choose to have one. We can also assist with graphical and audio projects, evaluate your site from both a functional and
technical standpoint, improve your web stats, give you space online to store mixes, files, or data. We can use our extensive mailing lists to add your company to the bottom of one of our newsletters. We can host remote functions for you like conferences, meetings, or audio events. The flexibility of OGR is endless. Contact operations@orbitalgrooves.com to find out more about how we can make your Internet life easier.
16. How can I get ahold of you guys?
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