This new communication
tool is "old school". . . |
But it bridges the gap
between interpreters and visitors. |
 |
The new InfOspot License-Free Radio Station is inexpensive
and easy to use with custom options. |
Although it has been in use by interpreters for more
than 20 years, the InfOspot License-Free Radio Station
that is being re-introduced by Information Station Specialists
is a much improved entry – with enhanced audio,
flexibility and range. Parks, historic sites, wildlife
viewing areas, unattended visitor / nature centers and
interpretive kiosks commonly employ these micro-radio
stations to get aural interpretation to people in cars approaching, parking or traveling through
sites. Each InfOspot station has up to a half-mile range
and, coupled with instructive signs, can be a useful
tool for instructing and providing visitors information
about the site ̶ especially in ADA applications.
There are few restrictions on content, per FCC Part 15
Rules, which allow an operator to include music or even
sponsorships to defray costs.
One of InfOspot’s newest subcomponents is its
RE 2.5 Range
Extender Outdoor Antenna and Tuner with coaxial cable
connection. InfOspot is the only certified
license-free radio system with a coaxial cable link in
its FCC-approved design. This allows the transmitter to
operate in a protected location that can be conveniently
monitored – safe from theft, wind damage, moisture
intrusion and lightning. It also allows the
transmitter’s antenna to be positioned at a high point
on a building or pole, enhancing range. Several options
are available to customize an InfOspot station packages
to exact application needs, including audio quality and
connectivity enhancements; outdoor cabinets, and more.
With all these advancements, cost has been contained to
less than $500 for a basic station package that includes
lifetime product support, the transmitter with its
internal dual-message digital audio player, the new
Range Extender Antenna/Tuner with mount and 25’ of RG6
coaxial cable.
On August 5th the Hobby Broadcaster Part 15
website/forum evaluated the new Range Extender,
comparing it to its predecessor, and published
this review.
In-Use Examples Savannah National Wildlife Refuge chose InfOspot
instead of the Internet to deliver interpretive messages
to visitors as they view wildlife on the Refuge. Visit
"Interpretation Inspiration." Zane Grey House and
Museum along the Upper Delaware River in Pennsylvania,
has a sign encouraging visitors to “Tune AM Radio to
530,” when the museum is not open. See
"License-Free InfOspot Informs When Museum Is Closed."
Cleveland Metro Parks in Ohio
offers visitors self-led tours right in their vehicles,
so they can move at their own pace along the band of
parks that loops the City. Each stop has a 5-minute
message that repeats, imparting treasures of the area.
See an overview story.
Nez Perce National Historical Park in Idaho has operated
an InfOspot system since 2007 to interpret sites whose
isolation and absence of visitor services pose
particular management challenges. The Park’s existing
transmitter has operated four years without
interruption, in all weather; and the Park's confidence
in the system led to expanding it to several locations.
See
a summary.
|
Learn more about InfOspot
here. If you would like to discuss the best type
of station for your application,
email or
call Bill (616. 772.2300 x102) at Information
Station Specialists. |
|
Visitors flock to parks and wildlife areas, challenging
local information resources. |
Managers of remote wildlife
viewing areas and parks are tasked with communicating
with the two-legged wildlife enthusiasts as they arrive to view
the local feathered and furry varieties. Many facilities
– especially the ones with little or no cell coverage -
are increasingly turning to Information Radio Stations to
reach visitors. The technique alleviates demands on
staff, while making possible the dissemination wildlife
and visit information 24/7. . See a few
examples below.
|
Flying Fowl a Frequent
Favorite |
 |
Migrating geese
attract thousands of birdwatchers to
Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area in Pennsylvania. |
Each February,
135,000 geese and tundra swans migrate en masse to one
of their favorite resting places, Middle Creek Wildlife
Management Area. As the number of waterfowl increases,
so does the visitor population ̶ up to
250,000. So Pennsylvania Game Commission erected an
Information Radio Station (ISIP) to help control the
situation and enhance guests' experiences.
"Our rules and regulations can be confusing if you are
not a 'frequent flyer' here," advises Visitor Center
Manager Lauren Fenstermacher.
That is why the Pennsylvania Game Commission installed a
state-of-the-art Information Radio Station at the
wildlife management area in the off-season to help ease
the communication burden. An informative "audio tour"
broadcast is heard up and down the entire wildlife
viewing road on AM 1620, so that when visitors leave the
visitor center, they can listen continuously as they
tour. This allows center staff to focus on answering
visitors’ questions rather than repeating the same
general information for them so often. The 11-minute
audio tour broadcasts – 24 hours a day – 365 days a
year. |
Elk Have
Antlers ̶ and Antenna Too |
 |
Traffic tangles on
Winslow Hill Road
as visitors stake out spots to view elk. |
Each year,
thousands of elk fans clamor on two-lane roads to remote
Winslow Hill Elk Viewing Area in Pennsylvania.
See what
state spokesperson Mandy Marconi says about why
Pennsylvania Game Commission decided to get an
information radio station.
|
Flocking
Visitors Cause Overloads |
On fall weekends,
thousands of Ohioans drive to places where their
smartphones and devices are not designed to work. They
take a network of two-lane roads to beautiful locales
that feature fine fall foliage nestled in steep terrain.
Hocking Hills State Park, a premier destination, offers
camping, fishing, hiking, cottages, dining, a visitor
center and even a swimming pool. The state’s Department
of Natural Resources broadcasts to people approaching
the Park via information radio technology in an attempt
to keep them apprised of parking and traffic issues,
before they get gridlocked…and frustrated.
Learn
more. |
Bison
Drive Info |
Minnesota’s
Minneopa State Park operates an
Information Radio Station
on 1610 AM to educate and inform park visitors who can
drive their vehicles through a new bison viewing area.
The first eleven animals were recently introduced into
the Park and are rare in that they are genetically very
close to the original American Plains bison. The herd is
expected to grow to 30-40 animals. Minneopa’s location,
only 90 minutes southwest of Minneapolis-Saint Paul,
will allow many to experience bison in a native habitat,
on a day-trip. According to Minnesota DNR Regional
Naturalist Alex Watson, "An information radio station
was the safest option to deliver information to users
who spend time along the road searching for wildlife.
This station helps answer visitor questions and saves
time for our staff. |
See a
list of Information Stations in national places.
Information Radio Stations are available for puchase or
rental by government agencies. Content must be
noncommercial / voice-only. Information Station
Specialists can help you explore ideas for your
application; call 616.772.2300 x102 or
email us. |
|