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. 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?
Presently, OGR offers one (1) hi-fi tune in option. You can tune in by clicking on our hi-fi link on the main page.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://65.110.47.202:8000/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.
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?
The Orbital Grooves home page is now setup like a blog, with mixes embedded in the posts very similar to how podcasts work. You can subscribe to our home page using your favorite RSS reader (Google Reader, etc).
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. Does Orbital Grooves need any help?
At this time the best thing you can do is to spread the word about OGR to your fellow music lovers. OGR is a community station. Our goal is to provide the djs a venue for sharing their music with the world.
12. How many staff members and volunteers are there?
Right now there are 3 staff members who manage the operation of OGR. The site is designed to allow as much automation as possible as running the station is a voluntary effort.
13. 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.
14. How can I get ahold of you guys?
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