A state-of-the-art communications system in service at Lagoon allows radio stations to do remote broadcasts from any location in the Farmington amusement park, including the rides.
The system uses a headset and beltpack worn by the disc jockey, bypassing the bulky and expensive equipment normally used for open telephone lines or a communications satellite."Previously, when a radio station wanted to broadcast from Lagoon they had to bring all of their own transmission equipment or buy satellite time, both of which are very costly and time-consuming," according to Peter O'Bagy of Lagoon promotions.
"Our new system gives the DJ the option of broadcasting live while riding a roller coaster or the bumper cars. The only equipment the DJ needs is to wear the headset and electronic belt pack, which we provide," O'Bagy said.
The system was designed by Klay Anderson of Klay Anderson Audio, using equipment from Communications Technology Inc., and Gentner Communications Corp. All are Salt Lake-based firms.
The system sends a signal from the headset to an interface device that relays the signal onto a telephone line. It allows two-way communications, like a regular telephone, between the DJ and the station.
O'Bagy said the broadcast signal is as clear as on standard remote broadcasting equipment but offers greater freedom for a roving DJ.
"Broadcasting live attracts a large number of people to Lagoon," O'Bagy said. "Our ticket sales increase every time a DJ announces that a live broadcast will be made from Lagoon and that discount tickets are available to those who mention the station's name when buying a ticket.
"Because of the response, the system is rapidly paying for itself," he said.
O'Bagy said four remote broadcasts have been done from the park so far this season and 32 more stations are scheduled. The system can interface with 48 radio stations in Utah, southern Idaho and eastern Nevada.
"Our new system puts Lagoon on the same communications level as Disneyland and other large amusement parks because we have the ability to simply and clearly broadcast from any point in the park," O'Bagy said.